This is the best place in the world to swim in the ocean—and it has warm, ‘Gin-clear’ water year-round

AS wellness travel continues to boom, travelers are increasingly planning trips around experiences that feel restorative rather than itinerary-packed. One clear expression of that shift is the rise of the “swim vacation”—a way of travelling that prioritizes time in the sea as a core part of the trip.

The appeal is straightforward. Sea swimming is widely associated with both physical and mental health benefits, from better circulation to stress relief, and it’s one of the easiest ways to stay active while travelling. But anyone who’s planned a beach trip knows conditions can vary wildly by place and season. Wind, cloud cover, and harsh sun can all make the water far less inviting.

To help travellers identify destinations with consistently comfortable swimming conditions, London-based travel agency CV Villas analysed more than 100 coastal locations worldwide.

Using the World Health Organization’s recommended recreational swimming temperature range of 26 to 30 degrees Celsius (that's 78.8 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit) as a benchmark, the study compared annual sea temperatures alongside wind speeds, cloud cover, and UV index levels.

These factors were combined into an overall “Swimmable Seas Score” out of 100, designed to reflect how reliably suitable each destination is for sea swimming throughout the year.

The rankings skew heavily toward Asia and East Africa, where warm sea temperatures and minimal seasonal variation create more reliable swimming conditions year-round. Gili Trawangan, Indonesia, topped the global list with a score of 78.6 out of 100—it's known for its "gin-clear waters" and lush tropical landscapes.

The small, car-free island off Lombok stands out for its clear, protected waters, which stay comfortable for swimming most of the year. Egypt followed close behind, with Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada—two longtime favourites known for their warm Red Sea waters and minimal seasonal change—rounding out the top three.

Notably absent from the rankings are any destinations in the United States, a reminder that seasonal temperature swings and variable conditions can limit year-round sea swimming.

The Caribbean, often synonymous with beach travel, was represented by just two locations—Negril in Jamaica and Cockburn Town in the Turks and Caicos—underscoring that even popular beach regions don’t always offer consistently ideal swimming conditions year-round.

Unsurprisingly, island destinations dominate the rankings overall, accounting for more than half of the top 15. Sheltered coastlines, reefs, and lagoons play a major role here, helping to create calmer conditions and more consistent water temperatures. Mediterranean destinations also performed strongly, particularly in Turkey and Cyprus.