19 Bluest Waters in the World

The most popular colour in the world is blue, so it’s no surprise that people flock to the turquoise beaches of the Caribbean or the sapphire hot baths of Iceland. Many factors affect the exact colour of water—sediment and nutrients can make it appear murky, while nearby coral reefs can keep water clear—but the tint comes from blue wavelengths of light absorbed from the sun.

If you’re looking to take in some cool shades while lounging in the surf, here are some destinations worth a trip.

1. The Maldives

The Maldives are located in the Indian Ocean and have approximately 1,190 islands and sandbanks. A lagoon of crystal clear water surrounds all the islands. The reef structure protects them and is home to a variety of underwater life.

2. Palawan, Philippines

Palawan has 1,780 island. The northern section is characterized by clear waters and white beaches. The Big Lagoon in El Nido, and Palawan Island are two of the best places to visit.

3. Crater Lake, Oregon

Crater lake, located in Oregon National Park is one the deepest lakes of the United States. The lake has a deep navy color. Its maximum depth was measured at 610 metres. It is located atop Cascade Mountain Range.

 

4. Ambergris Caye is located in Belize.

Ambergris Caye Island is the largest island within Belize. San Pedro is located on the island, as well as the second largest coral-reef system in the entire world.

5. Exuma, Bahamas

The Exumas is an archipelago consisting of 365 islands and cays. They’re divided into Great Exuma, Little Exuma and The Exuma Cays. Visitors can snorkel, lounge or swim with the island’s pigs!

6. Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau is the capital of Bahamas. It offers snorkeling enthusiasts miles of beaches and corals reefs.

7. Egremnoi is Greece

Egremnoi, a remote beach in Greece, is located on the southwest coast of the Ionian Island of Lefkada.

8. National Park Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park, located in central Croatia is famous for its chain of 16 terraced lake, joined by waterfalls which extend into a canyon of limestone. The water can be viewed from the walkways and hiking paths.

9. Five Flower Lake in China

Five Flower Lake is located in China’s Jiuzhaigou National Park. Due to its varying array of colours when reflecting the sun, it’s often compared to the feathers of a peacock.

10. Peyto Lake in Alberta, Canada

Peyto Lake lies in Banff National Park within the Canadian Rockies. The blue-green color is due to the large amounts of glacier stone flour that flow into the lake during summer months. The Bow Summit is the best place to view the scenery.

11. Manini’owali Beach, Big Island, Hawaii

Manini’owali Beach is a secluded and small white-sand beach at Kua Bay on Hawaii’s Big Island. The water in the bay is crystal clear, and even though the beach may be more difficult to reach than other nearby white-sand beaches, it’s worth the effort.

12. Aitutaki Lagoon Cook Islands

Aitutaki Lagoon can be found in the Cook Islands of the South Pacific Ocean. This area features the island’s only overwater bungalows.

13. Knip Beach, Curacao

This beach, located on the westernmost tip of Curacao and in the southern Caribbean Sea, is free. It offers great cliff diving opportunities. If you’re a good swimmer, it’s a great place to explore coral reefs.

14. Cala Macarelleta, Menorca, Spain

Cala Macarella is one of Menorca’s most famous bays and includes the more secluded Cala Macarelleta. For those who would like to explore the area more, a trail connects all of the beaches.

15. Isla Perro (Dog Island), San Blas Islands, Panama

Visitors can reach Dog Island via water taxi or sailboat. The island is a great place for snorkeling and has a shipwreck right in front of it.

16. Navagio Beach, Zakynthos (Shipwreck Beach), Greece

Navagio Beach is a small cove with crystal-clear water and a famous wreck.

17. Blue Lagoon, Iceland

The Blue Lagoon has a unique natural beauty. The water’s blue colour is due to the silica and how it reflects the sunlight. In the summer there may also be a hint green, when the algae multiply in the sunlight. Tickets for a dip at this geothermal hot spring start at $116.

18. Huascaran National Park, Peru

The Cordillera Blanca is the highest tropical mountain range in the world. It is located in central Peruvian Andes. Numerous tropical glaciers and lakes are found in this park.

19. Trunk Bay, St. John, Virgin Islands

Trunk Bay is St. John’s most famous beach. Visitors should take the self-guided snorkeling trail to learn about coral formations, sea life and more.

Keri Wiginton has been a multi-media journalist for over ten years. Her specialty is documentary photography, writing and any other topic that may help others. Her travels have taken Keri Wiginton from hiking the Great Wall of China in China to skiing in the Arctic Circle. She is based in Colorado’s mountains.