10 Natural Swimming Holes to Add to Your Bucket List

As a born-and-raised Texan who refused to wear shoes, brush my hair, or take off my bathing suit from May-August, my dog days of summer were spent skipping rocks by the river, cliff-jumping into the lake, or helping Dad on his never-ending quest to find the best surf break the Gulf coast had to offer. Texas transplants quickly learn that the only way to beat these lingering triple-digit temps is through water, and while I’ll gladly submerge myself in any pool of water I can find throughout the summer, nothing compares to a day spent splashing around one of Mother Nature’s playgrounds. All dressed up with sparkling turquoise water, vibrant greenery, and fairytale-esque views, the best pools are without a doubt the natural swimming holes created by nature itself.

From Hawaii to Italy and everywhere in between, here are ten amazing natural swimming holes that will make you want to drop everything and book a plane ticket. Better start practicing your swan dive.

image via typical domestic babe

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Havasu Falls, Havasupai Indian Reservation, Arizona

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Las Grietas, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

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Cenote Ik Kil, Yucatan, Mexico

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Queen’s Bath, Kauai, Hawaii

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Sua Ocean Trench, Lotofaga, Samoa

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Kuang Si Falls, Laos

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Giola Lagoon, Greece

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Pamukkale Hot Springs, Turkey

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Grotta della Poesia, Roca Vecchia, Italy

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Figure 8 Pools, Royal National Park, Australia