Nature has a way of creating places that feel almost too fantastical to be real, and some of the world’s lakes are the perfect example. From vibrant pinks and striking blues to eerie reds and greens, these surreal lakes are not just beautiful — they’re astonishing testaments to the planet’s diversity and wonder. Let’s take a look at some of the most extraordinary lakes around the world that are guaranteed to leave you in awe.
Lake Hillier [Australia]
Located on Middle Island off the coast of Western Australia, Lake Hillier is famous for its striking pink color. This bubblegum-pink lake is caused by the presence of Dunaliella salina microalgae along with halobacteria and other salt-loving microorganisms. The vivid hue is so intense that it can be clearly seen from the air, offering a breathtaking view of this surreal landscape. The combination of these microorganisms with the lake’s high salinity creates its extraordinary color, making it one of Australia’s most fascinating natural wonders.
Laguna Colorada [Bolivia]
Situated in the Bolivian Altiplano, Laguna Colorada is known for its deep red waters, which come from the high concentrations of red algae and minerals like borax. The surrounding white salt flats and patches of greenish water add an otherworldly contrast, creating an incredible natural painting. This lake is also home to thousands of flamingos, which flock to it for breeding, enhancing its surreal and dramatic beauty.
Blue Lake [New Zealand]
Blue Lake, located in Nelson Lakes National Park on New Zealand’s South Island, is not only known for its stunning turquoise color but also for its remarkable clarity. Scientific measurements have confirmed that the water in Blue Lake has visibility extending to around 80 meters deep, making it one of the clearest freshwater lakes in the world. The lake’s pristine water, combined with its alpine setting, makes it a visually stunning and peaceful spot to visit.
Lake Natron [Tanzania]
Lake Natron, located in northern Tanzania, is one of the most strikingly eerie lakes in the world. Its deep red and orange colors are the result of high concentrations of alkaline salts and minerals in the water, with pH levels reaching 9-10.5. While this extreme alkalinity makes the lake inhospitable to most animals, it is a crucial breeding ground for the lesser flamingo. The stark contrast between the vibrant colors and the salt-covered landscape gives Lake Natron a haunting yet mesmerizing beauty.
Grand Prismatic Spring [USA]
Though technically a hot spring, Yellowstone National Park’s Grand Prismatic Spring is a must-mention in any list of surreal lakes due to its vibrant, rainbow-like appearance. The water in this hot spring varies in temperature from about 160°F at its center to cooler temperatures at the edges, and this, along with the heat-loving bacteria that thrive in different temperature zones, creates the vivid spectrum of colors ranging from deep blue to fiery orange. It’s a stunning display of color and life that makes this natural wonder one of the most photographed sites in the world.
Lake Tuz [Turkey]
Lake Tuz (Salt Lake), Turkey’s second-largest lake, is a vast saltwater lake that transforms into a surreal landscape during the dry summer months. As the water level recedes, the salt crusts create an almost otherworldly white and pink contrast. The lake’s unique colors come from the high concentrations of salt and minerals in the water, giving it a striking, desert-like appearance that feels like a mirage. Lake Tuz is also an important flamingo breeding ground and supplies approximately 70% of Turkey’s salt.
[Contributed By Anushka Gaikwad]