From hidden caves to fine sandy beaches to geothermal spas and volcanic craters, we have rounded up breathtaking places with the bluest water in the world. These locations are so stunning they almost look unreal. Here are 12 destinations with stunning postcard views for your next adventure.
Temae Beach – Moorea
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Often considered Tahiti’s little sister, Moorea, a volcanic French Polynesian island, is home to Temae Beach, a beach destination with turquoise water. To get here, fly into Tahiti and take the 30-minute ferry ride to Moorea.
An ideal spot for nature lovers, the island offers diverse activities if you’re an adventurer looking to get busy. Go on a whale and dolphin watching tour, take a hike in the surrounding hiking trails or uncover the underwater world by snorkelling in the reef-protected shallow waters or the lagoon. If you get tired of moving around, lounge on the white sandy beach surrounded by towering palm trees while admiring the mesmerising panoramic views.
Devil’s Bay – British Virgin Islands
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Only accessible by foot or water, this horseshoe-shaped beach lies on the southwestern tip of Virgin Gorda in the British Islands. A part of a national park, you can reach Devils’ Bay by going on a chartered boat excursion or a 15 minutes hike from the top of the Baths. Upon arrival, you’ll spot the backdrop of piled-high boulders lining the edge of the beach and its clear waters creating a striking landscape.
This pure white sand beach is a prime snorkelling location thanks to its deep azure waters and rich marine life. However, it’s also a big draw, attracting big crowds during the peak season.
The Maldives
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If you’re looking for a picturesque beach destination with the clearest waters in the world or even the most beautiful water in the world, chances are the Maldives will top the list. Known for its crystal blue water, the South Asian island country is a dream destination for many, and rightfully so, with its white sandy beaches on secluded islands. Floating in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives constantly attracts tourists looking to dive into the clear blue water visitors can’t get enough of.
Seven Commandos Beach – Palawan, Philippines
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Named after seven soldiers stranded in the area during World War II, the Seven Commandos Beach is located just off the corner from El Nido Proper Town. The somewhat secluded beach can only be reached by boat through island hopping tours. Set underneath dramatic limestone cliffs with coconut trees dotted along the edge, it makes for a paradise with clear crystal water. Let the fine powder-soft white sand bury your feet as you stroll along the beach while taking in the views. This is a popular spot amongst tourists so expect to find crowds at times.
Peyto Lake – Canada
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One of the most famous lakes in Banff National Park, Peyto Lake is a glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park – Canada’s first national park. As you drive along the icefield parkways – one of the world’s most spectacular driving routes – you’ll get closer to the Canadian Rockies, a mountain range with jagged, ice-capped peaks. The views are truly surreal, resembling something out of a poster!
The viewpoint is easily reachable by car, followed by a 10-minute hike that takes you to striking teal blue-coloured water surrounded by rugged mountains. Its spectacular sights make it a superb place to take those highly sought-after pictures. The hike down to the shore of the lake is around 40 minutes, as it’s rather steep, and it will take slightly longer to get back up.
Five-Flower Lake, Jiuzhaigou National Park, China
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This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Jiuzhaigou National Park in China’s Sichuan province is home to Five-Flower Lake, a cyan-coloured astonishing water so clear you can see the very bottom of the lake. The mysterious shallow multi-coloured lake is one of the clearest water in the world and one of the park’s main attractions, with many flocking to the location to witness the painting-like scenery. As majestic waterfalls tumble into the lake, it creates a mesmerising site, especially in the fall when the leaves from the surrounding trees change colour, lighting up the entire area. However, don’t let your curiosity get you in trouble. Unlike the other locations on the list, it’s strictly prohibited to swim or even touch the water.
Titikaveka – Rarotonga, Cook Islands
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We can’t talk about blue water beaches without mentioning Titikaveka beach in Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook islands. Snorkelling activities await at this beach with lucid water populated by tropical fish, starfish and the occasional coral. After exploring the underworld of the sea, go kayaking while exploring the lagoons and their surrounding areas. If you’re travelling with kids, you’ll be happy to know that the fine beach has a smooth descent to the water and its clarity makes it the perfect playground for them to play around.
Blue Lagoon – Iceland
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Located just a 40-minute drive from Reykjavík and a 15 minutes drive from Keflavík airport, the Blue Lagoon is a popular stop for thermal spas lovers. Entirely artificial, it uses geothermal water from a nearby power plant to create milky blue waters so rich in silica and sulphur that it’s considered to have regenerative properties for many skin conditions. The popular facility also has a small waterfall, steam and a sauna.
Make your visit even more unique by indulging in delicious food from the Lava restaurant or the Blue Lagoon Café. Or, if you prefer drinking outdoors, order a drink from the bar placed in the actual water. Afterwards, treat yourself to different treatments at the Lagoon Spa for the ultimate pampering experience. The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s main attractions and gets very busy, so we recommend booking to secure your spot.
Cala Macarelleta – Menorca, Spain
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Cala Macarelleta is located within the Natural Area of Special Interest of the Southern Coast of Ciutadella in Menorca and is easily reachable with a 40 minutes walk amongst pine trees. Hidden among rocks and forests, the small beach, with one of the bluest water in the world, is a nature lover’s paradise. The unspoilt natural landscape, golden sand and pristine turquoise water create a beautiful scenery that people can’t get enough of. Check out one of the surrounding trails, explore the hidden caves or dive in the sapphire waters for rejuvenation.
Access by car is not allowed during the summer due to the peak season.
Yonaha Maehama Beach – Miyako Island, Japan
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Maehama Beach is one of the most renowned beaches of Miyako Island, often cited as the most beautiful beach in Japan, thanks to its clear blue water. A lesser-known region to many, this seven-kilometre powder snow-like sandy beach on the island’s southern coast is located a mere 15 minutes from the closest airport in Miyako.
The swimming season is usually between April and October, and though it is generally safe to swim and snorkel here, pay extra attention to possible jellyfish.
Crater Lake – Oregon, US
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At 1,943 feet deep, Crater Lake, in southern-central Oregon, is the deepest lake in America. Formed after an explosive volcanic eruption, the lake’s water comes directly from rain or snow with no actual inlets from other water sources. With no sediments or minerals reaching the lake, the water retains the deep blue colour it’s famous for.
Enjoy the picturesque view from one of the many viewpoints, or take a hike to immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural park. You can even try some cross-country skiing during the winter months.
Rabbit Beach – Lampedusa, Italy
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Just a few metres off the coast of Lampedusa, you can find Rabbit Island, allegedly named after an improper translation of the word ‘Rabit’ from the Arabic’ connection’ into the English word rabbit.
The translucent water and picturesque coastlines are just some of the reasons to visit this quaint beach. With its rich marine life and yearly sea turtle egg-hatching event taking place in August, the seabed makes it a paradise for snorkelers and divers. To reach Rabbits beach, head to the island of Lampedusa, where you can catch a ferry from Porto Empedocle near Agrigento.
