Discover the most beautiful spots to splash around in Australia, South Africa, and more
An open ocean swim is a different experience than a dip in a heated pool. But ocean pools offer you the best of both worlds. With the benefits of poolside comforts and seaside thrills – without the worry of waves crashing into you – they offer swimmers the best of both worlds. The miles of breathtaking views make it an ideal destination for all travellers.
Let’s take a dip in the 14 prettiest ocean pools around the world, from the beaches of Sintra, Madeira, and Australia.
Bondi Icebergs Club
Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
Some of the world’s most gorgeous ocean pools can be found along Australia’s coastlines. Bondi Icebergs Club, near Bondi Beach, is one of the most famous. It was opened in 1929 for lifeguard training. With a small entrance fee, the pool is now available year-round for all to enjoy. It has a large pool for advanced swimmers as well as a kiddie pool for little ones, and a spa and sauna as well as a casual restaurant overlooking the ocean, a museum and a museum where visitors can learn about the hotel’s rich heritage
Yamba Ocean Pool
Main Beach, New South Wales, Australia
Swim in a natural pool in New South Wales and take in the magical sunrise over the southern hemisphere. Yamba’s dreamy ocean pool is built into the rocks on Main Beach, so anyone can enjoy it any time of the day. It’s hard to imagine a more serene setting for a start to the day than this, with views of the bay and the Pacific Hotel.
Praia das Azenhas do Mar
Sintra, Portugal
The Mediterranean-style village of Azenhas do Mar is just an hour away from Portugal’s capital city. A natural swimming pool replenishes itself with fresh ocean water just a few steps down its striking white-painted houses. Although Sintra isn’t a popular tourist destination, it’s worth a visit because of its cliff-hugging location, natural green-blue hues and fantastic seafood restaurants
Bronte Baths
Bronte Beach, Sydney, Australia
Despite not being as well-known as the Bondi Icebergs Club, the Bronte Baths are still an architectural marvel on Sydney’s coastline. Since the 1880s, this beach has been a cool-off spot for sunbathers along the Bondi-Coogee coastal walk. With its 30-metre length and 24-hour access, the pool is a great place to catch the sunset – plus its marked lanes make it easy for those who want to swim laps in the Australian summer heat.
Mahon Pool
Maroubra Beach, New South Wales, Australia
As one of Sydney’s best surfing spots, Maroubra Beach has an ocean swimming pool carved into the foundation of Jack Vanny Reserve, with its aquamarine hues, outdoor showers by the cliff and spacious areas for relaxation. The hike down to the bottom is quite steep, but the view at the bottom is well worth it.
Bude Sea Pool
Summerleaze Beach, Cornwall, UK
If you visit one of Cornwall’s charming seaside towns, you will have to try the famous Cornish pasties, but you should also take a dip in the Bude Sea Pool. Despite the high number of guests, Summerleaze Beach is a semi-natural attraction that attracts holidaymakers from Bude and beyond. Paddle, snorkel, or even scuba dive is all available here. While enjoying the Atlantic views, dine on fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants and bars located along the beach.
Camps Bay Ocean Pool
Camps Bay Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town’s coasts are surprisingly bursting with seawater pools. This one along the Atlantic Coast is surrounded by stunning panoramic views of Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles. It is best to visit late afternoon so you can enjoy the sun dip directly in front of the infinity edge and then book a table at one of the many restaurants nearby.
South Curl Curl Rockpool
Curl Curl Beach, Sydney, Australia
The waves crash into the pool walls as you dive into one of Curl Curl Beach’s two serene swimming spots. With a 50 metre pool and shallow toddler pool, the rockpools are open to all ages and are free to all. There’s a long stretch of sand with plenty of parking and restaurants to book after a day of ocean swimming.
Mona Vale Rock Pool
Mona Vale Beach, Sydney, Australia
In high tide, Mona Vale’s two open-air rock pools disappear, blending seamlessly with the Pacific, giving the impression that swimming in the ocean is happening. Although the park is remote, it is close enough to amenities such as barbecues, picnic tables, and a playground to provide swimmers with some privacy.
Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
Madeira, Portugal
In Porto Moniz, a charming town on the tip of Madeira, you can swim in the ocean-filled lava pools. This family-friendly spot is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and exploring volcanic rocks.
The Bon Secours Beach
Saint-Malo, France
On Bon Secours Beach in Saint-Malo, there is a natural pool. With a nearby sailing school and diving board, it’s a perfect destination for water-sport enthusiasts. Sunbathers can take in the spectacular view of boats sailing calmly over Saint-Malo and Dinard bays.
Sea Point tidal pool
Milton Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
Despite being known for its beautiful beaches, Cape Town also has some amazing ocean pools. With its emerald-turquoise colors fed by the Atlantic and Indian waters, this tidal pool is one of the most celebrated in the region. Despite its easy accessibility, it makes a great place to swim with the family because of its safe environment.
Walpole Bay Tidal Pool
Margate, Kent, UK
Despite the fact that the UK doesn’t have many sea-fed pools, Walpole Bay is one of the best. Located on a cliff in the southeast town of Margate, this Grade II-listed ocean pool sprawls four acres and is the largest in the country. You can paddle board, or stroll along the pool’s edge, at low tide. Read more for the best places in the UK to go wild swimming.
North Cronulla Rock Pool
North Cronulla Beach, Sydney, Australia
The vibrant, rich colors of the sea-fed water make this ocean pool a popular spot among locals. Built into a rocky outcrop that divides North and South Cronulla beach, it’s the perfect spot to cool off.
