You don't have to go to the tropics to see some of them
People have learned how to create great water parks and spas. But in nature, all this is a long time ago, and in the best possible way. “Around the World” tells about the most amazing pools of natural origin.
Guy Lagoon ola
Thassos, Greece
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It is as if a bowl with emerald water carved into the rock resembles a pearl shell in shape. It is separated from the sea by a natural edge two meters wide. If it is stormy, the waves overflow and the water in the bowl is renewed. When the surf is weak, the lagoon warms up well, remaining transparent and calm. Daredevils who made their way along the rocky path jump into the water from the surrounding ledges.
Fairy Pools
Isle of Skye, UK
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The Brittle River, escaping from the Scottish mountains, forms many large and small waterfalls and lakes at different levels of a bizarre cascade. Crystal clear ice water for seasoned swimmers. In some places you can dive into the pools from a height, and somewhere you have to swim through a natural arch in the depths to get from one reservoir to another.
Cenote Ik-Kil
Chichen Itza, Mexico
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The Mayans used the word “dzonot” for water pits, in Spanish the word was transformed into “cenote”. The cenotes were sources of drinking water and places of human sacrifice to the rain god Chaku. Huge natural wells were formed many centuries ago due to the collapse of the vaults of karst caves. The depth of the Ik-Kil cenote is 40 meters. Carp and plankton live in blue water. Creepers descend to the surface of the lake from the trees growing above the sinkhole.
Pamukkale travertines
Denizli, Turkey
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Pamukkale means “cotton castle” in Turkish. Indeed, from afar, the mountain looks like a castle. In fact, on the slopes there are terraces of reservoirs with walls made of snow-white travertine – a rock formed by calcium salts. They are rich in water flowing from 17 thermal springs from the top. Near Pamukkale are the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis. Both sites are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Havasu Falls
Arizona, USA
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The path to the waterfalls and the lakes fed by them, located between 100-meter cliffs, is long and difficult. They are located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, in the Havasupai Indian Reservation, which means “people of the blue-green waters.” The temperature of these waters is around 22 degrees all year round. But you can get access to them only with the permission of the Indians, which must be issued 6 months in advance. Tourism is the main source of income for the tribe.
Tat Kuang Si
Luang Prabang, Laos
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Throughout the Tat Kuang Si park, the rumbling of water is heard. The waterfall cascades over ledges, one of which reaches a height of more than 50 meters. But it is not the size and scope that is striking, but the turquoise color of the water flowing in limestone rocks and rich in carbon dioxide. During the rainy season, the waterfall is especially full-flowing. Bungee jumping is popular with locals.
To Sua Ocean Hole
Upolu, Samoa
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The large blue hole is located 30 meters from the ocean coast among dense tropical vegetation. It was formed as a result of the collapse of the earth due to volcanic activity on the island. A ladder was built to descend to the water. The hole To-Sua communicates with the Pacific Ocean through underwater channels and tunnels. The water level in it depends on the tides.
Colorada Lagoon
Potosi, Bolivia
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An exotic red-brown salt lake is located in the Andes at an altitude of 4278 meters above sea level and is considered one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The unusual color of the water is given by the pigments of the algae growing in it. These algae feed on the rare pink flamingos of James, which nest in thousands along the shores of the lagoon.
Blue Lagoon
Grindavik, Iceland
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The complex of several reservoirs of volcanic origin has become a symbol of Reykjavik and one of the most popular Scandinavian resorts. The milky-blue water washing the frozen lava contains sulfur, sea salt, blue-green algae grow, which can cure skin diseases. The temperature in the pool is kept at 37-40 degrees.
The material was published in the magazine “Around the World” No. 11, November 2015, partially updated in July 2023
Svyatoslav Zelensky