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Anse Source D'Argent, Seychelles
Anse Source D'Argent is located in Seychelles, an island nation in the Indian Ocean. Lonely Planet rates Anse Source D'Argent as one of the world's most beautiful beaches, with crystal-clear waters and impressive rock formations along the shore. The beach's serene beauty, with its long stretch of rocks along the Indian Ocean, makes for a "perfect day trip."
Located near the marina on La Digue Island, one of the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles archipelago, this beach is a popular destination for many international tourists visiting the area.
Devil's Pool, Zambia
Located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Devil's Pool is one of the must-see destinations when visiting Africa. It has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site. It's no surprise that it's also included in this book and is called a unique aquatic wonder.
The "Devil's Pool," stretching over 1.5 km along the edge of Victoria Falls at a height of 108 meters above sea level, is considered the world's largest drop of water and a challenge for thrill-seekers and adventure travelers. The roaring sound of the cascading water creates a mist that reflects the sunlight, creating a shimmering spectacle. Visitors can admire the waterfall in various ways. However, for the most adventurous, immersing oneself in the Devil's Pool is the most worthwhile and exciting experience.
Semuc Champey, Guatemala
Semuc Champey, located in the Republic of Guatemala, is a relatively unfamiliar name to Asians, although it is mentioned in Lonely Planet's guidebooks. Semuc Champey is a series of pools on the Cahabón River, formed by ocean currents sculpting the rock. Viewed from above, it resembles a unique, multi-tiered system of limestone bridges.
The natural pools in the heart of the Mayan waters of Central America offer visitors the chance to swim and enjoy some of the world's most spectacular scenery in a peaceful and tranquil setting.
Blue Lagoon, Jamaica
The Blue Lagoon, also known as the Blue Strait, located near Port Antonio in Jamaica, has long been a popular destination for art photographers worldwide, thanks to the 1980 film of the same name starring Brooke Shields. Surrounded by lush green forests, the Blue Lagoon stands out with its stunning turquoise waters. Experts believe the lake's water comes from natural freshwater springs mixing with Caribbean seawater.
From east to west, Blue Lagoon boasts a rich tropical vegetation and diverse topography, ranging from dense forests to beaches stretching to the horizon. With its clear, cool waters, soft white sand, and rustling trees under the golden sun or the mesmerizing crimson sunset, Blue Lagoon is a tropical paradise that beckons and captivates adventurous souls.
Dos Ojos Cenote, Mexico
Cenote is an ancient Mayan word meaning a natural pool formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, revealing an underground water source. These cenotes were often considered sacred springs by the ancient Maya and used in religious ceremonies. The Maya often built their villages around these "sacred wells" because they believed they were sacred gateways connecting them to the gods. Therefore, swimming in these pristine pools gives visitors the feeling of stepping into another world, an ancient world with beautiful, ancient walls wrapped in tropical vines under the sunlight.
Beyond its spiritual significance, this place is considered the most beautiful cenote in the Tulum region – a familiar destination for top world stars, and also one of the most beautiful water wonders in the world. Dos Ojos means "two eyes" because this natural pool consists of two giant pools connected by a long cave system. One pool has crystal-clear blue water, while the other has darker water. To dive in the "dark eye," visitors will need to use lighting equipment to admire the stunning stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave.
Adventurous tourists can choose to dive or explore the caves in the "black eye," or immerse themselves in the cool, clear water to admire the streaks of light cutting across the cave's mouth. Conversely, in the "blue eye," visitors can dive and explore the lake under the sunlight, or simply relax and feel time slowly pass.
Crater Lake National Park, USA
Crater Lake, located in Oregon National Park, USA, is a true water wonder. This basin-shaped lake was formed by the subsidence of the summit of Mount Mazama approximately 7,700 years ago. Crater Lake is approximately 655 meters deep, making it the deepest lake in the United States and the ninth deepest in the world. Its crystal-clear blue water reflects the sky and the myriad shapes of the surrounding rock formations, creating a giant mirror-like surface. Crater Lake is considered one of the cleanest lakes in the world, with virtually no bays or tributaries.
The legend of Crater Lake is associated with divine powers, as rumored by the Klamath Native Americans. According to them, Crater Lake is a sacred place formed from the battle between two gods. It devastated Mount Mazama and became Crater Lake, a sacred site for the Klamath people. Approximately 7,700 years ago, the Klamath people lived here. Layers of ash have been found at the foot of Mount Mazama to the north and at the base of Crater Lake, along with rudimentary tools they used for hunting and daily life.
This is a popular destination for many tourists who enjoy hiking, cycling, boating, fishing, camping, and skiing. The amount of snow here is also surprising, with an average thickness of 133 meters per year. To fully explore the beauty of the lake, visitors can take a boat ride to experience the dreamy beauty of this natural wonder amidst the lush green mountains and clear blue waters. The national park is closed in winter, so the best time to visit is from July to early October.
Powell Lake, USA
Lake Powell is another American landmark also rated as a water wonder by Lonely Planet. Lake Powell is part of the Colorado River in the beautiful Glen Canyon region. It is the second largest man-made lake in the US, stretching 300 km in length and with an average depth of 40 m, spanning two states: Arizona and Utah. Along the lake are fascinating attractions that visitors can hardly miss: natural bridges and ruins from ancient civilizations.
There are over 96 canyons of varying sizes surrounding Lake Powell. Over millions of years, these massive canyons have been eroded and carved by the Colorado River, creating magnificent gorges that encircle the entire lake, giving the landscape an indescribable charm.
At Lake Powell, visitors can camp, hike, swim, paddleboard, and kayak along the colorful Colorado River to admire the beautiful scenery around the lake. Visitors will surely be captivated and delighted by the unique beauty of Lake Powell, a harmonious blend of natural and man-made elements.
Actun, Mexico
Lonely Planet calls the Act Actun underwater cave system the longest in Mexico and also the longest in the world. Located northeast of Tulum, the network of caves stretches 215 miles, with crystal-clear blue water below and spectacular stalactites and stalagmites above. Trekking to explore the Act Actun caves is a truly amazing experience.
Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia
The Raja Ampat archipelago is considered a paradise in Indonesia, the archipelago of thousands of islands in Southeast Asia. Raja Ampat is an archipelago of more than 1,500 small islands in the west of Papua province, Indonesia, and consists of four main islands: Misool, Salawati, Batana, and Waigeo. This large island is also affectionately known as the "Amazon of the ocean," and is considered a water wonder with its tranquil and romantic beauty.
The island is covered in lush green forests above, while beneath the surface lie vibrant, pristine coral reefs. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, approximately 75% of the world's coral reefs are concentrated here. It's no surprise that many experienced divers consider Raja Ampat the best diving spot on the planet. Furthermore, Raja Ampat has been voted a fantastic diving destination by many prestigious travel magazines. Here, visitors can easily admire whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of fish with incredibly impressive shapes and colors. With such a complex marine ecosystem, many experts consider Raja Ampat to have the highest biodiversity of marine life on the planet, with 1,430 species of coral reef fish and 6 rare species of sea turtles, over 700 species of mollusks, and a coral bed covering 180,000 km².
Beyond its underwater splendor, Raja Ampat's inland landscape is equally spectacular. The small islands nestled between the crystal-clear waters and pristine skies of Piaynemo offer some of the most breathtaking scenery on land. In addition to comfortable resort amenities, visitors can rent snorkeling gear and kayaks to explore the islands' coastlines, admiring the majestic beauty of the turquoise waters.
Bimmah Sinkhole, Oman
In Oman, Bimmah Sinkhole, located in Hawiyat Najm National Park, is a natural lake with stunning, deep green, mineral-rich water. It's a favorite destination for many tourists visiting the Arabian Peninsula. This pristine location was created by groundwater eroding sandstone and carbonates, causing the underlying limestone to disintegrate and form a sinkhole. However, locals believe the lake was created by a meteorite impact. In Arabic, the lake's name means "Shooting Star."
The emerald-green waters surrounded by limestone cliffs create a postcard-perfect landscape. The cave's dome forms a perfect oasis for those who love swimming and diving but want to escape the sun. To preserve Bimmah Sinkhole, the local authorities have built a park around it and designed a staircase leading down to the lake. Visitors can descend to the lake via this staircase and freely swim in the cool, refreshing water.
Big Lagoon, Philippines
Big Lagoon is a massive lagoon in El Nido, Palawan province, Philippines. The name says it all; Big Lagoon is enormous, even considered one of the widest lagoons in the world.
The "path" leading to Big Lagoon is filled with the lush green of dense foliage, flanked by towering cliffs that form a "gateway" suspended in mid-air. From within the intricate network of rocks, a verdant "sea of trees" blankets the mountaintops and descends to the clear blue water. In the dreamy, crystal-clear water, where you can see all the way to the bottom, schools of fish swim alongside boats, and sometimes even sea turtles can be found – a delightful world for those yearning for the sea to find refuge.
This place attracts tourists not only with its breathtaking natural scenery, featuring small beaches and turquoise waters, but also with its majestic limestone cliffs. According to Lonely Planet, kayaking is the best way for visitors to explore and fully appreciate the magical beauty of this place.
Wadi Shab, Oman
Wadi Shab is an impressive desert oasis, located about a two-hour drive and a 40-minute trek from Oman's capital, Muscat. It's a beautiful, tranquil freshwater lake surrounded by lush green palm trees. A stroll around the lake area offers visitors a rare sense of peace.
Pamukkale, Türkiye
Pamukkale, also known as the "cotton castle," is a popular tourist destination in Turkey and a rare water wonder. The landscape truly lives up to its name, with unique limestone formations and naturally flowing, mineral-rich, clear underground springs. The area boasts approximately 17 hot springs with therapeutic benefits for various ailments.
Lonely Planet describes the beauty of this place as something out of a science fiction movie. From afar, Pamukkale resembles a snow-covered mountain stretching 2,700 meters across a 160-meter-high slope, requiring about 30 minutes of hiking from the bottom to the top. This giant "cotton mass" gives visitors a feeling of relaxation, as if floating among the clouds. The higher you climb to the summit, the more enchanting the beauty becomes thanks to the warm sunlight. The snow-white stone steps filled with turquoise water will captivate any visitor who comes here.
To Sua Ocean Trench, Samoa
To Sua Ocean Trench, also known as the "giant blue hole," is a stunning natural lake, approximately 30 meters wide, located in the village of Lotofaga on Upolu Island, Samoa, a country in the South Pacific. Along with Savaii, Upolu Island is considered one of the two largest islands in Samoa. This natural lake is likened to a jewel bestowed by nature upon the country of Samoa.
To Sua Ocean Trench was formed after a volcanic eruption on the island caused a section of the land to collapse. The lake is surrounded by lush, verdant old-growth forests teeming with vines, fragrant flowers, and a myriad of rare animals. The water is crystal clear, allowing visitors to see the white sand at the bottom and small fish swimming playfully. The only way for visitors to swim is by climbing down a wooden ladder. This is the perfect place to soak up the Polynesian sun.
