The 8 Best Places to Swim in Open Water

Without a doubt, swimming in open water is a wonderful experience for athletes, especially for professional pool swimmers.

Swimming in open water is a really big challenge, there’s no doubt about that. But, if we go to certain places to train or compete, the effort will have its rewards. In this article, we’ll tell you about the best destinations to swim in open water.

Where to swim in open water?

Swimming in a pool isn’t the same as swimming in open water, that’s undeniable. In the first case, we’re ‘limited’, while on the second, we have a whole sea or river for ourselves. If you want to have your first swimming experience in the middle of nature, we recommend the following places:

1. Bacalar (Mexico)

No one can deny that Mexican beaches are a paradise. White sand, crystal clear water, and in many cases, no waves. In the city of Bacalar, in the south of the Yucatán Peninsula, we can find a beautiful seven-color lagoon. The water changes colors depending on how deep it is.

Another option to swim in open water around this area is the Cenote Azul, an amazing natural ditch surrounded by lianas that sway in the wind.

2. Playa America (Spain)

It’s located in Galicia, more precisely in Nigran. This beach received the blue flag award during the nineties because of its conditions and facilities. Playa America has very calm and clean waters, with almost 1.5 miles (two kilometers) of sand and the open sea. It’s the ideal location to swim or practice other water sports.

3. Alto Paraíso de Goiás (Brazil)

The name itself gives us a clue about what we’re going to see and enjoy. This paradise is near the National Park of the Chapada dos Veadeiros, an enclave of biodiversity, cannons, and waterfalls. Just like the ones in Sao Benito, Almécegas and Loquinhas.

The best time of the year to visit this area is between the months of May and September (dry season). This is because, during the remaining months, rain turns it into a quite inaccessible place.

4. Khao Sok (Thailand)

The National Park Khao Sok is a paradise to swim in open water. Its calm and warm waters are surrounded by blocks of limestone and hectares of tropical jungle.

Even though it’s an artificial lake, Khao Sok is guarded by orchids, water lilies, bamboos, and many butterflies. Swimming there is a wonder.

5. Sao Jorge (Portugal)

We’re referring to the island located in the middle of the Azores archipelago. This place has gained a lot of popularity among tourists who want to enjoy nature in all of its glory. Being almost 30 miles (48 kilometers) long, Sao Jorge is the perfect island to swim in open water.

You’ll be able to see the rocky hills that surround the beach in between each stroke. And after the water session, we recommend visiting the mountains, lakes and semitropical forests, with several lagoons to take a dip.

6. Isla de Providencia (Colombia) a Caribbean paradise to swim in open water

Not long ago, Colombia ‘opened up’ to the world as the natural destination par excellence because of its high-quality Caribbean beaches. In the Isla de Providencia, you’ll find one of the best options in the world to swim in open water, as well as to practice scuba diving.

Guarded by water inlets and with almost no waves, the waters are warm, crystal clear, clean and perfect to stay in them all day long.

7. Caleta de Fuste (Spain)

This is another one of the most recommended beaches to swim without any problems. With its golden sand, crystal clear waters and practically no waves, many families choose Caleta de Fuste in Fuerteventura (main image) for their vacations.

8. Angra dos Reis (Brazil): endless options to swim in open water

This port city is famous for its nature and slow-paced lifestyle. In the municipality that carries the same name, there is a total of 365 islands. You’ll undoubtedly find your place to swim in open, deserted and calm waters there.

When you step out of the water, you’ll feel the soft sand on your feet, and you’ll be able to see all of the native fauna. You will not want to swim anywhere else in the world.

More places to swim in open water? In Spain, you can choose between Playa Blanca in Lanzarote, Playa de Malkorbe in Getaria, Playa Palo in Malaga, Cala Vadella in Ibiza, Playa de Los Muertos in Almería or Cala Algaiarens in Minorca.