It’s no secret, we’ve been to a whole lot of nations through the years. Whether or not by luck, windfall or a penchant for selecting heat nations surrounded by water, various of the locations we’ve visited have had some wonderful seashores.
I didn’t notice simply what number of nice seashores we had really walked on till I learn an article just a few years in the past speaking about 25 of probably the most lovely seashores on the earth. The humorous half is I simply occurred to be sitting on a airplane heading to an island that might undoubtedly have one other lovely 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 stored that article to make this checklist simpler (and to see if we’ve got crossed any of the remaining 5 off their checklist) however listed here are 10 of our private favourite seashores on the earth. Whereas a few of these won’t have the best sand, one of the best surf or the shortage of crowds we typically yearn for, all of them have one thing that makes them intrinsically particular to us. I’ve stored 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 appears like rather a lot nevertheless it’s lower than half of what we hope the longer term brings. As the children begin to go off on their very own adventures, so too will we begin visiting locations which have been on our bucket checklist as properly and perhaps revisit a few of our favourite locations for the previous few a long time. This checklist is for these seaside 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 the earth, 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 seaside struck you as unforgettable. For us, that was the Whitsundays and extra particularly, Whitehaven Seashore.
We had been crusing the Whitsundays for days and after we clambered onto the island and walked over the path from one aspect to the opposite, to say Whitehaven Seashore left a mark on us could be an understatement. Lovely 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 Okay’gari). At 122km, Fraser Island is the most important sand island on the earth and we had an important week of 4x4ing and sleeping on it’s fundamental seaside. Whereas it will probably’t evaluate 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 categorized as each a freeway in addition to a airplane runway.
Lengthy Seashore – Ko Phi Phi – Thailand
Our three week keep on Lengthy Seashore on Thailand’s backpacker riddled Ko Phi Phi continues to be one in every of our fondest reminiscences. We had been staying in a small hut simply toes 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 outdated laptop computer with the ocean crashing within the background by no means received outdated.
We haven’t been again because the island received worn out a decade in the past nonetheless we heard the island continues to be as common as ever lately. Taking a fast water taxi to city to seize a chunk to eat or taking a half day tour out to Monkey Seashore was an effective way to vary issues up as properly.
Thailand: Small nod to Ko Lanta needs to be mentioned as properly. 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 really 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. In fact 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 via a cave!
Trying 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 permit the nation.
SafetyWing Nomad 2.0 insurance coverage has grow to be a favourite since we will select the clinic we would like (one thing that was very important after 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 lovely seashores on each side of the nation however our favourite continues 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 seaside there through the years from earlier than we had children to now and each time we go there’s simply one thing particular in regards to the place. The water is tremendous calm, the various fronds attain all the way 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 really spent the night time in Akumal. So, should you’re seeking to e book per week or two within the space, simply outdoors Playa Del Carmen or near Playa Paraiso down in Tulum could be the world I might counsel however simply be sure to take a day to spend on Akumal Seashore 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 nevertheless it feels such as you’re in one other space of the nation. It has an incredible laid again appeal and the water and sand are each nice in comparison with many locations on the Pacific aspect of the nation.
Lanikai Seashore – Oahu – Hawaii
Hawaii is full of lovely seashores and whereas the surf on the North Shore is spectacular, the water and sand at Lanikai Seashore is difficult to beat. One of many causes this seaside stands out to us is that it’s the primary seaside we ever went arise paddle boarding on and partly why we at present personal 4 paddle boards in the present day.
Also referred to as Kaʻōhao Seashore, Lanikai Seashore makes it onto loads of lists of one of the best seashores on the earth and is common for a cause. With good views of the Mokulua Islands and it’s relative proximity to nearly every thing on the island (we toured the whole 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 seaside in Hanauma Bay for snorkeling as properly should you’re already on the island. Whereas the seaside itself doesn’t evaluate 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 may ever depend simply toes off the shore. It was successful with each us and the children because the surf is extremely mild.
Tortuga Bay – Galapagos Islands – Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are primarily identified 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 the earth discovered north of the equator. Most of those might be discovered on almost any seaside within the island chain they usually 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 aspect 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 received the cove we additionally noticed just a few of the iguanas venturing into the water and swimming out to seek out lunch.
Galapagos: Small nod to Gardner Bay on Española Island needs to be added attributable to 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 should you’re fortunate, one of many resident sea lions would possibly resolve to play with you within the surf.
Varadero Seashore – Cuba
Whereas not distant nor that tough to get to, there’s no denying that the lengthy white sands of Veradero Seashore are common for a cause. The seaside, also called 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 affected by all-inclusive resorts, the water continues to be beautiful and the sand nonetheless clean. 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 properly. Whereas it’s solely accessible by boat, it’s a stupendous strip of white sand and aquamarine water as properly with a way more rustic vibe. You actually can’t go unsuitable heading on the market for a day however notice that it will probably get busy some days.
White Seashore – 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 most interesting you’ll discover anyplace on the earth. It’s so advantageous that it really squeaks if 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 Seashore and Boracay Island itself are common for a cause.
The seaside can get fairly crowded at sure instances of the yr nonetheless should you go to the farther edge you may typically discover a quieter place to arrange a towel. It’s an important swimming seaside with loads to see whereas strolling it’s 4 kilometer size and should you crave a bit of extra pleasure, stroll 10 minutes and also you’ll be on the opposite aspect of the island and may get pleasure from some wonderful kitesurfing and windsurfing (whether or not watching or renting) on Habagat Bay.
Philippines: A small nod to Entalula Seashore 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. Ensure to take a look at Nacpan Seashore should you’re staying within the space as properly, because it’s a beautiful seaside on it’s personal and is straightforward 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 typically 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 just a few lovely days within the space and actually loved the great seaside and the famed arch.
Again then you possibly can hike out to the seaside however lately the paths are closed and you have to take a water taxi to get there. It’s nonetheless well worth the journey and the backdrop is solely lovely plus there are another cool issues to see within the space together with Sizzling Water Seashore the place pure sizzling springs meet the ocean and with a little bit of digging, you may make your individual 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 liked probably the most however the whole Park is only a lovely wonderland of nature. Our pic on the aspect with the kayaks within the background was taken there and seeing it nonetheless brings again nice reminiscences of our time there.
Bavaro Seashore – Punta Cana – Dominican Republic
Stuffed with all-inclusive properties and big resorts, Bavaro isn’t for you should you demand a quiet seaside away from the crowds. What it does offer you is miles of beautiful white sand and exquisite water to swim in. To be honest, whilst you’ll by no means end up really alone, the sheer measurement of among the resorts lining this little pocket of paradise signifies that you could find tons of quiet locations to put out a towel. Like among 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 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 just a few 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 nevertheless it’s onerous to select any single seaside that had which means to us greater than the others. So moderately than checklist a kind of, I’m going to look extra in direction of the ocean and identify 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.
Vastly common in the summertime months, shoulder season is when the world really shines and the seashores are quieter and the times not scorching sizzling. The cliffs that line the Praia da Falesia make the whole seaside really feel such as you’re minimize off from civilization and also you would possibly spend simply as a lot time watching the cliffs as you do the blue inexperienced water. Our children liked the cliffs so it is perhaps why the seaside caught so vividly in my thoughts however as is every thing on this checklist, it’s the reminiscences 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 nearly solely traveled collectively through the years nonetheless 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 various seashores nonetheless her favourite was Shoal Bay with it’s quiet vibe and white sands.
Last 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 or not it’s a lake seaside your loved ones visited each summer time 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 if you’ve had the nice fortune to have walked on so many lovely seashores through the years will get powerful.
When you’re not in settlement with this checklist, that’s okay. Each seaside 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 seaside 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 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 aside from the overall notion of “wow, there are a whole lot of good seashores round right here”.
Perhaps that’s for one of the best they usually stay off these lists of one of the best seashores on the earth 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 unsuitable we’re, you’re welcome as properly. We love listening to about new locations and why a sure seaside is essential to you and to not be missed.
Protected travels.