It’s no secret, we’ve been to plenty of international locations over time. Whether or not by luck, windfall or a penchant for selecting heat international locations surrounded by water, various of the locations we’ve visited have had some wonderful seashores.
I didn’t understand simply what number of nice seashores we had truly walked on till I learn an article just a few years in the past speaking about 25 of probably the most stunning seashores on this planet. The humorous half is I simply occurred to be sitting on a aircraft heading to an island that might undoubtedly have one other stunning seaside ready for me after we landed. What struck me was that we had already walked, napped, swam or arrange a hammock on 20 of these 25 seashores on that checklist.
I want I had saved that article to make this checklist simpler (and to see if we’ve crossed any of the remaining 5 off their checklist) however listed below are 10 of our private favourite seashores on this planet. Whereas a few of these won’t have the best sand, the most effective surf or the dearth of crowds we typically yearn for, all of them have one thing that makes them intrinsically particular to us. I’ve saved it to a single seaside per nation simply to unfold the love however have given a small nod to a different seaside in the identical nation we additionally loved.
Our Favourite 10 Seashores from 20 Years of Journey
20 years of journey seems like so much however it’s lower than half of what we hope the longer term brings. As the youngsters begin to go off on their very own adventures, so too will we begin visiting locations which were on our bucket checklist as effectively and perhaps revisit a few of our favourite locations for the previous couple of a long time. This checklist is for these seaside lovers that may by no means get sufficient of sand, solar and surf. Take pleasure in!
Whitsundays – Queensland – Australia
As the biggest island nation on this planet, Australia in all probability has extra seashores than some international locations have individuals. How do you resolve which of these is your favourite? Easy, you assume again to which seaside struck you as unforgettable. For us, that was the Whitsundays and extra particularly, Whitehaven Seaside.
We had been crusing the Whitsundays for days and after we clambered onto the island and walked over the path from one facet to the opposite, to say Whitehaven Seaside left a mark on us could be an understatement. Stunning aquamarine water overlapping sandbars of pure white sand with virtually zero civilisation in sight? Sure please.
Australia: Particular nod to Fraser Island (now often known as Ok’gari). At 122km, Fraser Island is the biggest sand island on this planet and we had an incredible week of 4x4ing and sleeping on it’s principal seaside. Whereas it will probably’t examine to the Whitsundays for sheer magnificence, it makes up for it in sheer measurement and actions. Apart from, who can resist driving on a seaside so lengthy (75 miles) that it’s categorised as each a freeway in addition to a airplane runway.
Lengthy Seaside – Ko Phi Phi – Thailand
Our three week keep on Lengthy Seaside on Thailand’s backpacker riddled Ko Phi Phi remains to be one among our fondest recollections. We had been staying in a small hut simply toes from the surf and the straightforward days of swimming within the ocean, snorkeling with fish and reef sharks a stones throw from our door and watching motion pictures on our outdated laptop computer with the ocean crashing within the background by no means obtained outdated.
We haven’t been again for the reason that island obtained worn out a decade in the past nevertheless we heard the island remains to be as common as ever as of late. Taking a fast water taxi to city to seize a chunk to eat or taking a half day tour out to Monkey Seaside was a good way to alter issues up as effectively.
Thailand: Small nod to Ko Lanta must be mentioned as effectively. Although we walked and swam on dozens of seashores in Thailand (and a number of the smaller island seashores even stand out amongst this whole checklist as really stunning), Micki and I fell in love with Ko Lanta. The sand was extra gritty and the water readability doesn’t even belong on this checklist however we spent weeks there within the off season when issues had calmed down after the busy vacationer season. After all there was wonderful Thai meals all over the place however a fast stroll down the seaside we had discovered an Italian restaurant that rivalled anyplace we ever ate in Italy (the Italian proprietor had simply moved there) and we couldn’t get sufficient of it.
We additionally fell in love with a seaside in Emerald Cave on Ko Mook, Thailand. It’s such a cool place, that’s solely accessible by swimming by means of a cave!
Wanting again now or time on Ko Mook is all the time crammed with a special reminiscence. Micki had a kidney an infection that we couldn’t ignore and we needed to take a non-public boat off the island then an ambulance to get the closest hospital. Due to that have, we all the time suggest getting journey medical insurance coverage earlier than you permit the nation.
SafetyWing Nomad 2.0 insurance coverage has turn into a favourite since we are able to select the clinic we wish (one thing that was important after we had been in Greece and the hospital was closed), it’s a pay-as-you-go subscription and we’re lined as much as 250k in 180 completely different international locations. It additionally has $0 deductible so we’re lined for even small claims like vacationers stomach or ear infections and their new Nomad 2.0 coverage permits each an Journey Sport addon in addition to an electronics insurance coverage addon. Plus, now with the brand new Nomad 2.0 claims course of you can begin a declare with a brand new easy kind in as little as 5 minutes and get reimbursed inside 2.8 days.
Akumal – Yucatan Peninsula – Mexico
Mexico has a whole lot of gorgeous seashores on each side of the nation however our favourite remains to be in all probability Akumal. Not as busy as Cancun or Playa Del Carmen nor as unspoiled as Tulum, Akumal is understood primarily for his or her sea turtles. We’ve spent days on the seaside there over time from earlier than we had youngsters to now and each time we go there’s simply one thing particular in regards to the place. The water is tremendous calm, the numerous fronds attain right down to the seaside and we simply all the time get pleasure from our day there.
The humorous half is although we’ve spent months (years at this level) staying up and down the Mayan Riviera coast, we’ve by no means truly spent the evening in Akumal. So, in the event you’re trying to ebook every week or two within the space, simply outdoors Playa Del Carmen or near Playa Paraiso down in Tulum could be the realm I’d recommend however simply ensure you take a day to spend on Akumal Seaside with the ocean turtles. You’re welcome.
Mexico: Small nod to Yelapa, Jalisco. It’s solely a fast 30 minute boat journey from Nuevo Vallarta however it feels such as you’re in one other space of the nation. It has a tremendous laid again appeal and the water and sand are each nice in comparison with many locations on the Pacific facet of the nation.
Lanikai Seaside – Oahu – Hawaii
Hawaii is crammed with stunning seashores and whereas the surf on the North Shore is spectacular, the water and sand at Lanikai Seaside is difficult to beat. One of many causes this seaside stands out to us is that it’s the primary seaside we ever went get up paddle boarding on and partly why we presently personal 4 paddle boards at present.
Also referred to as Kaʻōhao Seaside, Lanikai Seaside makes it onto loads of lists of the most effective seashores on this planet and is common for a cause. With good views of the Mokulua Islands and it’s relative proximity to virtually all the pieces on the island (we toured your complete island in a day and stopped for hours at loads of areas), it’s an incredible place to spend a day when on Oahu.
Hawaii: Small nod to Witches Brew seaside in Hanauma Bay for snorkeling as effectively in the event you’re already on the island. Whereas the seaside itself doesn’t examine to Lanikai, there’s some nice protected snorkeling proper off the seaside the place we noticed sea turtles, moray eels and extra colourful fish than we might ever rely simply toes off the shore. It was successful with each us and the youngsters because the surf is extremely light.
Tortuga Bay – Galapagos Islands – Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are primarily recognized for his or her big Galapagos tortoises nevertheless they need to be equally well-known for his or her salt encrusted sea iguanas, playful sea lions, blue footed boobies and the one penguin on this planet discovered north of the equator. Most of those may be discovered on almost any seaside within the island chain and so they make any seaside tour within the Galapagos unforgettable.
Tortugas Bay, situated on the island of Santa Cruz, isn’t a seaside you go swimming on however nonetheless stays unforgettable for it’s size and the quantity of sea creatures you discover whereas strolling this lengthy seaside. As a result of fixed present, swimming isn’t allowed on the attractive seaside itself however as you attain the tip you’ll discover a small cove on the opposite facet with good water you may swim in. On our stroll to the cove, we noticed loads of sea lions and a tons of sea iguanas basking (and snorting out salt) within the solar. Proper earlier than we obtained the cove we additionally noticed just a few of the iguanas venturing into the water and swimming out to search out lunch.
Galapagos: Small nod to Gardner Bay on Española Island must be added resulting from it’s distinctive magnificence. When you can’t keep on the island itself, there are many day journey cruises that may get you to this idyllic lengthy white sand seaside. It has nice swimming and in the event you’re fortunate, one of many resident sea lions may resolve to play with you within the surf.
Varadero Seaside – Cuba
Whereas not distant nor that onerous to get to, there’s no denying that the lengthy white sands of Veradero Seaside are common for a cause. The seaside, often known as Playa Azul for it’s crystal clear blue water goes on for miles (at 21km or 13 mi, it’s the longest within the Caribbean) and although it’s now plagued by all-inclusive resorts, the water remains to be beautiful and the sand nonetheless easy. The bonus to having civilization so shut right here is that their world well-known mojitos or a Cuba libre (rum and coke) are just a few toes away and taking a day journey into Havana is like stepping again in time.
Cuba: Small nod to Cayo Blanco as effectively. Whereas it’s solely accessible by boat, it’s a gorgeous strip of white sand and aquamarine water as effectively with a way more rustic vibe. You actually can’t go flawed heading on the market for a day however observe that it will probably get busy some days.
White Seaside – Boracay – Philippines
What can I say about Boracay moreover that the place is all the time busy and but the sand is a number of the best you’ll discover wherever on this planet. It’s so effective that it truly squeaks once you stroll on it and good luck getting the sand out of your garments after taking part in within the aquamarine surf. I’d have cherished to see the realm 50 years in the past earlier than all the event took over however White Seaside and Boracay Island itself are common for a cause.
The seaside can get fairly crowded at sure occasions of the 12 months nevertheless in the event you go to the farther edge you may typically discover a quieter place to arrange a towel. It’s an incredible swimming seaside with lots to see whereas strolling it’s 4 kilometer size and in the event you crave slightly extra pleasure, stroll 10 minutes and also you’ll be on the opposite facet of the island and might get pleasure from some wonderful kitesurfing and windsurfing (whether or not watching or renting) on Habagat Bay.
Philippines: A small nod to Entalula Seaside is owed. It’s a beautiful stretch of sand nevertheless you’ll must take a tour to get there. Most excursions depart from El Nid and sometimes go to the distinctive sandbar of Snake Island. Be sure that to take a look at Nacpan Seaside in the event you’re staying within the space as effectively, because it’s a beautiful seaside on it’s personal and is simple to get to.
Cathedral Cove – The Coromandel – New Zealand
For an island nation, New Zealand has tons of seashores nevertheless in contrast to their Australian neighbors, the sand isn’t typically as effective right here. That mentioned, we fell in love with the nation and even determined to get married there. What has that to do with Cathedral Cove within the northern Coromandel space of the northern island? Not a lot besides we had just a few stunning days within the space and actually loved the great seaside and the famed arch.
Again then you would hike out to the seaside however as of late the paths are closed and you might want to take a water taxi to get there. It’s nonetheless well worth the journey and the backdrop is just stunning plus there are another cool issues to see within the space together with Scorching Water Seaside the place pure sizzling springs meet the ocean and with a little bit of digging, you can also make your personal sandy sizzling tub solely toes from the surf.
New Zealand: Small nod to Abel Tasman Park on the south island. I can’t actually let you know the precise seaside we cherished probably the most however your complete Park is only a stunning wonderland of nature. Our pic on the facet with the kayaks within the background was taken there and seeing it nonetheless brings again nice recollections of our time there.
Bavaro Seaside – Punta Cana – Dominican Republic
Stuffed with all-inclusive properties and big resorts, Bavaro isn’t for you in the event you demand a quiet seaside away from the crowds. What it does provide you with is miles of beautiful white sand and delightful water to swim in. To be honest, when you’ll by no means end up really alone, the sheer measurement of a number of the resorts lining this little pocket of paradise signifies that you could find tons of quiet locations to put out a towel. Like a number of the others on this checklist, the place is busy for a cause. The seaside is gorgeous.
Dominican Republic: Small nod to Playa Rincon just a few hours away. This beautiful stretch of unspoiled seaside is a superb place to drive to. Far-off from the hustle and bustle of the vacationer websites, it may give you a really feel of what the Dominican Republic felt just a few a long time in the past.
Praia da Falésia – Algarve – Portugal
There are a whole lot of fantastic Mediterranean seashores in Europe with clear blue water and seashores price transferring there for however it’s arduous to pick any single seaside that had which means to us greater than the others. So somewhat than checklist a type of, I’m going to look extra in the direction of the ocean and title a seaside with some wonderful backgrounds. The 6km Praia da Falesia within the Algarve area of Portugal can actually be damaged into 3 areas, with the cliffs round Olhos de Agua being probably the most scenic.
Massively common in the summertime months, shoulder season is when the realm really shines and the seashores are quieter and the times not scorching sizzling. The cliffs that line the Praia da Falesia make your complete seaside really feel such as you’re lower off from civilization and also you may spend simply as a lot time watching the cliffs as you do the blue inexperienced water. Our children cherished the cliffs so it is perhaps why the seaside caught so vividly in my thoughts however as is all the pieces on this checklist, it’s the recollections that join us to those locations that make them memorable.
Portugal: A small nod to Praia da Mareta close to Sagres. Whereas the sand isn’t as good as Falesia, the views are simply beautiful as you look south and west throughout the ocean. The cliffs within the space aren’t dangerous both.
Particular Point out – Anguilla
Micki and I’ve virtually solely traveled collectively over time nevertheless there are just a few locations that just one or the opposite has been to. Micki took a visit just a few years in the past to Anguilla and fell in love with the numerous seashores nevertheless her favourite was Shoal Bay with it’s quiet vibe and white sands.
Remaining ideas on our favourite seashores in 20 years of journey
Each seaside is exclusive with one thing which means one thing to somebody. Whether or not it’s a lake seaside your loved ones visited each summer season or a as soon as in a lifetime journey to the Maldives you took in your honeymoon, it’s a private factor. Selecting your favourite little bit of sea and sand once you’ve had the nice fortune to have walked on so many stunning seashores over time will get robust.
In case you’re not in settlement with this checklist, that’s okay. Each seaside has it’s distinctive charms and generally the individuals, the meals, nature, the crowds (or lack of them), the standard of the sand, the booming of the surf, the colour of the water and the non human residents who name the seaside dwelling outweigh any of the opposite issues going for them.
There are a whole lot of seashores we’ve walked on over time which might be in all probability extra secluded, extra stunning and extra untouched by mankind however generally they’re forgettable for precisely that cause. Generally there are such a lot of idyllic seashores on an island or faraway coast that all of them mix into on one other and don’t depart an impression apart from the final notion of “wow, there are plenty of good seashores round right here”.
Perhaps that’s for the most effective and so they stay off these lists of the most effective seashores on this planet for a very good cause. Perhaps we’re simply preserving their untouched magnificence for generations to return or perhaps, we simply need them to remain as pristine because the day we first stumbled onto them…
If you wish to checklist a few of your favourite seashores right here and inform us simply how flawed we’re, you’re welcome as effectively. We love listening to about new locations and why a sure seaside is necessary to you and to not be missed.
Protected travels.
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