There are few geographical features that are as reliably sexy as a lagoon. Usually, they’re the stuff jealousy-inducing holiday photos are made of. The shallow waters twinkle in greens and milky blues that bog-standard ocean just can’t muster.
The white sand beaches and reefs that tend to come as part of the package don’t half help, either. But some lagoons are on a higher level.
Aitutaki Lagoon: Cook Islands paradise
This is Cook Islands lagoon you see whenever thirst-inspiring pictures of lagoons are shown on the web. The colours are spectacular, as smooth bars of white sand slip into the almost lurid turquoise waters.
A few resorts are based on the main island of Aitutaki, but boat tours out to the little islets are pretty much living the dream. Bishop’s Cruises are among the operators aiming for the most jealousy-inducing swimming spots.
Bora Bora Lagoon: French Polynesian legend
OK, so the other lagoon you’ve almost inevitably seen pictures of can be found in French Polynesia. With Bora Bora, it’s as much about the island in the middle of the lagoon.
The twin, green peaks of Mt Pahia and Mt Otemanu provide a tremendous contrast to the twinkly teal waters. Boat tours are very obviously the thing to do, and Reef Discovery makes sure you get a good snorkel in between cruising.
Rock Islands Southern Lagoon: Palau’s underwater wonder
This lagoon’s magic initially comes courtesy of the 445 small limestone islands contained within it. Many have strange mushroom shapes and tropical green tops.
Several have inland lakes, cut off from the rest of the world. These include the infamous Jellyfish Lake where it’s possible to swim with a barrage of stingless jellyfish.
But get in the water around the islands, and you’ll be rewarded with some of the clearest, most diverse snorkelling on earth:
Day tours are the best way to explore.
New Caledonia Lagoon: World’s largest reef system
New Caledonia likes to claim that its lagoon is the biggest in the world. That’s open to debate, but the lagoon is undeniably huge at 24,000 square kilometres in size.
Surrounded by a giant barrier reef, there is obviously some excellent diving and snorkelling to be done. But the lazy, beginner’s option is a cruise from Noumea on the Mary D out to Amédée Island.
The white sands and strikingly tall lighthouse look out over the lagoon.
Chuuk Lagoon: Micronesia’s underwater museum
Chuuk does the standard Pacific Island gorgeous lagoon thing, but here, it’s what’s inside that counts. Surrounded by a 225km reef, it was Japan’s main Pacific Naval Base during World War II.
That meant the Americans had an awful lot of ships and planes to bomb. Once Operation Hailstone was complete, Chuuk Lagoon had dozens of ships and 270 planes lying stricken in the clear, shallow water.
For wreck divers, of course, this is an absolute dream, with
- Dozens of sunken ships from WWII operations
- 270 aircraft wrecks in shallow, clear water
- Exceptional visibility for underwater exploration
- Rich marine life colonising historic wrecks
The Blue Lagoon Dive Resort is amongst the operators offering dive trips.
Aldabra Lagoon: Seychelles’ remote sanctuary
Part of the magic of Aldabra is the sheer size – the atoll-surrounded lagoon covers 155 square kilometres. Part of it is looks – the large, shallow lagoon dazzles in outrageous turquoise.
But it’s mainly about the sense of isolation. Getting to Aldabra is very difficult indeed, which means humans have largely left it alone.
The world’s biggest population of giant tortoises have had the sandy beaches to themselves. Silversea is one of very few cruise operators that includes Aldabra on its itineraries.
Venice Lagoon: Italy‘s cultural waterscape
Other lagoons may have brighter colours and more impressive beaches, but none has Venice’s sense of grandeur and importance. The canal-laced city faces out towards the water, and the lagoon islands all have their own personality.
Burano is known for its colourful houses and lace-making. Torcello offers history and Byzantine mosaics, whilst Murano is world-famous for its glass-making.
Some lagoon cruises visit all three.
Jökulsárlón: Iceland’s glacial lagoon
Not all lagoons are warm and tropical. Jökulsárlón in Iceland is backed by black sand beaches, but it’s what’s in the other direction that’s more exciting.
Floating on the lagoon are a series of icebergs, slowly melting, and always in danger of toppling over. They’ve broken free from the Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier.
Zodiac boat tours across the lagoon get visitors awe-inspiringly close to them, although it’s a very lengthy day trip from Reykjavik.
The Coorong: South Australia’s wildlife haven
Perhaps not as photogenic as the South Pacific lagoons, the Coorong in South Australia still manages to weave a magic spell over virtually anyone who visits it. Part of this is about the wildlife.
Pelicans are everywhere, rare migratory birds can be spotted on the sandbars and seals hang out by the Goolwa Barrage. But the long sandy peninsulas, calm waters and last gasps of the mighty Murray River all contribute.
The best way to explore is on a kayaking tour.
Lord Howe Island: Australia’s coral paradise
Want a more conventional lagoon in Australia? Well, New South Wales‘ Lord Howe Island is the place.
The delectable beaches and bright, almost luminous water are both there. The twin peaks of Mt Gower and Mt Lidgbird provide a suitably magnificent backdrop.
The world’s most southerly coral reefs offer plenty of fish, plus:
- Abundant marine life in pristine waters
- Green and hawksbill turtles in large numbers
- Spectacular coral formations and reef diving
- Glass-bottom boat tours for non-divers
Islander Cruises heads out in a glass-bottom boat.
