Sumba lies at the eastern end of the nearly 14,000 islands that make up the archipelago of Indonesia. Because it’s so hidden, exotic and far away, this swimming hole is almost mythical. To find it amid the dense jungle and empty beaches of Sumba, first fly to Bali and then take a boat or plane to the posh Nihiwatu resort on the south coast of the island.
This might one of the most unique places to swim in the world. To Sua means “big hole”, and it’s been converted into a swimming area. The only way down is a 30 meter-long ladder that leads into the water.
Devil's Pool, Zimbabwe
Photo: Quora
Devil’s Pool is at Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. This place is an ultimate destination for the daring and adventurous swimmer. It is one of the largest waterfalls in the world, and between September and December, the water is at a level safe enough for swimming. The “devil’s armchair” is just inches from the waterfall’s drop off, where people tend to casually stage themselves for the perfect photo op.
Jellyfish Lake, Palau
Image source: Flickr@wikipedia
Swimming at Jellyfish Lake is a surreal experience. A set of isolated lakes that trapped jellyfish over 12,000 years ago, the jellyfish lost their stingers when they didn’t have any natural predators. You are allowed to swim in the lake but scuba diving is not allowed in order to protect the ecosystem. The Lake is on the island of Eil Malk and it takes a short hike to reach it.
Pamukkale Hot Springs, Turkey
Pamukkale is Turkish for ‘cotton castle’ and these springs are renowned for their mineral rich blue water and restorative properties. The series of white travertine rock and hot springs range from lukewarm to boiling, so you can always decide on whether you want to soak or swim. The scenery is phenomenal and the tourist hot spot and can be visited all year long.
Sooke Potholes, Canada
Image source: Flickr@Mark_smith
The Sooke Potholes are a short distance away from the city of Victoria in British Columbia but make you feel like you are being transported much further away. They are a series of deep, polished rock pools connected by cascading waterfalls formed during the last ice age, by the movement of glaciers. The water here is beautiful and clear, and it is a wonderful swimming and picnicking destination. Access is easy through the Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, making it an excellent place to observe local wildlife.
Catarata Rio Caleste
Photo: Catarata Rio Celeste
This is just one of the many waterfall swimming holes in Costa Rica. If you like waterfalls surrounded by lush green jungle, Costa Rica is the place to go.
Semuc Champey, Guatemala
Photo: Somewhereyonder
Semuc Champey is a natural 300 metre limestone bridge that crosses a series of stepped pools and waterfalls close to the Maya town Lanquín in Central East Guatemala. In the Maya language Semuc Champey means 'sacred water', a name which it most definitely lives up to! On top of the bridge is a series of stepped, turquoise pools - which are a favourite swimming spot for those in the know.
