The 14 Most Instagrammable Ocean Pools in the World
The feeling of a swim in the open ocean is unmatched by a dip in the confines of a heated swimming pool. But ocean pools offer you the best of both worlds. They provide swimmers all the poolside comforts with the thrill of a seaside—minus the need to worry about waves crashing into you. Add in the miles of breathtaking views, and it's a win-win situation every traveller should experience.
From the Atlantic beaches of Sintra and Madeira to the coastlines of Australia, let’s dive into the 14 prettiest ocean pools in the world to dip your toes into.
Getty ImagesBondi Icebergs Club
Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
Australia’s coastlines are blessed with some of the most stunning ocean pools in the world. Perhaps the most famous is Bondi Icebergs Club, on the edge of Bondi Beach. The pool was initially opened in 1929 for lifeguards to train during the winter months. Now it’s open for all to enjoy year-round with a small entrance fee—and it's become the most photographed pool in the world. With a large pool for advanced swimmers and a kiddie pool for little ones, it’s the perfect place for the whole gang, and there are also spa treatments and a sauna plus a casual restaurant with uninterrupted oceanfront views and a museum for visitors to learn about its rich history.
Getty ImagesYamba Ocean Pool
Main Beach, New South Wales, Australia
Bask in the magical sunrise over the southern hemisphere during a soulful morning swim in one of New South Wales’ many natural pools. Built into the rocks on Main Beach, anyone is welcome to take a dip in Yamba’s dreamy ocean pool at any time of day, free of charge. With views of the bay and up the cliff to the Pacific Hotel, it’s hard to imagine a more serene setting to start the day off.
Getty ImagesPraia das Azenhas do Mar
Sintra, Portugal
Less than an hour's drive from Portugal’s capital city is the Mediterranean-style village of Azenhas do Mar, meaning Watermills of the Sea. And just a few steps down from its striking white-painted houses is a natural swimming pool which gets replenished with fresh seawater from the Atlantic. With its cliff-hugging location, natural green-blue hues, and spectacular seafood on offer, Sintra is well worth a visit.
Getty ImagesBronte Baths
Bronte Beach, Sydney, Australia
While the Bronte Baths are not as well known as the neighboring Bondi Icebergs Club, this is still an architectural marvel on Sydney’s coastline. Located within the Bondi-Coogee coastal walk, it’s been a cool-off spot for sunbathers since the 1880s. The pool’s length and 24-hour access make it the perfect spot for a sunset swim—plus the marked lanes are convenient for those wanting to get laps in under the Australian heat.
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Getty ImagesMahon Pool
Maroubra Beach, New South Wales, Australia
Maroubra Beach is known as one of the best surf spots in Sydney. The ocean swimming pool carved on the base of Jack Vanny Reserve is frequented by many due to its aquamarine hues, cliffside outdoor showers, and spacious relaxing spots. It’s quite the steep journey down but the spectacular views at the bottom are well worth the hike.
Getty ImagesBude Sea Pool
Summerleaze Beach, Cornwall, UK
A visit to one of Cornwall’s charming seaside towns isn’t complete without tasting the infamous Cornish pasty, but one to add to the itinerary is a dip in the Bude Sea Pool. On Summerleaze Beach, this semi-natural amenity attracts holiday-goers from Bude and beyond. From paddling to snorkeling, and even scuba diving, it’s worth visiting despite the high number of guests. There are also a lot of restaurants and bars along the beach to feast on the fresh seafood while taking in the views of the Atlantic.
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Getty ImagesCamps Bay Ocean Pool
Camps Bay Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
Visitors are surprisingly spoiled for choice when it comes to seawater pools on Cape Town’s coasts. This one found along the Atlantic Seaboard is surrounded by stunning panoramic shots of Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles. It’s recommended to go in the late afternoon to see the sun dip directly in front of the infinity edge, and afterwards, grab a table at one of the many restaurants a short walk away.
Getty ImagesSouth Curl Curl Rockpool
Curl Curl Beach, Sydney, Australia
Dive into one of the two swimming spots found on Curl Curl Beach as the waves crash into the pool walls. Reconstructed in 2011, the rockpools are free for all ages and cater to both advanced swimmers with the six-lane pool, along with the shallow toddler pool. There’s a long stretch of sand fitted with plenty of parking spaces and restaurants to book after a day of ocean swimming.
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Getty ImagesMona Vale Rock Pool
Mona Vale Beach, Sydney, Australia
At high tide, the concrete walls framing Mona Vale’s two open-air rock pools disappear to seamlessly blend with the Pacific, creating the thrilling illusion of swimming in the ocean. Its remote location gives a glimpse of privacy for swimmers yet it’s close enough to amenities including a barbecue area, picnic tables, and a playground for the kids.
Getty ImagesPorto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
Madeira, Portugal
Perched on the tip of Madeira, the charming town of Porto Moniz is home to the prettiest set of lava-formed pools filled by the sea. This family-friendly spot is great for activities including snorkeling, swimming, and exploring the incredible volcanic rocks.
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Getty ImagesThe Bon Secours Beach
Saint-Malo, France
The historic French port of Saint-Malo houses a natural swimming pool on Bon Secours Beach. It’s a dream destination for water-sport enthusiasts with a sailing school nearby and diving boards to jump from. Those sunbathing can enjoy the spectacular views of boats calmly sailing over the bay of Saint-Malo and Dinard.
Africa Drone Guy / Alamy Stock PhotoSea Point tidal pool
Milton Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
Everyone knows Cape Town has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but its ocean pools are not to be overlooked. One of the most celebrated in the region, this tidal pool stunningly contrasts the white sandy beach with its emerald-turquoise colors fed by the Atlantic and Indian oceans. It’s a popular destination due to its ease of accessibility and it’s great for safe swimming with the family.
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ernie jordan / Alamy Stock PhotoWalpole Bay Tidal Pool
Margate, Kent, U.K.
The United Kingdom might not be known for its sea-fed pools but of the few we do have, Walpole Bay is one to dive into. Spanning four acres, this Grade II-listed ocean pool is the country’s largest and is nestled on the bottom of a cliff in the southeast town of Margate. At low tide, the expansive space is an idyllic spot for gentle paddle boarding, or a sunset stroll along the pool's edge.
Getty ImagesNorth Cronulla Rock Pool
North Cornulla Beach, Sydney, Australia
A go-to spot among locals, this ocean pool is built into a rocky outcrop that divides North and South Cronulla beach. The vibrant, rich colors of its sea-fed waters are the perfect spot to cool down when the weather heats up.