Best Waterfalls You Can Swim Under
Not every plunge pool is safe to swim in. Underwater hydraulics, debris, cold water shock and cliff fall risks make many famous pools off-limits. These ten are popular and (with care) safe for swimming. Always check local advice. All ten on the map.
1. Kuang Si, Laos
Travertine pools in turquoise above and below the main fall. Bathing permitted in marked pools only; the lip is off-limits.
2. Erawan Falls, Thailand
Seven-tier travertine cascade in Kanchanaburi. Lower tiers have bathable pools with fish that nibble feet — popular family destination.
3. Cenote Ik Kil, Mexico
Mini-cascades dripping from the sinkhole rim into the Yucatán cenote — bathable cool freshwater 26 m below ground.
4. Sgwd y Pannwr, Wales
Wide, low fall on the Mellte with a deep bathable pool. Final stop on the Four Waterfalls walk. Cold year-round.
5. Sgwd Gwladus, Wales
'Lady Falls' in the Pyrddin tributary, with a popular bathing pool. Mossy approach trail; supervise children.
6. Cascada Cimbarra, Spain
20-metre fall on the Guarrizas in Sierra Morena with a wide bathing pool. Sandy edges; popular in summer.
7. Saturnia Hot Springs, Italy
Travertine cascades with 37 °C sulphurous water — bathable year-round, including night. Free access.
8. Cascada El Salto, Mexico
Bathable bright-blue pool below an 8-metre fall in the Huasteca Potosina. Local guide arrival.
9. Sambawan Beach Falls, Philippines
Coastal cascade falling onto the beach in the Biliran group — bathable in saltwater-mixed shallows.
10. Tegenungan, Bali
25-metre fall near Ubud with a swimmable lower pool. Visit before 09:00 to swim without the tour-bus crowd.
See them all in one view
All of these are pinned on our interactive map.