Some of these bodies of water look as scary as they are, while others hide creepy crawlers deep underneath the sparkling surface. But they all have one thing in common: you'll want to stay far, far away. From shark-infested oceans and boiling hot waters to mysteries lurking beneath the waves, these sites will have you rethinking your next vacation. So take a dive right into the horrifying world of these dangerous waters.
The Boiling Lake
Have you ever had the unfortunate experience of burning yourself with some boiling water? It probably left you running for the aloe vera within a few seconds. In case you are interested in risking that feeling all over your body, hop on down to The Boiling Lake in Dominica. Underneath the surface of the water, there is scalding hot magma which causes the lake's waters to quite literally boil.
If the steam and the bubbling waters are not a clear enough warning to stay away from this terrifying body of water, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise on your next visit to Dominica.
Avoid the Nile Crocodile
The Nile River has been so famous throughout history and until today that it might be difficult to believe that it is one of the most dangerous bodies of water on earth. The Nile River is so full of crocodiles that you have a disturbingly high risk of being attacked while going for a swim. These crocodiles are so prominent that they were even named after this river...The Nile Crocodile.
There are over 100 crocodile attacks in the Nile River per year, while sharks attack only about 16 people per year! It looks like people are more scared of the wrong animal.
Chicago's Bubbly Creek
How could it be dangerous with a name like Bubbly Creek? It sounds so happy and innocent. However, some southern parts of the Chicago River are so horribly polluted with refuse, runoff from factories, human waste, and more that it is a serious health hazard even to approach it. Why is it called Bubbly Creek? Because the decaying trash in the waters leads to the creation of bubbles that come from the waters.
These waters are so disgusting that no fish can even live in them, and any that tried was quickly found to have died. Certainly not the nicest place to go for a quick swim! While in the photo above, the intense greenness comes from Chicago's celebration of St. Patrick's Day, we think it might be useful to keep the more contaminated parts of the river green year-long to warn visitors not to dip their toes.
Take a Swim in Shark Alley
Just off the coast of South Africa lies an area that is famous for something that terrifies most people in the world. Although there are some who are happy to take a dip in shark-infested waters, you should really consider staying away from Gansbaai. Not only are there an unusually and disturbingly high number of sharks swimming here, but they are also the type that is hungry and ready to attack.
Some other shark-infested waters are actually not as dangerous as they might seem since some sharks rarely attack humans, but Gansbaai is as dangerous as Shark Alley's name implies.
Snakes Rule in the Gulf Coast
The Gulf Coast off the southern portion of the United States is not a place for the light of heart. If you're thinking of escaping the overbearing heat by taking a dip in the water there, be warned! Although there are very few sea creatures there due to the excessive farm runoff from central America, there is one animal that roams (or should we say slithers) free: these creepy snakes.
The waters of the Gulf Coast are often full of terrifying and dangerous snakes. Didn't know snakes could swim? Well, now you do, and you know to stay very far away from these waters!
A Life-Threatening Dive in Thailand
Calling all diving enthusiasts, consider wisely before delving into this dangerous (yet intriguing) hole in the ocean. This hole is so dark that divers often cannot see anything at all on their way down. So either come prepared with heavy-duty underwater lights or be prepared to scramble through the scary darkness until you can make it to the light. And warning, it's not that easy to find your way back up!
This is one of the deepest dives in all of Thailand and one of the most dangerous. Although it may sound like a challenge, The Samaesan Hole is a real life threatener.
The Most Terrifying Fish in the World Live Here
The Amazon Basin is home to many incredible creatures, some beautiful and friendly and others that are the literal definition of something that came out of a horror film. Besides the usual caimans, piranhas, and barracudas, this place is home to one of the world's most terrifying creatures, the candiru. Rumor has it that this fish swims up your urinal tract to eat your genitals. If that isn't enough to scare you from entering these waters, what will be?
It's sad to think that a place can be as beautiful as this but hold some of the world's scariest and most dangerous creatures. What other frightening animals are lurking under those waters?
Fiji's Shark Infested Lagoons
The Fiji Islands are perhaps one of the most beautiful places a person can visit, but they come with a risk. Like all water and ocean-based locations, Fiji is no stranger to dangerous sharks. The Beqa Lagoon is a particular hotspot for sharks, and you should be warned before taking a dip in the bright blue waters. It is quite literally swarming with sharks, so swim at your own risk!
Although the sharks won't necessarily attack you, you should know that they are there, and it is always a possibility, so swim wisely!
Where Many Life-Threatening Creatures Lurk
Australia does not try to hide how insanely dangerous of a country it is. Whether it is crazy weather or absurdly huge and scary creatures, there is something waiting to kill you around every corner in Australia. Queensland is no exception. If you want to go for a swim in Queensland, Australia, be prepared to see sharks, saltwater crocodiles, deadly octopuses, and the most deadly jellyfish of all...the box jellyfish.
One sting or bite from any of the creatures that lurk in the waters here can cause death within just a moment. Who is brave enough to go swimming here?
Warning: Unseen Currents Have Killed
Every true ocean lover knows to be concerned over strong rip tides. And what is even scarier than consistently strong rip tides? Surprising ones. Hanakapiai Beach in Hawaii is home to both strong and dangerous rip tides known to take people out to sea and never let them return. One family almost lost two children due to the rip tide's strong grip. Fortunately, people called for help in time, and a helicopter was able to save them.
Not everyone who swam in Hanakapiai Beach was quite as lucky. Over 80 people have been killed due to the dangerous rip tides at this beach.
It's Not Called Tiger Beach for Nothing
Places are given specific names for a specific reason. Can you guess the origin of the name Tiger Beach, located in the Bahamas? It is called that due to the extremely high number of tiger sharks that swim in the waters nearby. In comparison to great white and other seemingly dangerous sharks, tiger sharks are the most dangerous and most likely to attack humans. So best to stay away.
It doesn't seem to stop the millions of people who visit the Bahamas every year from swimming and enjoying the beaches there. Just be sure to be aware that the waters may just have a few tiger sharks lurking there waiting for you.
Shark Attack Capital of the World
What could be so dangerous about swimming in the waters of this small island off the coast of Madagascar? Only the fact that it is literally the shark attack capital of the world, with around 40 shark attacks that have been reported here. It's not clear what causes the high number of attacks, but clearly, the sharks in this part of the Indian Ocean are not the most friendly.
The high number of shark attacks here does not seem to prevent people from enjoying their swims on Reunion Island entirely, and it remains a trendy tourist destination for people from all around the world!
The Underwater Tunnels That Suck People in
At first glance, Jacob's Well, located in south-central Texas, looks just like a lovely place to have a little picnic and a day off in nature. The lake waters are crystal clear, and the scenery is stunning. What you might not notice until a bit later is that deep in the waters, there is an elaborate system of tunnels and caves that countless adventurous people are waiting to explore.
Although exploring these mysterious and probably beautiful underwater caves and tunnels is tempting, it can be quite difficult to navigate through the complex system. Many people have been known to get lost, causing them to drown.
The Land of the Deadly Box Jellyfish
Australia is not the only place to host the extremely deadly box jellyfish. Thailand's waters are also swarming with this eight-inch-long creature that can kill upon impact. Just one sting and quick touch from the box jellyfish can leave you paralyzed. As this occurs typically in the waters, it's safe to say that there are few people who survive long enough to get back to land in time and tell the tale.
The Gulf of Thailand is particularly full of box jellyfish, making it an extremely dangerous place to go for a swim. If you are too tempted by the beautiful waters, be sure to go prepared!
Africa's Lake of Death
Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake and the world's third-largest lake, is yet another beautiful face with a scary back story. Providing ample fishing opportunities to all of the bordering countries, on the one hand, this lake is quite well-loved, and on the other, it is greatly feared. There is a unique weather zone just for this lake, making the weather unpredictable and life-threatening...over 5000 people die in Lake Victoria's waters every year.
Imagine going for a swim on what seems like a beautiful sunny day only to be suddenly struck with a terrifying and deadly storm. Not to mention this lake is also home to large amounts of crocodiles and hippos!
The Underwater Sign Warning You of Your Doom
This sign is certainly scary enough to keep people away....or so you would think. Multiple people are drowned while attempting to dive in the Eagle’s Nest Sink Hole in Florida. Although the area is generally perfectly safe for swimming, there is one hole that is a shocking 300 feet deep, which is known to suck people in...and never see them return. This cave alone is responsible for at least ten deaths.
Experienced and well-equipped divers are allowed to enter, but they are greeted with this grim warning sign as they descend underwater. How many will head the warning sign?
The Ganges River's Dangerous Toxins
It's truly tragic when people do not consider the repercussions their actions have on the environment, as is so clearly the case with the Ganges River in India. Before industrialization, this river was much cleaner and safer than it is today. Now, after pollution, trash, plastics, and people using it as a general dumping ground for all of their refuse, it has become a pool of seriously dangerous toxins.
The waters are so unclean and dangerous these people shouldn't even be rowing their boats on top of them. The stench is horrible to bear and even worse for your health.
The Dangerous Dam
The Hoover Dam may not sound like a particularly dangerous place to go for a swim, but it is hiding a secret. Besides being illegal to swim there (there is a specific law prohibiting it), surprisingly strong currents within have taken the lives of many unsuspecting individuals. There are also many intakes and something called a bell-mouth spillway that makes it even more dangerous to go for a swim.
It seems like there is a reason it is illegal to go for a swim in the Hoover Dam! Although it is tempting to go for a dip as it looks quite pretty.
Spain's Shockingly Acidic River
At first glance, this bright orange river may seem like a stunning and beautiful natural phenomenon. Unfortunately, it is shocking, but not in a good way. It is neither natural nor healthy, and these waters should be avoided at all costs. The Rio Tinto in Spain has been severely polluted by runoff from the overactive mines in the area, causing this unusual orange color that is also dangerously acidic.
It's such a shame to see such a beautiful landscape ruined because of people's irresponsible behaviors towards the environment. This river could be crystal clear and healthy instead of toxic and neon orange.
Brown and Muddy Citarum River
When you think of Indonesia, images of beautiful islands and colorful scenery are probably what first comes to mind. It is unlikely that you would imagine this dirty, brown, muddy river when picturing the country. Although Indonesia has many beautiful locations, the Citarum River is not one of them. Incredibly polluted and almost bio-hazard level of danger, no one wants to be stuck dipping even their big toe near these waters.
Hopefully, if you ever visit Indonesia, you will be able to stay far away from the Citarum River and enjoy the more beautiful (and less polluted) places the country has to offer.
Carbon Dioxide Took Over the Place
Horseshoe Lake, located in California, may have you fooled at first glance by its beautiful scenery. But upon closer look, you will notice that much of the foliage surrounding the area is actually dead. This is due to the fact that multiple earthquakes that took place here over the years have caused a very high amount of carbon dioxide to be released from the ground. Hardly anything can survive here.
Considering all the surrounding foliage can hardly survive in the area, it is probably a good sign for you to stay away. High levels of carbon dioxide are not great for humans either!
Russia's Radioactive Lake
People have not always been the most environmentally conscious of species (they still hardly are), and there are periods of history where humanity seemed not to care at all what sort of damage they did to the environment. Lake Karachay is a prime example of such an environment that humans destroyed. What was once a clean and healthy body of water has been turned into a pool of toxic waste.
The level of toxic waste in this lake is so high that Russia is filling it with concrete to ensure no people ever risk their lives swimming or approaching the lake again.
The Waterfall With a Hidden Deathwish
Kipu Falls, located in Hawaii, is a highly frequented tourist destination, for good reason! It is both beautiful, and the waters are clean and fresh. What's the catch? A mysteriously high number of people have drowned while swimming in the waters, and the reason behind it is unknown. It could be the waves or the whirlpools, or if you believe in local folklore, an unexplained curse from the gods.
The high number of death could also be related to the fact that it is a trendy tourist destination, with millions of people visiting every year...more people equals more of a risk.
Don't Be Tempted by the Turquoise Blue Waters
Although the appealing and beautiful turquoise blue waters have probably tempted many people to take a dip in these waters, the Blue Lagoon, located in the UK, is much better suited for photos taken from a distance. The lake has a shockingly high pH level of 11.3, which makes it similar to bleach or ammonia if touched. So next time you're looking at a map of the UK, remember to steer clear of The Buxton Derbyshire Blue Lagoon.
Since no one would voluntarily go swimming in a pool of bleach (no matter how gorgeous the waters), you should also consider permanently avoiding the Blue Lagoon.
The Most Dangerous River in Yorkshire
Who would have thought that a river in Yorkshire, England, would make it on this list of the world's most dangerous places to swim? However, The Strid is a surprisingly scary river located right in the middle of Yorkshire. The water is clean and safe for swimming (presumably), but it has a hidden secret: small, strong currents. These currents can grab you in a second and cause you to drown to death within a few moments.
The worst part is that if you do get caught in one of the currents, you will be dragged through the lake's rocky bottom, making for a painful and impossible to escape death.
Swimming in the Red Triangle
It was not given such an ominous name as the Red Triangle for no reason. Although this area has some of California's most beautiful and beloved beaches, it also has some of its most dangerous. Bolinas Beach is part of the latter group. Why? There is an extremely high number of great white sharks that peruse the area for seals and other big fish for snacks and daily meals.
Although it is unlikely that you will be mistaken for a fish (great whites don't usually attack humans), there is still a possibility in these terrifying waters, so be extra careful if you place to go for a swim at Bolinas Beach.
Runner up for the Shark Attack Capital of the World
You have already been told that the shark attack capital of the world is Reunion Island off the coast of Madagascar, but New Smyrna Beach in Florida is giving Reunion Island a run for their money. Don't be fooled by the beautiful, sandy beaches here; there is a lurking secret that could just be deadly. This isn't the place for you to go swimming if you are scared of sharks.
Even if you don't actually get attacked by a shark, there is a high chance that you will see one at New Smyrna Beach, as there are so many swimming about the waters.
Don't Fall to Your Death at Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls in Zambia may be famous for being one of the world's most beautiful and extensive systems of waterfalls, but it is certainly not a place to go swimming. While it's impossible to swim underneath the waterfalls (you would be crushed), it does have what is known as "The Devil's Pools," which are little pools of water that seem safe to swim in. The trick is that they are so close to the edge of the falls that you are very likely to tip right over the edge.
You wouldn't want to risk swimming in these deceptive pools, no matter how tempting it may be. It's just not worth falling over the edge!
The Unsuspecting Waters of the Potomac River
When you think of a list of the world's most dangerous waters, the Potomac River of West Virginia and Maryland is probably not one of the first places to appear on your list. After all, it just seems like an ordinary, friendly little river that people swim in all the time. Looks can be deceiving, though, and this river has some dangerous currents that are likely to pull you under before you know it.
Don't be fooled by what seems like a peaceful river, the Potomac has a hidden secret, and you don't want to be the one to find out what that is.
The Exploding Lake in Rwanda
Have you ever heard of an exploding lake? Well, apparently, it exists...in Rwanda. Although better known for its gorilla safaris, Rwanda is also home to one of the most dangerous lakes in the world. Lake Kivu can quite literally explode at any given moment. A nearby volcano is the root cause of this issue and ensures that this lake can erupt at any given moment. What happens when the lake erupts?
When the lake erupts, it emits a very high level of carbon dioxide, making it an extremely dangerous place to hang around and even more dangerous to go swimming.
There Is Danger in the Mystery
Hidden within Russia in an area known as Kabardino-Balkaria, lies the Blue Lake....a lake so blue that it has fascinated scientists from all around the world. The unique color of the water has been attributed to hydrogen sulfide in the waters, but there is another mystery hidden in the deep. No one has ever been able to identify exactly how deep this lake is, and it seems like they are too scared to find out.
All sorts of stories and myths exist around the possible creatures that live deep in the Blue Lake's waters. Maybe what is a mystery should remain a mystery.
The Toxic Mono Lake in California
The name of this lake in California seems ominous enough to keep most people away... Mono Lake. But for those looking to see some interesting geological formations, feel free to stop by Lake Mono just outside Lake Tahoe. You may not be able to swim in the waters due to the toxicity, but they are at least interesting and cool to look at and make for a good photo!
The lake is partially so toxic because it has been drained of its resources by the tributaries coming out of Los Angeles, and now it has a very high concentration of carbonates.
Boiling Waters and Volcanic Eruptions
What appears to be a beautiful speck of turquoise blue waters in the middle of the rocky and stunning terrain of Costa Rica is actually an extremely dangerous lake with boiling hot water. Taking a swim here will literally burn you to death; the water is so incredibly hot. And to make matters worse, there is also an active volcano right nearby that often erupts, leaving the area smoldering and full of toxic gases.
Luckily the Costa Rican government makes it mandatory to have a special permit to even visit this lake, as it is so dangerous for passersby.
The Lake That Was Formed by an Exploded Bomb
Have you ever thought about what would happen if a bomb exploded and just created a lake? Probably not, but that is exactly what happened in the Nuclear Lake in Kazakhstan. An underground Russian nuclear bomb explosion created what appears to be a beautiful lake in Kazakhstan. The end result is a highly toxic and radioactive lake that should be avoided at all costs! No one wants to take a risk with radiation.
It looks so much like a part of nature, it's sad to think that it was created by a nuclear bomb and that the whole area has been made toxic as a result.
Jellyfish and Rip Tides
Compared to some of the other dangerous waters on this list, Myrtle Beach, the popular tourist destination in South Carolina, may seem like a joke. However, this beach has a deadly combination. Like many other beaches, there is a large risk of being whisked away in a rip ride. But additionally, there is a very high number of cannonball jellyfish in these waters, which can paralyze you in a moment if you are stung.
Although individually, these two things are not that dangerous (and yet should be strongly avoided), they create a very deadly combination for swimmers and beachgoers alike.
Home to One of the Deadliest Limnic Disasters
Most of the year, Lake Nyos in Cameroon is a docile and safe lake. However, it runs a very big risk as it is right on the border of the Cameroon Volcanic Line. As the name suggests, this area has a very high amount of volcanic activity occurring regularly. This led to one of the deadliest limnic disasters of all time. One eruption led to an enormous CO2 cloud being released into the area.
As a result of this explosion, 1,700 people and over 3,000 animals were killed. That is one very, very deadly eruption that wreaked havoc in Cameroon.
Largest Lava Pit in the World
Right next to the largest lava pit in the world, you will find Nyiragongo in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Already not one of the safest countries to visit, you'll want to stay far away from Nyiragongo if you do go. This volcanic area is definitely not where you want to go for a little swim, and you will probably not survive if you try. High carbon dioxide levels or scalding waters will kill you within a few moments.
Even getting close to this body of water proves dangerous due to the high levels of carbon dioxide that are emitted from the area. It's best just to stay very far away.
The Abandoned Copper Mine Became a Lake
A copper mine located in Butte Montana was abandoned, which led to the creation of this lake. However, copper mines are full of toxic chemicals, most of which were never removed from the area. What is the result? An extremely dangerous and toxic pool of water that no one should approach. The leftover chemicals can cause serious damage, and no one should be allowed to go near, let alone swim here.
Berkeley Pitt is so beautiful from the outside, with the cloud's reflection on the water, that people may be tempted to swim in the cool waters.
Nothing Can Live in These Waters
Siberia is well known and infamous for its extremely cold temperatures and not much else. Few people have ever heard of the mysterious Pustoye Lake located there. This lake appears to be perfectly normal, but for some unexplainable reason, not much can live in the waters. Although plants and animals may survive for some time in the waters, they are not able to reproduce and soon just die off.
The strangest part of all is that no one really knows why not much can survive in the Pustoye Lake. It is an unsolved and disturbing mystery but makes you want to avoid swimming in this strange lake.
Avoid All Bodies of Water in Mumbai
Mumbai is a lovely city, known for its bright colors and amazing culture. It is not, however, famous for its clean waters. Mumbai's waters have (sadly) become extremely dangerous and unclean over the years as the locals simply use the area as a dumping ground for all of their trash. What used to be beautiful and clear waters has tragically turned into literal sewage that haunts the surrounding areas.
Until India comes up with a better solution to its waste problem, it is probably a good idea to avoid swimming in the waters of Mumbai entirely.