When it comes to choosing your next holiday destination, you won’t need to think twice about an exotic tropical getaway. The promise of white sand beaches, turquoise water and a whole lot of sun and fun is enough to make anyone head out on a search for the best water locations.
We have carefully selected the top 20 bluest waters in the world that will guarantee you an experience of a lifetime.
The Most Beautiful Water in the World
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Spending time in beautiful clear waters can be enjoyable for people of all ages. There is a sense of overwhelming peace that flows over us when looking at or swimming in crystal blue water.
Some even believe blue water has the power to promote rejuvenation and relaxation and is the ultimate experience for holidaymakers looking to take time out to find their balance again.
Below, we have listed the destinations that offer you the bluest and most beautiful water in the world:
1- The Maldives
Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is an exquisite destination if you’re in search of some of the best beaches and most beautiful water in the world.
There are roughly 1190 islands and sandbanks creating a crystal clear water lagoon, encircling all islands in the Maldives. All water is protected by a reef structure and home to an incredible array of marine life. You can experience some of the best snorkeling here.
It has quickly become a go-to destination for honeymooners and luxurious holidaymakers looking to find the most Instagrammable pictures whilst staying on overwater bungalows.
2- Palawan, Philippines
Palawan is an archipelagic province of the Philippines that offers world-class views and some of the most beautiful water in the world.
One of the best places to visit is El Nido where holiday-makers can experience and appreciate the finest views and blue water. The limestone formations set against the blue waters guarantee some of the best pictures for your holiday.
3- Cala Macarelleta, Menorca, Spain
Located on the south-western side of Menorca, this bay is one of the most famous bays in Spain.
Offering a stunning mix of crystal clear water and white sandy beaches, this spot is perfect for families as the water is relatively shallow and easy to swim in.
4- Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
New Zealand is a magical destination. Close to Nelson, at the top of the South Island is a wilderness reserve- Abel Tasman National Park.
Covering an area of 231 square kilometers of land, you can enjoy trail walks with pristine views of the reserves natural beauty, or spend time looking into the crystal clear water on a kayak.
Don’t be alarmed if a couple of seals come say hello, or perhaps try and jump into your kayak with you.
5- Exuma, Bahamas
A holiday to the Bahamas is never complete without a trip to Exuma. Sapphire blue waters and flawless beaches, this island is a must-see spot and is perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
Nature outnumbers humans in Exuma and people may experience the unique thrill of the island by swimming with pigs and sharks.
6- Ambergris Caye, Belize
Home to the second largest coral reef system in the world and the largest island in the world, this spot is ideal for holiday-makers looking to swim and snorkel with a diverse number of marine life.
A must see location while you are here is the ‘Great Blue Hole’, the world’s largest sinkhole measuring 300 metres across and roughly 125 metres down.
7- Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii
Voted one of the best beaches in the United States, Hanauma Bay offers spectacular snorkeling as it is a marine life conservation area.
First-timers will need to watch a 9-minute video before entering the area, in order to ensure all visitors understand the importance of protecting marine life.
Once in the bay, you can enjoy the peaceful tranquility of the crystal clear waves and white sandy beach.
8- Five Flower Lake, Jiuzhaigou, China
The Five Flower Lake in China is an incredibly unique and beautiful destination. Because of the varying array of colours displayed when reflecting off the sun, it is compared to the feathers of a peacock.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site also displays many ancient tree trunks that have fallen and now lie under the surface of the crystal clear water.
9- Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Known as one of the most beautiful places in the world, the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia are a perfect place to visit at any time of the year. In Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter, the lakes remain the same crystal clear consistency year-round.
16 terraced lakes joined by waterfalls that extend into a limestone canyon provide visitors a chance to use walkways and hiking trails to view the water.
10- Lagos in Ponta da Piedade, Algarve region, Portugal
The cliffs of the Ponta Piedade headland are one of the most exceptional natural features of the Algarve.
The dramatic limestone coastline consists of sea pillars, fragile rock arches and hidden grottos, all of which have been carved and chiseled by storms over the years.
The cliffs reveal a beautiful golden colour set against the backdrop of the turquoise sea and can be explored via land on footpaths or by the sea with a boat tour.
11- Sua Ocean Trench, Upolu, Samoa
As one of the top Instagram worthy destinations, the ‘To-Sua’ ocean trench is an absolute gem of a destination. Literally translated to ‘Giant Swimming Hole’ this crystal clear rare beauty is 30 metres deep and populated with tropical fish.
The pool is surrounded by lush green gardens and is fed through a cave, bringing fresh sea water in and out. To access the pool you’ll need to scale a sturdy wooden ladder to a platform, whereby you can jump into the dazzling water.
12- Peyto Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta Canada
Peyto Lake is a vibrant blue glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park and is a popular destination for locals and tourists in the area.
During the summer months, the glaciers melt and flow down through to the lake, creating awesome blue hues. The best spot to view this lake and capture pictures is from Bow Summit Lookout.
13- Blue Hole, Vanuatu
Also known as ‘Jackie’s Blue Hole’, the Nanda Blue hole is located at the top of Turtle Bay in Vanuatu and is a freshwater swimming hole for blue water lovers.
You can enjoy a day of swimming, snorkeling and picnicking in this exotic tropical location whilst capturing the perfect pictures.
14- Blue Lagoon, Iceland
A little less tropical, but nonetheless still alluring, the Blue Lagoon is a geothermal saltwater spa, offering a spectacular experience in the heart of Iceland.
The milky blue water sits at an average temperature of 39°C year-round making it the perfect place to have spa baths for holidaymakers throughout the year. The water is believed to be soothing and nourishing for the skin, making it one of the most popular destinations in Iceland.
15- Thailand
Thailand offers a variety of crystal clear water locations. The country itself is a hub of paradise islands that each offer their own unique natural beauty at an affordable price.
Some of the best locations with the most beautiful water include; Koh Samui and Koh Tao and on these islands, you can also enjoy both the party and relaxation side of Thai life.
16- Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar is a Tanzanian archipelago and an off the beaten path spot located off the East Coast of Africa.
Although it may seem a little far off the map for some people, this African gem promises powdery white beaches and a crystal clear ocean, protected by barrier reefs.
Another attraction and reason to visit is the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town.
17- Seychelles
Another magnificent destination off the East of Africa and in the Indian Ocean is Seychelles- an archipelago of 115 islands.
Seychelles is home to numerous beaches, coral reefs, and nature reserves and provides world-class views of turquoise waters.
18- Broome, Australia
Broome is a beach resort town in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. This destination may be one of the least visited places, however, it should definitely be considered when booking your next holiday.
Here, you can find bright blue water with pearly white sand and breathtaking landscapes. You can also enjoy sunset camel rides and dinosaur walking trails during your time here.
19- Elephant Beach, Havelock Island, India
Calling all adventure and ocean lovers, we have found the perfect beach for you!
The serene clear waters of Elephant Beach are the perfect holiday destination for those looking to try scuba diving, snorkeling, sea walking, riding in a seaplane or a glass-bottom boat.
20- Crater Lake, Oregan
Located in Oregon’s National Park, Crater Lake is one of the deepest lakes in the United States and is famous for its dramatic navy blue hue, set against a backdrop of the Cascade Mountain Range.
The lake’s maximum depth has been measured at roughly 2000 feet.
Wrapping Up Our Top 20 Bluest Waters in the World
It’s safe to say you no don’t need a magic wand to help you plan an extraordinary adventure, in search of the world’s most beautiful water.
Whether you knew it or not, our list of destinations provides an impressive variety of beautiful water spots you need to see.
Located all across the world, it should be easy to select your favourite destination and experience the natural beauty of the crystal clear waters our world has to offer.
