The Grotto, Bruce Peninsula National Park, Canada Highlights of the Ponds include snorkelling across the top of "The Chasm" and peering down into the dark depths below or diving down into the large underwater cavern known as "The Cathedral." Snorkelling and diving here is by permit only.Ĥ. The crystal-clear waters have been slowly filtering through the limestone and forming the Pond’s features over thousands of years, according to National Parks South Australia.
Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park is a protected area of 2,130 acres in South Australia near Mount Gambier, and is known as one the top sites for snorkelling and cave diving in the country, due to its excellent underwater visibility. Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park, Australia The cave itself then winds for about 200 feet to the other exit, opening onto a white beach with an emerald pool surrounded by high cliffs, says .ģ. and 3 p.m., when the sun's rays radiate blue waters, forming a spectacle of rare beauty, according to TripBucket.Īdventurous nature-lovers who flock to the island of Koh Muk in Thailand to enjoy its pristine beaches and majestic cliffs will also find a hidden wonder tucked in the island's lush jungle-Morakot Cave (also known as Emerald Cave). The cave is home to a stunning underwater lagoon, accessible by swimming through a small passage on the island’s western side. One of the pools, Poco Azul, has water so clear that swimming in it is like floating in space. The best time to enter the pool is between 1 p.m.
The park's true jewels, however, are the natural pools hidden in its numerous caves. Located in the state of Bahia in northeast Brazil, Chapada Diamantina National Park is home to spectacular waterfalls, magnificent vistas, and cave systems formed by the rivers that run through the region, where both gold and diamonds have been found. Poco Azul, Chapada Diamantina National Park, Brazil (MORE: Best Swimming Spot in Every State)ġ. Here, we round up 15 beautiful, water-made formations (most caves are actually formed by thousands of years of water erosion): caves, cenotes and grottoes where you can take a refreshing dip or discover underwater wonders. They are dark and mysterious, but caves also hide-and reveal-magical, undeground oases for swimmers, scuba divers and adventurous spelunkers looking to explore a new frontier.