The whirlpool is a natural phenomenon, very favorite authors of myths. In novels about the whirlpools of Jules Verne and Edgar Allan PoE they are able to swallow the whole ship, but in fact, the eddies are not so strong. However, it is still a frightening sight and there are few places in the world where You can be very close and observe them in action. Offer to learn where to see this unusual natural phenomenon.
Naruto, Japan
This place is a proof that whirlpools don't swallow the whole ship. Here You can enjoy a cruise along Naruto to watch the whirlpools off the coast of Shikoku in Japan. These whirlpools are called “Swirl of water” and “Amazing Naruto”. But if You are afraid to go to the place of the whirlpool on the boat, that is a great opportunity to observe them from the bridge Naruto. Whirlpools occur every 6 hours, more often in summer than in winter, so You should know the specific time to see this phenomenon.
Old Sow, USA/Canada
Old Sow is a giant whirlpool that lies between the United States and Canada, near the island of Deer in new Brunswick, on the Canadian side. It can be observed from the island of Deer, but some brave tourists can take a boat cruise to observe a vortex with a width of 76 meters, and then to join the club of survivors. And for those who are really interested, there are many other features in this area such as tidal waves and thunder hole, as well as some slightly smaller whirlpools, known as “Pigs”. It is difficult to measure Old Sow on their own, but I think that this is the biggest whirlpool in the Western hemisphere!
Moskstraumen, Norway
If You have wondered where Edgar Allan PoE and Jules Verne got his inspiration for writing the novel, You have to see this series of whirlpools in Lofoten, Norway. This place has become legendary, and the reason is its real danger, and visitors are warned not to try to catch the vortex of your boat. The funnel appears in the open sea, which is quite rare, as most often they are in rivers and lakes, because it is harder to see. However, local residents still haul the fishing boats with the Moskstraumen. There are tours and boat adventures" that go in the wrong direction, allowing you to observe the legendary waters near. However, it is not necessary to go to this tour if You suffer from seasickness!
Corryvreckan, Scotland
The only vortex that occurs in the channel — Corryvreckan, between the Islands of Jura and Scarba, off the coast of Scotland. Locals warned that to cross the channel very dangerous, however, are wild swimmers, trying to see him close up. It's even described in the literature — George Orwell in 1984 wrote that was saved from the whirlpool in 1947, after his boat turned out to be in this place. If You want to repeat step George, there are boat trips, but it can be dangerous, because there drowned many sailors.
Charybdis, Italy
From the legendary to the mythic whirl. Charybdis was a sea creature in Greek mythology, it was believed that he lived in the Straits of Messina and ate a lot of ships when they passed by. Later, the cause of the "devouring" of ships appropriated to the vortex in this region, although the vortex is quite moderate and, as you know, can't sink the ship. Now he is called Garofalo and he can be seen on the coast of Sicily. It's not the most dramatic maelstrom, but mythology makes it an interesting destination for classical philologists. These places are filled with legends, and call to beware of sea monsters – even if You avoid Charybdis, there is always sectionby monster Skylla on the other side!
Skookumchuck Narrows, Canada
Around this a series of whirlpools created by a national Park, and it's a great place to explore thanks to whirlpools scuba diving and camping. However, these streams are not canoista-lover – the locals suggest to check the flows before You decide to cross them. In some cases, whirlpools and foam can be extremely dangerous. Safer to watch them from specially constructed platforms at the water's edge and combine this with a guided tour and explore the wild beauty of the Park. It should be noted that in this Park there are no modern facilities and You will really feel what life in the wilderness!
Those Amiti, New Zealand
Following the maelstrom just as beautiful, but no less dangerous. The advice of the locals says that You have to swim through it only in the case if the flow is very weak. Those Humity is between the Admiralty and the Tasman Bay. The vortex is formed due to colliding flows, which are also known as French pass (this name was given to the flow of French Explorer Dumont D'urville, who successfully conducted a campaign in 1827). This is next to Rangitoto island, Tonga, also known as the island of D'urville.
Diet, Latvia
Now it is one of the most popular whirlpools. Vortex in Latvia has hit the headlines this year with the words, “ ... Monstrous whirlpool swallows everything in its path” and there is actual evidence in the video that the vortex capable of swallowing chunks of ice and pieces from sunken ships, as well as various kinds of cargo, sailing on the Daugava river. However, this whirlpool is still not swallow people, or even cows, because is not so dangerous as all to paint it).
Funnel Niagara
Would expect that in this place there are whirlpools, and You will not be disappointed rushing with great force streams of water, creating whirlpools. Consider them with special hanging lockers, sliding over a large gorge. From here you can enjoy exciting, beautiful and terrifying at the same time performance. Cableway was built in 1916 by the famous Spanish engineer Leonardo Torres Quevedo and upgraded since then several times. The trip lasts for 10 minutes and overcomes a distance of 1 km, being the safest way to be close with a roaring maelstrom of Niagara!
Saltstraumen, Norway
The most powerful maelstrom in the world is the Saltstraumen in Norway. This swirl — pool of 10 meters wide and 5 meters deep, which is caused by 400 million cubic meters of water rushing through the narrow channel every 6 hours. Obviously it's dangerous for tourists, and it is important to check timetables before departure flows, because it is very easy to get into trouble. Even when all seems calm on the surface, there is a likelihood that Your boat can suck you in. The vortex can be observed near the town of Baud, which is to the North of the Arctic circle. It is very cold here, and if You decide on this adventure, then make sure You are dressed very warmly. This horrific spectacle is worth it to go.