Unless you have gills, when you swim, you’ll need to resurface periodically to catch a breath. That’s not news. But, if you like to swim a lot, pools can be rather boring. And, as delightful as they are, the pools at hotels can sometimes induce other reactions as well, especially if they’re full of a screaming kids and their screaming parents. But what can you do? We have some ideas. Underneath the earth’s crust, there are underground lakes where you can exercise your flippers and your lungs without the crowds, the noise and experience middle earth. Some are caves, some are rivers, some are even deluxe pools, but all are a delight. Of course you can bring your snorkels and flippers for most events, but you may decide not to use them: you were once a fish, after all, and are still a child of the water. Free yourself!
Here are some places where you can use your waterwings.
Mexico: The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is famous for its cenotes, which are natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear groundwater. Cenotes like Ik Kil and Dos Ojos offer incredible underground swimming opportunities in a stunning cave-like environment.
Blue Lake, New Zealand: Located in Nelson, New Zealand, Blue Lake (also known as Rotomairewhenua) is one of the clearest lakes in the world. Its pristine waters offer a chance to swim underground, as the lake is situated in a limestone cave system.
To Sua Ocean Trench, Samoa: To Sua, meaning “giant hole” in Samoan, is a beautiful natural swimming hole located in Lotofaga Village, Samoa. It consists of two large holes interconnected by an underwater tunnel, providing a unique underground swimming experience.
Phong Nha Cave, Vietnam: Phong Nha Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its remarkable underground river system. Visitors can take a boat ride through the cave’s vast chambers and even swim in some sections, enjoying the magical atmosphere.
Waikoropupu Springs, New Zealand: Located in Golden Bay, New Zealand, Waikoropupu Springs is renowned for its exceptionally clear water. The springs are fed by a vast underground reservoir, and visitors can swim in designated areas to experience the transparent beauty.
Škocjan Caves, Slovenia: The Škocjan Caves in Slovenia are a spectacular underground karst cave system, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While swimming is not allowed in most parts of the caves, there are areas where you can admire the underground river and unique rock formations up close.
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