Best Shipwreck Beaches in the World
Located on the northwestern coast of Zakynthos in the Ionian Islands of Greece, Navagio Shipwreck Beach - also known as Navagio Beach, Shipwreck Beach or Zante Navagio Shipwreck Beach - is a small beige sand beach with a few rocky portions. This iconic beach is positioned on the shores of the Ionian Sea, and the beach has a beautiful backdrop of towering white limestone cliffs and the rusting remains of the MV Panagiotis shipwreck that lie on its shore.
Navagio Beach, Greece, is well-known for the wreck of the MV Panagiotis, a smuggler ship carrying contraband goods when it was pursued by the Greek Navy. It eventually crash-landed on the beach during stormy weather and bad visibility around Zakynthos Island in 1980. The beach is one of the most photographed beaches in the world, and is a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach
Located within Fort Stevens State Park in the coastal city of Warrenton in Clatsop County, Fort Stevens State Park Beach - also known as Fort Stevens Beach - has a long beige sand beach. The beach is positioned on the Clatsop Spit along the northern Oregon coast, near the mouth of the Columbia River. It has a beautiful backdrop of dunes and coastal vegetation, offering incredible views of the Pacific Ocean.
Fort Stevens State Park Beach is renowned for the wreckage of the British ship Peter Iredale, a 275-foot-long, four-masted steel boat that crash-landed on Clatsop Spit in 1906. The ship ran aground on this beach while it was traveling from Mexico to the Columbia River due to heavy fog and currents. Despite the shipwreck, the entire crew made it safely to shore, and no one was seriously injured or died. Currently, the skeletal remains of Peter Iredale are still visible on the beach, which is protected by state and federal laws.
The beach is part of Fort Stevens State Park, which is one of the largest state parks in Oregon, spread over 4,300 acres and is home to beaches, freshwater lakes, a campground, golf courses, hiking trails, biking trails, museums, a visitors center, and Fort Stevens, the former site of military installations once used to guard the mouth of the Columbia River. In the 1950’s, the area was converted into a state park after the military decommissioned the fort.
Located on the western coast of Grand Turk, the capital island of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Governor's Beach is a 300-meter-long and wide white sand beach with a few rocky portions. The soft, powdery white sand is comprised of finely crushed coral and shells. The beach is considered the best beach on the island, and is a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach. This immensely popular beach is positioned between the Grand Turk Cruise Center and Cockburn Town and has a beautiful backdrop of a grove of casuarina and palm trees, offering panoramic views of the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The beach received its name from being the site of the former governor's residence, Waterloo, which is near the beach. Governor's Beach is part of the Columbus Landfall National Park, which aims to promote a protected marine environment while emphasizing the importance of sustainable tourism practices. Governor's Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag certification and the Green Coast Award due to its natural beauty, cleanliness, and water quality standards.
Located on the southwestern tip of the Gower Peninsula, Rhossili Bay - also known as Rhossili Bay Beach - is a three-mile-long and wide beige sand beach. This beach has won numerous awards and has been recognized as one of the best beaches in the United Kingdom and Europe several times over the years. The beach is positioned along the shores of Bristol Channel and has an amazing background of rugged cliffs, protected dunes, coastal vegetation, and many oceanfront buildings, including a few shops, restaurants, and hotels, which together provide incredible views of Worm's Head and the vast Atlantic Ocean. Rhossili Bay is managed by the National Trust - Rhosili and South Gower Coast, ensuring the conservation and protection of its natural and cultural heritage.
Located on the northeastern tip of Masirah Island in Oman, Masira Island Resort Beach is a long and wide golden sand beach. It is one of the well-known Masirah Island beaches and is positioned near the town of Hilf, with a beautiful background of bushy vegetation and a hotel that offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea. It is important to note that Masira Island Resort Beach serves as a nesting place for four species of sea turtles, including the endangered loggerhead turtle, greens, hawksbills, and olive ridleys.
The beach is famous for the shipwreck of the Star of India, a cargo ship that met its fate during one of the treacherous monsoon seasons that frequent the Arabian Sea. The ship's remains lie submerged off the coast near the Masira Island Resort Beach, and the wreck is home to a variety of marine life, including fish, coral, and other sea creatures, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.
Located on the eastern coast of Fraser Island, Maheno Beach is a popular nine-kilometer-long and wide white sand beach with many rocky portions that extend from The Pinnacles to the freshwater Eli Creek. Maheno Beach is part of the well-known Seventy Five Mile Beach, and is positioned on the eastern coastline of the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. The original name for Fraser Island is K'gari, which comes from the Butchalla language and means “paradise” – the island is 123 kilometers (76 miles) long and 22 kilometers (14 miles) wide, and at 710 square miles, it is the largest sea island in the world.
Maheno Beach is located off the coast of Queensland and has a beautiful backdrop of rugged ledges and coastal vegetation, providing spectacular views of the vast ocean. Interestingly, the beach is named after the SS Maheno, a shipwreck that lay on its shores just north of Happy Valley during a cyclone in 1935. The SS Maheno was a well-known luxury ship that operated in the Tasman Sea between New Zealand and Australia in the early 20th century. Presently, the Maheno shipwreck is located approximately 10 kilometers north of Fraser Island Happy Valley, slowly deteriorating in the harsh salt environment.
Located in the City of Inverness in Marin County, Point Reyes South Beach - also known as South Beach and South Beach at Point Reyes Beach - is a long golden sand beach with many rocky portions. Point Reyes South Beach is positioned on the eastern side of Point Reyes National Seashore and is part of the famous 11-mile-long Point Reyes Beach - also known as Great Beach and Ten Mile Beach - that stretches from north to south, with South Beach located on its southern end. The beach is tucked between Tomales Point Beach at its north and Point Reyes Headlands at its southern end, which has a beautiful background of low sandstone bluffs and offers Instagram-worthy views of the Pacific Ocean, especially during sunset.
Located at the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, near the town of Tobermory in Ontario, Fathom Five National Marine Park is a lakefront park with a rocky shoreline. It is a part of the National Marine Conservation Area along the Georgian Bay of Lake Huron and was established in 1987 to protect the unique underwater ecosystems and shipwrecks in the area. The park is spread over 130 square kilometers and includes 24 shipwrecks, numerous islands, lighthouses, distinctive geological formations, and freshwater ecosystems.
Fathom Five National Marine Park is famous for its shipwrecks, some of which date back to the 19th century, including the Sweepstakes, a 19th-century schooner, and the City of Grand Rapids, a steamer, making it a popular destination with divers. This park is home to several islands, with Flowerpot Island being the most famous due to its unique rock formations, which are naturally sculpted sea stacks. It also plays a significant role in protecting aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, supporting diverse endemic plant and animal species, including the monarch butterfly, the eastern ribbonsnake, and the eastern whip-poor-will.
Bavaro Beach is a hotspot destination for families and spring breakers alike. Lined with resorts and hotels, this beach remains popular due to its beach bars, white sand and warm water.
Located within the Sandy Ground village on the southern coast of Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean, Sandy Ground Beach is a long, crescent-shaped white sand beach. The beach is tucked between the Road Salt Pond and Road Bay, which has a popular port and harbor and is home to many boats and businesses. It has a beautiful background of high cliffs, coastal vegetation, a nearby salt pond, a marina, and many oceanfront buildings, including villas, restaurants, and beach bars, which together provide incredible views of the vast ocean.
Located near the town of Bunbeg in Gweedore, County Donegal, in the northwest of Ireland, Bunbeg Beach - also known as Tra na Bona and Magheraclogher Beach- is a small but wide beige sand beach with few rocky portions. The beach is positioned at the mouth of the Gweedore River on Donegal’s rugged Atlantic coast and has a beautiful background of sand dunes, hidden coves, boulders, streams, and coastal vegetation, which offers stunning views of Torglass Island, Gola Island, Mount Errigal, and the vast Atlantic Ocean. The beach name "Bunbeg" translates to "the small river mouth" in Irish, referring to the beach's position at the mouth of the Clady River. On the southwest end of Bunbeg Beach, the Clady River drains into the Crolly River near Bunbeg Quay. The beach and its surrounding areas are home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds, marine life, and dune flora. This beach is part of the designated Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), protecting its natural habitats and species.
The beach is renowned for the iconic shipwreck of the Bad Eddie. This fishing boat, originally built in Brittany, France, called Cara Na Mara (Friend of the Sea), was bought by local fisherman Eddie Gillespie. It came ashore for minor repairs and remained there for unknown reasons in 1977. The wreck retains its allure and mystery despite its rust and deterioration. It has since become an iconic landmark and a popular subject for photographers.
Located in the town of Vila Nova de Milfontes in the Alentejo region of Portugal, Praia de Vila Nova de Milfontes - also known as Vila Nova de Milfontes Beach - is a long and wide golden sand beach with black basalt rocks. The beach is positioned below the steep cliffs along the mouth of the Mira River estuary, with the beach extending from the lifeboat station to the lighthouse headland. It has a beautiful background of rugged cliffs, dunes, coastal vegetation, and several oceanfront buildings, which together provide Instagram-worthy views. The beach is a part of the Vicentine Coast Natural Park, which supports regional economic, social, and cultural development by encouraging the preservation and sustainable use of natural resources and other natural, landscape, and cultural aspects.
Located in the northern portion of the Lanai shoreline, Shipwreck Beach - also called Kaiolohia, Kaiolohia Beach, and Kaiolohia Bay Beach - is a long and popular beach with light brown sand, some rocky portions, many pebbles, a nearby shallow reef, nearby grass and shrubs, and a lot of driftwood. This beach received its name because many vessels have been known to get shipwrecked here. Some of the vessels include the Alderman Wood (a British vessel that sank near the beach in 1824), the London (an American ship that was shipwrecked here in 1826), and a reinforced concrete vessel named YOGN-42 that was built for the United States Navy in 1943 and was deliberately shipwrecked near the beach as a means of disposal after World War Two ended. As an interesting fact, the London was apparently carrying gold and silver when it sank, and that gold and silver have not yet been recovered till this date. There is a lighthouse near this beach - this lighthouse was earlier in a functional state but it now lies in a dilapidated condition. Shipwreck Beach should not be confused with another separate beach also named Shipwreck Beach which is located on the island of Kauai.
Located in the city of Boca Raton, Boca Raton Beach Club is a hotel that has an unnamed private white-sand beach area.
Stationed within a larger Archipelago consisting of neighboring islands Benguerra, Magaraque, Santa Carolina, Banque, and Shell, Bazaruto National Park is one of Mozambique’s premier island beach destinations. Accessible only via transfer from Vilanikulos, it is a remote paradise. Bazaruto Island is breathtaking. With massive coastal expanses of soft, white sand and crystal- clear azure waters, its beach is easily among Africa’s best. As a national park, it is extremely well-maintained by the Mozambican government, and is safe and remarkably clean. Acres upon acres of oceanside greenery, tall sand dunes, and large rock structures make the beach’s surroundings a sight to behold. For beachgoers looking to simply lounge amidst incredible scenery, Bazaruto Island is an ideal destination.
Adventurers and adrenaline-junkies also flock to Bazaruto Island for invigorating new experiences. On Bazaruto Island, snorkel, dive, and deep-sea fish, and witness the Indian Ocean’s exotic fish and incredible biodiversity. Sail and take in stunning panoramic views. Or, for an adrenaline rush and a unique workout, sand-board on massive dunes.
For beachgoers looking to satisfy cravings after a long beach day, there are multiple great restaurants located at the Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort. Head to Golfinho Restaurant and Bar for top-notch Mozambican, Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine or Tartaruga Restaurant and Bar for fresh and high-quality seafood served on the water. And for guests looking to stay the night on Bazaruto Island, the resort offers world-class hospitality, gorgeous villas, stunning pools that overlook the ocean, and even private areas to land helicopters.
Located on the western coast of the North Island in the Far North region of New Zealand, Ninety Mile Beach - also known as Te-Oneroa-a-Tohe - is an 88-kilometer-long, beige sand beach. The beach stretches from Ahipara Bay in the southwest to Scott Point in the northwest and has a spectacular backdrop of sand dunes, scrubland, wild vegetation, and a few oceanfront buildings, creating a picturesque setting along the Tasman Sea. The beach is officially designated as a highway and is used by vehicles as a substitute for State Highway 1 north of Kaitaia, though driving conditions depend on the tides. This beach is promoted as an ecotourism destination, encouraging sustainable tourism practices that preserve its natural environment and marine life.
Located in the city of Pompano Beach, Pompano Beach is a very long and wide beach that is very popular among tourists as well as locals as it is a part of some of South Florida’s largest developed areas. Pompano Beach is a well-known destination for wildlife watching and birdwatching as it is backed by waterways. Pompano Beach is also a perfect spot for many water sports enthusiasts including surfers, snorkelers, divers, and parasailers. The 1,000-feet-long Pompano Beach Pier is a five-minute drive from the beach and you can catch one of the Atlantic’s famous game fish here.
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Nosy Be Beaches
Madagascar, Anosy, Sainte Luce
Panama City Beach is a stunning vacation destination that combines tranquil, island paradise with bustling city life. A strip of skyscrapers sits along the golden sand, creating the paradoxical aesthetic that is unique to this Floridian beach. If you're looking for a beach with plenty of thrills and adventures, Panama City Beach is the destination for you.
This beach is the ultimate beach-palooza, with a myriad of watersports, including boating, fishing, parasailing, diving, and more. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore the turquoise waters of the Gulf Mexico by swimming with dolphins, deep-sea fishing on a charter boat, scuba diving through sunken ships and colorful reefs, and more. Scuba diving is especially popular among the artificial reefs of historic shipwrecks, including the Black Bart, World War II Liberty Ship, and Empire Mica. Further your underwater adventures with Panama City Dive Center, which offers diving lessons and the chance to become scuba-certified.
Jet-skiing on a Yamaha Waverunner is another popular beach activity. Enjoy your beach day by slicing through the bright blue waters at incredible speeds. Stand-up paddleboarding is another fun pastime on the beach or on nearby lagoons and rivers -- you can even fish or do yoga on your board! Parasailing is an adrenaline-filled experience above sparkling, blue coastline that many beachgoers go for during the summer months. At the end of the day, head to Saltwater Grill for amazing seafood and cocktails, or to Firefly for a romantic dinner under twinkling lights. It's clear that Panama City Beach is a legendary sandy paradise, complete with water activities, gorgeous views, and great food. Is Panama City Beach the beach for you? Come to Florida's northern coast yourself to find out.
Located in the city of Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale Beach is a large beach with white sand and palm trees and is next to a beautiful background of oceanfront high-rise buildings. Fort Lauderdale Beach sees fewer visitors than other more popular Florida beaches and this makes the beach have a calm atmosphere. A recreational park named Fort Lauderdale Beach Park is also present near this beach. As an interesting fact, the 1960 movie Where The Boys Are was filmed around Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Fort Lauderdale Beach has been named the 35th Best Beach in the Top 50 Beaches in the United States list in 2022 by Randall Kaplan, the world's foremost beach expert who is known as "Mr. Beach.”
Located along the south-eastern shoreline of the island of Oahu, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a preserve that has a scenic bay named Hanauma Bay - this bay has a long unnamed and popular crescent-shaped light-brown sand beach along its shores. This unnamed beach is also known as Hanauma Bay Beach and is situated within a 30,000 year-old volcanic crater called the Hanauma. Many palm trees are present around this scenic beach. Hanauma Bay was earlier a recreational beach park. However, the huge influx of tourists to this popular beach caused significant damage to the local marine landscape and fragile marine biodiversity, prompting local authorities to turn this park into a preserve and take and apply stricter rules for tourist regulation. The meaning of the Hawaiian name of this bay (Hanauma) is widely interpreted as "curved bay" in English. Hanauma Bay was earlier used by Ancient Hawaiian nobles for recreational purposes. In addition, Hanauma Bay was also used by Ancient Hawaiians as a stop-over and launch point for canoes due to its calm water. Ancient fishing tools have also been found around Hanauma Bay by archaeologists. The beach in Hanauma Bay is a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach. Hanauma Bay has also featured in many films and television shows including Tora! Tora! Tora!, Hawaii Five-O, and Blue Hawaii.
Located on the northern coast of Rugen Island in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Glowe Beach is a 1300-meter-long and 25-meter-wide beige sand beach considered the longest beach on the island. The beach is positioned in the village of Glowe Rugen and has a beautiful background of dunes, coastal vegetation, and many oceanfront buildings, including several restaurants, providing a picturesque backdrop along the Jasmund Peninsula on the Baltic Sea.
The beach is divided into 13 main sections. Beach Access 1–4, adjacent to the Yachthafen Glowe marina, is ideal for families as the water is usually calm. Beach Access 10–12 is considered an unofficial nude beach with a clothing-optional area, and entrances 12–13 are designated dog-friendly areas.
In addition, Glowe Beach is home to the remnants of a merchant ship that was traveling on the Baltic Sea between the Baltic States. The wreck was previously hidden in sand until archaeologists found it in the late 1990s. During the storms in January 2019, the beach in front of Glowe lost up to one meter of its height, revealing the well-preserved wreckage. Since then, the wreck has sustained some damage, and sawdust has been discovered on these ancient boards.
Located in the city of Mill Valley, Tennessee Cove Beach is a small, narrow, remote, and dark sand beach that is a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Tennessee Cove Beach is situated on the west side of Marin Headlands at the mouth of Tennessee Valley in front of Tennessee Cove. Tennessee Cove Beach is surrounded by high rock walls and is a well-known destination for hiking and mountain biking.
Located in the city of Coronado, Coronado Shores Beach is a wide and rarely crowded beach situated in front of the Coronado Shores Beach Club resort.
Located in the city of Aptos, Seacliff State Beach is one-and-a-half-miles long and is a well-known swimming and beach walking spot.
Located within the popular and beautiful coastal resort of Playa del Carmen along the Riviera Maya in the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico, Playa del Carmen is a long and wide white sand beach. The beach is positioned along the Yucatan Peninsula on the Caribbean coast and has a beautiful backdrop of many oceanfront buildings, including hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, a promenade lined with many shops, and a large park popularly known as the Parque Los Fundadores, which together offer Instagram-worthy views. Playa del Carmen is part of the Riviera Maya, a tourism corridor that attracts millions of visitors each year, contributing significantly to the local economy and emphasizing the importance of sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts while protecting the natural environment and marine life.
Negril Beach, part of the larger Seven Mile Beach in Jamaica, is the bohemian paradise you've always dreamed of. There are adults-only resorts, nude sections of the beach, and shimmering, turquoise waters that draw in beachgoers from all over the world. The beach has a fun-loving atmosphere with many beach bars that play reggae music throughout the day and into the night. Hedonism II, an all-inclusive beach resort at the tip of Negril Beach, caters to travelers over the age of 18. With guided day tours by day and wild parties at night, there is something for everyone here in Jamaica.
Hedonism tours, including horseback, cruise, ATV, and zip line, give every kind of adventurer the experience of a lifetime. Exploring the island’s tropics in large groups will get your adrenaline pumping, making you fall in love with the tropical environment. Tour Negril’s steep cliffs to admire The Caribbean sunset -- the ultimate spot for romance. Book a jungle river tube tour or hop on an ATV tour through Sandy Bay to get a little muddy and wild. Amidst the thrill that surrounds the beach is also a slower-paced vibe for beachgoers that seek relaxation along the coastline.
After your adventurous or laidback day, grab a few drinks at the resort’s nightclub, Club Hurricane, which plays music until the sun comes up the next day. Themed beach parties take place almost every night of the week, featuring live entertainment and good vibes all around. Enjoy the versatile Negril Beach, where your beachy alter-ego comes out and your thirst for paradise lingers.
Located near the village of Krokees in the region of Laconia, Valtaki Beach is a one-kilometer-long beige sand beach with many rocky portions. The beach is positioned along the Peloponnese peninsula and has a beautiful backdrop of dunes, rugged cliffs, and coastal vegetation, adding allure to its serene beauty. Valtaki Beach is well known for the rusting hull of the Dimitrios, a cargo ship that ran aground in 1981. It came ashore for minor repairs and remained there for unknown reasons, from insurance fraud to abandonment due to engine failure. The Dimitrios shipwreck retains its allure and mystery despite its rust and deterioration. It has since become an iconic landmark and a popular subject for photographers.
Located on the northern coast of Inis Oirr, one of the Aran Islands, off the west coast of Ireland, Inisheer Beach - also known as Inisheer Blue Flag Beach, Inis Oirr Beach, or Tra Inis Oirr - is a 300-meter-long beige sand beach with many rocky portions. The beach is close to Inisheer Airport (INQ) along the shores of Galway Bay and has a beautiful backdrop of coastal vegetation, rugged limestone ledges, a large open area, and many oceanfront buildings, including a campground, many houses, beachfront restaurants, a marina, a few hotels, and the iconic O'Brien's Castle, which offer Instagram-worthy views. Inisheer Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag certification and the Green Coast Award due to its natural beauty, cleanliness, and water quality standards.
Located between the City of Marathon and Big Pine Key, Bahia Honda State Park sits upon 500 acres of Bahia Honda Pine and offers the quintessential “Florida experience” - palm studded white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, breathtaking sunsets and starry nights. The park is gradually recovering from damage by Hurricane Irma and parts of its 2.5 mile beach area are still being reconstructed for public use. However, this doesn’t mean that the park has lost its charm, as it offers numerous activities for visitors along with amenities like showers, restrooms, concession stands and picnic pavilions. The beach allows pets on leash and provides accessibility to people with disabilities. Although the park has parking facilities, it may be really hard to find a spot during vacations.
The site has two open beaches – Calusa Beach and Loggerhead Beach, having loads of activities such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, swimming, fishing and boat tours to nearby reefs. Paths for cycling and walking are also present. The picnicking sites in the area have several facilities to make your experience comfortable. The park is frequented by nature aficionados for exploring the vibrant biodiversity of the island, home to several rare species of plants and animals. Birdwatchers can look out for exotic shore birds. Hiking excursions are also available including one leading to the iconic Old Bahia Honda Bridge, which gives a picturesque view of Calusa Beach. The park also gives a clear view of the night sky for stargazing.
If you get hungry, you can visit the concession store in the park for snacks. The neighboring Keys also have great eateries, one being the iconic No Name Pub, named in the ZAGAT Survey as “the best casual dining experience in Florida Keys''. The Pub, 15 minutes away from the beach by car, is famous for its quirky dollar bill laden walls and treats like dips, burgers and its signature pizzas. Another popular joint less than a 10-minute drive away from the park is the Big Pine Rooster. The restaurant is popular for its diligent staff, airy ambience and an innovative menu. Be sure to visit Coco’s Kitchen, a family friendly place. Situated a short drive away from the park, the place offers great cubano cuisine at modest prices.
If you are looking for a place to stay near Bahia Honda State Park, don’t look further than their onsite campgrounds and cabins for an unforgettable experience with wilderness. Facilities like electricity, tables, grills and well-furnished cabin rooms make it ideal for lodging. The adjacent Keys also have nice accommodations, like Barnacle Bread and Breakfast, nine minutes away from the park by car. It is famous for its lavish rooms, great amenities. You might also encounter friendly key deer here! Another option is the Isla Bella Beach Resort, a 24 acre 4-Star resort 10 minutes away from the park by car and having luxuries including a 4000 square foot Spa, multiple fine dining options and a beautiful beachside bar.
Located in the southern end of the city of Fort Walton Beach, Santa Rosa Island Beach is an eight mile - long beach with light brown sand. Santa Rosa Island Beach does not have lifeguards or any other amenities, so plan your visit accordingly. Dogs are not allowed on the Santa Rosa Island Beach, and the beach is open from 6 a.m. until sunset.
Located near the town of Panama City Beach, St. Andrews State Park is a state park that has multiple unnamed white sand beaches. One of the beaches in St. Andrews State Park is also known as Jetty Beach as it has a rocky jetty. While some of the beaches in St. Andrews State Park are present in mainland Bay County, the state park’s other beaches are present on a nearby seven-mile long island known as Shell Island. The beaches in St. Andrews State Park are favorites of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach. The Gulf of Mexico water near St. Andrews State Park is popular among surfers. In addition, it is also popular among snorkelers and scuba divers, who often enter the water here to explore its vibrant biodiversity - depending on the time of the year, you can view many kinds of animals in the water near this state park including dolphins and sea turtles. In addition, the water here is also home to many kinds of fish including sheepshead, octopus, and rays. However, if you are planning to go into the water near St. Andrews State Park, we recommend being careful as the water here is known to have rip currents. In addition, the water here is also known to occasionally have high levels of microbial contamination. If you are planning to fish in the water near St. Andrews State Park, we recommend following the local fishing regulations. If you like birdwatching, you can view many kinds of rare bird species on the beaches in St. Andrew State Park including snowy plovers and the least terns. St. Andrews State Park is spread over 12,000 acres and has a vibrant landscape with many habitats including sand dunes, marshlands, scrub forests, and pine flatwood forests. You can explore the park via the two nature trails present here. The state park also has a lake named Gator Lake. You can view many kinds of animals and birds in this state park including ibis, deer, alligators, the rare Choctawhatchee beach mouse, and heron. Shell Island, which is also managed by St. Andrews State Park, also offers an interesting insight into the local biodiversity. The state park also has World War Two-era military installations. St. Andrews State Park also has a campground that accommodates both tents and RVs. If you are planning to camp in St. Andrews State Park, you can visit the park’s webpage on Florida State Park website for more information regarding camping rules and amenities.
One of Jamaica's foremost tourist destinations, Seven Mile Beach is located in the resort town of Negril where gentle waves brush the sand with warm water. Known for its soft sand and pristine waters, the beach is marked with stretches of restaurants and vendors as well. Make sure to catch a stunning sunset.
Located in the city of Rockport in Texas, Rockport Beach – also called Rockport Beach Park – is a curve-shaped mile-long beach with light brown sand. This beach has received the Blue Wave certification by the Clean Beaches Coalition because of its cleanliness – this beach was one of the first beaches in Texas to receive this certification. This beach was also listed as one of the “The Best Beaches in Texas for Surfing, Kayaking, and More” by Conde Nast Traveller and it was also listed as one of the “The 10 Best Beaches In Texas To Visit” by Southern Living magazine.
Rockport Beach is usually open between 6 am and 11 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, this beach is open between 6 am and 12 am.
Located along the Dorset County shoreline, Durdle Door Beach is a popular and splendid pebble-and-pebble beach with clean water. This beach is situated below oceanfront blufftop headlands. An immensely popular natural limestone archway named Durdle Rock is also present near the beach. As an interesting fact, the name of the beach and the archway apparently comes from the Old English word "thirl" (meaning to bore or to drill). Durdle Door Beach is also a part of the Jurassic Coast, which is a section of the Southern English coastline that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fronting the calm waters of Moreton Bay, Amity Point is well known for its family friendly Camping Ground, and offers spectacular sunsets over the bay islands. Local dolphins visit each day, and pelicans and koalas are seen in and around the campground. The area is ideal for fishing & boating, and is a short drive to the island's surf beaches.
Located in the southeastern part of the island-city of Key West, Smathers Beach is a popular half-mile long narrow beach with white sand and rocky jetties. This beach is one of the largest beaches in Key West – it was listed as one of the six best beaches in Key West by Southern Living magazine and it was also listed as one of the best beaches in Key West by Travel+Leisure magazine.