7 stunning lakes around the globe to visit:

Lakes are some of nature’s most captivating wonders, offering beauty, mystery, and wildlife that make them truly unforgettable.

Whether you want to explore pink waters, drift through hidden caves, or spot rare marine life, there’s a lake waiting for you.

We’ve rounded up seven stunning lakes, complete with travel tips and wildlife encounters to spark your next adventure.

Mellisani Lake, Greece 

Tucked away on the island of Kefalonia, Melissani Lake is a magical underground lake where sunlight turns the water a dazzling shade of blue.

Best time to visit: 

June to September (when sunlight pours through the cave ceiling for the most magical effect)

Top things to do:

• Add some magic to your lake travel with a rowboat tour through the partially collapsed cave. Experience the dazzling turquoise light that reflects off the crystal-clear water.

• Explore nearby Drogarati Cave, a spectacular underground chamber with impressive stalactites and acoustics.

• Enjoy a seaside meal in the nearby village of Sami, where you can feast on grilled seafood, souvlaki, and local Kefalonian wine.
  

Look out for: The surreal “light beam” effect when the sun is directly overhead, and the cave’s quiet colony of roosting bats – a peaceful yet otherworldly experience.

Currency to bring:

Greece uses the euro (EUR). Cash is often preferred in small tavernas, markets, and boat tours, so it’s best to exchange your money before arriving.

Hutt Lagoon, Australia

Sitting along the Coral Coast, Hutt Lagoon is a stunning saltwater lake that dazzles with shades of pink and lilac, making it one of Australia’s most photographed natural gems.

Best time to visit: 

Late morning to early afternoon, especially in spring (September to November), when the algae bloom intensifies the vivid pink hues.

Top things to do:

• Take a scenic drive along George Grey Drive and stop for panoramic views or drone shots of the lake’s shifting colours.
  
• Visit the fishing village of Port Gregory, just minutes away, known for its laid-back charm and wild coastal beauty.
  
• Sample local seafood, especially Western Rock Lobster (crayfish), which is a delicacy in this coastal region.

Look out for: The bright pink colour created by naturally occurring algae, shifting to lilac or red depending on light, time of day, and salt concentration.

Currency to bring:

Australia uses the Australian dollar (AUD). While cards are widely accepted, having cash on hand is useful for local seafood shacks and small-town shops near the lake.

Plitviče Lakes, Croatia

Plitviče Lakes in Croatia is a breathtaking national park where cascading waterfalls connect a chain of crystal-clear lakes surrounded by lush forest.

Best time to visit: 

April to October; visit in May or September for ideal weather and fewer crowds while still enjoying full water flow.

Top things to do:

• Walk the wooden boardwalks through the national park, crossing over waterfalls, emerald pools, and tranquil cascades.
  
• Take a boat across Lake Kozjak, the largest lake in the park, for scenic views and access to deeper forest trails.
  
• Enjoy local Croatian cuisine in nearby villages – try grilled trout fresh from the lakes or classic čevapi with ajvar and bread.

Look out for: Native wildlife including otters, deer, owls, and (with a lot of luck) the elusive brown bear. Don’t forget your camera – this UNESCO World Heritage Site is breathtaking year-round.

Currency to bring:

Croatia now uses the euro (EUR). Some remote park areas and rural cafés may prefer cash, so be prepared with local currency for entrance fees and refreshments.

Lake Tahoe, USA (Nevada & California)

Lake Tahoe, straddling Nevada and California, is a sparkling alpine lake known for its clear blue waters, mountain views, and year-round outdoor adventures.

Best time to visit:

July to September for hiking, boating, and beach days; December to March for world-class skiing and snowboarding.

Top things to do:

• Swim or kayak in Emerald Bay, known for its dramatic cliffs and the small, photogenic Fannette Island.
  
• Hike the Tahoe Rim Trail, or explore shorter routes like Eagle Lake Trail for family-friendly views.
  
• Experience the local food scene – grab brunch in the historic town of Truckee or enjoy craft beer and live music in South Lake Tahoe.
  

Look out for: Bald eagles circling overhead, playful squirrels and chipmunks along trails, and black bears (keep a respectful distance). Tahoe also boasts some of the clearest water in North America.

Currency to bring:

The United States uses the US dollar (USD). While cards are accepted almost everywhere, it’s handy to carry some cash for parking, park entry, and roadside snacks.

Jellyfish Lake, Palau

Jellyfish Lake in Palau is a once-in-a-lifetime spot where you can swim alongside thousands of harmless golden jellyfish in a truly magical setting.

Best time to visit:

 November to April during the dry season for best water clarity and access.

Top things to do:

• Snorkel with golden jellyfish in this marine lake – they’ve evolved without stingers due to the absence of predators, making it one of the world’s most surreal swims.
  
• Take a kayak tour of the Rock Islands, a UNESCO-listed limestone maze filled with coves, hidden beaches, and coral reefs.
  
• Try local Palauan cuisine, including taro-based dishes, titam (banana dumplings), and freshly grilled reef fish.

Look out for: Thousands of pulsating jellyfish that gently surround you as you float, a silent, dreamlike underwater ballet unlike anything else on Earth.

Currency to bring:

Palau uses the US dollar (USD). Many tours, boat rides, and small food stalls are cash-only, so be sure to get your travel money sorted before you arrive.

Thale Noi, Thailand

Thale Noi in southern Thailand is a peaceful freshwater lake famous for its sea of pink lotus flowers and diverse birdlife.

Best time to visit:

 February to April, when the freshwater lake is blanketed in pink lotus blooms and birdlife is most active.

Top things to do:

• Ride a longtail boat through the lotus fields at sunrise for the best light and peaceful atmosphere.
  
• Visit the Thale Noi Bird Sanctuary, home to over 180 species of birds, including storks, herons, and the striking purple swamphen.
  
• Taste Southern Thai specialities like kanom jeen (fermented rice noodles with spicy fish curry), and roti sai mai (cotton candy wrapped in sweet flatbread).

Look out for: Vast carpets of blooming lotus flowers, water buffalo cooling in the shallows, and exotic birds nesting in the wetlands.

Currency to bring:

Thailand uses the Thai baht (THB). Local boat tours, street food, and rural guesthouses typically prefer cash, so make sure to exchange money before heading to Thale Noi.

Lake Bacalar, Mexico

Lake Bacalar in Mexico, often called the “Lake of Seven Colours,” is a stunning freshwater lagoon that shimmers with vibrant shades of blue.

Best time to visit:

 November to April (dry season) for clear skies and calmer waters –  ideal for kayaking and sightseeing

Top things to do:

• Paddle across the “Lake of Seven Colours”, named for its stunning gradients of blue created by limestone sediment and light refraction.
  
• Swim or float through the Pirate Channel, a scenic waterway once used by Caribbean pirates – now a peaceful snorkelling route.
  
• Eat traditional Yucatán dishes, like pan de cazón (a seafood lasagna-style dish), salbutes, and refreshing coconut water straight from the shell.

Look out for: Rare stromatolites, ancient microbial reefs over 3.5 billion years old, as well as peaceful freshwater rays and occasional herons along the banks.

Currency to bring:

Mexico uses the Mexican peso (MXN). Cash is essential for cenote entrance fees, small eateries, and lagoon-side vendors – don’t rely on card payments in this region.

Takeaways:

From the glow of Jellyfish Lake in Palau to the pink waters of Hutt Lagoon in Australia, the world’s lakes are as diverse and mesmerising as the cultures that surround them.

If you’re planning to explore the lakes, whether it’s relaxing in Italy or snorkelling in Palau, make sure to sort your travel money before you go. 

Having the right currency in hand means you can enjoy local food, boat rides, entrance fees, and unexpected adventures without missing a moment.

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