Summary of the Article:
Lakes can be found in various geographies including mountainous regions, basins, areas exposed by glacial melting, and rift zones. They are formed through various geological processes such as glacial activities, landslides, ice-damming, sinkholes, and volcanic eruptions. Accordingly, the characteristics of lakes—including volume, area, and depth—differ considerably depending on their location.
For those interested in exploring the depths of our planet, here is a listing of the 15 deepest lakes worldwide.
1. Lake Baikal; Russia
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is recognized as the deepest lake globally, reaching a depth of 1,642 meters. Furthermore, Lake Baikal holds the title of the Earth’s oldest lake, approximately 25 million years in age.
Formed by an ancient rift valley, it accounts for 20 percent of all unfrozen freshwater in the world—more than that of the five North American Great Lakes combined—making it one of the clearest lakes globally.
Lake Baikal supports a diverse ecosystem with 60 native fish species, a population of freshwater seals, 236 bird species, and countless other organisms. Notably, it is home to around 2,500 animal species along with more than 1,000 plant species.
2. Lake Tanganyika; Tanzania, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi & Zambia
This significant African Great Lake is not only the longest freshwater lake in the world but also holds the position of the second deepest, at 1,470 meters. Moreover, it is the second oldest lake globally after Lake Baikal.
Lake Tanganyika contains 18 percent of the world’s total freshwater and is home to its unique sardine species, sponges, and jellyfish. Additionally, it boasts around 250 cichlid species, with 98 percent being endemic to the lake.
Situated in the Albertine Rift in Central Africa, the lake is surrounded by majestic mountains and valleys. The fisheries around its 1,828 kilometers shoreline support approximately 10 million people who rely on fishing as a vital resource.
3. Caspian Sea; Iran, Russia, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan & Azerbaijan
With a depth of 1,025 meters, the Caspian Sea ranks as the third deepest lake worldwide, containing approximately 78,200 cubic kilometers of water. This unique body of water is a remnant of the ancient Paratethys Sea, having become landlocked around 5.5 million years ago.
Despite its designation as a sea, the Caspian Sea is technically a lake that derives 80 percent of its water from the Volga River. It is positioned in the Caspian Depression, approximately 92 meters below sea level, bordered by five countries.
Notably, the lake is renowned for housing the Beluga sturgeon, along with five other species of ancient fish and numerous additional fish species. The endemic Caspian seal, Caspian turtle, and baleen whales also inhabit this remarkable lake.
4. Lake Vostok; Antarctica
This subglacial lake in Antarctica is the largest on the continent and the fourth deepest globally. Located beneath Russia’s Vostok Station, it lies at an elevation of -500 meters below sea level.
Lake Vostok is situated beneath the central East Antarctic Ice Sheet, approximately 4,000 meters beneath the surface of the ice. With an average depth of 432 meters, it contains roughly 5,400 cubic kilometers of freshwater.
Estimated to be up to 25 million years old, this unique lake was not discovered until 2012. Its ice-covered structure contributes to high gas concentration levels.
5. O’Higgins/San Martín Lake; Chile & Argentina
This lake, known by two names, is situated in South America’s Patagonia region at an elevation of 250 meters. Referred to as O’Higgins Lake in Chile and San Martín Lake in Argentina, it reaches a depth of 836 meters, making it the deepest lake in the Americas.
Located near the O’Higgins Glacier and encircled by magnificent mountains, the lake’s milky light-blue hue is attributed to the rock flour suspended in its waters.
Visitors can access the lake from El Chaltén in Argentina or Villa O’Higgins in Chile, with a ferry service available along the Chilean side.
6. Lake Malawi; Malawi, Mozambique & Tanzania
Recognized as the second deepest lake in Africa, Lake Malawi ranks sixth globally, achieving a depth of 706 meters. This significant African Great Lake spans across three countries, officially known as Lake Malawi, while also referred to as Lake Nyasa and Lago Niassa.
The section lying in Mozambique has been designated as a reserve by the government, while its southern extremity becomes part of Lake Malawi National Park. This meromictic lake is situated within the East African Rift system.
An ancient lake estimated to be between 1-2 million years old, Lake Malawi is notably clear, offering visibility of up to 20 meters on optimal days.
7. Issyk-Kul; Kyrgyzstan
Located in the Tian Shan Mountains at an elevation of 1,607 meters in eastern Kyrgyzstan, Issyk-Kul is the second largest saline lake, the second largest mountain lake, and the seventh deepest globally at 668 meters.
Issyk-Kul never freezes and is surrounded by mountains. It is recognized not only as the country’s first nature reserve but also as a Ramsar site due to its significant biodiversity.
The lake hosts several endemic fish species, four of which are critically endangered. Its unique landscapes and diverse waterfowl enhance its appeal as a priority destination for visitors.
8. Great Slave Lake; Canada
Great Slave Lake is recognized as the deepest lake in North America, ranking as the tenth largest lake globally and the eighth deepest. The city of Yellowknife, situated in the Northwest Territories, lies on its northern shoreline, while the renowned Wood Buffalo National Park is located to the south.
Over 25 rivers flow into the lake, including the Hay River, Slave River, and Taltan River, which are its major tributaries. Additionally, an ice road on the lake connects Yellowknife to the town of Dettah.
Evidence suggests that the 614-meter deep lake’s shoreline has been inhabited by indigenous peoples for approximately 8,000 years, sharing its name with the First Nations Slavey people.
9. Crater Lake; USA
Crater Lake represents a unique geological formation, having emerged from the collapse of Mount Mazama over 7,500 years ago. It is a key highlight of Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, captivating visitors with its remarkably clear deep blue waters and breathtaking scenery.
With a depth of 594 meters, Crater Lake is recognized as the deepest lake in the USA and the ninth deepest worldwide. Interestingly, it is replenished solely by rain and snowfall, as no rivers feed into it.
The lake features two islands: Wizard Island, a volcanic cinder cone rising 230 meters above the water, and Phantom Ship, a natural rock formation.
10. Lake Matano; Indonesia
Situated in South Sulawesi within the southern peninsula of Sulawesi at an elevation of 382 meters, Lake Matano measures 590 meters in depth. It holds the distinction of being Indonesia’s deepest lake and ranks tenth worldwide.
The lake is adjacent to one of the largest nickel mines globally, Vale Canada Limited. Despite this, the water remains exceptionally clear, providing excellent visibility.
Annually, tourists are drawn to the Lake Matano Festival, making it an ideal spot for boating, fishing, swimming, and diving.
11. General Carrera Lake; Argentina & Chile
Also known as Lake Buenos Aires, General Carrera Lake is situated in Patagonia and is bordered by the Andes Mountains. As a glacial lake, it eventually drains into the Pacific Ocean.
This stunning lake benefits from its picturesque surroundings and unique geological formations. It features remarkable structures sculpted by wave action approximately 6,200 years ago.
Several quaint settlements are found on both the Chilean and Argentine sides, serving as gateways to the lake. A ferry connects Puerto Ingeniero Ibáñez with Chile Chico on the Chilean side, linking the northern and southern shores.
12. Hornindalsvatnet; Norway
Hornindalsvatnet is not only the deepest lake in Norway but also in all of Europe, reaching a depth of 514 meters, despite its modest surface area of 51 square kilometers.
Four charming villages are situated along its shoreline, and the European route E39 highway is in proximity. The lake drains into the River Eidselva, which ultimately flows into Eidsfjorden.
Each July, Hornindalsvatnet serves as the venue for the Hornindalsvatnet Marathon, where runners circle the lake, making it a must-visit event for marathon enthusiasts.
13. Lake Toba; Indonesia
This extensive natural lake resides within the caldera of a supervolcano in North Sumatra, positioned at a surface elevation exceeding 900 meters above sea level. It holds the distinction of being Indonesia’s largest and the world’s largest volcanic lake, ranking thirteenth in depth globally.
Lake Toba’s formation resulted from a colossal supervolcanic eruption occurring approximately 69,000 to 77,000 years ago, considered the largest eruption on Earth in the past 25 million years.
The lake is home to the Batak people, who maintain villages along its shores. Tourists frequently visit to explore the cultural heritage of the Batak community, witness significant historical sites, and marvel at the lake’s natural beauty.
14. Karakul; Tajikistan
Karakul Lake, measuring 230 meters in depth, is situated within an impact crater in the Pamir Mountains. This lake forms part of the Tajik National Park and is recognized as an Important Bird Area.
The surrounding regions are home to diverse bird species, including Himalayan vultures, Tibetan sandgrouse, white-winged snowfinches, bar-headed geese, and Caucasian great rosefinches. Several waterbird species nest and rest on the islands within the lake.
Much of the area surrounding the lake is utilized for grazing, and it is located at an elevation of 3,900 meters, making it one of the world’s highest lakes. Notably, it hosted the Roof of the World Regatta in 2014, marking it as the highest sailing regatta globally.
15. Sarez Lake; Tajikistan
Formed from the Sarez earthquake in 1911, which also created the Usoi Dam, Sarez Lake is situated at an elevation of 3,263 meters and has a depth of 202 meters, ranking it as the fifteenth deepest lake in the world.
Located in the Pamir Mountains, Sarez Lake holds an estimated volume of around 16 cubic kilometers. Remarkably, water from the lake does not overflow over the dam into the smaller Shadau Lake.
This lake, the largest naturally formed body of water in Tajikistan, offers breathtaking scenery that is truly exceptional. Access requires a permit and a local guide, which can be facilitated through reputable travel agencies.
