Few things beat cooling off in cold water on a hot day. However, sometimes a chlorinated pool just won’t cut it. Adventurous souls should head to these wild spots for a picturesque dip, the chance to get up close to nature, and to feel a sense of freedom you just can’t find indoors.
Lake Swim at Refugio Frey in the Argentine Andes
The well-marked trail from Cerro Catedral in Nahuel Huapi National Park leads to Refugio Frey, offering breathtaking views of the Andes. This stunning scenery becomes truly enchanting once you arrive at the hut, where a small mountain lake lies beneath the towering peaks.
The water can get quite cold in the off-season; however, during the summer months of January and February, swimming in the shallows and then lying back to take in the view is the perfect way to conclude one of Argentina’s finest hikes.
Hampstead Mixed Pond, London
One of three bathing holes on London’s expansive Hampstead Heath, the pond is the ideal sanctuary when the scorching heat of the city becomes overwhelming. Its freshwater is tested daily, and lifeguards provide reassurance to those who may feel anxious about stepping into the depths from the metal steps.
Swim out a few meters, and you’ll quickly find yourself in a tranquil bubble, easily forgetting that central London is just a short Tube ride away. Entry costs £4.
Waterfalls of Costa Rica’s Bajos del Toro Cloud Forest
After a sweaty hike through the lush green cloud forest of Bajos del Toro, the La Promesa waterfall presents itself as the ultimate sight for those wishing to take a cooling dip. With a gentle sloping beach leading to a shallow plunge pool, it’s the perfect location for a safe wild swim, with plenty of hikers visiting from the nearby El Silencio Lodge. With white water cascading down 100 ft, the water is refreshing but never uncomfortably cold.
Once you’ve dried off, take a ten-minute stroll to experience the thunderous Bajos del Toro waterfall, which at 300 ft is among Costa Rica’s highest.
Havnebadet, Islands Brygge, Copenhagen
No country embraces outdoor swimming quite like Denmark. The stunning Havnebadet in the center of Copenhagen features five pools, two of which are designed specifically for kids. There are diving boards for the adventurous, and ample space for those looking to swim laps or simply relax.
Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is blessed with beautiful bays and beaches that create the perfect setting for a leisurely afternoon of sunbathing and swimming. For refreshing water and stunning vistas, however, it’s hard to beat Qualicum Beach. Keep your head above water to admire frog’s eye views of the Strait of Georgia and the Coast Mountain Range.
Qualicum is popular in summer; therefore, you will find plenty of nearby facilities if you wish to bring the family for swimming and snorkeling.
Erskine Creek, Great Blue Mountains, Australia
The area surrounding Sydney features enticing outdoor swimming holes, with Jack Evans Track on Erskine Creek in the Great Blue Mountains being a standout. This location is renowned for its birdlife, making it an excellent destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying a refreshing swim. The Great Blue Mountains boast several glorious wild swimming spots, including Wentworth Falls, making it worthwhile to plan a multi-day trip for a complete experience.
Crater Swimming on Sal, Cabo Verde
The extinct volcanic crater of Pedra do Lume on Sal, Cabo Verde, offers one of the world’s most inviting wild swims. It’s more about floating, with the salty water buoying you up while you enjoy views of the surreal landscape.
Nonetheless, the salt crystals can be sharp underfoot, so bringing neoprene shoes or sandals is advisable as entering barefoot is not recommended.
