The Most Unusual Beaches in the World

The world hosts extraordinary beaches far beyond the typical golden sands and surf. These unusual shores captivate with vivid colors, rare minerals, or enchanting natural phenomena. From bioluminescent waves lighting up the night to hidden coves carved by nature’s force, these beaches offer a unique glimpse into Earth’s diverse coastal beauty. Ideal for adventurous travelers, these eight remarkable beaches inspire awe with their unusual landscapes and unforgettable experiences.

Papak?lea Beach, Hawaii: The Green Sand Marvel

Papak?lea Beach on Hawaii’s Big Island is one of just four green sand beaches globally. Its rare olive green color comes from olivine crystals formed when volcanic lava cools and breaks down. Nestled in a natural volcanic crater, the rugged terrain leading to Papak?lea demands effort but rewards with its otherworldly emerald sands and sparkling turquoise waters. This hidden gem offers a spectacular blend of geological wonder and tropical beauty.

aadhoo Island, Maldives: The Sea of Stars

On Vaadhoo Island in the Maldives, after sunset, glowing blue waves shimmer thanks to bioluminescent plankton. This natural light show turns the ocean into a magical “Sea of Stars,” where every cresting wave dazzles with ethereal sparkle. The phenomenon varies with the ecosystem’s conditions but mesmerizes visitors whenever it appears. Experiencing this surreal glow is like walking alongside the cosmos reflected on water.

Kaihalulu Beach, Maui: The Crimson Cove

Kaihalulu Beach, or Red Sand Beach, is a remote Maui cove famed for its striking red sand formed from iron rich volcanic rock. The vivid crimson contrasts sharply with the ocean’s deep blue and the surrounding black lava rocks. Protected by rocky cliffs, it features calmer waters than the nearby coast, inviting adventurers to hike through rugged terrain to reach this rare natural retreat. The dramatic colors offer a vibrant shore unlike most in the world.

Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland: Basalt and Black Sand

Iceland’s Reynisfjara Beach is famed for volcanic black sand and massive basalt columns towering above crashing waves. The fine black sand results from eroded volcanic rock, while hexagonal basalt pillars form a natural geological sculpture. Surrounded by rugged cliffs and wild seas, Reynisfjara blends stark beauty with raw power, creating an almost alien coastal landscape where nature’s forces reveal themselves in vivid detail.

Shell Beach, Western Australia: A Shore of Shells

Western Australia’s Shell Beach is a dazzling beach with no sand; only endless white cockle shells layered up to 10 meters deep and stretching over 37 miles. The entire shoreline glitters under sunlight like a bed of pearls, setting a surreal scene unmatched almost anywhere else on Earth. This unique beach creates a soft, crunchy texture underfoot and celebrates the ocean’s abundant marine life with its shell-covered expanse.

Playa de Amor, Mexico: The Hidden Beach

Also called the Hidden Beach, Playa de Amor in Mexico lies inside a massive crater on the Marieta Islands, accessible only by swimming through a water tunnel. This secluded hideaway features soft sand and calm waters protected by volcanic cliffs. Formed decades ago by natural erosion and human testing, it remains a secret gem renowned for privacy and mystery. Visitors enter a captivating paradise where sky, sea, and land converge in perfect harmony.

Bowling Ball Beach, California: Spherical Rocks

Bowling Ball Beach on California’s coast is renowned for its spherical rock formations resembling giant bowling balls scattered along the shoreline. These natural concretions were formed over millions of years, creating an unusual pattern unlike typical beach stones. The rocks’ smooth, rounded appearance contrasts with the rhythmic surf, adding an intriguing texture and fascinating geological story that draws curious visitors year round.

Pink Sand Beach, Bahamas: Blush Sands

Harbour Island’s Pink Sand Beach in the Bahamas offers a spectacular pink hue caused by microscopic coral insects called foraminifera blending with white sand. The soft pastel beach stretches along crystal clear waters, providing an idyllic tropical setting. Its gentle, blush tinted sands contrast beautifully with the turquoise ocean and vibrant island greenery, creating one of the world’s most visually striking and romantic beach experiences.