From Wadi Shab's emerald pools to Akchour's waterfalls—these are the wild swimming spots across the region you’ll want to dive straight into.
Wild swimming is not just a plunge—it’s a return. A quiet rebellion against chlorine and concrete, a chance to immerse in the rhythms of the earth.
In the SWANA region, where mountain veins cut through desert skin and turquoise tides kiss ancient cliffs, the waters run particularly wild—pools tucked between date palms and canyon walls, lagoons that shimmer like mirages, waterfalls whispering through stone.
From the emerald stillness of Oman’s Wadi Shab to the mist-kissed cascades of Akchour in Morocco, every swim in SWANA is a story, every current a call to be present.
Whether you’re chasing the hush of hidden springs or the exhilaration of cliffside dives, these are the waters that cleanse more than just the skin—they stir the soul.
Wadi Shab
📍 Tiwi, Oman
Surrounded by honeycomb canyon walls and swaying palms, the emerald pools of Wadi Shab are the ultimate oasis. Here, you can swim in crystal-clear waters, explore hidden caves and bask in waterfalls carved into the cliffs.
Lake Chouane
📍 Chouaneh, Lebanon
A turquoise gem tucked within Jabal Moussa, Lake Chouane is as remote as it is rewarding. Reached by a steep hike, the lake is framed by towering trees and alpine trails—perfect for a cool swim or a quiet pause in nature.
Ras Mohammed Lagoons
📍 South Sinai, Egypt
Famed for its vibrant coral reefs, Ras Mohammed is a Red Sea sanctuary where crystal-clear lagoons beckon wild swimmers into waters brimming with marine life—a true immersion into an underwater world.
Akchour Waterfalls & River Pools
📍 Chefchaouen, Morocco
Winding through the lush trails of Talassemtane National Park near Chefchaouen, a jungle-like hike leads to a string of river-fed pools—crystal-clear, ice-cold, and hidden beneath a canopy of green.
Lake Ifni
📍Al Aaroui, Morocco
Cradled at 2,300 metres beneath the shadow of the Toubkal Massif, Lake Ifni is a rare alpine jewel with opal-blue waters that mirror the rugged peaks that guard it. Reached only by a demanding trek, the lake rewards those who venture with a swim steeped in solitude.
Sha’ib Luha Pool
📍 Uraidh, Saudi Arabia
Just beyond Riyadh’s edge, Sha’ib Luha is a desert secret whispered among cliffs and carved stone. Fed by fleeting rains, its still, freshwater pool mirrors the sky, bordered by rocky outcrops and gentle cascades—a fleeting oasis where silence lingers and time slows.
Wadi Lajab
📍 Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia
Carved deep into the mountains of Jazan, Wadi Lajab is often dubbed ‘Saudi’s Grand Canyon’—a winding gorge of sheer cliffs and hidden emerald pools. Here, wild swimming meets canyoning adventure, with every bend offering a new pocket of stillness or spray, perfect for those drawn to untamed beauty.