10 Pink Lakes From Around the World
While not the world's deepest or largest lakes, these lakes are still incredibly notable in their own right. Due to their unique colors, these "pink lakes" are often photographed and have gained fame in their local countries and afar.
Oftentimes, a lake is pink from the presence of algae that produce organic pigments that give off a pink hue. Other lakes, like the famous Lake Retba in Senegal, get their beautiful hues from a very high concentration of salt. Pink lakes can be found across all corners of the globe. Below, we look at some of the world's most noteworthy examples.
10. Lake Hillier, Australia
This lake lies at the heart of an island known as Middle Island in Western Australia. The water is a bright pink color, and stays like this not only in the lake but also when scooped out of the lake into a container! The lake shores are full of salt deposits with the salinity extending to the lake waters. A microbial species of algae is the water's exclusive inhabitant.
9. Lake Retba, Senegal
With salinity levels reaching 40%, Lake Retba almost rivals the Dead Sea in salinity. Consequently, visitors have an easy time floating on the waters although too much exposure without skin protection is not advised. The hue of the water depends on the amount of sunlight that is shining on the lake.
8. Hutt Lagoon, Australia
With the mouth of the Hutt River to the south, this lagoon is also salty, although for different reasons compared to the first two. The salty water comes from the proximity of the Indian Ocean. The pink hue is as a result of the algae in the water. Lying on Australia’s west coast, a huge percentage of the surface is made up of dry salt due to the high levels of evaporation.
7. Quairading Pink Lake, Australia
This remote lake is special for two reasons. First, there is a road that passes right through the middle of the lake. Secondly, either side of the lake that is divided by the road has a different shade of pink for the entire year. It is smaller than the other pink lakes on this list.
6. Lake Natron, Tanzania
This lake is located in the East African region of Arusha in Tanzania. The high evaporation levels around the lake has left behind a salty substance known as natron that has also contributed to the color. Few animal species are able to survive in such a habitat, such as a few invertebrates, microorganisms, and a few fish species.
5. Sivash Salt Lagoon, Russia
Located close to the sea in Ukraine, this lake is highly saline. Salt mining is rampant even though the water has a horrible odor which has earned the lagoons the nickname “Rotten Sea.”
4. Lake Tuz Gola, Turkey
Situated in the Central Anatolia area, this lake is hypersaline and among the biggest salt lakes in the world. In 2001, it was classified as a protected area. Flamingoes and geese are the most dominant species living in the surrounding area.
3. Lake Eyre South, South Australia
When it is full, the salinity levels of Lake Eyre South match those of the nearby ocean. However, higher temperatures and evaporation in the dry season means that the salinity also increases. The pink color is because of the high salt saturation combined with a species of algae inhabiting the water.
2. Las Salinas de Torrevieja, Spain
Despite low salt content, this lake is among the most stunning pink lakes in the world. Once a mining society, Torrevieja is also home to several fish species. The lake lies on the Mediterranean Sea in an isthmus which has a cool localized climate.
1. Lake Bumbunga, Australia
Lake Bumbunga is found in South Australia near the town of Lochiel, around a two hour drive from Adelaide. The pink color of this lake is due to the salinity of the water, which fluctuates throughout the year. The lake is at its most pink during the summer months.
