The Most Beautiful Body of Water in the World, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the body you think is the most beautiful!
Updated on May 6, 2024 06:17
When deciding on a destination for relaxation or adventure, the beauty of a body of water can be a significant factor. Factors such as clarity, surroundings, and the overall ambiance contribute to the allure of lakes, rivers, and oceans. A well-curated list of these stunning places can be a valuable resource for travelers and nature lovers alike.
By voting for what they believe to be the most beautiful body of water, users contribute to a dynamic ranking that reflects a collective appreciation of natural beauty. This continuous input from a global community ensures the list remains current and representative of diverse preferences and experiences, encouraging more interaction and engagement.
What Is the Most Beautiful Body of Water in the World?
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170votesThe Maldives is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. The beaches are secluded and surrounded by lush greenery, making it one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the world.The Maldives Beaches are renowned for their stunning beauty and are considered some of the most beautiful bodies of water in the world. Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is an archipelago consisting of 26 coral atolls, composed of more than 1,000 individual islands. The crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and abundant marine life make it a paradise for beach lovers and snorkelers.
- Location: Indian Ocean
- Archipelago Type: Coral Atolls
- Number of Islands: Over 1,000 individual islands
- Water Color: Crystal-clear turquoise
- Beach Type: White sandy beaches
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240votes
Bgabel · CC BY-SA 3.0Victoria Falls is one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the world, with its roaring waters and beautiful natural surroundings. It is one of the largest waterfalls in the world, and the view of the falls is simply breathtaking.Victoria Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder located on the Zambezi River, marking the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe in Southern Africa. It is considered one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring waterfalls in the world, attracting visitors from all around. The falls are known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning 'The Smoke that Thunders,' due to the massive spray and deafening sound generated by the cascading water.- Location: Zambezi River, Zambia/Zimbabwe
- Height: 108 meters (354 feet)
- Width: 1,708 meters (5,604 feet)
- Volume: 1,088 cubic meters per second (38,430 cubic feet per second)
- Type: Plunge
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316votes
NASA, by MISR · Public domainThe Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder and the world's largest coral reef system. It is home to a diverse range of marine life and is known for its beautiful blue waters.The Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder located off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is the largest coral reef system in the world, stretching over 2,300 kilometers (1,400 miles) and covering an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometers (133,000 square miles). The reef is composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and hundreds of islands, making it a complex and diverse ecosystem. It is known for its breathtaking beauty, vibrant coral formations, and an abundance of marine life.- Size: 2,300 kilometers long
- Area: 344,400 square kilometers
- Number of reefs: Over 2,900
- Location: Off the coast of Queensland, Australia
- Status: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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421votesLake Tahoe is one of the clearest and most beautiful bodies of water in the world. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests, and the water is a stunning shade of blue.Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the United States. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and crystal-clear waters. The lake is surrounded by majestic mountains and dense forests, providing a picturesque backdrop. Visitors from around the world are captivated by its pristine condition and incredible clarity, making it one of the most beautiful bodies of water on Earth.
- Location: California and Nevada, United States
- Size: Surface area: 191.6 square miles (496 square kilometers)
- Max Depth: 1,645 feet (501 meters)
- Average Depth: 1,000 feet (305 meters)
- Elevation: 6,225 feet (1,897 meters) above sea level
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514votesPlitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is known for its beautiful lakes and waterfalls. The water is crystal-clear and surrounded by lush green forests, making it one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the world.Plitvice Lakes is a breathtaking natural wonder located in Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. It is a series of interconnected lakes and cascading waterfalls, forming a mesmerizing display of crystal-clear turquoise waters flowing through lush green landscapes. This unique system of lakes and waterfalls delights visitors with its stunning beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
- Location: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
- Total Area: 292.85 square kilometers
- Number of Lakes: 16 interconnected lakes
- Water Color: Shades of turquoise and emerald green
- Water Source: Predominantly rainwater and groundwater
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611votes
Gorgo · Public domainLake Louise in Canada is known for its pristine blue waters and stunning mountain scenery. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the world.Lake Louise is a glacial lake situated in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, and it's one of the most famous and picturesque lakes in Canada. Its stunning emerald color transforms with the changing sunlight, and the surrounding mountain peaks and glaciers provide a breathtaking backdrop.- Location: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
- Surface Elevation: 1,730 m (5,680 ft)
- Length: 2.4 km (1.5 mi)
- Width: 0.8 km (0.5 mi)
- Depth: 70 m (230 ft)
Lake Louise in other rankings- Position 9 of 10 in Most beautiful part of the Rocky Mountains
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78votes
Ravn · CC BY-SA 3.0Halong Bay in Vietnam is known for its beautiful limestone cliffs and emerald green waters. The bay is dotted with small islands and rock formations, making it one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the world.Halong Bay is a breathtakingly beautiful body of water located in the northeastern part of Vietnam. It is known for its stunning emerald-green waters and countless towering limestone islands and islets that create a unique and mesmerizing seascape.- Location: Northeastern Vietnam
- Area: 1,553 square kilometers
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1994
- Impressive Geological Formation: Countless limestone karsts and islets
- Total Islands and Islets: Over 1,600
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85votesLake Baikal in Russia is the deepest lake in the world and is known for its crystal-clear waters. The lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains and is one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the world.Lake Baikal is the oldest and deepest freshwater lake in the world, located in southern Siberia, Russia. Known as the 'Pearl of Siberia,' it is an extraordinary natural wonder with stunning beauty and ecological significance.
- Location: Southern Siberia, Russia
- Age: Approximately 25 million years
- Depth: Maximum depth of 1,642 meters
- Size: Surface area of 31,722 square kilometers
- Volume: Estimated volume of 23,615 cubic kilometers
Lake Baikal in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful part of Russia
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911votes
Carsten Steger · CC BY-SA 4.0Lake Bled in Slovenia is known for its beautiful blue-green waters and stunning mountain scenery. The lake is surrounded by forests and is one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the world.Lake Bled is a picturesque glacial lake located in the Julian Alps of Slovenia. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and pristine blue-green waters. The lake is surrounded by lush forests, charming medieval castles, and the majestic peaks of the Alps, creating a truly captivating atmosphere. At the center of the lake is a small island called Bled Island, home to the iconic Church of the Assumption with its 99 stone steps leading up to it. Visitors can reach the island by traditional wooden boats known as pletnas. The lake also offers various recreational activities, including swimming, boating, and fishing, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike.- Location: Julian Alps, Slovenia
- Type: Glacial lake
- Size: Surface area: 1.45 km², Maximum depth: 29.5 m
- Island: Bled Island, featuring the Church of the Assumption
- Access: Traditional wooden boats called pletnas
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107votes
Mænsard vokser · CC BY-SA 4.0Lake Como in Italy is known for its beautiful blue waters and stunning mountain scenery. The lake is surrounded by charming towns and is one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the world.Lake Como is a breathtakingly beautiful lake located in Northern Italy. It is known for its stunning landscapes, charming towns, and luxurious villas dotted along its shores. The lake is surrounded by picturesque mountains, which add to its scenic beauty. Lake Como has been a popular tourist destination and a retreat for the wealthy elite for centuries, attracting visitors with its idyllic setting and serene atmosphere.- Size: The lake covers an area of approximately 146 square kilometers.
- Depth: Lake Como has a maximum depth of about 410 meters.
- Length: The lake stretches for approximately 46 kilometers from north to south.
- Waters: Lake Como is fed by several rivers and streams, and its water is renowned for its clarity and deep blue color.
- Islands: The lake features several charming islands, including Isola Comacina, the only island on Lake Como.
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Ranking factors for beautiful body
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Natural BeautyThe overall natural attractiveness of the location, including its physical features, shoreline, landscape, and surrounding environment. This may also include the color and clarity of the water, unique geological features, and local flora and fauna.
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Water QualityThe purity, clarity, and cleanliness of the water, as well as factors such as temperature and the presence or absence of pollution, contaminants, or debris.
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BiodiversityThe variety and abundance of plant and animal life in and around the body of water. This may include aquatic species like fish, coral, or marine mammals, as well as local ecosystems like mangroves, wetlands, or forests.
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Scenic ViewsThe presence of picturesque vistas, panoramas, or other visually stunning features that contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the body of water.
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Recreational OpportunitiesThe availability and quality of recreational activities for visitors, such as swimming, boating, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, or water sports.
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AccessibilityHow easy it is for visitors to access and enjoy the body of water, including transportation options, infrastructure, and the presence or absence of nearby amenities and accommodations.
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UniquenessThe degree to which the body of water stands out from others, due to factors such as its size, shape, geological features, cultural or historical significance, or other distinctive characteristics.
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SustainabilityThe ongoing conservation and preservation efforts to maintain the pristine nature and beauty of the body of water, as well as the responsible use and management of resources for future generations.
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Cultural or Historical SignificanceThe importance of the body of water in terms of local, regional, or global culture, history, or folklore, which could add an extra layer of intrigue and allure.
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Overall AtmosphereThe overall ambiance and atmosphere of the body of water, including factors like tranquility, serenity, and the feeling of being in a special or enchanting place.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful body of water in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or body is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1770 views
- 202 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each body once every 24 hours. The rank of each body is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most beautiful body of water in the world
The beauty of bodies of water has been a topic of fascination for humans for centuries. From pristine lakes to crystal-clear oceans, water bodies have always held a special place in our hearts. With so many stunning bodies of water around the world, it can be difficult to determine which one is the most beautiful. From the majestic Niagara Falls to the serene Lake Como, there is no shortage of breathtaking water bodies to choose from. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most beautiful bodies of water in the world, and explore what makes them so awe-inspiring.
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