8 best swimming spots on earth: Dive in!

The best swimming spots on earth are sure to have you reaching for your swimsuit! Whether you’re an avid swimmer or prefer a laid-back paddle, there’s something magical about a good swim. With the rising popularity of ‘wild swimming’, we thought we’d share our pick of swim destinations to visit on your next getaway! From tropical seas to thermal springs, it’s time to dive into the best swimming spots on earth!

River Aare, Switzerland

The bright waters of the River Aare, situated in Bern, Switzerland, are one of the best swimming spots imaginable. When the heat of the summer rises, Bern’s locals flock to the riverbanks of Aare to dive into its clear waters. One of the most popular things to do is to head upstream and float all the way down through the city. The perfect mix of nature and urban life, a swim in the River Aare is unmissable if you visit Bern during the summer. Although, swimmers are warned to give themselves time to acclimatise to the refreshingly chilled water before setting off on their swim route.

The Maldives

In the Maldives, sea temperatures rarely dip before 25 degrees Celsius. These tropical waters are teeming with marine life, from schools of parrotfish to adorable clownfish and majestic sea turtles. Vibrant coral reefs provide a rich environment for this underwater world. For the best views, scuba diving is incredibly popular, but snorkeling is also a great option, and much more accessible. The Maldives is one of the best swimming spots on earth as the waters are so clear you don’t even need to snorkel or dive to view the incredible sea life. Furthermore, if you are lucky, you can even swim with dolphins in the Maldives. Dolphins tend to appear close to the shoreline in the early morning.

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

One of Iceland’s most popular attractions is also one of the best swimming spots to tick off of your bucket list! Surrounded by black lava fields, these milky-blue thermal waters maintain a steady temperature of around 39°C. The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa, and its mineral-rich water is said to have a whole host of therapeutic properties. Although better suited to relaxing rather than swimming, the Blue Lagoon covers an area of 8,700 square meters, so there’s plenty of room to float around! The best time to visit the Blue Lagoon is during the evenings. In the winter you might even spot the legendary Northern Lights, whilst in the summer you can experience the Midnight Sun!

Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

One of the most popular destinations in Thailand, the Phi Phi Islands are a paradise of turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Famously, the islands were the setting for ‘The Beach‘. Tourists flock to this natural paradise on day trips from Phuket. Some of the best swimming spots on Ko Phi Phi Don are Loh Lana Bay, Phak Nam Bay and Nui Beach, where you can immerse yourself in clear, tropical waters. Surrounded by an untouched paradise of rocky islets and rainforests, the Phi Phi Islands are also popular for scuba diving and snorkeling excursions.

Loch Lomond, Scotland

Open-water swimmers love Loch Lomond for its refreshing waters and breathtaking scenery. Located within the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, this huge lake covers an area of 71 square kilometers, making it the largest lake in Great Britain. Every year, races and swim events are held on Loch Lomond. Although, only the bravest swimmers dare to dip during the winter when water temperatures can become very cold. In the summer it’s the perfect place to cool off after a hike through the glens and valleys of the Scottish Highlands. Milarrochy Bay on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond is one of the most popular places for casual swimming.

Ik Kil Cenote, Mexico

Situated close to the world-famous Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, Ik Kil Cenote is one of the most unique swimming spots on earth. A cenote is a natural pool, created by the collapse of limestone bedrock which, in turn, reveals an underground lagoon. As the sun filters through the cave entrance, the water becomes illuminated in a beautiful turquoise glow, giving the cenote an otherworldly appearance. Ik Kil Cenote is one of the best swimming spots for an unforgettable bucket-list experience. Furthermore, this freshwater pool is the best place for a refreshing dip after a day of walking around archaeological sites. Traditionally, cenotes were thought to have magical powers so there’s an added bonus to your cenote experience!

Devil’s Pool, Zambia

The Devil’s Pool is one of the best swimming spots on earth. Perched on the lip of the Victoria Falls, this natural pool offers one of the most unique bathing experiences imaginable. A submerged rock wall prevents swimmers from falling over the edge of the waterfall and the views are simply unforgettable. Indeed, it might take a little courage to jump into this cliff-hugging pool, but it’s more than worth it! Remember, the pool is only open in the dry season, between August and January. Furthermore, it can only be accessed from the Zambian side of the border, and not from Zimbabwe.

Pamukkale, Turkey

Known as the ‘Cotton Castle’ the natural pools of Pamukkale are the result of thousands of years of mineral deposit build-up. The result is a cascade of limestone pools, filled with bright blue thermal waters. Said to have healing properties, visitors can bathe in a series of travertine pools at this unique natural site. Although the pools themselves are pretty shallow, they’re perfect for a relaxing soak whilst taking in the spectacular landscapes of western Turkey.

So, now you know the best swimming spots around the world, where will you take a dip? Discover more globe-trotting adventures on our official website.