Did you know that over 71% of the earth is covered with water? That’s a lot, isn’t it? You’re probably thinking of the gentle, vast oceans and shallow, turquoise waters, but let me tell you: among that 71% of waters, whose appearance and formation will give you the creeps! The sea and its waters are not as harmless as they seem. Worse, we do not know what mysteries are lurking under the surface. So, do you want to be creeped out or maybe try to discover these bodies of waters’ fear factor? This blog shows you the 12 creepiest bodies of water in the world, starting from dark lakes to rushing waterfalls.
The 12 Creepiest Bodies of Water in the World – Summary
- Great Blue Hole, Belize
- Lake Baikal, Russia
- Jacob’s Well, Texas
- Devil’s Kettle Waterfall, Minnesota
- Flathead Lake, Montana
- The Lower Congo River
- Kaali Craters, Estonia
- Boiling Lake, Dominica
- Daintree River, Australia
- Amazon River, South America
- Lake Natron, Tanzania
- Lake Loch Ness, Scotland
1. Great Blue House, Belize
Perhaps the best place to dive is in Lighthouse Reef, a few kilometers from the coast of Belize. From the air, it looks like a big black hole in the middle of the sea. With a diameter of 305 meters and a depth of 124 meters, one is left with the question: how the hell was the hole created? Long before our time, during the ice age, the sea level rose by 120 meters and formed this atoll into a limestone plateau.
More and more rainwater caused water to flow into the underground caves, causing one cave to collapse, creating the blue hole we see today. It seems endless, making it one of the six creepiest bodies of water in the world. Despite everything, it is relatively safe to swim in and is a real tourist attraction!
2. Lake Baikal, Russia
Next, Lake Baikal definitely has to be listed when it comes to the creepiest bodies of water in the world! Why? With a depth of 1642 meters, it is considered the deepest lake in the world. What’s swimming around down there? Besides being the deepest, it’s also the oldest and largest lake in the world, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is located in Russia, north of the Mongolian border.
For those who prefer to look at it dry: Lake Baikal is surrounded by a network of hiking trails called the Great Baikal Trail. I find its location quite appropriate. After all, there is something great and mystical about Russian culture. Don’t you think so?
3. Jacob’s Well, Texas
Just an hour’s drive from Austin, Texas, is the natural wonder that is Jacob’s Well. The spring attracts locals and tourists every summer, with an enticing water temperature of 20 degrees. That sounds quite idyllic, doesn’t it? So what’s the creepy thing about this body of water, then? The water cave has many more underground chambers that go as deep as 37 meters.
It’s not for nothing that it’s considered one of the most dangerous dive sites in the world, as the spring has already killed 8 divers. Please do me a favor – swim only on the surface and stay away from the dangerous chambers that lure you into the depths. This spring is more dangerous than it looks.
4. Devil’s Kettle Waterfall, Minnesota
If you’ve ever passed this waterfall on the north shore of Minnesota, above Lake Superior, you probably have many questions. Where does the water go after it flows down this gigantic waterfall? How is that even possible? Based on these many uncertainties alone, it rightfully ranks as one of the creepiest bodies of water in the world. Moreover, like many things that are mysterious and exciting, the mystery of the waterfall has been thoroughly investigated. In the process, various theories have come to light.
Some locals believe that after the water disappears, it flows to Canada. The other half assumes it flows into the Mississippi River. The logical variant is that the water continues underground and reappears somewhere under Lake Superior. Even more, some curious people have tested this by throwing objects into the water and waiting for them to reappear below – without success.
5. Flathead Lake, Montana
Flathead Lake is located in the northwestern part of the state of Montana. It is the largest freshwater lake in the western United States and is one of the cleanest lakes of its size. Furthermore, two things make it one of the creepiest bodies of water in the world. As you stand on the shore of the lake, you’ll probably think to yourself, Wow, what a shallow, clean lake, but watch out! Almost nothing I’ve seen is as deceiving as the depth of this lake.
Because of the incredible cleanliness of the water, it seems as if it is up to your knees. Wrong thought! Under your feet, it goes 113 meters into the depth. I find nothing more dangerous than underestimating things. Scary factor 2 is the monster that’s in the lake. Do you think I’m making dry jokes? Supposedly 78 Indians of the Flathead tribe, who once owned the lake and from whom it got its name, saw a giant creature there in 1933. Believe it or not.
6. The Lower Congo River
The emphasis of this creepiest body of water in the world is “lower” because the rest of the Congo is quite normal and rather harmless. The lower part, however, is really something! Moreover, on a small stretch of 30km, the water overcomes a height difference of 90 meters. The section carries so much water that it is one of the most watery and fastest rapids on earth.
Now you may wonder how creatures manage to survive in this extreme habitat. The fish that live there have adapted perfectly to their habitat. Since the Congo is the deepest river on earth, the fish live completely in the dark. To make their way through the darkness, they have highly sensitive, special sensory organs. They resemble cavefish, meaning they have neither color nor eyes. Creepy, right?
7. Kaali Craters, Estonia
These bodies of waters in Estonia features a different kind of ‘creepy’. Kaali Craters sit on Saaremaa Island in the Baltic Sea. It features eight enormous craters formed by meteorite showers 4,000 years ago. Due to heavy rain, the craters are filled with water. They look like large lakes instead of craters formed by an astronomical event.
Thus, Kaali Craters has witnessed centuries of history. Eerie folklores and goosebump-inviting facts fill the ancient craters. It was believed that thousands of people died due to the massive meteorite explosion, making it a sacred ground. Neolithic stone walls were also found in the location and believed to be the stronghold of a cult. Moreover, the theory is supported by the unusual occurrence of animal bones around the area. So, are you feeling scared enough?
8. Boiling Lake, Dominica
We often head to lakes to enjoy a leisurely time or have a nice picnic. However, a few lakes would not be ideal to do that. A great example would be the Boiling Lake of Dominica Island. Like its name suggest, this lake contains sizzling hot water reaching a boiling point. The waters are extremely hot that you can even cook an egg in it. Although – of course – you cannot dip into the waters, Lake Dominica is a popular tourist spot due to its beautiful scenery.
Despite being recognized as a lake, Lake Dominica is not actually one. The body of water is a flooded fumarole, producing volcanic gas and geothermal heat. This unique natural phenomenon can be seen in Morne Trois Pitons National Park. After a 3-4 hours of hike, you can marvel at the Boiling Lake’s turquoise waters adorned with soft vapors.
9. Daintree River, Australia
Cruise along a dark river that cuts through Australia’s oldest rainforest. You would be extra vigilant once knowing saltwater crocodiles lurking beneath the surface. The aquatic predators are scary enough due to their enormous size. This fact makes Daintree River one of the creepiest bodies of water in the world.
However, saltwater crocodiles do not stop people from visiting Daintree River. The spectacular rainforest ecosystem and its mystifying energy are irresistible. Visitors want to witness the distinctive ancient biome, which can be easily accessed through the river. Due to that reason, expert guides and rangers are available to keep the Daintree River trip safe.
10. Amazon River, South America
Cutting through the largest rainforest in the world, Amazon River is undeniably incredible. The river stretches across South America, starting from Brazil and ending in Suriname. As a part of the Amazon Rainforest, Amazon River is also highly biodiverse. The coffee-colored waters keep different kinds of aquatic species. Of course, including the bizarre and creepy ones.
Although cruising the Amazon River is in many’s bucket list, you would want to avoid some areas. Species like alligators, piranhas, arapaimas, and snakes call the river home. Not to mention, Amazon River houses microscopic animals and translucent fish that can harm your health. So, we recommend going with a guide and staying in the tourist areas whenever you visit Amazon.
11. Lake Natron, Tanzania
Why would a place nicknamed ‘Lake of Death’ not listed in the ‘creepiest bodies of water?’ Lake Natron in Tanzania features both danger factor and jawdropping scene. The waters are blood-red and you might get surprised when finding animal skeletons floating around. It looks like a body of water you should not do anything with.
Interestingly, the bizarre color and conditions happen due to Lake Natron’s high salinity. The extreme salt content in Lake Natron is loved by algaes which produce red pigment. Lake Natron’s high salt content also contributes to mummification process of dead animals. Then, is it dangerous for human? The answer is yes, since the high pH and warm temperatures make the waters damage your skin.
12. Lake Loch Ness, Scotland
Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, Lake Loch Ness adds to the beautiful scenery. The massive lake is framed with winding hills and meadowed valleys. However, the gorgeous landscape alone is not the main attraction of Loch Ness. A legend has been circulating since 565 CE about a long neck monster lurking in the waters.
Lake Loch Ness has gained popularity due to its stories of ‘Nessie’. The creature is believed to be the last remaining dinosaur. There are claims and photographs from people saying that they have spotted Nessie in the lake. Although the creature has not be found until today, visitors are still captivated by the legend.
As always, we hope you enjoyed this article, and if you want to see the creepiest bodies of water in the world yourself – of course, only from an observer’s point of view. You’ll find like-minded travelers on JoinMyTrip who are ready to spook with you and share your travel expenses. If there are no trips for you, plan your very own!