Have you ever scrolled through your feed, stopped mid-scroll, and thought—“Is that lake seriously pink?” Yep, same here.

I remember seeing my first pink lake photo on Instagram and thinking it had to be a filter or a Photoshop trick.

Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. Pink lakes are 100% real, and they’re even more stunning in person than on your screen.

So if you’ve been daydreaming about surreal landscapes or just itching to add something jaw-droppingly unique to your travel bucket list, you’re in the right place.

Let’s dive into the world of pink lakes—how they get their color, where you can find them, and why they’re more than just pretty puddles.

1. Laguna Rosa de Torrevieja, Spain

Location: Torrevieja, Alicante Province, Spain
Best Time to Visit: Summer evenings (July to September), especially after rain

This bright pink lake in Spain is a dream come true. Its soft pink water, salty air, and peaceful setting make it perfect for a quiet walk or a romantic sunset. Locals love it, and more travelers are now discovering its beauty. It’s also very easy to reach from the nearby city of Alicante.

2. Great Salt Lake, USA

Location: Northern Utah, United States
Best Time to Visit: Late summer to early fall (August to October)

The Great Salt Lake in Utah is huge and partly pink. Thanks to the algae and salt levels, some sections—like near Spiral Jetty—turn bright pink. You can float in the salty water, go birdwatching, or explore nearby islands. It’s one of the most accessible pink lakes in the USA.

3. Laguna Rosada, Mexico

Location: Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
Best Time to Visit: Summer mornings (10 AM–2 PM)

Laguna Rosada is a peaceful pink lake tucked away in Yucatán. It’s a hidden treasure, perfect for people who want to escape the crowds. You can kayak, fish, or swim in the warm waters. It’s also a great place to see birds and try fresh seafood in nearby towns.

4. Las Coloradas, Mexico

Location: Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
Best Time to Visit: March to May (dry and sunny season)

This famous pink lake is a dream for photographers. Las Coloradas is part of a salt mining area, so the pink color is often very strong. You can walk along the edge, take a guided tour, and see flamingos nearby. The blue skies and pink water create a picture-perfect view.

5. Laguna Colorada, Bolivia

Location: Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, Bolivia
Best Time to Visit: May to October (dry season)

Laguna Colorada sits high in the Andes Mountains. Its pink-red water looks stunning next to the snowy peaks. This lake is home to rare flamingos and other wildlife. It’s hard to reach, but the journey is worth it. Bring warm clothes—it gets very cold here!

6. Atacama Pink Lakes, Chile

Location: Atacama Desert, Chile
Best Time to Visit: October to March (spring and summer)

Hidden deep in the Atacama Desert, these pink lakes are rare and otherworldly. Their color changes with the light and salt levels. They are hard to reach but offer peace, beauty, and amazing landscapes. Travelers often combine this trip with a visit to nearby geysers and hot springs.

7. Lake Retba (Lac Rose), Senegal

Location: Cap Vert Peninsula, Senegal
Best Time to Visit: November to June (dry season)

Lake Retba is one of the pinkest lakes in the world! Located near Dakar, this lake gets its color from high salt and special algae. You can take a boat ride, go swimming, or even help collect salt with the locals. It’s a lively spot full of color and culture.

8. Pink Lake, Walvis Bay, Namibia

Location: Walvis Bay, Namibia
Best Time to Visit: August to October (sunny days)

This pink salt lake near Walvis Bay is small but bright. It looks especially vivid at midday when the sun hits just right. It’s easy to reach and perfect for nature lovers. While you’re there, you can also go dolphin watching, sandboarding, or visit nearby dunes.

9. Pekelmeer, Bonaire

Location: Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands
Best Time to Visit: November to June (dry season)

Pekelmeer is not just pink—it’s home to thousands of flamingos! Located on the Caribbean island of Bonaire, this lake is a calm, magical place to relax and watch birds. The salt mounds and pink waters make this spot perfect for nature photos.

10. Salin d’Aigues-Mortes, France

Location: Camargue, Occitanie, France
Best Time to Visit: June to August (warm and sunny)

This pink lake in southern France combines history and nature. Ride the mini train or take a boat to see flamingos and salt fields. The nearby walled city is also a great place to walk and eat. The lake turns the brightest pink during summer.

11. Lake Lemuria, Ukraine

Location: Kherson Region, Ukraine
Best Time to Visit: June to August

Also known as the “Dead Sea of Ukraine,” this lake has healing salt waters and a bright bubblegum color. It’s in a remote area, so bring supplies. While tourism is limited now, the lake remains a beautiful symbol of natural wonder in Ukraine.

12. Lake Tuz, Turkey

Location: Central Anatolia, Turkey
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn (April–May, September–October)

Lake Tuz is one of Turkey’s largest lakes and it turns pink during dry months. You can walk on salt flats, take amazing photos, or ride a hot-air balloon. The reflection of the sky on the pink surface makes it feel like you’re walking on another planet.

13. Maharlu Lake, Iran

Location: Fars Province, Iran
Best Time to Visit: June to September

Just outside Shiraz, Maharlu Lake is a peaceful pink lake surrounded by mountains. Its water level changes with the seasons, and sometimes the lake is nearly dry. Still, when full, it turns a deep rosy color and is ideal for birdwatching and quiet walks.

14. Hutt Lagoon, Australia

Location: Port Gregory, Western Australia
Best Time to Visit: July to September (midday or sunset)

Hutt Lagoon is a hot-pink wonder along Western Australia’s Coral Coast. Drive along the scenic road or take a helicopter tour. It’s one of the most colorful pink lakes anywhere, and it changes shades depending on the light and season.

15. Lake Hillier, Australia

Location: Recherche Archipelago, Western Australia
Best Time to Visit: October to April

This lake is bright pink all year long! Found on Middle Island, it’s best viewed from the sky. Surrounded by white sand and blue ocean, Lake Hillier looks unreal. Though you can’t swim in it, the views from a plane or boat tour are breathtaking.

16. Pink Lakes of Rottnest Island, Australia

Location: Off Perth, Western Australia
Best Time to Visit: December to February (sunny mornings)

Rottnest Island is home to many small pink lakes. These are easy to explore by bike or bus. The island itself is full of fun—beaches, dolphins, and the famous quokka. During summer, the pink colors shine bright under the sun.

17. Lake Bumbunga, Australia

Location: Lochiel, South Australia
Best Time to Visit: May to November

Located in South Australia, Lake Bumbunga offers pink, white, and even blue shades depending on the season. It’s a short drive from Adelaide and perfect for a day trip. The salt lake is shallow and flat—great for walking, photography, and enjoying nature.

What Are Pink Lakes Anyway?

Let’s get the obvious question out of the way: why are these lakes pink?!

Well, it’s not magic—though it feels like it. The pink color is usually due to the presence of algae, salt, and bacteria that thrive in salty water and produce red pigments. When the conditions are just right (think high salinity + sunlight), the water transforms into a dreamy shade of pink.

The Science Behind the Blush

Here’s a quick breakdown for the curious minds:

Dunaliella salina: A type of algae that produces beta-carotene (the same stuff in carrots 🥕) gives off that reddish-pink hue.
Halobacteria: These tiny organisms love salty environments and also add to the color.
Salt Crystals: When they reflect the light just right, the pink appears even more vivid.

FYI, not all pink lakes stay pink year-round. Some only show their color during dry seasons or under specific weather conditions. Nature’s moody like that.

Are Pink Lakes Safe to Swim In?

Great question—and the answer is… it depends.

Here’s the scoop:

High-salinity lakes like Lake Retba are safe to float in (just don’t shave before going—trust me, the salt will burn 😅).
Protected sites like Lake Hillier don’t allow swimming to preserve the ecosystem.
Some lakes have bacteria or pollutants, so always check local advisories before taking a dip.

TL;DR: When in doubt, look but don’t touch.

Tips for Visiting Pink Lakes (Don’t Wing It!)

Planning your trip? Here’s what you’ll want to know:

Do:

Bring polarized sunglasses to really catch the color.
Wear light-colored clothes—they pop beautifully against pink water.
Respect local rules—many pink lakes are protected zones.
Charge your camera—you’ll want ALL the pics.

Don’t:

Assume every pink lake is always pink.
Leave trash or disrupt wildlife.
Try to scoop water—it won’t stay pink in a bottle.

Final Thoughts

Absolutely.

If you’re someone who loves nature, color, or just exploring the weird corners of the planet, pink lakes are your jam. They’re rare, beautiful, and full of surprises. Whether you visit one IRL or just daydream from your screen, they’re worth your time.

So next time someone says “Lakes are boring,” hit them with a photo of a neon pink lagoon and watch their jaw drop 😄.

17 Breathtaking Pink Lakes Around the World