20 Surreal Places To See The Clearest, Bluest Water On Earth

About 70 percent of the planet is covered in water. Oceans, seas, mountains lakes and jungle lagoons attract thousands of tourists because of their abundant marine life and awe-inspiring blue colors. The places with the clearest water don't have many organic materials and sediments on the bottom that are easily disrupted. Coral reefs help  by limiting water movement. The bays, beaches, islands, rivers, and lakes on the following list – from Samoa and French Polynesia to China, Japan and Canada – feature picture-perfect waters that will make you want to go for a dip into right away.

The famous giant swimming hole is on the main South Coast Road. Its formation is unique – two huge holes that are connected by an ancient lava tube. One of them is almost 1,000 feet deep. The clear turquoise water is accessible by a ladder. There are also lavish green gardens, blowholes, cliffs and rock pools to explore, according to Samoa Travel.

Cayo Coco off the northern coast of Cuba covers an area of 143 square miles, making it the second largest of the Jardines del Rey, an archipelago. The destination is known for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water and peaceful atmosphere.

The Five-Flower Lake, or Wuhua Lake, is certainly among the most beautiful places in China. This pristine oasis in the Sichuan province is far from big cities. It lies at the end of the upper reach of Peacock River, about 8,110 feet above the sea level and 16 feet in depth, according to China Travel Guide. "The water that contains calcium carbonate as well as hydrophytes with different colors presents a versicolor sight, azure blue, blackish green and light yellow, etc., so it is named Five-Flower Lake."

The small island of Bora Bora is dubbed "the jewel of the South Seas." Bora Bora has become synonymous with overwater bungalows, lavish floating villas with glass floors so people can see the lagoon life below, according to Tahiti.com. Popular activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, kitesurfing, stand-up paddle boarding, as well as shark and ray feeding.

Dog Island is known all over the world for its clean water, which is why the island is one of the top snorkeling places in Guna Yala. An old navy shipwreck of a gunboat makes it even more attractive. The ship is now a colorful coral garden with more than 20 types of tropical fish.

Thailand's Ko Phi Phi Islands became objects of international wanderlust in 2000, when the Leonardo Di Caprio movie "The Beach" was filmed on the untouched shores of Ko Phi Phi Leh. You can lounge all day and wade in the tranquil turquoise waters or climb the steep limestone cliffs rising from the sand on neighboring Ko Phi Phi Don. The islands are also a world-class scuba diving destination.

Cook Islands are often called the secret of the Pacific. Tourists go there for fresh pure air to wade into the cool, calm, blue lagoons, and to explore the untouched charm of the 15 stunning islands. They lie halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii, spread like fragrant petals floating across the ocean.

A trip to Cocos Island, a national park set 342 miles from the shoreline of Costa Rica, is an experience unlike any other – you'll witness marine wildlife and an underwater eco-system you won't find anywhere else in the world. The waters surrounding the island offer several dive spots which are famous for an abundance of exotic wildlife. The highlight is the unbelievable number of large marine animals like rays, dolphins and sharks.

Playa Kenepa (Kleine Knip) is partly shaded by manchineel trees. The tiny beach is located at a bay between rocks. The best time to visit is during the dry season from January to September. Locals and tourists go there for the exceptional snorkeling. The water is pristine, warm and calm. The marine life is copious and beautiful to see because of a coral reef nearby.

This beautiful tropical island nation is best known for its exceptional beaches and topnotch diving. The water is so clear that many hotels have built overwater bungalows to accommodate guests. Book a vacation there before the Maldives, the lowest-lying country in the world with 80 percent of its land at less than 3.3 feet above sea, disappears due to rising sea levels.

The gorgeous photos of Peyto Lake are not photoshopped. The color is really that blue. The lake is situated in Banff National Park, one of the most spectacular parks in the world. The best place to see as much of the remarkable water as possible is from the Bow Summit along the Columbia Icefields Parkway.

The crystal clear Sucuri River offers  visitors an unforgettable diving experience by sinking in the lush marine flora and fauna. Snorkeling is another popular activity. A tour will take you through the gorgeous riparian forest, where you can see diverse plants and animals. 

Crater Lake is the deepest in the U.S. with a measured depth of 1,949 feet. The water is so blue because there is hardly anything else in it – just water, according to the NPS. Boat tours, swimming, fishing, ranger talks, evening programs, camping, and other activities are offered. Explore old-growth forests or wildflower meadows, and climb mountains for great views of the lake.

The population is approximately 6 people, even though there are many uninhabited houses, according to Japan Guides. The island is called "Panari" by locals because it means "separated." Aragusuku Island, its actual name, is made up of two separate islands that are connected by a coral shoal. During low tide, you can walk between the two islands.

Cayos Cochinos is made of many very small coral islands. They are a biological marine reserve, containing one of the most remote beaches in the world. Activities include hiking to the lighthouse on Cayos Grande for a superb panoramic view, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, or lounging on the beach.

Navagio Beach, only accessible by boat, has a few names, two of which are Shipwreck Beach and Smugglers Cove. It is a secluded beach in Greece, a site of stellar views, incredible BASE jumping and a wild isolated feeling that is beyond unique. Located in the Greek Islands and set among limestone cliffs and white sand sits Panagiotis—a ship that was wrecked nearly three decades ago while attempting to transport cigarettes—according to legend.

Lake Pukaki is a sparkling blue treasure set into a grand alpine playground – an iconic New Zealand scenery of high mountain summits, glacier-fed alpine lakes and golden tussocks stretched beneath an infinite sky.

The Great Barrier Reef is Australia's natural wonder. This famous place is one of the seven wonders of the natural world. It is larger than the Great Wall of China and the only living thing on earth visible from space. The lavishness of the reef's marine life, which comprises of over 3,000 individual reef systems, coral cays, tropical islands and stunning golden beaches, make for breathtaking views.

The beach in the Mediterranean city is more than 4 miles long. It is famous for its white soft sands and calm transparent waters. The bay is protected from the high seas by a series of rocks forming a natural wave-breaker, with a small opening to allow light vessels in, according to Tour Egypt. This beach dates back to the days of Alexander the Great.  

The Ayia Napa region is characterized by the lack of rivers, and the scarcity of cultivated land. The Mediterranean resort town on the southeast coast of Cyprus is known for its beaches and ancient history. Popular activities are bungee jumping and scuba diving. The beach and pool parties are outstanding.