It’s no secret, we’ve been to a number 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 superb seashores.

I didn’t understand simply what number of nice seashores we had truly walked on till I learn an article a number of years in the past speaking about 25 of essentially 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 will undoubtedly have one other stunning 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 listing.

I want I had stored that article to make this listing simpler (and to see if we have now crossed any of the remaining 5 off their listing) however listed here are 10 of our private favourite seashores on this planet. Whereas a few of these may not have the best sand, one of the best surf or the shortage of crowds we usually yearn for, all of them have one thing that makes them intrinsically particular to us. I’ve stored 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 feels like rather a lot however 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 listing as effectively and perhaps revisit a few of our favourite locations for the previous few a long time. This listing 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 biggest island nation on this planet, Australia most likely has extra seashores than some international locations have folks. How do you determine 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 Seashore.

We had been crusing the Whitsundays for days and once 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 can 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 generally known as Ok’gari). At 122km, Fraser Island is the biggest sand island on this planet and we had an awesome week of 4x4ing and sleeping on it’s important seashore. Whereas it will probably’t examine 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 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 all our fondest reminiscences. 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 films on our outdated laptop computer with the ocean crashing within the background by no means bought outdated.

We haven’t been again for the reason that island bought worn out a decade in the past nonetheless we heard the island continues to be as standard 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 a good way to alter issues up as effectively.

Thailand: Small nod to Ko Lanta needs to be mentioned as effectively. Although we walked and swam on dozens of seashores in Thailand (and a few of the smaller island seashores even stand out amongst this complete listing as actually 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 listing however we spent weeks there within the off season when issues had calmed down after the busy vacationer season. After all there was superb Thai meals in all places 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 by means of a cave!

Trying again now or time on Ko Mook is at all times full of a distinct 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 at all times suggest getting journey medical insurance coverage earlier than you allow the nation.

SafetyWing Nomad 2.0 insurance coverage has turn out 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 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 type 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 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 seashore there over time from earlier than we had youngsters to now and each time we go there’s simply one thing particular concerning the place. The water is tremendous calm, the numerous fronds attain right down to the seashore and we simply at all times 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 truly spent the night time in Akumal. So, in the event you’re seeking to e-book every week or two within the space, simply exterior Playa Del Carmen or near Playa Paraiso down in Tulum can 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 trip from Nuevo Vallarta however it feels such as you’re in one other space of the nation. It has a tremendous laid again attraction 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 stunning 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 seashore stands out to us is that it’s the primary seashore we ever went arise paddle boarding on and partly why we at the moment personal 4 paddle boards immediately.

Also referred to as Kaʻōhao Seashore, Lanikai Seashore makes it onto loads of lists of one of the best seashores on this planet and is standard for a motive. With good views of the Mokulua Islands and it’s relative proximity to nearly all the pieces on the island (we toured the whole island in a day and stopped for hours at loads of areas), it’s an awesome place to spend a day when on Oahu.

Hawaii: Small nod to Witches Brew seashore in Hanauma Bay for snorkeling as effectively in the event you’re already on the island. Whereas the seashore itself doesn’t examine 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 might ever rely simply toes off the shore. It was successful with each us and the children because the surf is extremely light.

Tortuga Bay – Galapagos Islands – Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands are primarily identified for his or her big 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 might 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 gorgeous seashore itself however as you attain the top you’ll discover a small cove on the opposite aspect with good water you possibly can 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 bought 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 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 can get you to this idyllic lengthy white sand seashore. It has nice swimming and in the event you’re fortunate, one of many resident sea lions may determine to play with you within the surf.

Varadero Seashore – Cuba

Whereas not distant nor that arduous to get to, there’s no denying that the lengthy white sands of Veradero Seashore are standard for a motive. The seashore, also referred to 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 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 only some 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 wonderful strip of white sand and aquamarine water as effectively with a way more rustic vibe. You actually can’t go incorrect heading on the market for a day however observe that it will probably get busy some days.

White Seashore – Boracay – Philippines

What can I say about Boracay in addition to that the place is at all times busy and but the sand is a few of the best you’ll discover wherever on this planet. It’s so high-quality that it truly squeaks whenever you stroll on it and good luck getting the sand out of your garments after enjoying within the aquamarine surf. I might have beloved to see the world 50 years in the past earlier than all the event took over however White Seashore and Boracay Island itself are standard for a motive.

The seashore can get fairly crowded at sure instances of the yr nonetheless in the event you go to the farther edge you possibly can usually discover a quieter place to arrange a towel. It’s an awesome swimming seashore with lots to see whereas strolling it’s 4 kilometer size and in the event you crave somewhat extra pleasure, stroll 10 minutes and also you’ll be on the opposite aspect of the island and might take pleasure in some superb kitesurfing and windsurfing (whether or not watching or renting) on Habagat Bay.

Philippines: A small nod to Entalula Seashore is owed. It’s a stunning 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 Seashore in the event you’re staying within the space as effectively, because it’s a stunning 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 high-quality 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 stunning days within the space and actually loved the great seashore and the famed arch.

Again then you might hike out to the seashore however lately the paths are closed and you might want to take a water taxi to get there. It’s nonetheless definitely worth the journey and the backdrop is just stunning plus there are another cool issues to see within the space together with Sizzling Water Seashore the place pure scorching springs meet the ocean and with a little bit of digging, you may make your personal sandy scorching 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 seashore we beloved essentially the most however the whole Park is only a stunning 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 large resorts, Bavaro isn’t for you in the event you demand a quiet seashore away from the crowds. What it does offer you is miles of beautiful 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 a few of the resorts lining this little pocket of paradise implies that yow will discover tons of quiet locations to put out a towel. Like a few of the others on this listing, the place is busy for a motive. The seashore is gorgeous.

Dominican Republic: Small nod to Playa Rincon a number of hours away. This beautiful stretch of unspoiled seashore is a good place to drive to. Distant from the hustle and bustle of the vacationer websites, it can provide 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 lot of wonderful Mediterranean seashores in Europe with clear blue water and seashores value shifting there for however it’s arduous to pick any single seashore that had that means to us greater than the others. So relatively than listing a kind of, I’m going to look extra in direction of the ocean and identify a seashore with some superb 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.

Massively standard 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 whole seashore really feel such as you’re minimize 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 beloved the cliffs so it may be why the seashore caught so vividly in my thoughts however as is all the pieces on this listing, 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 unhealthy both.

Particular Point out – Anguilla

Micki and I’ve nearly completely traveled collectively over time 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.

Ultimate 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 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 whenever you’ve had the nice fortune to have walked on so many stunning seashores over time will get robust.

Should you’re not in settlement with this listing, that’s okay. Each seashore has it’s distinctive charms and generally 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 residence 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 most likely extra secluded, extra stunning and extra untouched by mankind however generally they’re forgettable for precisely that motive. Typically 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 a number of good seashores round right here”.

Possibly that’s for one of the best and so they stay off these lists of one of the best seashores on this planet for a very good motive. Possibly 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 listing a few of your favourite seashores right here and inform us simply how incorrect 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.