Number 12: Pink Sands Beach Pink Sands Beach is one of the
most stunning sights in the Bahamas, and that’s really saying something! As the name suggests,
this beach is made up of powdery, light pink sand and is often used for Sports Illustrated
photoshoots. Even if you’re not a famous model or photographer, you can enjoy the
luxurious rosy paradise that is Pink Sands Beach by merely taking a boat from Eleuthera
to Out Island. The pink hue is thanks to plenty of crushed coral, stretching as far as 100 feet
in specific places on the beach. To top it all off, Pink Sands Beach is surrounded by
crystal clear azure water, making it a little slice of heaven on earth.
Number 11: Matira Beach Matira Beach in stunning French Polynesia is a
picture-perfect beach that’s completely accessible to everyone. While many of the beaches near Bora
Bora are privately owned, and you can’t visit them without staying at one of the big chain resorts,
Matira Beach is different. It’s a public beach, famous for its incredible sunsets and long,
uninterrupted sandy stretches of pristine beach. A popular destination for honeymooners,
this beach is the last word in romance, but you don’t have to be partnered up to enjoy it fully.
If you love snorkeling, diving, or deep-sea fishing, you’ll find it all at Matira Beach.
Number 10: Punalu'u Black Sand Beach Hawaii’s Big Island has plenty of astounding
beaches, and you should definitely check out all of them, but make sure that you put Punalu’u Black
Sand Beach at the top of your list. Located on the southeastern part of the island, known as the Ka’u
coast, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach has jet-colored, powdery sand that makes it a unique, inky paradise
that will totally blow your mind. The black sand is thanks to Volcanoes National Park,
a nearby cluster of active volcanoes. Although Punalu’u Black Sand Beach isn’t the greatest spot
for swimming, thanks to its rocky shoreline, it is a great place to get those Instagram snaps and see
some pretty cool sea creatures. Green sea turtles often nap on the beach, and since it’s ringed with
idyllic palm trees, you will undoubtedly be able to find a shady spot to relax as well.
Number 9: Nungwi Beach Nungwi Beach is one of the
most spectacular places in northern Zanzibar. Basically, everywhere you look on this beach
resembles a screensaver, from the traditional African boats idling in the nearby waters to the
sandy stretches of the beach itself. Nungwi Beach is full of powdery white coral sand, and you can
simply luxuriate for hours on the coast, soaking in the sun and sights. When you’ve had your fill
of the stunning natural landscape that is Nungwi Beach, you can always head to one of the bars or
restaurants that line the coast. Nungwi Beach has an exciting mixture of high-end travelers,
locals, and backpackers, making it a cool place to socialize and catch some rays.
Number 8: Trunk Bay Travel to St. John in the US Virgin Islands,
and you’ll have the opportunity to visit Trunk Bay, a pristine beach full of gorgeous sand,
thick forests, and plenty of towering palm trees. Trunk Bay is part of a national park,
and this protected area is shielded from development, so you’ll be able
to step back in time and experience Trunk Bay in all of its natural glory.
Hemmed in by emerald-colored water, Trunk Bay is an excellent place to go snorkeling or scuba dive.
There are loads of sea animals in this part of the world, including turtles, tropical fish,
and manta rays. If you want to explore on your own, try to get there as early as possible.
Number 7: Whitehaven Beach Australia’s Whitehaven Beach has
everything a sun-seeker could ever want, from gorgeous aqua water to pristine white sand.
It’s the biggest one of the Whitsunday Islands and is located right on the Great Barrier Reef,
so you really can’t beat the snorkeling and scuba diving. Smoking is prohibited on Whitehaven Beach,
so you won’t find random cigarette butts on your morning stroll,
just plenty of cool white sand and the occasional sea turtle and whale. If you want to see something
truly unique, check out Hill Inlet for the best view of the water and sand. Priceless!
Number 6: Navagio Beach What sets Navagio Beach apart from all of the
best? It’s surrounded by bright, electric blue water that doesn’t look like anything else on
the planet. This Greek wonder is one of the most photographed spots on the planet, famous for its
white sand and marble cliffs. The unique water is thanks to the sulfurous caves that ring the beach
and gives it its exotic flair. Navagio Beach isn’t just beautiful, though. The site is home to the
MV Panagiotis wreck and is nicknamed “Shipwreck Beach” and “Smuggler’s Cove” by locals. Although
some people think that the MV Panagiotis mars the beautiful beach, others find it to be a curious
feature that’s interesting to explore. The MV Panagiotis ran aground on the idyllic beach as
it was smuggling cigarettes, booze, and possibly even people through the tranquil waters.
Number 5: Rabbit Beach Italy’s Lampedusa island might not be on
everyone’s bucket list, but it definitely should be. The tiny island is home to Rabbit Beach,
a local treasure that hasn’t hit the tourist radar yet. Rabbit Beach isn’t easy to get to,
which makes it even more impressive when you actually arrive. Visit between June and August to
avoid most of the local crowds, and you might just have the opportunity to have this fantastic beach
all to yourself. Once you’re there, settle in for the long run. This beach is full of gorgeous white
sand and surrounded by shady coconut trees, making it the perfect spot to get that afternoon nap.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can always head out into the water to see some of
Rabbit Beach’s extraordinary marine life. Although you won’t run across any rabbits on the beach,
you might be able to spot some green sea turtles or even a dolphin or two if you’re
truly lucky!
Number 4: Anse Source D’Argent The Seychelles are famously beautiful,
and Anse Source D’Argent is no exception. This beach is the final word in pristine paradises,
a fabulous destination right in the heart of the Indian Ocean. One of its biggest draws
is the abundance of pink sand set against colossal granite boulders. If this dramatic
backdrop wasn’t enough, consider the fact that Anse Source D’Argent is surrounded by a reef,
making it the ideal place to swim and spot plenty of sea life. If you love the outdoors, Anse Source
D’Argent is the perfect beach for you, as you can try your hand at plenty of hiking, rock climbing,
and snorkeling. Some people have compared it to a modern-day Eden, and we tend to agree!
Number 3: Playa Grande Costa Rica’s Playa Grande is
one of the most spectacular gems in a country that’s already bursting with natural splendor.
Located in the Guanacaste region, Playa Grande’s claim to fame is its plethora of
leatherback sea turtles. Mama leatherbacks love to come to Playa Grande to lay their eggs,
and the whole place is a protected nesting ground for the little ones. Travel there between November
and March, and you’ll have the unique chance to spot tiny leatherbacks before they hop into the
Pacific Ocean for their first swim. Playa Grande also offers plenty of great surfing opportunities
and is close enough to nearby bustling Tamarindo that they can certainly make the most out of your
time in the area.
Number 2: Maya Bay Thailand’s beaches are the stuff of
legends, but Maya Bay is in a class all of its own. This fabulous beach got famous back in the
1990s as the backdrop for The Beach starring elder millennial heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio,
and it’s just as popular today as it was twenty years ago. Maya Bay is situated in the
Phi Phi archipelago in the Andaman Sea, and you can get there quickly from party island Phuket.
With deep azure waters, beautiful stretches of white sand beaches, and towering limestone cliffs,
Maya Bay looks like something completely out of this world. If you want the best chance of having
this beautiful beach to yourself, it’s best to get there early. Shoot to arrive before 9 a.m. for a
more exclusive experience.
Number 1: Marieta Beach Marieta Beach, also known as
“Playa del Amor” or Hidden Beach, is a secluded little hideaway in Marietas Islands National
Park. This Mexican treasure is the happy result of plenty of volcanic activity in the area, and since
it’s tucked away into a sandy cavern, you’ll feel like you have the whole beach… and maybe even the
entire world… all to yourself. Essentially, this beach is an open-air cave with a tiny sandy oasis
nestled inside. Since it’s only about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, Marieta Beach might
look otherworldly, but it’s totally accessible. In addition to the stunning landscape, you’ll
also be treated to some of the best sea life in the world, including sea turtles, dolphins,
giant manta rays, and even humpback whales.
Thanks for watching! Would you rather have Thailand’s amazing Maya Bay
all to yourself for a full weekend or play with baby sea turtles in Costa Rica’s Playa Grande?
Let us know in the comments section below.