Nowadays, we live our lives stuck in front of computers, smartphones and other man-made gadgets that are making us lose touch with nature.
As human beings, we are naturally thirsty for a touch of nature and our bodies and minds really yearn for it. Wild swimming is one of the most appealing ways to reconnect with nature and satisfy your need for adventure, too.
There’s no better way to cool down when the temperatures start rising than to go for a dip in a river or a lake. But, before you start taking your clothes off, you should read our article!
We’ll explain everything, starting from the very basics of what wild swimming actually is. And, we’ll share a list of the best swimming spots around the globe where you can enjoy the wild swimming. Keep on reading!
What is Wild Swimming?
Fundamentally, wild swimming consists of swimming in any type of natural water. That could be a pond, river, lake or the ocean. What makes wild swimming so fun and appealing is that it provides the refreshment and the feeling of being free at the same time!
Just think about it, how much better would you feel swimming in a waterfall rather than in an artificially built pool. Some of the best holiday memories are made while wild swimming instead of taking a dip in your nearest swimming pool.
You must admit there’s something so appealing about going wild for a moment. It requires a thirst for adventure and the audacity to do something out of the ordinary.
However, there are numerous risks and dangers that come along with wild swimming. That’s why you always need to make sure you are well-prepared. And, once you have all the necessary information, you’ll stay safe even during the wildest of the wild swimming scenarios.
For instance, we’d recommend you to always have someone to keep you company when going for a wild swim. Or, at least, tell someone where you’re going. In addition to that, it’s essential to know how to dress properly.
Even though skinny dipping sounds like a true adventure, you should know that natural water can be extremely cold. That’s why you should have a wetsuit or a swimsuit to keep your body warm.
Finally, always make sure you’re aware of the depth of the water before you get in. And, pay special attention to the fact that you need to be extra careful when diving, as there are rocks and branches can be hidden beneath.
The Best Spots for Wild Swimming
Cenote Yokdzonot, Mexico
Cenote Yokdzonot is one of the largest cenotes of Yucatan. This is an open type cenote, which is essentially a natural limestone sinkhole and it has a free fall! As you arrive to it, you have to descend 18-meters by a staircase to a wooden platform from which you can access the majestic water.
The color of the water is absolutely mesmerizing as it can be green or blue — it shifts depending on the season. The water mirror is 40 meters wide and long and has a depth of 45 meters.
The site will leave you speechless, as it has rustic guardrails from which you can admire the scenic view. In addition to that, the conditions for swimming are really good and you’ll also have the chance to try the zip line, do some camping, go snorkeling or bird watching!
Kuang Si Waterfalls, Laos
You know how there are two different types of tourist attractions in this world. The first ones are really overhyped and end up making you feel underwhelmed.
And, for others, no amount of hype could do justice — that’s how strikingly beautiful they are. Well, the Kuang Si Waterfalls located in Northern Laos are definitely the latter.
We can’t even begin to express how amazing this large cascade of turquoise blue water tumbling down from a thick green jungle looks. This place is the synonym for adventure and it’s the perfect location for wild swimming!
Our favorite thing about the Kuang Si Waterfalls is that you can take a dip in one of the tiers of blue water. So, that leaves the swimmers with the chance to swim at the very top, as well as in the main pool area.
We’d like to note that some areas in the pool are considered sacred and swimming isn’t allowed there. Still, there’s plenty of space for you to take a memorable wild dip!
The Cracks – Las Grietas – Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
Another great wild swimming site is in Puerto Ayora, Ecuador. This one grants an otherworldly swimming experience in its mammoth, but still narrow, crevasses.
Rarely the name of the site makes sense, but with Las Grietas (The Cracks), what you hear is what you get! The Cracks are deep cuts in the landscape of Ecuador that go hundreds of meters deep into the Earth.
As a result, they create amazingly narrow canyons filled with turquoise, crystal clear water. The Cracks are extremely popular among those who seek adventure. They provide a pretty surreal landscape for wild swimming that you will never forget!
The Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland
The next amazing wild swimming spot on our list is the Isle of Skye in Scotland. That’s where we found the Fairy Pools, which are the pools on the River Brittle that have crystal clear blue water and an amazing view.
As diving into this cold water requires a certain level of bravery and adventure, we’ve decided to list it here for our brave wild swimming-lovers.
These magical pools begin with a first waterfall. Since the pools are rarely warm, we recommend wearing a wetsuit while exploring them. The first waterfall leads to the deepest pool and the highest fall.
We know you’re probably smiling right now as you can already sense the adventure! Jumping into this deep blue pool will be another wild swimming experience for your collection of adventurous memories!
To Sua Ocean Trench, Samoa
For those who want to experience seeing an adventure movie set – Samoa is the way to go! With its thick vegetation, hidden tunnels and explosive blowholes, this is one of the most amazing places on Earth! To Sua is a huge hole in the ground with water splashing out of it.
It’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and unusual places for wild swimming on the planet! It’s 30-meters deep and has almost symmetrical edges surrounded by spectacularly rich vegetation.
Final Thoughts
Long story short, this planet has a lot to offer and when we decide to go for an adventure and become one with nature, we should get a taste of wild swimming. We sure hope that you enjoyed reading our list and that you’ll start checking the sites off it as you get a real taste of adventure!