After I posted my bucket list, I received many questions and comments from people I know, but the adventure they were curious about most seemed to be, “So where did you skinny dip exactly? And why?”

 Well, that got me remembering, so I decided to make a post about it. And because of the many inquiries, I decided to expand the skinny dipping category; to include doing that most natural and ancient ritual on every continent (perhaps not Antarctica but I am not ruling it out).

What is the big deal anyway? To me it is being in nature in the most natural of ways. It is how we came into this world. I feel free and I can feel the water rush around my body. I feel at one with nature. And of course, it is as close to being a mermaid as I will ever be, which is the most important point obviously 🙂

I also feel a sense of excitement because in most places you know that you are not encouraged to do it and in other places you are discouraged.

My three most memorable skinny dip experiences are;

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, Central America

Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan is a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. My boyfriend and I decided to hike from one hillside town to another along the lake. We found a private place with no one around so of course I got the brilliant idea to take a swim. Well, my boyfriend is a bit more prudent than I am so after a quick swim he dressed. I, being the little nudist, wanted nothing better than to stay in the water, in my birthday suit, for the rest of my days.

Lake Atitlan

I was swimming care free when suddenly I saw a group of men walking towards us. The closer they came I realized they were the local police. By that time it was too late to get out and get dressed so I just said hello hoping for the best. They said hello back, giggled like little kids, and continued on their way.

A refreshing dip

Lake Malawi, Malawi, Africa

Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi is an enormous Lake (11,429 sq. miles). It is absolutely great for all kinds of swimming. Here it is necessary to be aware of Bilharzia (a disease caused by parasitic worms that are common in the lake).

Sunset Lake Malawi

 I decided to rent a kayak and explore. I paddled until I found an island with a little beach.  I climbed big rocks and jumped off.  I sun bathed, waved at the fisherman passing by, ate a prized bag of pistachios and drank some semi warm kuchi kuchis (local beer). And I didn’t worry after leaving Lake Malawi since I had taken my Bilharzia medication.  So no weird parasites in this body, for now.

Kayaking Lake Malawi

Tayrona National Park, Santa Marta Colombia South America

Tayrona National Park

I went to Tayrona National Park, which is absolutely beautiful by the way. When I arrived at the park entrance I was told there was a nude beach, but also warned that there was no sign saying it was a nude beach. After a few hours hiking through more populated beaches and camp grounds I found it, my own little private beach au natural.

Wild Horses in Tayrona

The sand was white and the water was choppy. There were only two other people on the beach and they were at the opposite end. The only thing that separated this nude beach from the other parts of the shore were large rocks. I threw off my clothes and into the water I went. It was cold, salty and glorious. I ran around and laid in the sand.  I felt like a little kid again. It was absolutely lovely until some ‘non nudes’ started climbing the rocks and were maybe wondering why there was a girl baring it all down below. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.

Skinny Dip

Would you ever go skinny dipping? Have you ever? Tell me your thoughts below.