The 10 most unique beaches in the world
Everyone enjoys a sunny beach with soft white sand and crystal clear turquoise water. However, it can also be fun to explore the world’s strangest beaches with unique surrounding landscapes, rare sand colors, or unusual beach companions. Read on to find out more about the 10 Weirdest Beaches in the World!
1. Hidden Beach – Mexico
Hidden Beach, also known as Playa del Amor, is located on a historic military testing site on the Marietas Islands in Mexico. It is believed that the bombs created strange tunnels and holes in this area, producing this wonderful beach that can only be accessed through a water tunnel.
2. Pink Sand Beach – The Bahamas
Located on Harbor Island in the Bahamas, Pink Sand Beach has been widely recognized as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The pale pink pigment originates from foraminifera, a coral insect that lives on reefs. As their lives come to an end, they wash up on the shore, creating a pink hue on the sand.
3. Boulders Beach – South Africa
Located in Simon’s Town in South Africa, Boulders Beach is perhaps the busiest beach on our list, but not with tourists…with penguins! Thousands of African penguins call this beach their home, providing the unique experience of sunbathing alongside real (and adorable) wildlife!
4. Genipabu – Brazil
Few scenes are more arresting than the golden sand dunes crashing into the turquoise waters of the Atlantic at Genipabu in Natal, Brazil. Hit the dunes by buggy for a thrilling experience, or opt for a camel ride for a more relaxed excursion. Either way, be sure to take a dip in the crystal clear ocean waters while you’re there!
5. Hot Water Beach – New Zealand
Hot Water Beach allows visitors to dig their own hot tubs right next to the refreshing waters of the Pacific. Natural hot spring water runs under an area of sand that becomes exposed at low tide, and tourists have a few hours to paddle their own hot tub in the golden New Zealand sand.
6. Red Sand Beach – Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are famous for their stunning scenery and diverse array of wildlife, and Red Sand Beach offers all of this and more. Located on Rábida Island, this place gets its color from the high iron levels of the volcanoes. The most notable residents of this beach are the sea lions, but birds and iguanas also make frequent appearances.
7. Gulpiyuri Beach – Spain
Although not technically a “beach”, Gulpiyuri beach in Llanes, Spain is not to be missed. Located in the middle of a meadow surrounded by hills, this flooded cenote even has waves due to its connection to the ocean through underground caves.
8. Vik Black Sand Beach – Iceland
This may not be the place for those who love to soak up the sun, but Vik’s black sand beach is nonetheless a must-visit destination. The contrasting colors of the sparkling white waters crashing against the jet-black sand create a picturesque scene, not to mention the columnar rock formations that rise ominously from the water.
9. Papakolea Beach – Hawaii
Papakolea Beach is another colorful spot on our list, but much closer to home on the big island of Hawaii. The green crystals, or olivines, that produce the unique green pigment originate from the cinder cone of the Mauna Loa volcano. Visitors need to hike to this location, but the stunning colors and warm Hawaiian waters make it all worth it!
#10 Zlatni Rat Beach – Croatia
Zlatni Rat Beach, which translates as “Golden Horn” in English, is a white pebble beach that stretches into the ocean and is constantly transformed by wind currents, tides, and waves. This is not only a prime beach spot in the summer, but also a preferred spot for windsurfing.
