The World’s Bluest Water

This time of year has us dreaming about turquoise seas and azure lakes—in fact, the bluer the water, the more we want to visit. From cliffside beaches in Greece to hot springs in Iceland, here’s where to find some of the bluest water on the planet. 

1. Peyto Lake, Canada 
Located in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, Peyto Lake is famous for its stunning blue-green color, which it gets from the mineral-rich runoff from nearby glaciers. Want to get that perfect photo? The colorful body of water is best seen from the Peyto Lake Viewpoint at nearby Bow Summit. 

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2. Great Blue Hole, Belize 
The name says it all: This great blue hole is a 1,000-foot-wide sinkhole in the middle of Belize’s Lighthouse Reef. It is a popular spot for divers thanks to the clarity of the surrounding waters and massive stalactites that lurk beneath the surface.  

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3. Egremni Beach, Greece 
Located on the southwestern coast of Lefkada, Egremni (or Egremnoi) Beach is an Instagram-famous spot thanks to its bright white sand and turquoise water. The beach is surrounded by barren cliffs that not only make for great photo backdrops but also thin the crowds due to the steep descent down to the shoreline. 

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4. Blue Lagoon, Iceland 
One of the most popular sites in a country filled with natural wonders, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon gets its milky blue hue from the silica found in the water. The lagoon—which is surrounded by striking black volcanic rock—reaches comfortable temperatures of around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. You can even use the mud under the water as a makeshift face mask. 

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5. The Maldives 
When you think of the Maldives, you probably picture a luxurious bungalow sitting over incredibly blue water. Turns out that image is pretty accurate. The archipelago is made up of over 1,000 islands surrounded by a reef-protected lagoon, meaning you can see some incredible sea life as you snorkel through the clear waters. 

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