Amazing tropical beaches- the dreamy destinations around the world

24.01.2022.

Who would like to change the classical winter for the tropical summer? The colourful palette od turquoise colours will just take your breath away. If you’re in the doubt which one to choose, then you’re on the right place. Unfortunately, I don’t have any African beach or Brazilian which scatters the special Brazilian beach culture. If you’re in Brazil, some of the most stunning beaches can be found in the Bahia region. I collaborated with nearly 20 amazing bloggers to bring this magic to your home. Most of these wonderful places collected here are located in Central America, are many dreamy beaches actually gathered there?

SOUTH-EAST ASIA

Surin Islands, Thailand contributed by Greta Omoboni from Greta’s Travels

If you’re looking for the most beautiful tropical beaches around the world, you have to add the Surin Islands in Thailand to your bucket list. Located approximately 60km away from the Thai mainland, this archipelago composed of five islands is a true paradise.

The Surin Islands are characterised by fine white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise water, a vast marine wildlife, mangrove forests and, most importantly, very few tourists. The islands are still off the main tourist radar, and have limited infrastructure. You won’t find hotels or tourist resorts, just a camping ground and restaurant in Ko Surin Nuea, the biggest island of the archipelago. 

If you spend the night in Ko Surin Nuea you will sleep in a tent camping on the beach, and trust me when I say it’s a magical experience! You will sleep under the stars and wake up early in the morning to the sound of the waves, ready for a day full of fun snorkelling along the beautiful reefs, walking one of the forest trails on the island, visiting the local Moken village, or simply just relaxing on the beach!

It takes between 1 and 1.5 hours to reach the Surin Islands by speedboat from Khura Buri Port. The speedboat ticket is around 1,700 THB per person.

Railay Beach, Krabi- Thailand contributed by Martina & Jürgen from Places Of Juma

One of the most beautiful tropical beaches in the world is definitely Railay Beach in Krabi (Thailand). This dream beach is located on the breathtaking Railay Peninsula in the south of the country, and a visit is a real highlight of any trip! Here a unique postcard scenery inspires, which looks for its equals in Thailand: A crescent-shaped bay with powder sugar fine, white sand, emerald tropical sea and the impressive rock formations bring so many visitors to the astonishment.

Surrounded by dense jungle and high cliffs, this tropical bay can only be reached by boat from the larger resorts in the area, such as Ao Nang or Klong Muang. Although Railay Beach actually belongs to the mainland, there is no road leading to it, so you get a true island feeling already during the boat ride.

Behind the beach you will find some beach bars and really great resorts, which are ideal for a vacation in Krabi. In the evening you can watch the sunset there and even in the high season you can enjoy cool fire shows.

Bottle Beach, Koh Phangan- Thailand contributed by Veronika Primm from Travel Geekery

Bottle Beach in Koh Phangan, Thailand looks just like you’d imagine a tropical beach in paradise to look like. It features a long beach with soft white sand, crystal-clear water, and a lush setting undisturbed by traffic.

The Bottle Beach is located in the far north of Koh Phangan and is not so easy to reach. That’s the main reason why the beach has stayed rather pristine and without crowds. There are four small resorts on the beach, each featuring a restaurant, but that’s it. No other development whatsoever.

To get to the beach, you can either take a boat or hike. The hike to Bottle Beach is one of the prettiest ones on the island and can be recommended to any active people. It’s fairly easy and takes 2 – 3 hours. There are actually two different routes to choose from.

The other option is to take a boat taxi, which is typically done from the fishing village called Chaloklum (Chaloklaam). The ride takes about 15 minutes and is either calm or filled with adrenaline, depending on the weather.

It’s also possible to combine both options, i.e. to hike to the beach and then take the boat back. 

Pantai Cenang, Langkawi island- Malaysia contributed by Bec Wyld from Wyld Family Travel

Are you looking for a beach that has epic sunsets, relaxing lounges, soft white sand and tropical vibes? Then Pantai Cenang on Langkawi Island, Malaysia is the perfect place for you.
Langkawi is an island full of relaxation, water activities, roaming food markets and scenery that will stay in your memory forever. One place where you can get all of that and more is Pantai Cenang. This sprawling beach with its white sand and easy swimming area is a great place for you to spend time. Most people visiting Langkawi start their holiday off on the shores of Pantai Cenang as it is the most populated area of the island and has the majority of waterfront accommodation available there. 
For people who only want to relax you will find people hiring beach chairs and lounges under umbrellas. You can hire them by the hour or for the day and make it your happy place. You will find many families in Langkawi on this beach enjoying the calm waters as their kid’s paddle in the lapping waves and some people picking one of the prime spots under the palm trees to witness one of the best sunsets they will ever experience. Others head to the beach to enjoy the watersports on offer there. From jet skis to paragliding there are so many ways to enjoy Pantai Cenang.
In the early evening, you will find people gathering on the shore to watch one of the most beautiful sunsets on the planet and enjoy the cooler time at the beach.

Arambol Beach, India contributed by Soujanya Rai from The Spicy Journey

Arambol beach is one of the most beautiful, secluded and offbeat beaches in Goa, India. Known for its natural beauty, hippie vibe, and vegan cafés, this beach is at the north-most end of Goa. One of the reasons why this beach is so special is because of the hidden sweet water lake here.

To get to the lake, one must walk to the right end of the beach, and walk through the tunnel lined with cafés and souvenir shops. After a 10 minute walk, the tunnel opens up to a smaller but more pristine beach. The lake can be found opposite to the beach, shrouded among coconut trees.

There are a couple of restaurants here and lounge chairs for visitors to relax and enjoy the beauty of the lake. The best time to visit the Arambol beach and lake in Goa is from October to March. Keep in mind though that this is the most popular time to visit Goa so there will be quite a few people there.

To avoid crowds, one can visit Arambol between April and September although it rains a lot in that time and the beach shacks remain closed.

Diamond Beach, Bali contributed by Victoria Heinz from Guide Your Travel

When visiting Bali, it is almost a must to visit the neighboring islands Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. These Islands are just a short boat ride from the main island of Bali and speed boats operate several times a day.

When in Nusa Penida, you should definitely check out Diamond Beach which is located in the eastern part of the island. Diamond Beach is a magical white sand beach with crystal-clear blue water. It is highly recommended to climb down the stairs which were carved into the rock face a few years ago.

Unfortunately, it is usually not recommended to swim at Diamond Beach because of the strong current, especially during high tide. To get to Diamond Beach you can either hire a driver for the whole day, which will cost you around 40$ or rent a scooter and drive by yourself.

Just keep in mind that the roads on the island are not in the best condition and very steep. You should pack enough water and sunscreen for this trip as you will be out in the sun without much shade.

Nyang Nyang Beach, Bali contributed by Mall Hellyer from Raw Mal Roams

Nyang Nayng Beach is one of the best beaches in Bali. Picture a pristine clean beach with white powdery sand and turquoise water that is remote and quiet.
Nyang Nyang Beach is situated on the Bukit Peninsula, about 20 minutes drive from the main tourist hub in Uluwatu. Nyang Nayng is normally a quiet beach where you can escape the tourist crowds of the more busy areas in Bali, such as Kuta and Seminyak. There is also a 20 minutes hike from the parking area through the forest and down to the beach. But once you get there, all your effort will be paid off!
Apart from peace and quiet, the main attraction on the beach is an old shipwreck abandoned in the middle of the beach. The ship is painted, and it has been a famous photo spot in Bali. If you want to take a cool shot with the shipwreck, visit the beach during the high tide when the waves reach all the way to the boat. 

Riu Atoll, Mafushi- Maldives contributed by Kerry from VeggTravel

If you’re picturing amazing tropical beaches, then there is no doubt you’re conjuring images of the Maldives. Made up of over 26 coral atolls, within hundreds of islands in between, the Maldives truly is a paradise location.

Situated in the Indian Ocean, getting to the Maldives will typically involve a few international flights, coupled with a domestic flight or seaplane. You might even need to catch a bus or boat to get to your specific resort.

However, once you’re there lounging on the soft white sandy beaches under a palm tree, you’ll soon forget about travel. One of the biggest appeals of these beaches is the stunning house reefs. A mere step into the turquoise oceans and you’ll encounter colourful tropical fish and dramatic stretches of coral reef that you could snorkel for hours. 

When you’re not relaxing or snorkelling, most resorts provide all-inclusive water sports such as pedalos, kayaking, paddleboards. You also can go on diving trips or boat trips to discover more of the ocean that thrives with sea turtles and dolphins.

If you’re planning a visit, read a Maldives travel guide to discover more about this dreamy destination.

Dumaluan Beach, Philippines contributed by Dea from How She Wanders

The archipelagic state of the Philippines is one of the top places when it comes to amazing tropical beaches. It surely has loads of islands with pristine beaches, and Dumaluan Beach in Bohol is one of its best. It’s not the most popular one but the beach experience here is more relaxing and authentic. Not only because it’s in Bohol which is a top island in the Philippines, but because of its own charm and is less crowded.

No Bohol itinerary would be complete without chilling out and appreciating the beauty of nature at Dumaluan Beach. This laid back beach has powdery white sands and shallow water. Coconut trees lined up on the shore and a few restaurants serving grilled meats and seafood are what to expect in this beach paradise. From here, you can charter a boat for island hopping and more water activities are available such as kayaking and paddle boarding.

Dumaluan Beach is located in Panglao Island and is easily accessible from Tagbilaran Airport via taxi or motorcycle. Getting here is not much of a hassle as there’s a lot of scheduled trips going to Panglao Island.

AUSTRALIA:

Whitehaven Beach, Australia contributed by Lotte Eschbach from Gezond Weekmenu

Whitehaven Beach is a stunning 7-kilometer-long beach on the largest island of the Whitsunday group (Whitsunday Island). This particular beach is famous for its pure white sand, it’s said to be the whitest beach in the world.  

Some say the pure sand of Whitehaven Beach was used to make glass for the lens of the Hubble Telescope, but nobody knows if this is true… 

The sand on Whitehaven Beach is composed of 98% silica. This type of sand is also known as ‘White sand’ or ‘Quartz sand’. Besides being very pretty, an added benefit of this type of sand is that it doesn’t retain heat, so your feet won’t get scorched! Not even on an inevitably hot day on this blissful island… 

The only way to get to Whitsunday Island is by boat. If you’re lucky enough to have a boating license you can rent a boat to explore the Whitsundays, but for most the only option is joining one of the excellent Whitsunday Island boat tours that depart from Port of Airlie on a daily basis.  

NORTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA:

South Beach Florida, USA contributed by Alanna Koritzke from Periodic Adventures

South Beach, Miami in Florida is known as a spring break destination where college students from across the United States flock to during their week off from school. If you aren’t a college student, this might sound like a terrible destination. However, during the other months of the year (late April-February), South Beach is a beautiful tropical destination. It has an incredible blend of art deco architecture with colorful buildings, flavor-packed cuisine, and relaxing turquoise beaches.

To get to South Beach, you can take the free shuttle that travels daily between Miami International Airport (MIA) and South Beach. If you’re driving, South Beach is along Highway 95 in Florida. From there, take the I-195 that passes over the water to Miami Beach, which is the entire island. South Beach is at the South end of Miami Beach.

South Beach is a diverse place with an adult vibe, which makes it an ideal getaway for couples rather than families. Some of the best things to do in South Beach for couples include having a picnic at the beach, wandering the Miami Botanic Gardens, visiting the World Erotic Art Museum, or going for a bike ride. 

Playa Paraiso, Tulum- Mexico contributed by myself

Turquoise colours of Playa Paraiso in Tulum are truly the heavenly gift. Its enchanting power spells the magic from the first view. Playa Paraiso sits next to the archeological treasure of the ancient Mayans. The archeological area endows the stunning views to Playa Paraiso. We can only imagine the life as it looked once.

Tulum is officially known as one the magic towns in Mexico. Certainly one of the reasons should be the marvellous Playa Paraiso. The popular Riviera Maya shares the plenty of boho vibes at Tulum. Hotels are pretty elegant owning their own beaches. Playa Paraiso is one of the public beaches here embraced by the Playa La Palmas and Playa Pescadores.

Playa Paraiso offers the slice of paradise at its warm waters. The white sand doesn’t feel any hotness thanks to the corals hidden inside. Only few bars feel its exquisite tranquility without much facilities.

To reach Playa Paraiso in the most cozy way you should rent a bike.

Puerto Escondido, Mexico contributed by Shelley of Travel Mexico Solo

Puerto Escondido is one of the best beaches in Oaxaca, Mexico. Oaxaca State is located in Southern Mexico, with the southern side of the state right on the Pacific Ocean.
As with many Pacific beaches, Puerto Escondido gets great surf waves. It is one of the best places to surf in Mexico, as some beaches have smaller waves, and some have giant waves.
It’s most famous wave, Mexican Pipeline, is located on Playa Zicatela Beach. Thanks to this specific wave, Puerto Escondido is able to host pro surf competitions in the summer — when the wave can reach 10-feet-tall (3 meters). 
Besides surfing, there’s so many great things to do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico. Most of them involve the town’s beautiful beaches, including Playa Carrizalillo, Playa La Punta and Playa Principal.
When the sun goes down, many head to Laguna Manialtepec to see the bioluminescence. At night, particularly during the New Moon, the lake appears to twinkle because of the tiny microorganisms that live in it, and omit a bioluminescent light.

On Playa Bacocho Beach, you can participate in the baby turtle release at sunset. It is adorable to see these newly-hatched sea creatures make their way into the ocean for the first time. 

Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico contributed by Candice Ginger from Csginger

Flamenco Beach is a beautiful beach on a small island off the coast of Puerto Rico. It is consistently rated as one of the top beaches in the world because of the turquoise-colored water and white sandy beaches.

This beach is also great for families. First, the waters are really calm because of the surrounding bay. It is also shallow for a good way out from the beach. There are lots of accommodations at the beach including beach rentals, showers, changing rooms, and food.

While at the beach, you can go snorkeling. It is one of the best places to snorkel in Puerto Rico. There are also some old military tanks on the beach that are fun to find and take pictures with.

From the main island of Puerto Rico, you can either fly to Culebra, the island that Flamenco Beach is on, or you can take the ferry. Flights are much faster but are more expensive. The ferry is about $5 per ticket but the tickets do sell out. You will want to get to the ferry terminal a few hours early to secure your tickets.

Flamenco Beach is about three miles from the ferry terminal. There are shared vans that will take you over to the beach or you can rent a golf cart or jeep to explore the island.

Manuel Antonio Beach, Costa Rica contributed by Stephanie Rytting from The Unknown Enthusiast

Manuel Antonio Beach is found in the Manuel Antonio National Park of Costa Rica. It is on the beautiful Pacific Coast of Costa Rica and is known as a pristine beach and an amazing spot to see lots of wildlife in Costa Rica. You can see two-toed and three-toed sloths, coatis, lizards, scorpions, exotic frogs and birds, crabs, and especially, lots and lots of monkeys. In fact, you are warned to keep a close eye on your possessions on the beach, as monkeys are known to come down and grab your stuff!

Besides the fun animal encounters you can experience, the beach is absolutely gorgeous. It is in a bit of a cove, as the shoreline curves in around the beach a little bit – perfect for enjoying more of that lush Costa Rican rainforest!

This beach is only accessible by entering through the national park, and you must pay an entrance fee of $18. 

Playa Rincon, Dominican Republic contributed by Christian Jannasch from Punta Cana Travel Blog

The Dominican Republic has more than 100 gorgeous and spectacular beaches but if there is one amazing tropical beach, it shall be Playa Rincón on the Samaná peninsula. This popular but still mostly virgin beach is a gorgeous 2-mile stretch of white sand in a sickle-shaped bay, dotted with swaying palm trees and surrounded by lush hills, endless coconut groves and a spectacular coastline. Does this sound like an amazing tropical beach in the Caribbean?

Playa Rincón is located on the Samaná peninsula in the Northeast of the Dominican Republic. Besides its quaint fishing villages, abundant vegetation and picturesque waterfalls, the biggest attractions of the Samaná peninsula are its beautiful beaches. Playa Rincón doesn’t feature any accommodation (yet) right at the beach, hence it can be best visited as a day-trip from nearby Las Galeras (20 minutes) or Las Terrenas (90 minutes), the two main tourist destinations on the peninsula. You can either drive there with your rental car, take an organized tour or hop on one of the fishing boats leaving Las Galeras.

When visiting Playa Rincón, there are a few ramshackle beach grills where locals prepare fresh fish and chicken for an authentic beach lunch. Before or afterwards, you can explore the area on a beach walk, particularly as the eastern part of Playa Rincón is super pristine and counts for gorgeous photo opportunities. Last but not least, there is a freshwater river flowing into Playa Rincón. As the river is only 3 or 4 kilometers long and isn’t home to any villages, the water is crystal-clear and super-fresh – perfectly to rinse off the salt after a dip into the ocean.

Carlisle Bay, Barbados contributed by Disha Smith from Disha Discovers

Carlisle Bay in Barbados is one of the most amazing tropical beaches in the world.  It’s a horseshoe-shaped bay located on the west coast of Barbados.  

The beach has crystal-clear turquoise waters and idyllic white-sand beaches, which makes it a must-visit on your vacation to Barbados. It’s even more beautiful at sunset because the sky turns into a beautiful array of oranges, pinks, and purples.

What makes Carlisle Bay special is that it offers calm waters. The bay is surrounded by many smaller coral islands, which break the waves and make it an ideal place to swim. Also, there are six shipwrecks in the bay that you can snorkel around. Last but not least, the beach is quiet and you’ll feel like you have it all to yourself.

There are plenty of things to do in Carlisle Bay. You can swim, snorkel, dive in the clear blue waters, sunbathe on the white-sand beaches or take a walk around the bay. You can also go kayaking, paddle boarding, and windsurfing.

To get to Carlisle Bay, simply grab a taxi from anywhere in Bridgetown. There are many international airlines that fly to Bridgetown at Grantley Adams International Airport.

Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos contributed by Lindsey Puls from Have Clothes, Will Travel

Grace Bay Beach in Turks & Caicos is considered one of the best beaches in the world and currently holds 2nd place on TripAdvisor’s “world’s best beaches” list. It’s not hard to see why it’s held in such high regard!
Grace Bay Beach is 3 miles of unspoiled beauty – featuring turquoise blue waters, white sand, and no seaweed. Almost all the top resorts in Turks & Caicos are located on Grace Bay Beach, including the family-friendly, Beaches Turks and Caicos resort.
This stunning beach offers a variety of activities – from parasailing to jet skiing to catamaran tours and more. However, snorkeling is one of the best things to do on Grace Bay Beach – especially if you head to the western end of Grace Bay Beach to snorkel The Bight Reef. Here, you’ll find many colorful fish, stingrays, and maybe even some turtles!
Grace Bay Beach is a public beach and can be accessed from a variety of locations that also offer free parking – such as Forbes Point, Rotary Park, the east end of Manor Street, and more.

Princess Diana Beach, Barbuda contributed by Larch from the Silver Nomad

The Caribbean is filled with white sandy beaches. One of the most beautiful is Princess Diana Beach in Barbuda.

The beach was renamed after Princess Diana visited with the young Princes William and Harry in 1996.

Fringed with palm trees, the gentle crescent of the beach is lapped by the turquoise Caribbean Sea. The long white beach has a tinge of pink from the many tiny shells which wash in and out with waves.

Although the beach is popular with tourists, Barbuda is one of the less touristy Caribbean islands so you may have the beach to yourself. Lie back and soak up some sun, or swim in the warm waters.

Barbuda is the sister island to Antigua in the Caribbean and a 90-minute ferry ride from St Johns Harbour. There are no international flights into Barbuda, but you can hire a private plane or helicopter from Antigua.

Either visit as a day trip, or book into one of the hotels on Barbuda for a longer stay and enjoy everything Barbuda has to offer.

Eagle Beach, Aruba contributed by Nikki from She Saves, She Travels

If you’re looking for amazing tropical beaches, look no further than the many beaches of Aruba in the Caribbean Sea. For an island of about 70 square miles, there’s an unbelievable number of beaches.

With impeccably white sand and perfectly turquoise water, you’ll fall in love with the best beaches in Aruba. It’s a vacationer’s dream destination, too. Plenty of shops, restaurants and activities are available for any vacation style in Aruba.

Whether you like relaxing on the beach for days on end or prefer a more active vacation with history, tours and water sports, you’ll find it in Aruba. If you’re up for some adventure, rent a UTV for a day and explore the eastern side of the island. Explore Arikok National Park, untouched beaches and swim in one of Aruba’s natural pools.

For pure beach bliss, be sure to visit Eagle Beach, one of the top beaches in the world rated over and over again by Trip Advisor. Find gentle waves at Baby Beach, picturesque palm-tree lined beaches at Palm Beach or go kite surfing at Boca Grandi Beach.

To travel to Aruba, book flights to Queen Beatrix International Airport. Renting a car is easy in Aruba, unless you’re staying in the popular Palm Beach area, in which you’re within walking distance to the best beaches, restaurants and shopping so a car isn’t necessary. For accommodations, choose ocean-front hotels or a budget-friendly vacation rental off the beach.

San Bias Islands, Panama contributed by Pamela Drager from Directionally Challenged Traveler

One of the best tropical beaches that are often overlooked by travelers is located in the San Blas Islands in Panama. The remote location of these islands makes it a gorgeous hidden gem. Only a few of the 365 islands are inhabited, and the ones that are inhabited, aren’t crowded.

While the beaches are incredible, traveling here can be quite tricky. Visiting San Blas Islands is coordinated through the indigenous Kuna people. You will need your passport to enter the Kuna Yala region as it is an autonomous region within Panama. The easiest way to get to San Blas is via car from Panama City and then take a boat to the islands. You can also fly into a smaller airport or charter a Catamaran sailboat to get around the various islands. When booking, be sure to confirm that the company is familiar with the Kuna region and any requirements.

You’ll find plenty of room to spread out on the beaches – even on the popular islands like Dog Island. From snorkeling with a variety of fish and starfish to shopping local handmade Kuna items, the San Blas Islands offer the perfect mixture of activities for any traveler. The fresh seafood is typically caught that day and cooked in the evening (be sure to let your host know about dietary restrictions). 

SOUTH AMERICA:

Costeño beach, Colombia contributed by Daniel James from Layer Culture

When looking for breathtaking beaches, you’ll find Costeño beach in Colombia is one of the most tropical beaches that has become the perfect Caribbean getaway for travelers. This is a beach from where you can finally disconnect from the chaotic Colombian streets.

Since the beach is only a stone’s throw from Tayrona National Park, the coastline location is reminiscent of a secluded tropical island paradise. With very limited accommodation options, all of which are situated on the beach, you must book before arrival.

The beach can be reached by bus from Santa Marta, and after a 30 minute walk down a long dirt road, you arrive at this palm tree-lined location which offers pure sea, sand, and sun. Things to do include surfing, horse riding, and yoga classes. So, when you want to fully disconnect, Costeño beach offers you the perfect chance to get some rest and relaxation in the rustic setting.

Playa Blanca, Rosario Islands- Colombia- contributed by Kate Strom from Our Escape Clause

Located in the gorgeous Rosario Islands, Playa Blanca, Colombia is Cartagena’s most famous beach.

In under an hour of travel (by shuttle or speedboat) from the city center, you can be relaxing on the golden sand or in the sparkling turquoise water of Playa Blanca.

Situated on Isla Baru, Playa Blanca is far from a hidden gem: it’s an incredibly popular getaway with locals and tourists alike, so a certain number of fellow visitors is to be expected!

To avoid the worst of the crowds, consider arriving as early in the day as possible and renting a cabana at one of the clubs in order to stash your stuff and maintain your place on the beach for the day easily.

The cabanas are very affordable and a great way to enhance your day on this beautiful tropical beach!

Beyond that, it is very easy to while away several hours on Isla Baru: several informal restaurants serve snacks and drinks, and (relatively unpushy) salespeople also walk the beach offering everything from sunscreen to cold beer.

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