From top to bottom: Photo credit: Blue Lagoon, David Stanfield; Lake Annecy, Capricorn Sound; Koh Rong Samloem, Trip Advosor; Loch Duntelchaig, Clement Proust; Crater Lake, Kevin Bidwell; Nelson Lakes, Tom Fisk; Lake Bled, Jeremy Glineur; Horseshoe Lake, Sergey Pesterev; Lake Como, Yannick Bera; and Lake Tahoe, Stephen Leonardi
Wild swimming is a new craze that has taken off in the last few years post pandemic in the UK and many other countries around the world.
Put bluntly, it is open-water swimming, which means swimming in natural bodies of water like rivers, lakes the open sea instead of man-made swimming pools and without lifeguard supervision, so you have to be a competent swimmer. It also gives swimmers the opportunity to take a dip in different environments from cold water to surrounding wilderness.
It’s a way of getting as close to nature as possible and it’s a cost-effective hobby. All you need is a pair of swimming trunks or a swimming costume, goggles and a dry bag, and to download the best wild swimming destinations in the world. The last bit we have saved you some time, by finding 10 best places in the world for wild swimming, but let me assure you, there are many more. Hop on a cheap flight, don’t forget travel insurance, and see you there.
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Go swimming in this glorious geothermal spa located in Grindavik, Iceland. The BLUE LAGOON is famous worldwide for its stunning blue waters set against a volcanic landscape. The water (roughly between 37-40 degrees Celsius) is rich in minerals such as algae, silica and mineral salt, and is the perfect place for a therapeutic dip. Those coming are urged to swim slowly, bathe and relax in these beautiful waters, allowing the water to pamper both body and mind.
LAKE ANNECY can be found in Haute-Savoie. It is the third-largest lake in France, after the Lac du Bourget and Lac de Grand-Lieu. Lake Annecy is regarded as one of Europe’s cleanest lakes. It is surrounded by mountains and picturesque villages, and offers wild swimmers breath-taking views. During the summer months, the water around Lake Annecy is around 23 degrees Celsius, making it a pleasurable and not too cold. Its clear waters make it a haven for local wildlife, and is also great for diving and snorkelling.
KOH RONG SAMLOEMA in Cambodia is regarded as a true island paradise offering a Robinson Crusoe experience and is the perfect place for wild swimming. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, this tranquil island provides clear waters and is surrounded by white sandy beaches and jungle. It is ideal for both wild swimming and snorkelling. The island is only nine kilometres long but has an abundance of wildlife from Ospreys, seahorses and Kingfishers. Its landscape is a mix of hills and jungle.
Want to do some wild swimming with the infamous Scottish Loch Ness Monster? Not far is
LOCH DUNTELCHAIG, one of the best locations to swim in near Inverness. The unique clear fresh waters stretching five kilometres are made possible by a lack of peat (that makes the water a more murky colour), making it perfect for some wild swimming and even snorkelling! As with all lochs in Scotland, expect cooler water that doesn’t warm up too much, even in the summer. That shouldn’t deter you from entering this incredible spot for wild swimming in Scotland.
The deepest lake in the United States is CRATER LAKE in Oregon. This volcanic lake has exceptionally clear blue waters inside the caldera of a dormant volcano, making it an ideal wild swim with amazing views. Despite its cold waters, thousands flock to swim and hike in this National Park every year to enjoy its incredible surroundings.
Found in the Nelson/Tasman region of New Zealand, NELSON LAKES offers superb views of alpine lakes that are surrounded by forests and mountains, making it an ideal place for a wild swim. Nelson Lakes not only offers pristine waters and plenty of aqua sports opportunities in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island but is also has lots of nature walks in the mountain areas. Being sacred to Māori people, Nelson Lakes is steeped in history, making it a special swimming space. Watch out for wasps from December to April.
LAKE BLED in Slovenia offers picturesque wild swimming within a freshwater lake set in the stunning landscape of a medieval castle. There is a dedicated area for swimming, so you can rest assured you will not be swimming into any boats. Sun worshippers can catch a tan here in between swimming dips, and visit a Gothic church perched on its hilltop where you have to ring a bell to bring you good luck.
In the heart of the Canadian Rockies, HORSESHOE LAKE in Jasper National Park of Alberta, offers cold, crystal-clear waters and stunning views for the wild swimmer. As you can imagine, this lake gets its name from its unique horseshoe shape and so gives the swimmer a wrap-around view of these stunning peaks in Alberta. This hidden gem also offers cliff diving and various types of water sports like paddle boarding and kayaking.
LAKE COMO has been described as “the most beautiful lake in the world”. Not only is it home to the rich and famous like George Clooney and Donatella Versace, it provides an amazing wild swimming experience. It has beautiful mountains and villas and is a perfect place to sunbathe after a swim.
LAKE TAHOE is the second deepest lake in the U.S., with a maximum depth of 1,645 feet (501 m), trailing Oregon’s Crater Lake at 1,949 ft (594 m). Known for its clear blue water and stunning mountain scenery, August is normally the warmest month with an average maximum of 78.7 °F (25.9 °C) and an average minimum of 39.8 °F (4.3 °C). January is the coolest month with an average maximum of 41.0 °F (5.0 °C).
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