10 stunning lagoons around the world you must visit at least once

Lagoons possess a quiet magnetism—serene, shallow waters fringed by coral reefs, cliffs, or ancient volcanic rims. Often overlooked in favour of more dramatic landscapes, they hold a subtler, rarer beauty that captivates the contemplative traveller. Whether formed by natural atolls or sheltered by limestone karsts, the world’s finest lagoons offer far more than tranquil views. Here are ten of the most stunning lagoons around the globe—each a masterpiece of geography and time. (Image: Canva)

1. Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Set against the stark backdrop of black lava fields, Iceland’s iconic Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa unlike any other. Its mineral-rich waters—naturally heated by volcanic activity—draw visitors year-round for both wellness and wonder. (Image: Canva)

2. Balos Lagoon, Crete, Greece
Where turquoise shallows meet blush-pink sands, Balos Lagoon in northwestern Crete presents one of Europe’s most photogenic coastal escapes. Accessible by boat or a scenic hike, it rewards the journey with mesmerising views. (Image: Canva)

3. Koh Hong Lagoon, Thailand
Tucked within the limestone karsts of Krabi province, Koh Hong Lagoon is a hidden jewel of the Andaman Sea. Reached only by kayak or boat through a narrow inlet, its emerald waters and solitude are striking. (Image: Canva)

4. Aitutaki Lagoon, Cook Islands
Often cited as one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, Aitutaki is a vision of Pacific perfection. Its luminous blue waters, coral islets, and untouched tranquillity provide an idyllic escape from modern life. (Image: Canva)

5. The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, Palau
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this maze of limestone islets and hidden coves in Micronesia boasts extraordinary biodiversity. Home to Jellyfish Lake and vibrant coral gardens, it is a haven for divers and conservationists alike. (Image: Canva)

6. Laguna Colorada, Bolivia
Situated high on the Bolivian Altiplano, this shallow red lagoon defies convention. Its vivid hue—caused by red sediments and algae—stands in surreal contrast to the flamingos that flock here during the austral summer. (Image: Canva)

7. Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Azores, Portugal
Cradled within a volcanic caldera, this twin-lake lagoon is steeped in myth and mystery. With one lake said to reflect joy and the other sorrow, it is as much a place of folklore as it is of natural beauty. (Image: Canva)

8. Blue Lagoon, Malta (Comino)
Between Malta and Gozo lies the shimmering Blue Lagoon of Comino—small in size but immense in appeal. Its aquamarine waters draw swimmers and snorkellers to one of the Mediterranean’s most inviting marine landscapes. (Image: Canva)

9. Balandra Lagoon, Mexico
Located in the Sea of Cortez near La Paz, Balandra is revered for its shallow turquoise waters and protected ecosystem. Surrounded by cacti and rust-coloured cliffs, it offers a desert-meets-sea experience rarely found elsewhere. (Image: Canva)

10. Lord Howe Lagoon, Australia
Bordered by the world’s southernmost coral reef, this azure lagoon is teeming with marine life and framed by volcanic peaks. A UNESCO site, it’s as pristine as it is rare. (Image: Canva)

The world's most beautiful lagoons are not just destinations—they are poetic pauses in the travel narrative. To visit one is to experience nature’s quieter, more introspective side—where the waters speak in whispers, and the landscapes leave their imprint long after you depart. (Image: Canva)