Summer is the beach season and if you are like most of us, you want to hit up the beach to cool down, but beware danger lurks beneath the surface of many of our favorite destinations.
Check out this list of the most dangerous beaches and keep your family safe this summer vacation. From cobras slithering between beach chairs, lions roaming the dunes, and alligators swimming in the waves, we discover some truly terrifying beaches.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FLORIDA
If you have a fear of sharks, then you won’t want to go to New Smyrna Beach. This beach has seen eight shark attacks culminating in death over the last five years. Most common here are the bull sharks, who are able to swim and hunt in freshwater. New Smyrna Beach which is in Volusia County saw more confirmed shark bites than any other region in the world in 2007. In 2008, they once again took first place, beating their own previous record of shark bites with a staggering 24 bites.
If you can look past that, then you might also appreciate the many recreational opportunities offered at the beach like fishing, sailing, motorboating, golfing and hiking. It has also been rated as one of the best surf towns by National Geographic. It’s up to you if you want to do all that alongside a 290 pound animal with a bite force up to 5,914 newtons.
KAUAPEA BEACH, HAWAII
Looks can be deceiving, they say. And this beach in Kalihiwai, Hawaii, verifies that statement. This beach may look beautiful, but the water has a strong undercurrent and is situated near an active volcano, called Kilauea. The volcano sends lava into the ocean every day and swimmers are often prohibited from going in the water, for obvious reasons.
In the winter, conditions are extremely dangerous and swimming is not advised. So don’t be fooled by the pristine white sand, the cliff backdrop and the turquoise-colored ocean water because these waters are brewing with danger. We think picnicking, seashell hunting and sunbathing sound like a much safer and carefree option.
HEARD ISLAND BEACH, AUSTRALIA
This island of Australia is actually closer to Antarctica. It is among the most remote places on Earth. It has a number of small wetland sites dispersed around its coastal periphery including areas of wetland vegetation, lagoons and rocky and sandy shores which are all divided by active glaciers.
Because of its location in the Antarctic Ocean, it experiences a harsh Antarctic climate. Housing penguins and a research facility, it proves to be quite the deadly home for scientists. There have been more scientists who have died getting on an off the island than those stationed there.
TAMARAMA BEACH, AUSTRALIA
While this beach is super popular amongst Australians and located just outside of Sydney, its strong rip tides and shore breaks make it a deadly beach. It is nicknamed Glamarama by its locals, as the beach attracts budding trend setters to its sandy shores.
While this beach is super popular amongst Australians and located just outside of Sydney, its strong rip tides and shore breaks make it a deadly beach. It is nicknamed Glamarama by its locals, as the beach attracts budding trend setters to its sandy shores.
BIKINI ATOLL BEACH, MARSHALL ISLANDS
This is a beach you won’t want to add to your bucket list, and that’s not because it’s not beautiful. The deserted beach is almost exactly on the equator and is filled with more than 23 nuclear bombs that the United States dropped at seven test sites located on the reef in the 40s and 50s.
If visitors obtain prior approval and pay for a diver and two local government council representatives to accompany them, they are allowed aboard the vessels. If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea and you don’t want to tan amongst nuclear waste and radiation, you’d be better off to find another beach.
PLAYA ZIPOLITE, MEXICO
The locals actually refer to this place as the “Beach of the Dead,” and there’s a good reason why. Although this beach is very popular and is close to many attractive resorts, it is also the deadliest beach in Mexico, taking around 50 swimmers every year due to its heavy current.
While swimming here is not advisable, people watching can be a better option as the beach is Mexico’s first and only legal public nude beach. Perhaps for this reason the beach is popular among tourists who choose to stay in one of the many guesthouses lining the shore.
FRASER ISLAND BEACH, AUSTRALIA
Who doesn’t love crystal clear water? How about crystal clear water swarming with sharks and box jellyfish? Besides the dangerous creatures you might meet, the water has exceptionally powerful riptides. That, coupled with the fact that there are no lifeguards on duty or any warning flags, leads to tourists and locals alike unknowingly jumping into potential danger. Outside of the water, conditions remain just as dangerous on the sand, with wild dingos and deadly spiders roaming about.
Dingos are an Australian breed of feral dog who pose a big danger to humans, like any wild predator. While Fraser island, which lies off the Southeastern coast of Queensland, has been inhabited by humans for more than 5,000 years, it remains a very dangerous place to visit. Rescue helicopters are frequently flown in to save swimmers, due to there being no medical attention around. Oh, and have we mentioned that the island is a favorite for young Great White Sharks?
BROOME BEACH, AUSTRALIA
This beautiful 22 kilmeter white sand beach is not so beautiful down under. The water is filled with box jellyfish, fish which can sting swimmers multiple times and even kill. During wet season, from November to May, box jellyfish and Irukandji infiltrate the waters.
In the past five years, there have been over 160 box jellyfish stings. Stick to the sands as they are home to one of Australia's most famous nudist beaches.
CHOWPATTY BEACH, INDIA
The name of this beach has a cute ring, but unfortunately, it has become one of the most polluted beaches in the world. Sadly enough, visitors leave their garbage on the sand and industries dump their waste into the waters. In 2013, fecal bacteria was recorded in the water at levels of 1455 per 100 mL, which is very high above the tolerable standard of 500 per 100mL. So not only is garbage an issue, but so are open defecation and sewage problems, which are a widespread problem in India.
For some reason, it is still a popular beach even though there is a risk of getting sick from the water and thousands of locals come for the Ganesh Visarjan celebrations, a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Ganesh.
MANAUS BEACH, BRAZIL
Don’t be fooled by its beauty. Since it's located in the Amazon, in the North Region of Brazil, Manaus Beach is home to jaguars, pink dolphins, and electric eels. But more terrifying than these dangerous animals, just outside of its waters, roams another dangerous species you must look out for; humans.
Manaus, Brazil had the highest number of homicides in 2016. It also has one of the highest theft rates in Brazil. Despite the dangers, the area is the center of tourism for jungle lodges and river cruises.
LAMU ISLAND BEACH, KENYA
This beautiful beach sees no visitors due to Somalian pirates ruling over its waters. With a close proximity to Somalia of only 100 km, the al-Shabab terror group based in Somalia has greatly impacted the economy of this little island paradise off the coast of north-eastern Kenya.
The pirates have captured visitors a number of times in the past, with the terror group claiming responsibility. What was once Kenya’s mecca for beach retreats and luxury travel has become an economy suffering in the wake of these incidences. Still, if you’re brave enough to visit, you will be blessed with traditional stone buildings and a place where time seems to stand still.
WEST END BEACH, BAHAMAS
This beach in the Bahamas hosts the most Tiger Sharks in the world, so it’s not the place you can splash about without a care in the world. It has been ranked one of the top 10 most shark-infested beaches in the world, and has seen numerous shark attacks in the last few years.
Besides tiger sharks, keep your eye out for hammerheads, blacktips and bull sharks.
STAITHES BEACH, UNITED KINGDOM
This popular beach amongst the surfer crowd is not so popular amongst environmentalists. This beach is extremely polluted and is actually deemed as unsafe for water sports.
The reason for the pollution? The situated industrial plants located nearby that dump toxic waste into the ocean. The beach consistently falls below standards and has a low quality for swimming.
UTAKLEIV BEACH, NORWAY
We admit that this beach is nothing short of stunning and has a breathtaking mountain view. There is a reason why it has been voted the most romantic beach in Europe. But unfortunately, one of Lofoten’s most famous beaches, experiences Norway’s freezing arctic climate and has brought many to their death.
Rather than dipping in the sea, we recommend aurora hunting or camping under the midnight sun in the summer.
DUMAS BEACH, INDIA
Rumor has it that this beach is haunted. The beach’s black sand coupled with its reputation for people disappearing, howling sounds at night, and visitors claiming to hear strange noises, have people believing that it was once used as a burial ground.
And if you don’t buy into rumors, then maybe this fact will sell you- the beach has deadly king cobras and the highly venomous species of sea snake, Enhydrina schistosa, commonly known as beaked sea snake, hook-nosed sea snake, common sea snake, or the Valakadeyan sea snake. Located along the Arabian Sea in the Indian state of Gujarat, this beach nonetheless attracts locals and tourists alike.
SCHITOVAYA BUKHTA BEACH, RUSSIA
Did you know that in some beaches, you need to obtain a permit to surf? Take this beach for example, which is located near top-secret military facilities. If that’s not unusual enough, Russia also stores here old nuclear submarines which leak radiation to the water.
Despite this, the beach offers an excellent beachbreak for surf lovers, especially during typhoon season between December to February.
SKELETON COAST BEACH, NAMIBIA
Now this one is freaky. This beach has skeletons from whales and other big animals that have washed to shore from deadly sharks. The animal bones, along with hundreds of shipwrecks caught by offshore rocks and fog are scattered about. If that’s not enough to deter you, the beaches are full of lions and hyenas and Elephants are sometimes spotted splashing in the waves.
Just outside of the water roams leopards, cheetahs, giraffe amongst others. Surfers seek out the lengthy breaks and barrels while others come for its virtually uninhabited and untamed thrill and utter solitude.
BOA VIAGEM BEACH, BRAZIL
There have been over 56 shark attacks in the last 20 years with 22 of them resulting in death. The reason for so many attacks? This beach is located outside of Recife, Brazil and is home to many sharks who hunt in the shallow waters. The sharks are also attracted to the trash that is thrown overboard from shopping vessels as well as the low-frequency sounds that the vessels emit.
Recently the home city of the 2014 world cup, Recife might entice you with its beautiful beaches. But with one of the highest shark-attack rates in the world, it’s probably not worth it.
HANAKAPIAI BEACH, HAWAII
Owing to a dangerously strong rip current, this beach in the Hawaiin islands on Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast has taken the lives of more than 30 people in the last 30 years. Its sandy shore line is visible in the summer but in the winter months, dangerously powerful waves and high tides wash away the sandy shore line. Its strong rip currents, high surf, dangerous shore breaks and other alarming conditions make it an extremely unsafe place to swim.
Picture this- the currents in the region are so powerful that the bodies of at least 15 drowning victims have yet to be recovered. About 30 people are estimated to have drowned here. And if that isn’t enough, there is also a legend that the beach is home to an ancient Hawaiian god who hunts for foreign swimmers.
CLIFTON BEACH, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
This flimsy net was put up by animal control to stop visitors from coming across a crocodile which was found walking on the sand. On top if this, the beach has seen at least twelve separate shark attacks. This doesn’t look so promising.
The beach is located in Clifton which is an exclusive residential area and home to the most expensive real estate in South Africa. The views here are incredible and it has been rated one of the Top Ten Beaches in the world. In 2005 and 2006 it was rated by Forbes.com at number 8 in the Top 10 Topless beaches in the World.
COPACABANA BEACH, BRAZIL
You worry about sunburns and maybe high waves, but shark attacks and crime? Not so much on your radar. These two things make this beach very dangerous. Located in Rio de Janeiro on the Atlantic Shore, the beach hosts many hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and residential buildings on its promenade.
It is an area of intense social activity which buzzes from morning till late at night. Crime here is high though and gangs of kids are known to charge down crowded beaches robbing anything that they can get away with.
ALAPPUZHA BEACH, INDIA
Located in the Alappuzha town in Kerala, India, this beach’s waters hold many fish and toxic sea creatures.
Different sea creatures have been spotted dead on its shores like Jellyfish, poisonous Pufferfish and man-of-war. Not the kind of swimming partners you want.
BOSA CHICA STATE BEACH, CALIFORNIA
This deadly looking snake was found on this beach, which is north of Huntington Beach, California. While it looks cool, I wouldn’t want to be caught in the water with it.
The beach is a popular spot for surf fishing, I just hope fishers watch out for what they fish for.
CAPE TRIBULATION BEACH, AUSTRALIA
Despite being a popular resort town, this beach is quite a deadly location. It is home to cassowaries, jellyfish and crocodiles, not to mention venomous snakes. Sounds like a beach to avoid! The beach was named by Captain James Cook because ‘here begane all our troubles.’
Between the months of November to May, there are stinging jellyfish in the seas. If you want to swim in the waters during these months, it is advisable to wear a suit. But even so, you must look out for the crocodiles which are found in the estuaries of the rivers on the Daintree Coast. Cassowaries can be very aggressive and quick, so if you come across one, back away slowly and hide.
A BEACH IN AUSTRALIA
A humongous oarfish was found on a beach in Australia. So monsters really do exist... The oarfish is the world’s longest bony fish. It has a ribbon-like shape, with a dorsal fin along its whole length and long, oar-shaped pelvic fins.
Its fins have been recorded at around 36 feet with a maximum recorded weight of a giant oarfish at 600 pounds.
THE COAST OF QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA
This beach is one of the most dangerous in the world, and for a good reason. Thousands of mini blue bottle jellyfish were washed to shore here. The problem? These jellyfish are extremely poisonous and so small that it makes it difficult to spot them in the water. Unlike other jellyfish, it has stingers all over its body and is able to fire stingers and inject venom into its victim.
Symptoms of one of these stings include severe pain lasting several hours, headaches, vomiting, stomach cramps and possible cardiac problems. As ocean waters get warmer, many tropical marine species are moving into subtropical waters, posing a greater risk to a larger amount of people.
COSTA DEL SOL, SPAIN
The Costa del Sol is a region in the south of Spain, in the community of Andalusia, which includes the the coastal towns and communities along the coastline of the Province of Málaga.
This past summer, thousands of monster jellyfish plagued the beaches. Authorities dragged more than 1 tonnes of the sea animals from the sea, to make the water conditions safer for visitors.
Fraser Island, Australia
This island located along the southeastern coast of Queensland, Australia may offer lush white sand and crystal water..
On the contrary, it also has roaming dingos, poisonous spiders, sharks and jellyfish. You weigh the costs versus the benefits...
Volusia County, Florida
Just off the east-central part of Florida lies a county that has seen 267 shark attacks since 1982. Luckily, none resulted in death, but still, not pleasant.
In 2017, the county led the world in shark attacks and 19 bites were reported here alone. Another reason to steer clear? You have a greater chance of being struck by lightning here.
The Island of Reunion, Indian Ocean
This French island in the Indian Ocean is known for its volcanic beaches with coral reefs and rainforests. It is also known for its gruesome number of shark attacks. Since 2011, there have been 23 shark attacks, seven of them being fatal.
There have been bans on swimming, surfing, and bodyboarding at varying times. It’s a shame as the beaches here are truly something.
The Red Triangle, California
Off the coast of California, just north of San Francisco, beyond the Farallon Islands and down to the Big Sur region, lies a triangle-shaped region that houses 11 percent of great white shark attacks on humans in the world.
Owing to its large population of marine mammals like elephant seals, harbor seals, sea otters and sea lions, great white sharks often frequent the area. When you take that fact along with the amount of people attracted to the beaches of the heavily populated San Francisco Bay Area, you get trouble. A staggering 38% of recorded great white shark attacks on humans have occurred in these waters.
Beaches of the Amazon, Brazil
The water here lurks with piranha, electric eels and anacondas.
Not really the best place to float on your back and bask in the sun.
Shenzhen, China
When you think of causes of deaths at the beach this one probably doesn’t come to your mind. Overcrowding at the Chinese beach leads to drowning, contributing to the number one cause of death in children between 1-14 in China.
Shenzhen is a big city in Guangdong Province in China, located north of Hong Kong.
Horry County, South Carolina
Shark attacks also make the beaches of this county quite dangerous. There haven’t been many attacks in the last two hundred years, however two of them occurred in 2015.
The reason for the recent attacks is increased fishing in the area.
GANBAAI BEACH, SOUTH AFRICA
Located in the western cape, this beach is quite deadly and visitors may see a few sharks in a day. This beach is known as the “Great White Shark Capital of the World” and has a good surf break and a huge population of great whites. If you’re brave enough, you can go diving with the marine predators.
Besides its reputation as a great white shark mecca, tourists and locals alike are also drawn to Ganbaai for its fishing town and whale watching.
PARADISE ISLANDS YOU SHOULD VISIT
Are you sitting at your office job dreaming of which beach to choose for your next vacation? Whether you are seeking culture, adventure or relaxation, you are sure to find something in our list of paradise islands.
And don’t blame us if you get in trouble for not working.
Palawan, Philippines
There is a good reason that this island consistently gets ranked as most beautiful island in the world by different magazines like conde Nast Traveller and Travel + Leisure.. This archipelago in the Philippines is surrounded by beautiful blue green waters. It is made up of Palawan island and other smaller islands encompassing it, in total around 1,780 islands.
Its most popular and arguably most beautiful beach, El Nido, has also been rated the most beautiful beach in the world. Its unique coastline with rocky coves and sugar-white sandy beaches, forests and mountains is surely deserving of the title.
Maldives
If true paradise is what you seek, you will find it here. The Maldives are located in the Indian Ocean, just southwest of Sri Lanka and India. Its white beaches, crystal turquoise water, blue lagoons, and vivacious marine life make this an irresistible location.
While tourism only began in 1972, it has been rapidly growing. The Maldives offer travellers endless opportunities for fun and relaxation including island hopping, diving, delectable local cuisine and the perfect setting for basking in the sun.
French Polynesia
Located in the South Pacific and definitely one of the most beautiful islands in the world, the French Polynesia is a group of 118 islands and atolls stretching over an area of more than 2,000 kilometers.
Tahiti is its most populous island and one which attracts tourists from around the world. Surfers flock here for its reef break waves, which are consistently ranked as one of the best in the world. Divers flock to the archipelago for its diverse marine life. And everyone in between, for paradise.
Seychelles
On the coast of East Africa in the Indian Ocean you will find this archipelago which consists of 115 islands of crystal blue water and dreamlike beaches. Tourism became a significant industry for the island’s economy with the opening of Seychelles International Airport in 1971.
If you are wondering just how calm it is, here’s a food for thought- hawksbill turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in broad daylight, as there is virtually no threat from tourism and development.
Santorini, Greece
This is one of the most popular beaches in Greece, reasonably so. The stunning views, beaches, ancient and volcanic landscapes and delicious food make the island deserving of its popularity. The island is located in the southern Aegean Sea roughly 200 kilometers off the southeast of Greece’s mainland.
Santorini has been ranked as the world’s top island by many magazine and travel sites, including Travel + Leisure, the BBC and US News. Around 2 million tourists visit annually to experience the best sunset in the world, delicious wine, beautiful buildings and unbelievable landscapes built on an old extinct volcano.
Cook Islands
Perfect weather, white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters is what makes these islands the perfect getaway in the South Pacific Ocean. The islands are comprised of 15 small islands whose land area in total is 240 square kilometers.
What makes the islands so majestic is that they remain largely undiscovered by North Americans and many other people. So shhh... don’t tell anybody that these islands are completely and utterly magical.
Hawaii, US
It’s obvious why Hawaii has always been a top travel destination. This archipelago is absolutely stunning. The 50th and most recent state to join the United States includes almost the entire volcanic Hawaiian archipelago, which includes hundreds of islands spread over 1,500 miles.
It is a popular tourist destination due to its diverse nature, tropical year round climate, numerous beaches and active volcanoes. Tourists, surfers, biologists and volcanologists alike congregate here, totalling millions of visitors annually.
Saint Lucia
A popular stop on cruise routes, this island boasts a lot more to experience than just day trip. Come here to see volcanic beaches, experience great diving, stay in five star resorts and visit quaint fishing villages.
This island in the eastern Caribbean Sea offers tropical weather year round and if laying on the beach isn’t your thing, there is also a drive-in volcano, rain forests, and zip lining.
Capri, Italy
This beautiful island is located very close to the mainland in the Bay of Naples, making it very easy to reach. Hop on over and be inspired like many artists and musicians have been in the past.
The island boasts a little harbour, a panoramic promenade lined with villas, ruins of Imperial Roman villas and various little picturesque towns. If you stop by for a visit, make sure to wear Capri pants which were named after the island.
Whitsunday Islands, Australia
If sitting on the beach suntanning isn’t your thing, come to this island which is at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef for much more. The Whitsunday Islands are a group of 74 continental islands located off the central coast of Queensland.
The area is one of the most popular destinations for yacht trips in the Southern Hemisphere. Renting a yacht is a great way to explore the ocean, beaches and coves. The islands receive about 700,000 visitors annually.
Boracay, Philippines
Another stunning island in the Philippines, this one is picture perfect, unfiltered of course. Borocay Island is another destination in the philippines which constantly receive awards from travel publications. Besides its white sand beaches and tranquillity, the destination is also known for its nightlife.
The activities on the island are unbeatable, including scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kiteboarding, cliff diving and parasailing.
Corsica, France
A great choice for a holiday, this island in the Mediterranean Sea will guarantee you beautiful beaches, nature and stunning villages. Its landscapes and monuments make it a perfect destination for relaxing and discovering the age-old heritage and traditions associated with the Corsican way of life.
Its coastlines which total over 1,000 km are the most varied of French coastlines. Many visitors come to hike the famous GR 20.
Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
If you love the underworld, you must add this destination to your list. Known for their great visibility in the water, this is a top place for diving, snorkeling, boat trips and fun in the sun.
Their white coral sand beaches and turquoise waters attract many tourists and its budget friendly lodging welcomes all types of travelers. Its numerous dive sites offer rays, cuttlefish and parrotfish. Apart from this, activities like camping, canoeing, fishing, jungle trekking, and banana boat riding are also available.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
This island is an archipelago of hundreds of jungle covered islands. It’s popular for diving, beaches and wildlife. An archipelago consisting of over 1,500 small islands, the Raja Ampat archipelago is the part of Coral Triangle which contains the richest marine biodiversity on earth.
Marine surveys suggest that the marine life diversity in the Raja Ampat area is the highest recorded on Earth with 1,508 fish species and 537 coral species. Some areas boast enormous schools of fish and regular sightings of sharks.
The Aeolian Islands, Italy
These islands are located off the Northeastern coast of Sicily and make for a great vacation spot. They are a volcanic archipelago which were named after the demigod of the winds Aeolus.
They are a popular summer destination, and attract around 200,000 visitors every year. While reaching the islands isn’t easy, once you get there you will be gifted with a tranquil and unspoiled archipelago and find it even harder to leave.
Fiji
This South Pacific archipelago of Fiji is sure to offer you crystal blue water and white sand beaches. It is true paradise here. It is made up of more than 300 stunning islands which are famous for their rugged landscapes, palm tree beaches and coral reefs with clear lagoons.
Thanks to Fiji’s richness of forest, mineral and fish resources, it has one of the most developed economies in the Pacific. It offers a number of coral reefs and excellent diving and attracts mostly Australians and New Zealanders coming for a holiday on its aesthetically pleasing islands with year-round tropical weather.
Galapagos, Ecuador
This archipelago of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean is located 600 miles off the West coast of South America. For a unique island experience, you have got to add this one to your list. It is famous for wildlife, snorkeling, hiking, and bird watching.
The islands are world renowned for their number of endemic species which were once studied by Charles Darwin.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
This archipelago is located only 15 miles from the coast of Tanzania. For breathtaking views and culture and history, this island has us sold. One thing is for certain- once you step off the boat or plane onto the Zanzibar Archipelago you will be immediately transported through time and place where Africa meets Arabia and the Indian Ocean.
Besides idyllic beaches lined with hotels, you will be met with ancient buildings, fishing boats and countryside farmers.
Komodo Islands, Indonesia
One of the 17,508 islands that make up Indonesia, these islands are characterized by their red volcanic hills and waters of seagrass beds, mangroves and coral reefs. It’s no wonder why divers come here from all over the world.
Just steer clear of the Komodo (Monitor) Dragon, a 3 meter long reptile and the longest in the world.
Reunion, France
Located east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, this volcanic island promises beauty and adventure.
It has a number of tropical and unique beaches which offer great snorkeling, world class surfing and pristine white beaches.
Mauritius
This island is breathtaking, so it’s no wonder why people choose to vacation here. It is located about 2,000 kilometers off the southeast coast of Africa. It is a huge tourist destination, ranking 3rd in Africa.
It has a tropical climate with clear water, beaches, tropical fauna and flora. It has received numerous awards as one of the leading island destinations. If you are looking for stunning beaches, lagoons, reefs, rainforests, waterfalls hiking trails and wildlife, this is the destination you want to find yourself in.
Gili Islands, Indonesia
This is a top travel destination for backpackers and luxury travelers alike. Why? The three islands which are located off the coast of Lombok offer breathtaking scenery, water sports and perfect beaches. Each of the three islands offers several resorts.
Tranquility is at its prime here, as cars and motorized traffic are prohibited. Owing to the abundance of scuba diving and freediving, the islands offer some top notch scuba diving.
Sardinia, Italy
A great option for the beachgoers and the hikers; these islands of the Mediterranean provide sandy beaches and great hiking trails. Its ecosystems are extremely versatile and range from mountains, to plains, streams, rocky coasts and long stretches of sandy beaches.
There are over 100 beaches with a great amount of diversity amongst them.
Madeira Island, Portugal
Located in the Atlantic Ocean Southwest of Portugal, this sub-tropical archipelago has volcanos, great food and beautiful beaches.
It is made up of 4 islands which are known for their wine and subtropical climate. The main island of Madeira is volcanic, green and rugged, with high cliffs and pebbly beaches.
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India
Located in the Bay of Bengal, this archipelago is known for its diving elephants and crystal blue waters. They consist of around 300 islands, some of which are inhabited by indigenous Andaman Islanders who are cut off to the outside world.
Visitors flock to the other islands for their white-sand beaches, tropical rainforests and rich coral reefs.
Koh Samui, Thailand
There’s a reason why this is one of the most popular islands in Thailand. As the second biggest island in Thailand, it has a lot to live up for. And it lives up to its name.
Offering stunning views of both mountainous rainforests and beaches, this island is famous for diving, nature, wildlife and boat trips. Plus, luxury resorts and posh spas don’t hurt its reputation.
Ré Island, France
Positioned in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of La Rochelle, this special island offers beautiful beaches, forests and harbors. It’s famous for its salt marshes and beaches with dunes and pine trees.
The main town of St-Martin-de-Ré has the 17th-century Fortifications of Vauban, plus outdoor cafes overlooking the marina. Grab your bicycle and join one of the many paths across the island.
Bali, Indonesia
Also known as “the Island of the Gods” it is one of the most loved travel destinations in the world.
It is known for its volcanic mountains, rice patties, beaches and coral reefs. Travelers flock here for yoga and meditation retreats, good nightlife and resort towns.
Palau Islands
Located in the Oceania and Australia continent, this archipelago of over 300 islands, is made up of limestone, volcanoes and a stunning turquoise lagoon.
Unsurprisingly, it is home to some of the best diving in the world in its sparkling turquoise lagoon. It is truly exceptional.
Hvar & The Pakleni Islands, Croatia
Promising breathtaking scenery and culture, these islands are perfect for those looking for complete rest and relaxation. The islands are located off the southwest coast of the island of Hvar, Croatia. The chain of islands is about 10 kilometres long, and is characterized by its limestone, indented coastline and low pine forest.
The island draws visitors with small yachts, and provides numerous opportunities for diving, fishing, swimming and water sports.