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About 80 miles from Phoenix sits this oasis: a crystal blue swimming hole teeming with waterfalls. You'll need to reserve a permit to visit Fossil Creek, and you'll have to hike for a mile before reaching the swimming hole, but one visit and you'll see that it lives up to all the hype.
One of many hidden gems on the island of Kauai, visitors hike a red dirt path to this idyllic tide pool overlooking the ocean. The safest time to visit is during the summer when the waves and tide are calmer.
Go chasing waterfalls at Cummins Falls State Park, one of the most picturesque spots in the state. Don't forget your sneakers-- it's a bit of a hike to get to the pool.
Located in Kakadu National Park, there's no better spot for a sunset swim than this infinity pool overlooking the Australian bushland.
There are tons of cenotes (natural swimming holes) around Mexico's Yucatán Penninsula, but there are none quite like Ik Kil, located just near the archeological ruins of Chichen Itza. It's 85 feet deep and surrounded by rainforests, hanging vines, and lush trees.
Set in the quiet village of Astris, Giola is a swimming pool carved into terraced rocks. It's a bit of a trek to reach, but one dip in the shimmering water overlooking the sea makes it all worthwhile.
In a state full of natural beauty, Havasu Falls stands out. The blue-green falls are so stunning, they were basically born to be Instagrammed, but getting there is no easy feat. Only those willing to hike 10 miles each day will get to experience the falls for themselves.
People flock to this pool on a bank of the Withlacoochee River, to swim, snorkel, raft, hike, and camp out. The cerulean blue water runs over limestone boulders and an underwater cave.
The Blue Lagoon is incredible...but it's crowded AF. When in Iceland, get off the beaten path and head to this natural hot river about 45 kilometers from Reykjavik. Pack a bathing suit and a camera, because you're going to want to remember this view.
There's no shortage of cool places to take a dip in Hill Country, Texas. About an hour from Austin, Jacob's Well looks like an endless black hole surrounded by limestone cliffs. There are signs warning visitors not to jump inside of the pool...but that hasn't stopped most people.
Carved into the Cascade Mountains, the pools of Opal Creek are a must-see spot during any summer trip to Oregon. Visit on a warm day and you'll find the three pools are busy with swimmers and cliff jumpers. But be warned, dipping a toe in this cold water will wake you right up.
Haven't you always wanted to swim with jellyfish? Well, on Eil Malk Island in Palau, you can. The saltwater lake (one of seven underwater wonders of the world) is aptly named after the millions of golden creatures that inhabit its waters. Don't worry, they won't sting you.
Is this the world's best natural water park? On any warm summer day, you'll find hundreds of people sliding down this 60-foot water slide in Pisgah National Forest.
About an hour from Sydney in Royal National Park you'll find this cluster of picture-perfect, naturally-formed rock pools. Not a trek for the faint of heart, you'll need about three hours (and some pretty good endurance) to make the round-trip hike.
Just inside the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park sits Boiling River, one of Montana's best kept secrets. You can soak in the thermal water where the cool currents from the Gardner River and Boiling River hot spring meet.
Follow the trails at Krka National Park to the natural, azure pools set against a backdrop of cascading waterfalls.