Pink lakes around the world

You might think someone had gone wild with Photoshop or simply poured paint into the lake... But actually this remarkable and absolutely natural phenomenon occurs all over the world: pink lakes. But why is the water pink? And where do you have to travel to see this spectacle? Before you plan out your travel plans, find out more about the beautiful pink lakes in the world!

Why is the pink lake pink?

Microorganisms, more precisely, two special types of algae are responsible for the pink colour. The lake looks more pink or reddish, depending on which of the two is more dominant. Such microalgae are transferred from lake to lake, for example, by birds carrying some of it on their feet. For the colour to be visible, a high salinity of the water, relatively high temperatures, a lot of light and sufficient nutrients are also necessary.

Where are the famous pink lakes in the world?

• Lake Hillier, Australia
• Las Salinas de Torrevieja, Spain
• Laguna Colorada, Bolivia
• Lake Retba, Senegal

1. Lake Hillier, Australia

Lake Hillier is located on Middle Island, an island off the coast of Western Australia. It is most beautiful to admire from above and unfortunately, this is the only way to view this natural spectacle. The island is now a nature reserve and may not be allowed to enter anymore. Luckily, some helicopter tour operators fly over the island. The whole thing looks even more impressive because the lake is in close proximity to the ocean. So you have the contrast with the turquoise blue ocean right next door, separated only by a narrow line of white sandy beach and lush green forest. It almost doesn't get more photogenic than this!

2. Las Salinas de Torrevieja, Spain

During the breeding season, you will encounter up to 2,000 flamingos and other seabirds at this exceptional lake in Valencia, which complete the scenery of this special place. Due to the water's high salinity, not many plants grow in Las Salinas de Torrevieja, but during the flowering season, you can see lavender, ragwort and even orchids in full bloom.

Is Las Salinas de Torreviega a natural spa?

Yes, the high salinity also makes the lake a huge spa. Similar to the Dead Sea, it is impossible to sink here and you can float on the surface of the water. Salty water is also great for detoxifying the body and is very good for the skin. Who needs wellness anymore?

3. Laguna Colorada, Bolivia

Surrounded by the snow-capped Andes, the shallow saltwater lagoon, Laguna Colorada lies in the southwest of Bolivia in the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve of Andean Fauna. Thanks to its maximum depth of one metre, many Chilean, Andean and endangered James's flamingos have settled here.

The best time to visit Laguna Colorada?

You should plan your visit for the summer (note: in the southern hemisphere, this is from December to April). The quickest way to reach the lake is from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile, but there are also many tours offered there from Uyuni in Bolivia.

4. Lake Retba, Senegal

Encircled by numerous salt mountains, Lake Retba lies north of the Cap Vert Peninsula in Senegal. The pink colour of the lake is most visible during the dry season between November and June. During this time, the salinity of the lake is also even higher than usual, up to 40% in some places! As in the Dead Sea, it is also possible to float on the water surface here. However, there are no fish in the. The salt is collected by the locals, who earn their living with it.

There are other famous pink lakes in the world, including a few more well-known ones located in various parts of Australia, Lake Bumbunga in South Australia and Hutt Lagoon in Western Australia.

Explore the world and marvel at this spectacle with your own eyes by planning your next trip. Compare and contrast great international flight deals and book your next flight now on BudgetAir Canada.

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