Our Favourite 10 Seashores from 20 Years of Journey
It’s no secret, we’ve been to numerous 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 truly walked on till I learn an article a number of 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 seashore 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 record.
I want I had saved that article to make this record simpler (and to see if we now have crossed any of the remaining 5 off their record) however listed below are 10 of our private favourite seashores on this planet. Whereas a few of these may not have the best sand, the very 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 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 feels like loads but it surely’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 record as effectively and perhaps revisit a few of our favourite locations for the previous few many years. This record is for these seashore 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 nations 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 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. 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 called Ok’gari). At 122km, Fraser Island is the biggest sand island on this planet and we had an ideal week of 4x4ing and sleeping on it’s predominant seashore. Whereas it may possibly’t examine to the Whitsundays for sheer magnificence, it makes up for it in sheer dimension and actions. In addition to, 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 Seashore – Ko Phi Phi – Thailand
Our three week keep on Lengthy Seashore on Thailand’s backpacker riddled Ko Phi Phi continues to be considered one of our fondest recollections. We have 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 motion pictures on our previous laptop computer with the ocean crashing within the background by no means obtained previous.
We haven’t been again because the island obtained worn out a decade in the past nevertheless we heard the island continues to be as well-liked as ever as of late. Taking a fast water taxi to city to seize a chew to eat or taking a half day tour out to Monkey Seashore was a good way to vary issues up as effectively.
Thailand: Small nod to Ko Lanta needs to be stated as effectively. Although we walked and swam on dozens of seashores in Thailand (and among the smaller island seashores even stand out amongst this whole record 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 record 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 in every single place however a fast stroll down the seashore we had discovered an Italian restaurant that rivalled anywhere 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 at all times full of a unique 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 at all times suggest getting journey medical insurance coverage earlier than you allow the nation.
SafetyWing Nomad 2.0 insurance has grow to be a favourite since we are able to select the clinic we would like (one thing that was important after we have 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 nations. 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 process 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 lots of of lovely seashores on either side of the nation however our favourite continues to be in all probability Akumal. Not as busy as Cancun or Playa Del Carmen nor as unspoiled as Tulum, Akumal is thought 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 concerning the place. The water is tremendous calm, the various fronds attain all the way 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 evening in Akumal. So, in case you’re trying 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’d recommend however simply ensure you 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 experience from Nuevo Vallarta but it surely 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 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 rise up paddle boarding on and partly why we at the moment personal 4 paddle boards at present.
Often known as Kaʻōhao Seashore, Lanikai Seashore makes it onto loads of lists of the very best seashores on this planet and is well-liked 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 your entire island in a day and stopped for hours at loads of areas), it’s an ideal 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 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 depend 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 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 will be discovered on practically any seashore within the island chain they usually make any seashore tour within the Galapagos unforgettable.
Tortugas Bay, situated 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 aspect 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 obtained the cove we additionally noticed a number of 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 because of 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 seashore. It has nice swimming and in case 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 well-liked 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 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 effectively. Whereas it’s solely accessible by boat, it’s an exquisite 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 word that it may possibly 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 among the most interesting you’ll discover anyplace on this planet. It’s so positive that it truly squeaks while you stroll on it and good luck getting the sand out of your garments after enjoying within the aquamarine surf. I’d have cherished to see the world 50 years in the past earlier than all the event took over however White Seashore and Boracay Island itself are well-liked for a motive.
The seashore can get fairly crowded at sure occasions of the yr nevertheless 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 ideal swimming seashore with loads to see whereas strolling it’s 4 kilometer size and in case you crave a bit extra pleasure, stroll 10 minutes and also you’ll be on the opposite aspect 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 Seashore is owed. It’s a stunning stretch of sand nevertheless you’ll have to 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 in case you’re staying within the space as effectively, because it’s a stunning seashore 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 nevertheless not like their Australian neighbors, the sand isn’t typically as positive right here. That stated, 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 as of late the paths are closed and you should take a water taxi to get there. It’s nonetheless definitely worth the journey and the backdrop is solely stunning plus there are another cool issues to see within the space together with Scorching Water Seashore the place pure sizzling springs meet the ocean and with a little bit of digging, you can also 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 inform you the precise seashore we cherished probably the most however your entire 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 recollections of our time there.
Bavaro Seashore – 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 provide you with is miles of beautiful white sand and delightful water to swim in. To be honest, whilst you’ll by no means end up actually alone, the sheer dimension of among the resorts lining this little pocket of paradise signifies that you’ll find tons of quiet locations to put out a towel. Like among the others on this record, 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 superb 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 many years in the past.
Praia da Falésia – Algarve – Portugal
There are lots of of fantastic Mediterranean seashores in Europe with clear blue water and seashores value shifting there for but it surely’s onerous to pick any single seashore that had which means to us greater than the others. So somewhat than record a kind of, I’m going to look extra in the direction of the ocean and title 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 probably the most scenic.
Vastly well-liked in the summertime months, shoulder season is when the world actually shines and the seashores are quieter and the times not scorching sizzling. The cliffs that line the Praia da Falesia make your entire seashore really feel such as you’re reduce 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 may be why the seashore caught so vividly in my thoughts however as is all the pieces on this record, 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 nearly solely traveled collectively through the years nevertheless 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 various seashores nevertheless 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 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 while you’ve had the nice fortune to have walked on so many stunning seashores through the years will get robust.
Should you’re not in settlement with this record, 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 lots of of seashores we’ve walked on through the years which can be in all probability extra secluded, extra stunning and extra untouched by mankind however generally they’re forgettable for precisely that motive. 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 final notion of “wow, there are numerous good seashores round right here”.
Possibly that’s for the very best they usually stay off these lists of the very best seashores on this planet for a very good motive. Possibly we’re simply preserving their untouched magnificence for generations to come back or perhaps, we simply need them to remain as pristine because the day we first stumbled onto them…
If you wish to record 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 vital to you and to not be missed.
Protected travels.
