ANSE SOURCE D’ARGENT, SEYCHELLES
One of the most photographed beaches in the world, the blinding white sands of Anse Source d’Argent stretch across La Digue, one of the 115 islands that comprise this idyllic Indian Ocean archipelago. The beach gleams against a backdrop of massive granite boulders weathered by time and weather. The turquoise water is great for swimming because an offshore barrier protects it from ocean waves. Keep a look out for endangered species such as birds and gigantic tortoises!
POLIHALE BEACH, HAWAII, USA
The most breathtakingly beautiful beach in the Hawaiian islands is without a doubt Polihale. This seemingly desolate 11 km (7 km) stretch on the western end of Kauai, one of the world’s most beautiful islands, is several miles from the nearest townmaintains the mystique and enchantment that Hawaii is known for today. The beach is only accessible through a poorly signposted dirt sugarcane road, therefore a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended (check with your rental car company for limits before departing).
MAYA BAY, KOH PHI PHI, THAILAND
Maya Bay is a very beautiful, secluded bay on Thailand’s Koh Phi Phi. It’s easy to see why filmmaker Danny Boyle chose this beach for cult-favorite The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, with a ring of white sand encircled by mangroves and towering limestone walls draped in dense greenery. The main beach within the bay is around 200 meters (650 feet) long and features silky soft white sand, beautiful coral, and exotic fish in crystal clear water.
LONG BEACH, VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA
You can become stunned in places other than tropical beaches. Long Beach, the longest sandy beach on Canada’s Vancouver Island, is the best example, with breathtaking scenery and an unrivaled maritime environment. Its 10 miles (16 km) of virgin sand are surrounded by thick rainforests and washed by a cool pounding surf and are located within the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve between Tofino and Ucluelet. 20,000 grey whales come up this coast every spring and summer.
BAIA DO SANCHO, FERNANDO DE NORONHO, BRAZIL
Baio Do Sancho is located on the lonely island of Fernando de Noronha, an active volcanic archipelago of 21 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, some 220 miles (350 kilometers) off the coast of northeastern Brazil. Emerald ocean and silky white sands are bordered by vegetation-covered 250-foot-high (75-meter) cliffs. The beach is only accessible by boat or by foot through a fissure in a rock wall with a few hundred uneven, slippery-sandy stairs. The beach is ideal for snorkeling and ray spotting.
WHITEHAVEN BEACH, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
The Whitsunday Islands National Park protects Whitehaven Beach in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. The most well-known beach in Australia is 4.4 miles (7 kilometers) long and is surrounded by turquoise, blue, and green sea waves. Because it is composed of 98% pure white silica, the sand has a lovely, almost shimmering aspect. Whitehaven Beach can be reached by plane, helicopter, or by sailing there on one of the many neighboring boat tours.
GRACE BAY, TURKS & CAICOS
There are 40 islands and cays in the Turks and Caicos, with Providenciales serving as the main tourism hub. This area’s northern side is home to Grace Bay, a 19 km (12 mi) stretch of sugary sand and crystal-clear water that is surrounded by a coral reef system and offers fantastic snorkeling and diving. Because of the lamentable growth of resorts and condo hotels along the coast, you might fare better these days on the more exclusive hotel beaches of Amanyara or Parrot Cay. shore in recent years.
