It’s no secret, we’ve been to lots of nations through the years. Whether or not by luck, windfall or a penchant for selecting heat nations surrounded by water, quite a lot of of the locations we’ve visited have had some wonderful seashores.
I didn’t understand simply what number of nice seashores we had really walked on till I learn an article a number of years in the past speaking about 25 of essentially the most lovely seashores on this planet. The humorous half is I simply occurred to be sitting on a airplane heading to an island that might undoubtedly have one other lovely seashore ready for me once 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 here are 10 of our private favourite seashores on this planet. Whereas a few of these may not have the best sand, the perfect surf or the dearth of crowds we usually yearn for, all of them have one thing that makes them intrinsically particular to us. I’ve saved it to a single seashore per nation simply to unfold the love however have given a small nod to a different seashore in the identical nation we additionally loved.
Our Favourite 10 Seashores from 20 Years of Journey
20 years of journey appears like so much but it surely’s lower than half of what we hope the long run brings. As the youngsters begin to go off on their very own adventures, so too will we begin visiting locations which have been on our bucket checklist as effectively and possibly revisit a few of our favourite locations for the previous couple of a long time. This checklist is for these seashore lovers that may by no means get sufficient of sand, solar and surf. Get pleasure from!
Whitsundays – Queensland – Australia
As the most important island nation on this planet, Australia most likely has extra seashores than some nations have folks. How do you resolve which of these is your favourite? Easy, you assume again to which seashore struck you as unforgettable. For us, that was the Whitsundays and extra particularly, Whitehaven Seaside.
We had been crusing the Whitsundays for days and once 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 nearly zero civilisation in sight? Sure please.
Australia: Particular nod to Fraser Island (now often known as Ok’gari). At 122km, Fraser Island is the most important sand island on this planet and we had an important week of 4x4ing and sleeping on it’s foremost seashore. Whereas it will possibly’t evaluate to the Whitsundays for sheer magnificence, it makes up for it in sheer dimension and actions. Moreover, who can resist driving on a seashore so lengthy (75 miles) that it’s labeled 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 considered one of our fondest recollections. We had been staying in a small hut simply ft from the surf and the easy days of swimming within the ocean, snorkeling with fish and reef sharks a stones throw from our door and watching films on our previous laptop computer with the ocean crashing within the background by no means acquired previous.
We haven’t been again for the reason that island acquired worn out a decade in the past nonetheless we heard the island remains to be as common as ever today. Taking a fast water taxi to city to seize a chunk to eat or taking a half day tour out to Monkey Seaside was an effective 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 among the smaller island seashores even stand out amongst this complete checklist as actually lovely), 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 seashore 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 seashore in Emerald Cave on Ko Mook, Thailand. It’s such a cool place, that’s solely accessible by swimming via a cave!
Wanting again now or time on Ko Mook is all the time full of a unique reminiscence. Micki had a kidney an infection that we couldn’t ignore and we needed to take a personal 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 allow the nation.
SafetyWing Nomad 2.0 insurance coverage has grow to be a favourite since we will select the clinic we wish (one thing that was important once we had been in Greece and the hospital was closed), it’s a pay-as-you-go subscription and we’re coated as much as 250k in 180 totally different nations. It additionally has $0 deductible so we’re coated 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 bunch of gorgeous seashores on either side of the nation however our favourite remains to be most likely 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 seashore there through the years 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 seashore and we simply all the time take pleasure in 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 really spent the night time in Akumal. So, in case you’re seeking to guide per week or two within the space, simply exterior Playa Del Carmen or near Playa Paraiso down in Tulum could be the world I might recommend however simply be sure to 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 trip from Nuevo Vallarta but it surely 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 full of lovely 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 seashore stands out to us is that it’s the primary seashore we ever went get up paddle boarding on and partly why we at present personal 4 paddle boards immediately.
Often known as Kaʻōhao Seaside, Lanikai Seaside makes it onto loads of lists of the perfect seashores on this planet and is common for a purpose. With good views of the Mokulua Islands and it’s relative proximity to nearly every part on the island (we toured the complete island in a day and stopped for hours at loads of areas), it’s an important place to spend a day when on Oahu.
Hawaii: Small nod to Witches Brew seashore in Hanauma Bay for snorkeling as effectively in case you’re already on the island. Whereas the seashore itself doesn’t evaluate to Lanikai, there’s some nice protected snorkeling proper off the seashore the place we noticed sea turtles, moray eels and extra colourful fish than we may ever depend simply ft off the shore. It was a success with each us and the youngsters because the surf is extremely mild.
Tortuga Bay – Galapagos Islands – Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are primarily recognized for his or her large Galapagos tortoises nonetheless 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 will be discovered on almost any seashore within the island chain and so they make any seashore tour within the Galapagos unforgettable.
Tortugas Bay, positioned on the island of Santa Cruz, isn’t a seashore you go swimming on however nonetheless stays unforgettable for it’s size and the quantity of sea creatures you discover whereas strolling this lengthy seashore. As a result of fixed present, swimming isn’t allowed on the attractive seashore itself however as you attain the top you’ll discover a small cove on the opposite facet with good water you’ll be able to 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 acquired the cove we additionally noticed a number of 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. Whilst you can’t keep on the island itself, there are many day journey cruises that may get you to this idyllic lengthy white sand seashore. It has nice swimming and in case 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 purpose. The seashore, 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 suffering from all-inclusive resorts, the water remains to be attractive 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 ft 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 good looking strip of white sand and aquamarine water as effectively with a way more rustic vibe. You actually can’t go fallacious heading on the market for a day however word that it will possibly get busy some days.
White Seaside – Boracay – Philippines
What can I say about Boracay apart from that the place is all the time busy and but the sand is among the best you’ll discover wherever on this planet. It’s so advantageous that it really squeaks while you stroll on it and good luck getting the sand out of your garments after enjoying within the aquamarine surf. I might have liked to see the world 50 years in the past earlier than all the event took over however White Seaside and Boracay Island itself are common for a purpose.
The seashore can get fairly crowded at sure occasions of the 12 months nonetheless in case you go to the farther edge you’ll be able to typically discover a quieter place to arrange a towel. It’s an important swimming seashore with a lot to see whereas strolling it’s 4 kilometer size and in case you crave a bit of extra pleasure, stroll 10 minutes and also you’ll be on the opposite facet of the island and might take pleasure in 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 nonetheless 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 to take a look at Nacpan Seaside in case you’re staying within the space as effectively, because it’s a beautiful seashore 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 nonetheless in contrast to their Australian neighbors, the sand isn’t usually as advantageous 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 a number of lovely days within the space and actually loved the good seashore and the famed arch.
Again then you could possibly hike out to the seashore however today the paths are closed and it’s worthwhile to take a water taxi to get there. It’s nonetheless definitely worth the journey and the backdrop is just lovely plus there are another cool issues to see within the space together with Sizzling Water Seaside the place pure scorching springs meet the ocean and with a little bit of digging, you can also make your individual sandy scorching tub solely ft from the surf.
New Zealand: Small nod to Abel Tasman Park on the south island. I can’t actually inform you the precise seashore we liked essentially the most however the complete Park is only a lovely 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
Filled with all-inclusive properties and large resorts, Bavaro isn’t for you in case you demand a quiet seashore away from the crowds. What it does offer you is miles of attractive white sand and delightful water to swim in. To be truthful, whilst you’ll by no means end up actually alone, the sheer dimension of among the resorts lining this little pocket of paradise implies that yow will discover tons of quiet locations to put out a towel. Like among the others on this checklist, the place is busy for a purpose. The seashore is gorgeous.
Dominican Republic: Small nod to Playa Rincon a number of hours away. This attractive stretch of unspoiled seashore is a good place to drive to. Distant from the hustle and bustle of the vacationer websites, it may give you a really feel of what the Dominican Republic felt a number of a long time in the past.
Praia da Falésia – Algarve – Portugal
There are a whole bunch of wonderful Mediterranean seashores in Europe with clear blue water and seashores price transferring there for but it surely’s laborious to select any single seashore that had which means to us greater than the others. So quite than checklist a type of, I’m going to look extra in direction of the ocean and identify a seashore 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 essentially the most scenic.
Vastly common in the summertime months, shoulder season is when the world actually shines and the seashores are quieter and the times not scorching scorching. The cliffs that line the Praia da Falesia make the complete seashore 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 youngsters liked the cliffs so it could be why the seashore caught so vividly in my thoughts however as is every part 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 attractive as you look south and west throughout the ocean. The cliffs within the space aren’t unhealthy both.
Particular Point out – Anguilla
Micki and I’ve nearly completely traveled collectively through the years nonetheless there are a number of locations that just one or the opposite has been to. Micki took a visit a number of years in the past to Anguilla and fell in love with the numerous seashores nonetheless 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 seashore is exclusive with one thing which means one thing to somebody. Whether or not it’s a lake seashore 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 while you’ve had the great fortune to have walked on so many lovely seashores through the years will get robust.
For those who’re not in settlement with this checklist, that’s okay. Each seashore has it’s distinctive charms and typically the folks, 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 seashore dwelling outweigh any of the opposite issues going for them.
There are a whole bunch of seashores we’ve walked on through the years which might be most likely extra secluded, extra lovely and extra untouched by mankind however typically they’re forgettable for precisely that purpose. 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 go away an impression aside from the final notion of “wow, there are lots of good seashores round right here”.
Possibly that’s for the perfect and so they stay off these lists of the perfect seashores on this planet for purpose. Possibly we’re simply preserving their untouched magnificence for generations to come back or possibly, 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 fallacious we’re, you’re welcome as effectively. We love listening to about new locations and why a sure seashore is necessary to you and to not be missed.
Protected travels.