One of the most intriguing parts of the ocean is the hidden treasures within it. What’s more remarkable is observing the captivating life below the surface. Have you ever wondered why some bodies of water look clearer than others?
If you’re a thalassophile or simply an avid adventurer, this guide’s for you!
Why are some waters around the world so clear?
- Upwelling
- Low amount of sediments
- Low population of marine animals
Interestingly enough, the Earth’s rotation can cause cloudy waters due to upwelling. As the planet rotates, wind patterns carry ocean currents in different directions. The currents cause warmer surface waters to move out to the sea, while cooler waters are brought to the surface. And, deeper waters often contain more nutrients and create a murky appearance. However, upwelling in certain areas is dampened by physical barriers like coral reefs. When wind-driven currents crash against these types of structures, they become calm.
As deeper waters are churned about, finer sediment particles are swept to the surface. They also tend to float around longer because they’re lighter. Glassy-looking waters have heavier sediment particles that are hard to move.
Darker waters are home to many marine organisms including jellyfish, eels, crabs, and other sea dwellers. As a result, the water is richer in nutrients. In contrast, clear waters don’t have a lot of ocean creatures swimming about.
Corfu, Greece
For our first pick, let’s journey to the Mediterranean and visit the country of Greece. It’s estimated that there are up to 6000 Greek islands! Corfu is a part of the 7 Ionian islands and is known as the emerald island of Greece. Its gorgeous crystalline waters and white sandy beaches are framed with lush green hills and forests. Corfu is brimming with historical influence from the Venetians, French, and British, including rich architecture such as palaces, mansions, and fortresses. Plus, Corfu has an ideal climate so you can sit and soak in the sun all year long.
Palawan, Philippines
Next, we’ll head to Southeast Asia to the island of Palawan. The island is otherwise known as the Philippines’ last frontier because most of its ecological habitat has been preserved. Sprinkled about Palawan’s sparkling waters are 880 species of fish and 120 species of corals. The island even hosts the endangered whale shark. Along with swimming in the translucent tones of turquoise, you can take a tour of the underground river and shipwrecks from World War II, go zip lining and spelunking, or join an archeological hunt. Palawan has many diverse and exotic qualities suited for any traveler.
Vieques, Puerto Rico
Off we go to Vieques, an island near the east coast of the Puerto Rican mainland. Although Vieques is the largest of the islands, it’s considered to be Puerto Rico’s little sister and is nicknamed “la Isla Nena”. It’s a popular destination with many secluded beaches filled with white, honey, or black grains of sands. You can take a dip in the dazzling clear waters along the dreamy coastline, tour the forests and hiking trails, or visit Puerto Rico’s cultural landmarks. A must-see for travelers is Mosquito Bay because it’s the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world!
Maldives
Now we’ll make our way to the South Asian country of Maldives. The archipelago state is situated southwest of Sri Lanka and is made up of 1,192 islands. Five percent of the world’s coral reefs are found in the Maldives shining seas and these reef systems protect each island. The islands are home to thousands of species of marine life including manta rays and turtles. Take care not to disturb the delicate reefs while snorkeling, diving, or surfing. Since the Maldives are influenced by many cultures, they offer an unforgettable and unique travel experience.
Wineglass Bay, Australia
The last destination on our list is Wineglass Bay in Australia. Everyone is familiar with the stunning beauty of the Great Barrier Reef but the radiant waters off the east coast of Tasmania are just as spectacular. Located in Freycinet National Park, the bay is surrounded by white sand, pink granite mountains, and dense greenery. The park is perfect for those looking for simple activities like camping, bushwalking, rock climbing, fishing, and boating. Voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world, a trip to Wineglass bay won’t disappoint you.
These are only just a few of the best spots in the world that have the clearest waters. Whichever ones you choose to visit, be sure to read up on the destination’s conservation programs so that these breathtaking locations can be enjoyed for years to come.
Furthermore, did you know each Solgaard purchase removes 6 lbs of ocean-bound plastic? For further reading, check out our Shore-Tex™ - a textile fabric we created entirely from ocean-bound plastic. Save the oceans, one bag at a time!
