Top 10 Most Unusual Beaches in the World

Everyone enjoys a sunny beach with soft white sand and 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-goer companions. Read on to learn more about the 10 weirdest beaches across the globe!

• Hidden Beach - Mexico
• Pink Sand Beach - The Bahamas
• Boulders Beach - South Africa
• Genipabu - Brazil
• Hot Water Beach - New Zealand
• Red Sand Beach - The Galapagos Islands
• Gulpiyuri Beach - Spain
• Black Sand Beach of Vik - Iceland
• Papakolea Beach - Hawaii
• Zlatni Rat Beach - Croatia

1. Hidden Beach - Mexico

Hidden Beach, also known as Playa del Amor, is located at a historic military testing site on the Marietas Islands in Mexico. It is believed that bombs created the strange tunnels and holes in this area, producing this wondrous beach that is only accessible through a water tunnel.

2. Pink Sand Beach - The Bahamas

Located on Harbour Island of the Bahamas, the Pink Sand Beach has been widely recognized as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The pale pink pigment originates from the foraminifera, a coral insect that lives in the reefs. When their lives come to an end, they wash up onto shore, creating a rosy hue in the sand.

3. Boulders Beach - South Africa

Located by Simon's Town in South Africa, Boulders Beach is perhaps the most crowded 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 next to real (and adorable) wildlife!

4. Genipabu - Brazil

Few scenes are more striking than golden sand dunes colliding with the turquoise waters of the Atlantic at Genipabu in Natal, Brazil. Discover the dunes by buggy for an exhilarating experience, or opt for a camel ride for a more relaxed excursion. Either way, be sure to take a dip in the clear ocean waters while you’re there!

5. Hot Water Beach - New Zealand

The 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 beneath an area of sand that becomes exposed at low tide, and tourists have a few hours to shovel their own spa pool in the golden New Zealand sand.

6. Red Sand Beach - The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are notorious for their striking scenery and diverse array of wildlife, and the Red Sand Beach offers all of this and more. Located on Rabida Island, this spot gets its color from the high levels of iron from 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 technically not a “beach,” the Gulpiyuri Beach in Llanes, Spain cannot be missed. Located in the middle of a meadow surrounded by hills, this flooded sinkhole even has waves due to its connection to the ocean through underground caves.

8. Black Sand Beach of Vik - Iceland

This might not be the spot for those who love to sunbathe, but the Black Sand Beach of Vik is nevertheless a must-see destination. The contrasting colors of the foamy white waters crashing against the jet-black sand create a picturesque scene, not to mention the column-like 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 do need to hike to this spot, but the breathtaking colors and warm Hawaiian waters make it worth it!

10. Zlatni Rat Beach - Croatia

Translating to “Golden Horn” in English, Zlatni Rat Beach is a white pebble beach extending far into the ocean, constantly transforming in shape due to wind currents, tides, and waves. Not only is this a prime beach spot in the summer, but also a preferred wind surfing spot.

Ready to go on vacation? Plan your trip now to experience these beaches yourself. Check out the latest flight deals for your next trip on CheapTickets.sg!

Want to read more?