Clear, cerulean waters are one of the few landscapes that promote calm, and you don't need to go to the shore to enjoy Mother Nature's vivid blue eye candy.
The world's lakes reflect the woods that surround them in a variety of blue hues, from jewel-toned waters to turquoise alpine freshwater. According to LakeScientist.com, a lot of the world's bluest lakes owe their striking hues to trace quantities of algae and other substances.
Here are 11 of the bluest lakes in the world to add to your trip itinerary, whether you prefer to take in the colours from the shore or dive right in
New Zealand, Lake Pukaki
The many attractions of Lake Pukaki include its towering mountains, alpine regions, and turquoise water that is so flawless it appears dyed. The tourist organization for Christchurch, New Zealand, claims that the glacial flour-like silt particles that make up Lake Pukaki are abundant. Hikers, cyclists, and shoreline strollers are drawn to the silt because it absorbs purple and indigo wavelengths, while the water itself absorbs red, orange, and yellow.
Malawi, Lake Malawi
With more than a thousand fish species currently recognized and many more that researchers are still looking for, Lake Malawi is one of the most biodiverse lakes in the world. These animals—most of which are cichlids—enjoy the pristine, aquamarine environs. Because Lake Malawi is meromictic (its water layers don't combine), the sediment remains at the bottom while the top of the lake is completely clear and reflects all shades of blue. Tiny islets, including the exclusive Mumbo Island, are scattered throughout the body of water, offering tropical vibes with on-site scuba diving and snorkelling.
Oregon, lake Crater
The lowest lake in America may also be it's most beautiful. With a 1,943-foot depth, Crater Lake is so magnificent that Oregon's only national park was created around it. The snow-flecked Cascade Mountain line is located on either side of this body of water, which was carved out by a volcanic eruption. Its distinctive feature is a rich blue colour; there are no inlets from other bodies of water, so the water comes from snow and rain. If you're brave enough to face the chilly temperatures (it's 60 degrees Fahrenheit at its warmest in the summer), you can swim in one of the world's cleanest lakes in designated areas.
Russia, Lake Baikal
Consider Lake Baikal in Russia, which has depths of more than 5,300 feet, if you believe Crater Lake is shallow. There are many superlatives to describe this untamed and amazing water body: According to Smithsonian Magazine, it is nearly 400 miles long, has 27 islands, and has 1,500 animal types, including the nerpa, the only freshwater seal in the world. The planet's largest freshwater lake, Lake Baikal, also teaches us about the different shades of blue. Depending on the season, sky, and flowering in the water, it varies from navy to cobalt to teal.
California, Lake Tahoe
According to a study from the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center, while many lakes get their cyan hues from the clarity of the water, Lake Tahoe gets its intense jewel tone from the water's algae. The amount of sediment determines the clarity of the water, and the amount of algae determines its hue. Thanks to a significant effort by the charity Clean Up the Lake, whose divers recently finished a lake cleaning in which they removed nearly 25,000 pounds of litter, the cobalt lake is now also cleaner than it has been in decades.
Australia, Lake McKenzie
In addition to being a popular summer swimming spot in Queensland, Lake McKenzie is also home to a number of exceptional qualities, beginning with its silica-only sand. The lake's blue hue is emphasized by the paper-white sand. The lake is ideal for diving, paddling, and snorkelling because it is only 20 feet deep and averages 73 degrees Fahrenheit in the water.
Michigan, Torch Lake
The largest inland lake in Michigan is also one of its most beautiful. The 19-mile-long Torch Lake is popular among tourists because of its famous jewel-toned water and lounge-ready sandbars. A quarter-mile-wide strip of ground separates the lake from Lake Michigan, which is located about 45 minutes from Traverse City. Boaters, beachcombers, and sunbathers frequent the area, and sailboat excursions find it to be a relaxing retreat.
Canada, Moraine Lake
One of Canada's most beautiful sources of water, Moraine Lake is bordered by striated peaks and emerald pines. The turquoise water and mirror-still surface of the lake makes this getaway in Banff National Park almost too beautiful to be true. According to The Banff Blog, the best time to come is from June to October because the lake, which is 6,183 feet above sea level, is frozen throughout the rest of the year. You can use a park-and-ride shuttle, a private tour, a hike, or a bike to get to this popular body of water.
Nepal, Gokyo Lakes
The Everest area is home to many other breathtaking wonders besides peaks. A group of six emerald lakes known as the Gokyo Lakes are located beneath the Himalayas' sawtooth peaks, producing an incredible high-elevation scene. The lakes are located in Nepal Sagarmatha National Park and are between 15,400 and 16,400 feet above sea level. It is possible to hike or fly to the highest freshwater lake system in the world.
Slovenia, Lake Bled
Slovenia's Lake Bled is by far the most well-liked tourist destination, and for good cause. The Church of the Mother of God on Bled Island, which is surrounded by deep blue water, gives the setting the feel of a fairy story. Even though science says this magical lake belongs to the Ice Age, local lore claims that fairies built it. The water's magical qualities are difficult to dispute. Beyond the hues and stillness, the lake is delightful for its warm summer temps, which, according to Trafalgar, can reach as high as 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Since motorboats were prohibited by Slovenians, the lake offers another uncommon pleasure: silence.
Chile, Lake Pehoé
Patagonia doesn't hold back when it comes to breathtaking scenery, and Lake Pehoé in the renowned Torres del Paine National Park is no exception. Serrated mountaintops, deep fjords, and extensive glaciers are just a few examples. The spiky Cuernos del Paine peaks towering above this sapphire expanse of freshwater reflect off of it. The lake is a wonderful place to spot guanaco, a relative of the llama, and, if you're really lucky, Patagonia's elusive puma, in addition to its clear glacial waters.
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