Sometimes all it takes to re-center and refreshes your mind and body is a good day (or week—who are we to limit you) staring off into a tranquil blue sea.
To help you find your inner peace, and catch a few waves and rays while you’re at it, we’ve put together a list of some of the bluest waters in the world. These lakes, seas, beaches, and bays have vistas that range from brilliant navy blues to the lightest, clearest turquoises imaginable. Needless to say, they are the perfect places to re-connect with nature, family, and yourself
8 Places Have the Bluest Water in the World
1. The Maldives
As one of the world’s best islands, it’s no surprise that the Maldives is a favorite destination for celebrities.
Reflection water in the Maldives
You can find this low-lying island nation in between the Indian and Arabian seas has luxuriously appointed bungalows set over dazzling blue waters and surrounded by talcum-soft white sand beaches—basically everything that bucket lists are made of. When not simply admiring the view, visitors can spend days exploring the coral reef, visiting an underwater playground, or relaxing in one of the world’s best spas.
2. Palawan, The Philippines
Unnamed Road, Coron, Palawan, Philippines
Only accessible by a steep 10-minute climb, the waters of Lake Kayangan are nestled into the mountain walls. While the area can get quite busy, the water is like no other.
3. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Hands down one of the most beautiful places in the world, Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes can be visited at any time during the year – summer for warm weather, autumn for the changing leaves, winter for the snow-topped trees and spring for gorgeous blooms.
Two-tone nature in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
But one thing stays consistent, the water is crystal blue all year round.
4. Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
While New Zealand is on the opposite side of the world, once you get there you’ll see the magic around every corner.
Picture of the ocean and sandy beach, Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
This little slice of paradise is called the Abel Tasman National Park, close to Nelson at the top of the South Island, it covers 231 square kilometers of land where you can go for walks and kayak through the pristine waters. Note: if you’re kayaking, watch out for the seals. They love to jump up on your kayak and hitch a ride.
5. Crater Lake, Oregon
The deep blue waters that fill the caldera of the sunken volcano Mount Mazama help make Crater Lake one of America’s most beautiful lakes.
Crater Lake, United States
The deep blue waters are almost crystal clear thanks to the fact that there are no incoming streams or rivers to make the water turbid. All of this makes it ideal for scuba divers willing to brave the chilly water. Crater Lake, located in Southern Oregon, is also the deepest lake in the United States, plunging to depths of 1,943 feet, with sunlight extending 400 feet down.
6. Peyto Lake, Alberta, Canada
It feels like all of our friends are currently in Thailand, Japan, or Canada – with Banff National Park being the must-see attraction of the moment. A highlight of Banff is Peyto Lake, a glacier-fed lake that was named after trail guide Bill Peyto.
Picture the sun breaking through the clouds just as we found Peyto Lake
The lake is an incredulous 2.8 kilometers long and is best seen from Bow Summit – for the iconic picture.
7. Ambergris Caye, Belize
A short boat ride from the largest barrier reef outside of Australia, Belize’s Ambergris Caye is a scuba diver’s and snorkeler’s paradise.
Palm trees along the sandy shoreline of a tropical beach, Ambergris Caye, Belize
Head to Shark Ray Alley to snorkel among nurse sharks and stingrays; visit Hol Chan Marine Reserve to get up close with eels, turtles, and colorful fish; or explore the underwater caves of Blue Hole. When you’re not in the water, admire its warm glow from a hammock on the beach.
8. Devil’s Bay, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Sometimes it feels like the best views are the ones you have to work for, and it does take some work to get to Devil’s Bay on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. After you scrabble through the gem-colored Baths, you’ll emerge on the tiny, picture-perfect slice of white sand known as Devil’s Bay.
Devil’s Bay
It’s worth the effort to get here just to snorkel in the clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean or simply sit back and admire the surroundings.