When you think of taking a beautiful tropical vacation, you’re often thinking of sitting on the beach and sipping on a fruity drink. But, doing that can only get you so far. It gets hot in those tropical climates, and you’re going to need to cool off! You could, of course, head back to the air conditioning of your room or suite, but there’s a better option, and it’s only a few feet in front of you. We’re talking about the open waters!
Swimming in the ocean is one of the greatest joys in life, and one that not enough people get to fully enjoy. However, if you travel to one of the places that offers the best swimming in the world, you can have an unforgettable experience.
On the following list, we’re going to identify the best places to swim in the entire world. All of them feature pristine beaches, with beautiful warm waters and a tremendous surrounding environment. However much you might love your local beach (or the one you travel to often), these swimming spots are a cut above the rest. So, put on your swim trunks, limber up, and let’s take a look!
1. Cayo Coco, Cuba
Now that the United States is opening up to Cuba, maybe you can experience for yourself the beautiful waters of Cayo Coco.
2. Cayos Cochinos, Honduras
Protected by the government of Honduras, the natural beauty of the waters off the shores of Cayos Cochinos is hard to beat.
3. Tulum, Mexico
What more can we say about this swimming spot than while you’re popping in and out of the waves, you’ll be looking up at ancient Mayan ruins?
4. Hanauma Bay, Hawaii
Beautiful, protected and less crowded than other Hawaiian beaches, there’s a possibility you might bump up against a sea turtle here.
5. Playa Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico
If you ask any Puerto Rican where their most beautiful beach is, they’ll probably avoid telling you about this one. (They want to keep it a secret!)
6. Primosten, Croatia
You may not think of beautiful beaches and waters when you think of Croatia, and the people that travel there would prefer it that way…
7. Phi Phi Island, Thailand
When you want a fun environment while you’re out of the water, and pristine waters when you’re swimming, it’s hard to beat Phi Phi Island.
8. Bora Bora
You say Maldives, I say Bora Bora. Maldives, Bora Bora, Maldives, Bora Bora… Let’s call the whole thing off! Get the point?
9. Calanque de Sormiou, France
You’ll have to hike to this non-tropical swimming spot, but once you’re there, you’ll be in the epicenter of the world’s natural beauty.
10. Maldives
There’s a reason this place is a travel hot spot, you know. That reason has a lot to do with the crystal-clear waters and confectioner’s-sugar-like sand.
11. Venice Beach, Los Angeles
It’s not the most beautiful beach in Southern California, but the signature charm of this artist-enclave is hard to beat. (And the swimming’s great, too.)
12. Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
When you imagine what it’s like to swim off the coast of Bermuda, you’re imagining this beach. Trust us.
13. Sabah, Malaysia
When you poke your head beneath the waves here, you’ll be looking directly at one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world.
14. Bodrum Peninsula, Turkey
As you dive off a boat into the pristine water off the coast of the Bodrum Peninsula, you’ll feel like you’ve found Heaven on Earth.
15. Macarella Beach, Spain
This small cove in the hot spot travel destination of Menorca looks less like real life and more like a painting.
16. Gardner Bay, Galapagos Island
This is the place that inspired Charles Darwin, but you won’t be thinking about that while you’re swimming through the crystal-clear waters.
17. Dog Island, Panama
Largely untouched, devoid of crowds, and beautifully maintained, Dog Island is one of the world’s hidden treasures and a tremendous place to swim.
18. Kalami Beach, Greece
Found on the island of Corfu, when you’re swimming here, you’ll be below white cliffs and olive groves. How can you beat that?
19. Crater Lake, Oregon
All right! So this one might not be tropical, and it’s only swimmable in the summer months, but how can you beat swimming in the crater of an ancient meteor strike?
20. Blue Lagoon, Iceland
While we’re on the subject of places that aren’t tropical, you’ve got to check out this natural hot spring that’s like no other on Earth.
