10 World's Most Breathtaking Natural Pools.
Number 10, Las Grietas, Ecuador. Las Grietas is formed between two walls created
by lava. It is home to a pool fed by both fresh and
saltwater sources. With a steady temperature between 18-20 degrees,
the lake is ideal for cooling down after a day of hiking,
or to give you a second wind for evening festivities.
Number 9, Ik Kil, Mexico. As you descend into the cavern, strange vines
and vegetation line your path, and the tiny unseen birds
flitting overhead add an eerie audible to the experience.
Marvel at the clarity of the blue water as deep as 85 feet
below the lake's facade. Realizing nature created this marvel
from collapsed limestone bedrock is perhaps Ik Kil's most
incredible feature.
Number 9, Blue Lagoon, Iceland. The geothermal seawater from 2,000 meters
beneath the earth's surface is chockfull of minerals to make your
skin glow. In addition, the lagoon's water temperature
is perfect for melting away tension knots and muscle aches.
If you seek more physical therapy, slip into the natural sauna
sculpted out of a lava cave and end your adventure by slathering
your body in therapeutic white silica mud.
Number 7, Pamukkale, Turkey. In southwestern Turkey, there is a natural
wonder called Pamukkale, which translates in English to
"cotton castle." The "castle" is comprised of white terraces
of travertine 7 rock, the result of hundreds of centuries
of water flowing over the surface from the nearby thermal springs.
Number 6, Dean's Blue Hole, Bahamas. Formed when a cave flooded at the conclusion
of the Ice Age, this spellbinding lake in the Caribbean is
an astounding 1,000 feet wide and 650 feet deep. Fearless divers
hurl themselves as deep as possible into the depths of turquoise
water in the center of the popular tourist spot without
tanks or other traditional equipment.
Number 5, To Sua Ocean Trench, Samoa. The island where To Sua is located evolved
from a colossal basaltic shield volcano and is the second
largest and the most populated of the Samoan Islands with a population
of 135,000. Just climb down a ladder to enjoy the enticing
crystal clear water in the 98 foot deep hole and beat the
heat of the jungle environment.
Number 4, Buley Rockholes, Australia. Surrounding the rockholes are rushing waterfalls
to sit under and cleanse your body and soul, or you
can just sit on a rock and enjoy the scenery as exotic birds
serenade you on all sides.
Here, you can explore different sizes and shapes of holes,
some of which are nearly 7 feet deep, all interspersed with
flat rock shelves.
Number 3, The Devil's Pool, Zambia. The bravest visitors often bound right into
The Devil's Pool, but judge your leap carefully, every year,
several people die taking the 355 foot jump. If you muster enough
courage for this escapade, be sure to plan your visit
for the dry season when the pool is filled to capacity and perfect
for jumping.
Number 2, Giola, Greece. On the stunning island of Thassos, you will
find a hidden lagoon named Giola that provides exquisite
views of the deep blue Aegean Sea. The pure, clear water of
the lagoon is far enough away from the tourists to seem private
and perfect for massaging your inner soul to a state of tranquility
and leave life's troubles behind.
Number 1, Tat Kuang Si Waterfall, Laos. If you find yourself fighting heatstroke in
Laos, find Tat Kuang Si Waterfall in the national park
on the Mekong River and engulf yourself in its inviting
turquoise waters. You can lounge in the tranquil pool
at the base of the falls or play Tarzan as you grasp a rope
swing that lets you dangle over the triple tiered waterfall
with inviting cool pools at every level.