Swimming at the base (or top???) of a majestic waterfall can be one of the most exhilarating experiences a person can enjoy. Each of these waterfalls we present offers a unique swimming experience, surrounded by some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet.
Whether you're looking for an daring swim at the precipice of a towering waterfall, a gentle slip and slide for the whole family, or just a rejuvinating soak in the tranquillity of a rainforest pool, there's something for everyone on this list. We've put them in order with respect to the adventure factor which takes into account the ease of access (i.e. the remoteness of the location), the fear factor, and the challenges of getting to the actual swimming spot (hikes and the like).
Without further ado, let's dive right in...
The Waterfalls
Dunn's River Falls, Ocho Rios, Jamaica Climbing Dunn's River Falls is a popular activity, where visitors form a human chain to ascend the terraced cascades. This interactive experience, combined with the opportunity to swim in the lagoons, makes it an appealing attraction in Jamaica.
The waterfall descends along a relatively gentle 950 ft run and ultimately flows directly into the Caribbean Sea, blending freshwater fun with some beach relaxation afterwards. Its proximity to popular tourist areas and the well-developed infrastructure make it one of the easiest waterfalls to visit but, most certainly, one of the busiest. Because it is so easy to get to, and the island is a highly visited tourist spot, this one takes the simplest place on our list.
Cost: Adults $25 USD, Children $17 USD. Reserve your date ahead of your visit.
Kuangsi Falls, Luang Prabang, Laos - Kuangsi or Kuang Si Falls is a 3-tiered waterfall with multiple levels, each leading to beautiful, turquoise pools that look too beautiful to be real. The main waterfall is about a 200 ft. stretch, and the forest around it offers lovely walking trails.
Wooden bridges and walkways allow visitors to explore the area and find their perfect spot. The lower pools are more crowded but offer easier swimming, while the upper pools provide a more secluded setting.
Just a short drive from Luang Prabang and with well-maintained paths and bridges, Kuangsi Falls is easily accessible while offering stunning natural beauty and swimming opportunities.
Cost: Entrance tickets to the Kuangsi Waterfalls are 25.000 kip (~ $1.25 USD). This includes the visit to the Bear Rescue Center, consider a donation to this wonderful spot while there. There is also a Butterfly park which is an additional fee to enter (~5 USD).
Erawan Falls, Kanchanaburi, Thailand - Named after a Hindu god, Erawan Falls is as divine as its namesake suggests. The seven levels stretch over about a mile through the jungle, with trails and footbridges connecting them.
Each tier offers a unique swimming experience, from large, open pools to small, intimate basins. The limestone rock formations create a surreal landscape, and the clear, fish-filled waters add to the enchanting atmosphere.
While it's a bit of a journey from Bangkok, Erawan Falls is a popular day trip destination. The park has well-marked trails and facilities, making it accessible to most visitors.
Bear in mind that food is strictly forbidden beyond the 2nd tier. Visitors must pay a 20 Baht fee per bottle of any drinks which can be refunded when the bottles are returned. This to ensure that the bottles are not left behind.
Cost: 300 Baht for adults and 150 Baht for children 3-14 years old ( 8 and 4 USD)
Upper Waikani Falls, Maui, Hawaii - These gorgeous falls are located along the famed Road to Hana which is a very winding and challenging drive for many. If you've ever driven on the Amalfi Coast in Italy, you'll do just fine! You can see a brief video of that Italian roadway in our post about the coast. While the waterfalls themselves may be smaller compared to others around the world, the experience of swimming in these pristine, cool pools is unforgettable.
The hike to them is fairly easy but the last stretch to the water's edge is a bit tricky so be careful and wear the right shoes. You cannot safely jump from height into this pool so don't even try. The falls' more famous cousin Seven Sacred Pools (‘Ohe’o Gulch) also in Maui, are as of the latest report, closed for swimming but still a lovely hike and photo op.
During the drive make sure to stop in Waiʻānapanapa State Park. The caves and pools of Waiʻānapanapa are surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, making it a unique swimming experience.
A remote, wild, volcanic coastline offering solitude, Waiʻānapanapa, which means glistening waters, offers many areas with easy access to visitors, with paved paths and signs. The park does also offer more rugged trails for those who are seeking a bit more (like the blowhole or the sea caves).
The Upper Waikani falls adventure level is pretty mild, focusing more on exploration and enjoying the uniquely beautiful landscape. We rated it a bit higher on adventure scale simply because of the other sights along the rugged coastline.
Cost: There are a few options. You could book a 8-10 hour day tour that will get you transportation to be able to swim in the falls pool and the black sand beach in Waiʻānapanapa. These start around 200/person. You could drive in and out by yourself incurring only costs for parking and state park fees where applicable. Alternatively you could choose to explore this beautiful stretch of rugged cost in its entirety and stay within the park itself.
Waiʻānapanapa State Park fees where all costs are listed here are for Non-Resident visitors to Hawaii.
Parking: $10.00
Walk-in, bike-in or drop-off entry: $5.00 per person
Camping and cabins are by permit only.
$30 Per Night, Per Campsite
$100 Per Night, Per Cabin
Purling Brook Falls, Queensland, Australia - Part of the Gondwana Rainforests, an UNESCO World Heritage site, Purling Brook Falls offers a breathtaking plunge into a large pool below. The surrounding subtropical rainforest adds to the serene beauty of the area. A suspension bridge near the waterfall offers spectacular views of the falls and the valley below, but don't stop there!
You can hike down to the falls' bottom but they generally request you don't swim in this pool. Instead, the Warringa pool which is a short hike away from the base of Purling Brook is refreshing and accessible via a walking track that descends into the gorge. Located within a national park with well-established trails and amenities, it does require a bit more hiking to reach the swimming area compared to the previously listed falls. In particular the hike back up may prove a bit much for the littler ones. Bring mosquito repellant...
Cost: Free
Semuc Champey, Guatemala: Although not a waterfall in the traditional sense, Semuc Champey's series of stepped, turquoise pools is fed by cascading waters from the Cahabón River. Semuc Champey is an example of travertine limestone amidst a karst topography. The limestone bridge, under which the river flows, creates natural pools that are perfect for swimming. The surrounding lush vegetation and the tranquility of the area make it a remarkable spot. It features a bit higher on this list due to the fact that it can be quite challenging to get there and you may be fending off locals trying to trick you into paying various "fees". Several people have also noted to avoid the nearby Kan Ba (a.k.a. bat tour) in the caves. I'd take their advice on the caves but overall the experience of the region is worth the trip.
Cost: About 50Q entrance fee ($6.50 USD).
Neda Waterfalls, Peloponnese, Greece - The Neda River, one of the only rivers with a feminine name in Greece, flows through a spectacular gorge lined with lush vegetation creating several beautiful waterfalls and natural pools along its course.
The water is cool and clear, making it perfect for swimming, especially during the summer months. The journey to Neda involves a bit of a hike through stunning natural scenery, adding to the adventure and seclusion of the experience.
It is advisable to wear proper footwear and avoid something too light like flip flops. The hike through a gorge and the beautiful, natural surroundings place Neda in the upper third of the list for our adventurous swimmers. It's accessible for those who don't mind a bit of a trek and offers a rewarding swimming experience in a less commercialized setting.
Cost: Access to the waterfalls typically does not require an entrance fee, but there may be parking or local guide fees.
Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland - The Fairy Pools are a magical destination, attracting visitors with their clear, icy waters and picturesque settings. The journey to the pools takes you through a stunning landscape, with views of the Black Cuillins looming in the distance. These famous pools are on the Allt Coire a' Mhadaidh (Burn of the Dog) and the vivid colors of their water, ranging from deep blues to greens, plus the rugged backdrop of the landscape make it a photographer's dream setting.
Accessing them requires a hike through some fairly rough terrain (short at about just over about a 1.5 miles, but moderately challenging) and the Isle of Skye is a bit remote so this one ranks higher on our overall sense of adventure score. The cold water temperature will deter all but the most hale & hearty seeking a swim. Perfectly fine for someone who has ever gone swimming in one of Alberta's glacier fed streams....whoo!
Cost: Free but parking fees are likely.
Havasu Falls, Arizona, USA - Located in a remote part of the Grand Canyon, Havasu Falls is a haven for those willing to make the trek. The falls drop over red rocks into striking blue-green pools, creating a stunning contrast. Swimming in the mineral-rich waters is a rewarding experience after the long hike required to get there.
The area is managed by the Havasupai Tribe, and permits are required for visiting. To address the issue of tourists leaving trash and gear in the canyon, the tribe has authorized a fine of up to $1,000, plus the cost to extricate the offending camper(s) and their gear, and you can add a permanent ban into the mix.
Reaching Havasu Falls involves a strenuous and significant hike (10 miles one way thus, not a day trip type deal) or a helicopter ride, and of course the highly sought after permits are required well in advance. These challenges and its remote location adds to the level of adventure putting it just shy of first place. Cost: $375 per person for this trip if hiking and using the campground (reservations are for 3 nights/4 days with a limit of up to 12 people) in total per reservation.. Add $200 for round-trip helicopter transportation. Alternatively you could stay at the Lodge there. The cost of a room with two double beds is $145 plus 10% tax per room, per night (maximum of four people per room). There are only 24 rooms available and they tend to book very quickly. Notes Before You Go: You must obtain the permit from the Havasupai Tribe, it is not available anywhere else. Peak season is May through September. Not Permitted: Alcohol/Drugs Drones Campfires Diving/jumping
Devil's Pool, Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe - For the most adventurous swimmer, Devil's Pool rounds out our list offering the thrill of floating at the edge of one of the world's largest waterfalls. This natural rock pool is accessed via a guided tour during the dry season when water levels are low from about August to January. The experience of looking over the edge at the vast 320 ft. straight drop below is unparalleled. It's a unique way to engage with the powerful force of nature that is Victoria Falls but it is certainly not for everyone.
In Devil's Pool itself, there is a rock lip that protrudes upward which keeps you from falling over the edge, and it is claimed that no-one has ever died at Devil's Pool. Because swimming at Devil's Pool is highly seasonal, demands nerves of steel, and requires a guided tour to navigate safely to the edge of the falls it places at the highest end of our adventure scale. I am sure it is on a lot of people's bucket list, but not mine TYVM.
Cost: Access to the falls is strictly part of a guided tour, which includes the entrance fee to the national park and can include other activities so the price may vary a fair amount. Regardless, the tours are quite costly ranging from 250 USD up to 1000 USD.
Summary
Seeking out places to swim is always a fun adventure but some locations are truly an amazing experience. Remember though, that conditions at natural swimming spots can change rapidly due to weather. It's always best to check the current conditions and heed any local advice or regulations for safety. This is especially true of swimming in the sea where currents can be unpredictable and deadly.
You should also respect local customs and traditions wherever you go. Don't swim where you are not permitted, and if allowed to, do so with the proper attire unless it is acceptable go without. Most certainly don't become one of those idiot tourists who do things like jump from a building into the canals of Venice!
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