25. Maya Bay, Thailand
After Leonardo DiCaprio filmed The Beach here, tourism skyrocketed as people flocked to catch a glimpse of its rare beauty.
24. Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
As one of the most famous beaches in the world, Waikiki can certainly get quite crowded, especially considering how short it is. In spite of that, however, it provides some amazing views of Diamond Head and Honolulu.
23. Surfer’s Paradise, Australia
Known to locals as “Surfer’s” it should come as no surprise as to where this popular Queensland Beach got it’s name. Come here to hang ten and see why this beach is one of the coolest beaches.
22. Negril, Jamaica
As one of the largest and most well known beach resorts in Jamaica, you’re sure to get your share of rest and relaxation as you take in the laid back atmosphere.
21. South Beach, Miami
Starting out as little more than a coconut farm, this world famous beach is now known for its vibrant nightlife and has become a popular international tourist destination.
20. Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro
Also known as the “4km beach” this stretch of sand is not only famous for its numerous hotels and restaurants, but it also plays host to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup most years.
19. Natadola Beach, Fiji
Located on the Fijian island of Viti Levu, this white sand beach offers numerous activities including horse back riding, boogie boarding, and petanque.
18. Canary Islands, Tenerife
With over 12 million visitors annually, this small island has not only some of the best beaches in the world but also the third largest volcano on Earth, Mt. Teide, which makes for some amazing views.
17. Langkawi, Malaysia
Meaning “land of one’s wishes,” this beach paradise was once reputed to be a notorious pirate hideout.
16. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
With sparkling sand and blue water, the “arm” of Massachusetts attracts thousands of visitors to its National Seashore. It’s also not that hard to get to the well known islands of Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket from here.
15. Nungwi, Zanzibar
Found near the north tip of Zanzibar, this white sand beach off Africa’s east coast is dotted with fishing villages and is home to a diverse variety of marine life.
14. Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
Reynisfjara is a famous black sand beach located on the coast of Iceland. Considered the most famous beach in Iceland, the unique rock formation and volcanic sands make it a one of a kind experience to visit.
13. Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas
Famous for its mile long strip of pink sand, this uniquely colored beach is a popular getaway for those who want more nature and less of the tourist resort feel.
12. Whitehaven, Australia
This 7 km stretch of beach on Whitsunday Island in Australia has been labeled one of the cleanest in the world, earning it’s spot as one of our coolest beaches. The sand here consists of 98% pure silica, which means it’s insanely white.
11. 75 Mile Beach, Australia
Running most of the length of Fraser Island, this beach doubles as a highway/runway. Although it is extremely beautiful, the currents are dangerous, and the Tiger Sharks are plentiful, so bathers beware!
10. Matira Point, Tahiti
Found on the island of Bora Bora (also known as the Romantic Island), this isolated beach lies in a protected lagoon and offers some of the whitest sand in the South Pacific.
9. Red Beach, Greece
To get here you can either take a boat or descend along a steep path leading down the side of the cliff in the background. Although the island of Santorini isn’t really popular for its beaches, this one is too unique to disappoint.
8. Tayrona National Park, Colombia
This untamed and partially deserted beach would undoubtedly be suffocated by tourist resorts if it were located in a country with a “better” tourist industry.
7. Las Islas Cies, Spain
Whenever somebody mentions a Spanish beach, people will often think of the Mediterranean, but the truth is that the Atlantic coast has just as much to offer. Take for example Las Islas Cies. This former pirate hideout is just off the coast, and with its pristine water the locals refer to it as their “Caribbean beach.”
6. El Nido, Philippines
Although Maya Bay (#25) may be where Alex Garland and Leonardo DiCaprio filmed The Beach, El Nido would be where they got most of their inspiration. Unlike Thailand, most islands in the Philippines are relatively devoid of tourists, and Palawan (where El Nido is located) is no exception.
5. Sidari, Greece
Found on the Greek island of Corfu, some of this beach’s most recognizable landmarks are the unusual cliff formations known as the canal d amour (channel of love). According to legend, if a couple swims together in the surrounding water, they’ll be together forever.
4. Maldives
With 87 resort islands straddling the equator, the crystal clear water of the Maldives is about as far from the real world as you can get. You better hop on a plane to visit these amazing beaches before they disappear.
3. Lanikai Beach, Hawaii
With half a mile of tropical plants, sparkling sand, and intensely blue-green water, this beach is known for being postcard-perfect. It is definitely one of the coolest beaches to relax on but is not quite as spectacular as our number one…
2. Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
Quite possibly one of the most photographed beaches in the world, you’ll find the looming boulders of this surreal paradise on the island of La Digue in the Seychelles. It’s surrounded by shallow turquoise water and protected from the ocean’s waves by a coral reef, making it one of the best beaches to visit with your camera.
1. Maho Beach, Saint Martin
Famous for having its international airport right next to the beach, the planes get so close to the sand that sometimes the jet blast even blows people into the water.
