Our Favourite 10 Seashores from 20 Years of Journey

It’s no secret, we’ve been to numerous nations over time. 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 notice simply what number of nice seashores we had really walked on till I learn an article a number of years in the past speaking about 25 of probably the most lovely seashores on the planet. The humorous half is I simply occurred to be sitting on a airplane heading to an island that might undoubtedly have one other lovely seaside 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 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 the planet. Whereas a few of these won’t have the best sand, the most effective surf or the dearth 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 seaside per nation simply to unfold the love however have given a small nod to a different seaside in the identical nation we additionally loved.

Our Favourite 10 Seashores from 20 Years of Journey

20 years of journey seems 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 record as properly and perhaps revisit a few of our favourite locations for the previous couple of a long time. This record is for these seaside 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 the planet, Australia in all probability has extra seashores than some nations have folks. How do you resolve which of these is your favourite? Easy, you suppose again to which seaside struck you as unforgettable. For us, that was the Whitsundays and extra particularly, Whitehaven Seaside.

We had been crusing the Whitsundays for days and once we clambered onto the island and walked over the path from one facet to the opposite, to say Whitehaven Seaside left a mark on us could be an understatement. Stunning aquamarine water overlapping sandbars of pure white sand with virtually zero civilisation in sight? Sure please.

Australia: Particular nod to Fraser Island (now generally known as Okay’gari). At 122km, Fraser Island is the biggest sand island on the planet and we had an awesome week of 4x4ing and sleeping on it’s predominant seaside. Whereas it might probably’t examine to the Whitsundays for sheer magnificence, it makes up for it in sheer measurement and actions. Apart from, who can resist driving on a seaside so lengthy (75 miles) that it’s categorized as each a freeway in addition to a airplane runway.

Lengthy Seaside – Ko Phi Phi – Thailand

Our three week keep on Lengthy Seaside on Thailand’s backpacker riddled Ko Phi Phi remains to be one in every of our fondest recollections. We have 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 motion pictures on our outdated laptop computer with the ocean crashing within the background by no means obtained outdated.

We haven’t been again because the island obtained worn out a decade in the past nonetheless we heard the island remains to be as well-liked as ever as of late. Taking a fast water taxi to city to seize a chunk to eat or taking a half day tour out to Monkey Seaside was a good way to vary issues up as properly.

Thailand: Small nod to Ko Lanta needs to be stated as properly. Although we walked and swam on dozens of seashores in Thailand (and among the smaller island seashores even stand out amongst this complete record as actually lovely), 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 seaside 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 seaside in Emerald Cave on Ko Mook, Thailand. It’s such a cool place, that’s solely accessible by swimming by way of a cave!

Wanting again now or time on Ko Mook is all the time crammed with a special 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 all the time suggest getting journey medical insurance coverage earlier than you allow the nation.

SafetyWing Nomad 2.0 insurance coverage has grow to be a favourite since we are able to select the clinic we wish (one thing that was very important once we have been in Greece and the hospital was closed), it’s a pay-as-you-go subscription and we’re coated as much as 250k in 180 completely different nations. It additionally has $0 deductible so we’re coated 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 kind in as little as 5 minutes and get reimbursed inside 2.8 days.

Akumal – Yucatan Peninsula – Mexico

Mexico has tons of of gorgeous seashores on either side of the nation however our favourite remains 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 seaside there over time from earlier than we had children to now and each time we go there’s simply one thing particular in regards to the place. The water is tremendous calm, the various fronds attain all the way down to the seaside and we simply all the time get pleasure from 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 really spent the night time in Akumal. So, in the event you’re seeking to e-book per week or two within the space, simply exterior Playa Del Carmen or near Playa Paraiso down in Tulum could be the realm I might counsel however simply be sure you take a day to spend on Akumal Seaside 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 however it feels such as you’re in one other space of the nation. It has a tremendous laid again appeal and the water and sand are each nice in comparison with many locations on the Pacific facet of the nation.

Lanikai Seaside – Oahu – Hawaii

Hawaii is crammed with lovely seashores and whereas the surf on the North Shore is spectacular, the water and sand at Lanikai Seaside is tough to beat. One of many causes this seaside stands out to us is that it’s the primary seaside we ever went get up paddle boarding on and partly why we presently personal 4 paddle boards right now.

Often known as Kaʻōhao Seaside, Lanikai Seaside makes it onto loads of lists of the most effective seashores on the planet and is well-liked for a purpose. With good views of the Mokulua Islands and it’s relative proximity to virtually every thing on the island (we toured the complete 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 seaside in Hanauma Bay for snorkeling as properly in the event you’re already on the island. Whereas the seaside itself doesn’t examine to Lanikai, there’s some nice protected snorkeling proper off the seaside the place we noticed sea turtles, moray eels and extra colourful fish than we may ever rely simply toes off the shore. It was successful with each us and the children because the surf is extremely mild.

Tortuga Bay – Galapagos Islands – Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands are primarily recognized for his or her large 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 the planet discovered north of the equator. Most of those could be discovered on practically any seaside within the island chain they usually make any seaside tour within the Galapagos unforgettable.

Tortugas Bay, positioned on the island of Santa Cruz, isn’t a seaside you go swimming on however nonetheless stays unforgettable for it’s size and the quantity of sea creatures you discover whereas strolling this lengthy seaside. As a result of fixed present, swimming isn’t allowed on the gorgeous seaside itself however as you attain the tip you’ll discover a small cove on the opposite facet with good water you may 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 search out lunch.

Galapagos: Small nod to Gardner Bay on Española Island needs to be added because of it’s distinctive magnificence. Whilst you can’t keep on the island itself, there are many day journey cruises that can get you to this idyllic lengthy white sand seaside. It has nice swimming and in the event you’re fortunate, one of many resident sea lions would possibly resolve to play with you within the surf.

Varadero Seaside – Cuba

Whereas not distant nor that onerous to get to, there’s no denying that the lengthy white sands of Veradero Seaside are well-liked for a purpose. The seaside, also called 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 remains 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 properly. Whereas it’s solely accessible by boat, it’s a wonderful strip of white sand and aquamarine water as properly with a way more rustic vibe. You actually can’t go improper heading on the market for a day however notice that it might probably get busy some days.

White Seaside – Boracay – Philippines

What can I say about Boracay moreover that the place is all the time busy and but the sand is among the most interesting you’ll discover anyplace on the planet. It’s so fantastic that it really squeaks once you stroll on it and good luck getting the sand out of your garments after enjoying within the aquamarine surf. I might have cherished to see the realm 50 years in the past earlier than all the event took over however White Seaside and Boracay Island itself are well-liked for a purpose.

The seaside can get fairly crowded at sure instances of the 12 months nonetheless in the event you go to the farther edge you may typically discover a quieter place to arrange a towel. It’s an awesome swimming seaside with lots to see whereas strolling it’s 4 kilometer size and in the event you crave a bit extra pleasure, stroll 10 minutes and also you’ll be on the opposite facet of the island and may get pleasure from some wonderful kitesurfing and windsurfing (whether or not watching or renting) on Habagat Bay.

Philippines: A small nod to Entalula Seaside is owed. It’s a beautiful stretch of sand nonetheless you’ll have to take a tour to get there. Most excursions depart from El Nid and infrequently go to the distinctive sandbar of Snake Island. Ensure to take a look at Nacpan Seaside in the event you’re staying within the space as properly, because it’s a beautiful seaside 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 nonetheless not like their Australian neighbors, the sand isn’t typically as fantastic 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 lovely days within the space and actually loved the good seaside and the famed arch.

Again then you would hike out to the seaside however as of late the paths are closed and it is advisable to take a water taxi to get there. It’s nonetheless definitely worth the journey and the backdrop is just lovely plus there are another cool issues to see within the space together with Scorching Water Seaside 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 seaside we cherished probably the most however the complete Park is only a lovely wonderland of nature. Our pic on the facet with the kayaks within the background was taken there and seeing it nonetheless brings again nice recollections of our time there.

Bavaro Seaside – Punta Cana – Dominican Republic

Filled with all-inclusive properties and big resorts, Bavaro isn’t for you in the event you demand a quiet seaside away from the crowds. What it does offer you is miles of beautiful white sand and delightful water to swim in. To be honest, when you’ll by no means end up actually alone, the sheer measurement of among the resorts lining this little pocket of paradise signifies that you could find tons of quiet locations to put out a towel. Like among the others on this record, the place is busy for a purpose. The seaside is gorgeous.

Dominican Republic: Small nod to Playa Rincon a number of hours away. This beautiful stretch of unspoiled seaside 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 a long time in the past.

Praia da Falésia – Algarve – Portugal

There are tons of of wonderful Mediterranean seashores in Europe with clear blue water and seashores price transferring there for however it’s exhausting to select any single seaside that had which means to us greater than the others. So slightly than record a kind of, I’m going to look extra in direction of the ocean and title a seaside 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.

Massively well-liked in the summertime months, shoulder season is when the realm actually shines and the seashores are quieter and the times not scorching sizzling. The cliffs that line the Praia da Falesia make the complete seaside really feel such as you’re lower off from civilization and also you would possibly spend simply as a lot time watching the cliffs as you do the blue inexperienced water. Our children cherished the cliffs so it is perhaps why the seaside caught so vividly in my thoughts however as is every thing 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 virtually 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 various 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 seaside is exclusive with one thing which means one thing to somebody. Whether or not it’s a lake seaside 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 once you’ve had the great fortune to have walked on so many lovely seashores over time will get powerful.

In the event you’re not in settlement with this record, that’s okay. Each seaside has it’s distinctive charms and typically 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 seaside residence outweigh any of the opposite issues going for them.

There are tons of of seashores we’ve walked on over time which might be in all probability extra secluded, extra lovely and extra untouched by mankind however typically they’re forgettable for precisely that purpose. 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 go away an impression apart from the overall notion of “wow, there are a lot of nice beaches around here”.

Perhaps that’s for the most effective they usually stay off these lists of the most effective seashores on the planet for an excellent purpose. Perhaps 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 improper we’re, you’re welcome as properly. We love listening to about new locations and why a sure seaside is vital to you and to not be missed.

Secure travels.