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What Is Lagoon? 

The Italian word Laguna means “pond” or “lake,” this is where the word “lagoon” originates. It is a shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water by a narrow landform, such as reefs, barrier islands, barrier peninsulas, or isthmuses. Lagoons are generally divided into coastal (or barrier lagoons) and atoll lagoons. When an island entirely sinks beneath the ocean, a ring of coral is left behind and continues to grow upward forming atoll lagoons. While coastal lagoons form along gently sloping coasts. In general, they are shallower than atoll lagoons.

Mystical Lagoons Across The World

There are innumerable lagoons across this planet, and it is not possible to see them all, but some of these mystical lagoons are a must-visit. Here we take you through 8 of the most stunning lagoons in the world that are sure to leave you mesmerized.

Aitutaki Lagoon, Cook Island

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Beautiful sun-kissed beach

Aitutaki is one of the world’s most beautiful places to visit. Situated in the Cook Islands just by the South Pacific Ocean is this natural wonder that’s a little bit out of the way. Once here you will be blown away by the sheer beauty of this natural wonder. Uninhabited islands, its aquamarine waters, golden white sands, coral reefs, and palm trees fringed beaches make it a splendid spot for photography. It is also a popular location for snorkeling and scuba diving as one can experience aquamarine in abundance.

Lord Howe Lagoon, Australia

what are lagoons
View south over the stunning turquoise lagoon to the peaks of Mt Lidgbird and Gower. Taken from Mt Eliza on Lord Howe Island, Australia.

Lord Howe sitting on the Islands west coast is a formation of a 7-million-year-old shield volcano. Howe Island is considered to be an astounding example of an ecosystem developed from submarine volcanic activity, and being isolated from the mainland, it has an incredibly rare diversity of flora, fauna, and beautiful landscapes to experience.

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

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Amazing clouds and reflection at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a man-made geothermal spa on the Reykjanes Peninsula. A local geothermal power station keeps the water temperature between 37-39 degrees Celsius all year round. True to its name the water of the Blue Lagoon has a distinctive milky blue hue. This turquoise lagoon is also the perfect location to experience the Northern Lights. Highly recommended to visit this place so that you get to live this unforgettable experience.

San Alfonso Del Mar Lagoon, Chile

lagoons are found in
Image Source: en.wikipedia.org

This is the world’s largest crystalline lagoon. Its massive lagoon covers nearly twenty acres and stretches for more than half a mile. This man-made lagoon was developed using the concept and world-patented technology created by the company Crystal Lagoons. San Alfonso del Mar has transformed the Chilean beach into a double-barreled aqua park; the pristine beaches on one side and an exclusive lagoon on the other.

Ko Olina Lagoons, Hawaii

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Image Source: Best-of-oahu.com

Ko Olina consists of four exquisite manmade coves that stretch almost a mile-and-a-half of the coastline. It’s the nicest spot on Oahu for families to go swimming and enjoy the blue water. The waves here crash on the cliffs outside the lagoon because the lagoons are fortified by rock levies. The four jewel-like lagoons are perfect locations for snorkeling and shallow diving.

Venetian Lagoon, Italy

the blue lagoon
Image Source: en.wikipedia.org

The Lagoon of Venice is a big surface of water measuring 550 square kilometers. This enclosed bay of the Adriatic Sea, in northern Italy, is the largest wetland in the Mediterranean Basin. There are about 118 Lagoons in all, some inhabited and some uninhabited beautiful islands. Almost exactly in its center is the city of Venice. Some of these can be reached on public ferries and there are a few which can be seen only by private boats. 

Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia

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A Japanese wreck in Truk Lagoon

Chuuk, previously known as Truk is a sheltered water body in the central Pacific. It was the Empire of Japan’s main naval base and was the site of a major attack during World War II. Hence the wrecks of around 275 aircraft and 50 Japanese warships destroyed by allied forces can be found here. It’s a dream diving destination or even considered the Mecca for wreck divers. Chuuk Lagoon will give you an entirely different experience from all the other tropical lagoons.

Kasegaluk Lagoon, Alaska

best lagoons
Image Source: bestourism.com

Kasegaluk is one of the largest and least disturbed lagoons in the world. This sheltered, shallow lagoon is a haven for beluga whales, polar bears, walruses, seals, sea ducks, and numerous shorebirds. Breathtaking Kasegaluk stretches approximately 125 miles along the northwestern coast of Alaska, besides the Chukchi Sea. This enchanting destination is ideal for adventure seekers, bird watchers, and photographers.

It is nevertheless to state that your visit to any of the listed lagoons will be a lifetime experience. So pack your bags and dive right in. Do share your experience with us in the comment section below.

Can you swim in a Lagoon?

Yes, it is safe to swim, however, it is highly recommended that you wear aqua shoes to protect your feet from coral cuts.

Where is the biggest lagoon in the world?

The world’s largest lagoon (about 2,800 square kilometers) is located inside the islands of the Huvadhoo atoll, in the Indian Ocean. 

How many types of lagoons are there?

There are two types of natural lagoons: coastal and atoll lagoons.

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