Can you imagine being on vacation with your loved one or family in the biggest lake in the world? What is it like, and how would you spend your time there? This article answers these questions and more.
The biggest lakes in the world may not be close to your home or unreachable for the time being. Thus, we have created a comprehensive guide to underwater wonders, outlining the biggest lakes in the world.
You can visit the closest lake to your home, or what you see is best for you. At the largest lakes in the world, there is space for everyone.
Out of the world’s largest lakes, there are primarily fresh lakes and a few saline lakes, so what is the difference between them?
The fresh lakes have a few salts in them. That is less than 1-3 g/L of salt, less than 1% of salt and minerals. However, the saline lakes are highly salty. This is between 3 and 300 g/L of salt.
Saline Lakes Vs Fresh Lakes:
Out of the world’s largest lakes, there are primarily fresh lakes and a few saline lakes, so what is the difference between them?
The fresh lakes have a few salt in them, less than 1-3 g/L, which is less than 1% salt and minerals. However, the saline lakes are extremely salty, with between 3 and 300 g/L of salt.
List Of The Biggest Lakes On Earth: We Will Cover The Top 5.
According to satellite data, there are around 100 million lakes bigger than 1 hectare (2.47 acres) in the world, so finding a lake to visit is easy. However, visiting the largest lakes on earth is out of this world.
Therefore, visiting the world’s biggest lakes can be the best travel experience. Bring your camera because you may want to capture the moment.
What Is The Biggest Lake In The World?
To answer this question, here’s the list of the world’s top 5 largest lakes, ranked from largest to smallest:
1. Caspian Sea
2. Lake Superior
3. Lake Victoria
4. Lake Huron
5. Lake Michigan
What is the biggest lake in the world, you may ask? Keep reading and find out more about that.
1. Caspian Sea:
How big is the biggest lake in the world? The Caspian Sea is the largest lake in the world by area. Its geological area is 143,000 sq mi 371,000km² that lies to the East of the Caucasus Mountains and west of the vast steppe of Central Asia.
Although the Caspian Sea is considered a sea because of its size and salinity, it is, in fact, an endorheic lake. Do not be fooled by its massive size. It is a lake.
With that being said, this large salt lake is bordered by five countries: Iran, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan.
The Caspian Sea has approximately 50 islands, most of which are small. The largest islands are Ogurchin, Tyuleny, Zhiloy, Morskoy, and Zhiloy. In addition, 130 rivers flow into the Caspian Sea, which can reach about 1025 meters in depth.
It contains more than 850 animal species and a hundred plant species. The Caspian Sea is the home of herring, Algae, salmon, pike, and perch.
The Eurasia Canal is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Caspian Sea. Its 700-kilometer (430-mile) canal connects the Caspian and Black Seas. You can access it from the Russian Volga River.
How To Get To The Caspian Sea?
Some people like to take the ferry from Azerbaijan to Kazakhstan via the Caspian Sea because it is the most convenient route by the Caspian Sea Ferry.
What are the top things to do in the Caspian Sea? And what are the places to visit in Caspian Sea Lake?
There are many places to visit in the Caspian Sea for parties and romantic evenings, such as the sandy Caspian beaches close to Baku.
Baku is undoubtedly the capital and largest city in Azerbaijan and the Caspian Sea. Thus, the best place to visit the Caspian Sea is from Baku.
The most common destination on the Caspian Sea from Baku is the Absheron Peninsula Resorts. Some tourists also visit the sports centre at Shuraabad to enjoy surf kiting at a scenic lagoon.
Another place to visit by the Caspian Sea is in Iran. It is the Ashuradeh island in Gorgan Bay. You can visit the historical landmark of Safavid fortresses and enjoy its ruins, which date back to the 15th century.
If that is not enough, and you have time to visit more attractions, you should visit the Mohammad Hassan Khan Bridge, Ganjineh-ye-Babol, and the Royal Palace Tower. They are all located in Babol City, Mazandaran province.
2. Lake Superior:
Lake Superior is the second-largest lake on earth, with a 406 m and 1,332 ft surrounding area. It is also considered the biggest freshwater lake in the world, holding 10% of the world’s freshwater.
Superior Lake straddles the USA and Canadian border in central North America. It is governed by Ontario, Canada, on the north shore, Minnesota on the west coast, and Michigan and Wisconsin on the south.
In addition, it is the biggest lake of the five great lakes: Superior, Michigan, Ontario, Erie, and Huron.
They are called the Great Lakes because they are connected by rivers to each other and to the Atlantic Ocean. They are all considered large and deep, which makes exploring them worthwhile.
What Are The Top Things To Do In Lake Superior? The Best Places To Visit In The Lake Superior?
One of the best places to visit in Lake Superior is the Soo Locks in Sault Ste, Marie, Michigan. The locks open the superior lake to the world, allowing ships to enter through the 21-foot drop into Lake Huron. An observation platform allows visitors to see the cargo ships passing through.
While in Michigan, you should visit Whitefish Point, which offers a fantastic view of the superior lake. Therefore, you should make sure to bring your camera. It is the entry point to Whitefish Lake and home to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.
Not to forget the abundance of waterfalls east of Mississippi, one of which is the Upper Tahquamenon Falls. It is the largest waterfall east of the Mississippi River, 200 feet wide and 50 feet wide.
Tahquamenon Falls is 97 miles away from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, another must-visit place near Lake Superior. We also have a complete guide on Crystal Mountain in Michigan, which you should visit.
The Canadian Sector of Lake Superior:
If you are visiting the Canadian sector of Lake Superior, you should consider visiting Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. It is located in Ontario, Canada, and is one of the top things to see in Superior Lake. It offers a beautiful view of the lake near Thunder Bay.
Sleep Giant Provincial Park has plenty of things to do, such as hiking, camping, birdwatching, mountain biking, and wildlife photography. The hiking and mountain biking trails offer a rewarding view of Superior Lake and the surrounding area.
Lake Superior Provincial Park is the home of the Agawa Rock Pictographs, 83.8 miles (135km) north of Sault Ste. Marie. It contains 35 pictographs by the 15th-story granite cliff. The park is a great place to see the fall colors and for trout fishing, kayaking, hiking and camping.
You can also visit the mysterious shipwreck known as Arlington Shipwreck, Lake Superior. Dan Fountain found it in 1940 after 84 years in the water. The ship sank 600 feet below the lake.
3. Lake Victoria:
Lake Victoria is the third-largest lake on earth and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. It is 26,590 sq mi (68,870km²) in size and borders the shorelines of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Victoria Lake is one of the African Great Lakes, one of which drains into the White Nile and Congo River. It can reach 81 m (266 ft) in depth, making it an excellent place for scuba diving and snorkelling.
Most of the countries by Victoria Lake are riparian and interlacustrine countries, which are great for tourism. Many tourists like visiting nearby countries for safari and enjoying nature, such as the famous country in Central Africa, Rwanda.
Lake Victoria aids many surrounding agricultural industries, transport industries and thriving fishing spots, which play an essential role in the economies of the surrounding areas.
The most common plants in agriculture are tea and coffee, which allow you to saviour fresh tea or coffee while contemplating God-given nature. Two hundred fish species call the Victoria Lake home, of which Tilapia is the most common.
Things To Do In Lake Victoria. Places To Visit In Lake Victoria:
There is no complete visit to Lake Victoria without cruising around the lake during sunset. You can hear tales of people cruising the lake while sipping wine and cheese. It is an irresistible notion.
There is no doubt that Victoria Lake is one of the best spots for safari in the world. You can enjoy birdwatching, animal safaris, and catching aquatic life at Makange Swamp Bay and Mabamba Swamp Bay in Uganda. There is no greater experience than that.
You can rent a canoe boat and wander around the swamp areas to spot rare and endemic birds, such as the shoe-bill stork and many others. You may want to get your camera ready to capture those beautiful creatures.
There is no greater escape than visiting the beaches on Victoria Island, such as Tropical Ssese Beach on Ssese Islands and Kalandgala Beach. You can walk in the white sand or enjoy some beach activities.
There are many beachfront hotels for couples by Victoria Lake’s beaches that offer romantic retreats with saunas, massages, SPAs, and pampering. I highly recommend booking a stay at the Ssese Islands Beach Hotel.
If you are an animal lover, you would love to visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Center Entebbe zoo. Of course, we will not forget to visit the Entebbe Botanical Garden, where you will see a variety of local plants.
The Rubondo Island National Park in Tanzania is a great escape for couples seeking to elude nature. It is the largest island park in Africa and part of the Rubondo island.
In the park, animals are abundant in their number and variety. You can spot elephants, chimpanzees, giraffes, and around 400 bird species. Be on the look out for the endangered species of Sitaunga as they camouflage in the thick marches of the lake.
You can choose to climb Kilimanjaro and camp in the nearby forest. It is the highest mountain in Africa, standing at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). It is part of the Kilimanjaro National Park, which is rich in Flora and Fauna.
The Kilimanjaro mountain offers a beautiful view of the surrounding forest. If you cannot climb it, you can hike the many trekking routes leading to the summit.
4. Lake Huron: The Fifth-Biggest Lake In The World.
As you might know by now, Lake Huron is one of the biggest lakes in the world and the second-largest Great Lakes in North America. This freshwater lake is about 23,000 sq mi (59,600km²) and borders both Canada and the US.
Huron Lake’s shoreline is the longest in the world. It connects to Lake Michigan by a passageway called the Straits of Mackinac.
The Strait is 20 fathom-deep, 120 ft (37 m) and 5 miles wide (8.0 km). The Mackinac Bridge lays on both ends of the Straits of Mackinac, approximately 200 feet above sea level.
It shares the border of Ontario and Canada on the north and east shores, while Michigan shares the south and north coasts. It is called Lake Huron by the indigenous people who occupy the area known as Huron.
There are 30,000 islands in Lake Huron. However, Manitoulin Island is the biggest freshwater island in the world. Georgian Bay is located in the northeast of the lake, and Saginaw Bay is in the southwest.
Things To Do In Lake Huron. Places To Visit In Lake Huron:
You can take the Alpena Shipwreck tours at Thunder Bay in Alpena, Michigan. You will be deported from Alpena Port by Lady Michigan into the heart of Lake Huron. Once you arrive at the destination, you will be given scuba diving equipment and dive into the lake.
You can also practice charter fishing with Two Hearted Charters and Court Yard Ristorante. They have a program where you cook whatever you catch during the trip.
You can also visit the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center and Museum to learn about boat building, shipwrecks, old-time schooners, and underwater archaeology. It is a fun place to visit, especially if you have kids. It is free.
There are many lake houses that you can explore, such as 40 Mile Point in Rogers City, Old Presque Isle and New Presque Isle in Presque Isle, Fort Gratiot in Port Huron, and Pointe aux Barques in Port Hope.
The visit to Lake Huron would not be finished without experiencing the Turnip Rock Water Trail for beautiful scenarios. You can rent a kayak, stand-up paddleboards, or water bikes at the Port Austin Kayak.
5. Lake Michigan:
Lake Michigan is the fifth-largest lake in the world, at 1,180 cu mi (4,900 km3). It is also one of the Great Lakes and the only one located fully in the United States.
Lake Michigan shares the border of many states, including Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. North of the lake, it is flanked by many bays, such as Green Bay, Grand Traverse, and Little Traverse Bays.
As mentioned, it is shared by a waterway between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, known as the Straits of Mackinac. You can stop by the Mackinac Bridge for a beautiful view of both lakes.
There are nine islands in Lake Michigan, including the Gull, Pismire, Hat, and Shoe Islands. They are part of the Beaver Island Archipelago and are managed by Seney National Park.
Things To Do In Lake Michigan – Places To Visit In Lake Michigan:
On the southern side of the Straits of Mackinac lies the town of Mackinaw. It is also the home of Fort Michilimacjinac, established in 1715. It is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the most visited places in Lake Michigan is Crystal Mountain. There are so many scenic pathways and drives. You can mountain bike or hike its trails because the view at the summit is rewarding, or ride a crystal coaster alpine slide at the Mountain Adventure Zone.
Many tourists like to visit the Shedd Aquarium, which has around 32,000 species of marine life. Not far from the aquarium is Navy Pier, where you can find shopping, restaurants, and many other attractions. Do not forget to visit Brookfield Zoo Aquarium.
You do not want to miss visiting the Field Museum of Natural History to learn about natural history and human stories. In addition, Grant Park is a must-visit destination for adults and kids. It is the home of many important landmarks in the city, such as Millennium Park and The Bean.
Conclusion:
There is so much to see and do at the biggest lakes in the world. We added a lot of choices to keep your options open when visiting those great lakes. If you enjoy god-given nature, then those lakes are your go-to destination.
We shared with you the top 5 largest lakes on Earth. Some border a country, and others border many countries. Thus, you should plan your trip wisely because the journey is worthwhile, and adventure awaits you.
So make memories that you will look back on and smile at the world’s largest lakes. Enjoy the unique ecosystem, get some fresh air, and contemplate on the untouched paradise.
Have you ever wondered what it is like to visit the deepest lake in the world? Wonder no more because we have a thorough guide to help you do just that.
Have you ever visited any of the largest lakes in the world? If so, please share your experience in the comment below.
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