Fishing Village Archives - World's Best Beaches

St Barts Beaches

Located in the French Caribbean, the tropical island of St Barts is relatively unspoiled and abounds in stunning white sandy beaches, scintillating turquoise waters, breathtaking vistas, and best Caribbean restaurants and cafes. If you love traveling and haven’t been to St Barts, you probably have missed exploring one of the serenest places in the Caribbean.

Call it St Barthelemy or St Barths, this small Caribbean island is located near St Martin and Anguilla and is best known for its stunning beaches, intimate and friendly people, and ideal climate, making it the best place to be in during a Caribbean holiday. The enchanting St Barts beaches are open to the public and add to the beauty of the island – one of the hidden gems in the Caribbean known for topless and nude sunbathing.

Best Beach on St Barts A holiday in St Barts means spending whole day at any of its 22 beaches and relaxing at one of the luxurious villas or resorts, which offer panoramic view of the island and the ocean. You will find St. Jean and Grand Cul de Sac beaches bustling with tourists and locals alike. For true seclusion, prefer the private Anse Colombier, Gouvernier, Grand Saline, and Flamands beaches.

A St Barts holiday offers you the best of seafood available anywhere on earth. A visit to the fishing village of Corossol would offer you a glimpse of the traditional Norman culture, and you would experience Caribbean intimacy and find yourself immersed in the sea of hospitality. Find women weaving lantana straw handicrafts in cotton-candy-colored wooden houses decked with fishing nets - a true picture of the traditional Caribbean life.

If you are a history lover, you would love to explore Gustavia’s historic sites, especially the Wall House Museum and Fort Gustav. The fascinating InterOceans Museum is another fabulous attraction on the island. Home to a huge seashell collection from each of the seven seas and five oceans, the museum is virtually one of the most awe-inspiring places on the island.

For shopping lovers, St Barts is a paradise, particularly capital Gustavia. With five shopping centers along the main road, St-Jean is the core of shopping action on the mesmerizing island. There is so much on offer in the Caribbean that you would be tempted to shop – be it exquisite souvenirs, porcelain, native crafts, colorful beachwear, evening fashions, and tropical shirts, elegant watches, intricately woven straw goods, or glittering jewelry. Tourists visiting the island find the La Ligne St. Barth a shopping haven for cosmetics and perfumes, with exquisite French perfumes sold at unbelievable prices – even cheaper than in France.

Exploring the narrow streets of Gustavia on foot is a wonderful experience, and you will get to explore the 18th-century French stone buildings, encompassing beautiful galleries, gourmet eateries, chic boutiques, and a Municipal Museum.

Visiting a paradise island and not indulging in adventure water sports is like doing injustice to yourself. Enjoy windsurfing, cliff-diving, snorkelling, sailing, scuba diving, fishing, and boating in St Barts and give yourself the opportunity to take pleasure in all that the island offers. August is the month of festivity in St Barts, with the whole island singing in one tone, dancing, and rejoicing and colorful fireworks lighting up the whole sky. Choose St Barts as your next holiday destination; you won’t regret your decision!

Fort De Soto Park - Tampa St Pete

While we don’t agree that Fort De Soto Park is the number one beach in the United States, we do believe that it deserves the number two spot for the State of Florida. There are seven miles of white beaches among sea oats and grasses that consistently rate in the top ten in the nation. Fine grained sand that is nice between the toes. Let’s visit.

900 acres of unspoiled land is protected by the now Fort De Soto Park. There are biking and skating trails and full rentals of canoes, kayaks and bikes. The trails are well marked. The Canoe Trail spans 2.25 miles.

Okay, so there was never a war fought here, but there is a real fort. Built during the Spanish-American War on the largest island, Mullet Key. There is plenty for the family, too, with two fishing piers, camping areas, concession stand, bathrooms and covered picnic shelters. Pets allowed.

With Tampa, St. Pete close by, Fort De Soto is an easy choice. The beaches would be great for spending the day or a week. Just make sure you either plan on camping, or get a hotel close by.

There is an 85 cent toll on the bridge going to and from the Park and beaches.

BEACH INDEX

Sand - medium grained white powder, soft
Facilities - full service
Shade - adult trees near some beaches
Sports - rentals available
Notes - great family vacation destination

A former sleepy fishing village has our top honors with Florida’s Best Beach. Next >>

Praia da Azeda - Azeda Beach Buzios

A small sign pointed right. Praia da Azeda/Azedinha. Two of the most spectacular beaches in South America. To find them in the small fishing village of Búzios, we took the fold-up map, generously offered by another tourist who had a few, and parked the rental car at a plaza a hundred feet from another spectacle, Praia dos Ossos, or Ossos (literally, “bones”) Beach.

Imaging turning around and shooting the picture at the top. That’s what we did with a simple Canon A95. It is breathtaking in so many ways, and when you look at it, you know you’re in Brazil. The water is inviting; you can almost hear the surf, and you watch for that Girl from Ipanema to see if she’s visiting Buzios today.

The sign was right, but we couldn’t see the beach from the road, blocked to allow only residents vehicle access. So, we asked where these magical beaches were.

“Keep on the road that runs in front of Praia dos Ossos.”

The road will take you past Ossos, up a small hill and to a fork - but keep left, along the shoreline. Another hundred feet and you will see a sign that describes the two beaches, along with rough granite stone stairs leading from the road, under a few trees (that come in handy for balance), and down to the sea.

It reminded me of the way you get down to Hanauma Bay on Oahu, Hawaii. But the descent isn’t that far, so the reward comes much sooner.

What strikes you first? Probably the water. Then the beach, a small crescent bordered by rock on both sides with a rustic building which probably housed some port authority over 100 years ago. It blends perfectly with the surroundings.

The wave action. Just enough to hear a little surf, but calm, making Azeda a perfect family beach. And, since you have to walk here, there should be plenty of room with the exception during high season - where you’ll have to start early.

Since the waves are practically non existent on this side of the island, the water is incredibly clear. Snorkeling is good around the rock boarders, with plenty of marine life, but not much coral.

Expect full sun; plan accordingly. Beach vendors along Azeda sell everything from small trinkets to those beautiful Brazilian sarongs.

We saw a few people selling hammocks, too. For food, you’ll see green corn, pizza, to the latest craze, cheese on a stick. Drinks are available, too. Just know that since there are no facilities at this beach, washing is by soap and sea water.

Azeda beach is a gem. Enjoy this beach while you are in Búzios and catch a sunset here as well.

Azeda is very highly recommended from all guides - online and offline, like Frommers, Fodors, and Guia Quartro Rodas, and we give it our highest recommendation as well.

However, we didn’t stop and swim at Azeda. We made our way to our next beach - which many call the best of Búzios. Next >>

Praia da Azeda - Beach Index

Sand - beautiful light gold, medium grain made from a touch of shell/coral and rock. Very little silt. Sandy bottom, a few rocks.
Facilities - none. Local building is not accessible.
Shade - beach faces west, so shaded in the morning from trees and cliffs. Beautiful sunsets.
Sports - none for rental. Excellent snorkel and dive site.
Notes - recommended. A must see; take your camera. An ecological protected preserve. Some people topless at times. Can also catch water-taxis from any other Búzios beach. Crowded from December to March.

Orla Bardot - Bardot Cove Buzios

When you make a trip to Búzios, as you do your research, you’ll find that the French played a significant part in its history. It was French pirates who in the mid 1500’s made great friends with the local Tamoio Indians and harvested Brazilwood to take back with them to France.
But didn’t the Portuguese discover Brazil?

Yes, but because of the nooks and crannies of the Buzios Peninsula, the French were able to work with little hinderance from the Portuguese.

It lasted only twenty years until finally the Portuguese had enough. In 1575, the whole area was cleansed of the Tamoio and the French. Portugal’s D. Antônio Salema, the newly appointed Governor of Rio de Janeiro, massacred the tribe of Tamoios and expelled the French.

Some of Tamoios escaped and again formed friendships again with the French, who were back to smuggling Brazilwood. It wasn’t until 1615 that the Portuguese rid Búzios of the French.

Some creative entrepreneurs turned to planting bananas in the nearby flats, but eventually Buzios would revert to what nature provided best - fish.

And it was a tiny fishing village with few homes when again in 1964, the French paid a visit. Actress Brigitte Bardot, near the prime of her career, arrived in Rio in January of 1964, to enjoy time with her Brazilian boyfriend Bob Zagury. Bardot couldn’t even venture outside Zagury’s oceanside apartment because of the paparazzi. She had almost decided to simply fly back to Paris when she came up with a plan she hoped the media would agree to.

The plan was to let Zagury’s friend, French photographer Denis Albanèse, who had been living in Rio for about ten years, journal Bardot’s vacation in Brazil and simply share the photos with the press if they agreed not to hound her.

The plan worked.

A thrilled Bardot was able to venture out in Rio, incogneto, wearing a coat and black wig. But days later, boarded Zagury’s yacht to beautiful Angra do Reis and eventually north to Búzios. No need to travel in disguise, Brigitte Bardot walked the beaches of Búzios and enjoyed it so much she stayed until mid April.

And keeping her promise, she authorized Denis Albanèse to release some 400 photos of her stay in Brazil.

From that visit and the media coverage that followed, global curiosity grew about a place that a world famous movie star so loved, she stayed much longer than planned. Indeed, Bardot came back later in 1964, in December, to celebrate Christmas in Búzios.

If you’ve ever been to Paris in Decemer or January, you’ll realize why Bardot chose the beaches of Búzios.

An attempt to have her back to Búzios in 2004, celebrating 40 years since her very first visit was met with failure. Bardot, then 70, didn’t get around that much and had a different agenda, animal rights. It would have been nice to have her there even though so much has changed. Most credit Bardot with putting Búzios on the map.

In her honor, the municipality of Búzios commissioned local sculptress Christina Motta with creating a statue which now sits on the Orla Bardot. It’s a great likeness of Brigitte, sitting on her suitcase, hat in hand, and gazing out on the ocean.

The Bardot Cove is lined with stores, restaurants, and a few hotels. It’s a nice walk at any time of day, starting from the town pier and heading east toward Praia da Armação. You’ll note the schooners anchored here, and the tiny colorful fishing boats bobbing along the curve of the bay.

But the best time to visit the Orla Bardot is near sunset. The sea is a cobalt blue. The sky in all shades of yellow, orange and red. As you take it in, small boats make anchor as the daylight comes to an end.

A glance at Brigitte, and she’s still sitting - looking out in awe. And with a sunset in Búzios, it’s little wonder.

Orla Bardot - Shore Index:

Sand - very little, near the pier area. No beach. In low tide, area is covered in rock and marine life.
Facilities - make sure to make a stop at nearby Bar do Ze for coffee or drinks. Other restaurants/facilities abound.
Shade - several gazebo-like structures placed along the walk give shade.
Notes - after a nice sunset, walk back west to the center of town and enjoy Rua das Pedras, the main drag. Enjoy!

Even the town center sits on a little sandy beach. It’s charm makes sipping a drink seem like paradise. That’s our next stop! >>

Bob Zagury and family, today.

Unawatuna Beaches Sri Lanka Post Tsunami

Unawatuna is just four kilometer further south down Route A2 from the dutch fortress city of Galle. Over 200 kilometres of sun drenched tropical beaches and misty mountain ranges situated over 2000m above sea level are on offer to tempt the connoisseurs of adventure & good living. To top it all off, the people are friendly and the food is delicious. The land sits beside a small river, hence the name Punci Ganga, meaning small or little river. It is situated approximately two kilometers from the main area of Unawatuna beach.

Stilt fishermen near Unawatuna

While I stood there several tuk-tuk drivers came by to offer their services. Finally, I found a guy I liked and decided to go with him. I settled the bill and my Tuk-Tuk driver arrived at 13.30pm to begin the journey north up to Deniyaya. Southern Sri Lanka had provided me with real variety in terms of food, guesthouses and the people I had met and I am hoping for more to come in the next few weeks.

That’s why the village name means “fell down.” Another chunk is said to have been dropped by Hanuman to form the Ritigala Mountain, in the North Central Province. Our Sri Lankan holiday experts have reviewed over 100 traditional Sri Lanka hotels from luxury colonial villas to boutique bungalows. Online booking for holidays that experience the real Sri Lanka. Designed as a Sri Lankan fishing village, this hotel is a great place to stay, nestled on the south coast bay, just off the beach. Outside the resort, the historic city of Kandy is a short taxi ride as well is the turtle hatchery.

It is a haven for those who crave a beautiful beach and entertaining evenings. This small bay is graced with golden sands and a calm turquoise sea. Enjoy dining at the simple, open beach restaurant which overlooks the ocean. The Unawatuna Beach Resort is small and unfussy with comfortable rooms that are decorated with rattan furniture and have adequate facilities and services. Although no rooms actually have views of the beach, the beautiful golden sands and turquoise sea is a short walk away. There are also PADI certification classes and dives arranged from the resort itself.

One of the hardest-hit beach towns on the East Coast was Unawatuna, just south of the city of Galle. There on a curving stretch of beach was a bar and restaurant named The Happy Banana. You can enjoy the sound of the ocean and get a great view of the Unawatuna Bay from the Rendezvous Restaurant located right on the beach. You can spend many hours in this colourful, well furnished restaurant and be pampered by a unique, friendly service by a smiling staff. Now the sea has eaten into YADDEHIMULLA area, where there is virtually NO sandy beach anymore, as the beach area is housing unauthorized buildings put up by political henchmen of Government party politicians of the area. Most restaurants are above 10 feet from waters edge that is lapping up on granite boulders dumped by the Restaurant owners to save their buildings most of which are cracking up on the sea side.

Open air bar adjacent to the restaurant and the beach bar provide a range of drinks including wide variety of cocktails Conference and banqueting facilities up to 400 guests. The location of Norlanka is not right on the beach, which is a great advantage if you want to avoid the noise from bars or the sea. The 200 meters walk is not a problem.

Bahia Palmilla - Cabo San Lucas

This beach, like others in Cabo, has resorts that are so close to the shore, you can hang in a hammock and sleep the afternoon listening to the waves meeting the shore, a gull crying overhead, and the gentle breeze as it passes through the palm fronds.

Amazing how one beach, Bahia Palmilla, can take you from stress to relaxed in less than 10 minutes. So beautiful is Bahia Palmilla, that even more resorts are trying to nudge in the already full landscape. But no worries. This coastline has plenty for everyone.

Another crescent-shaped bay that invites you to spend some time relaxing and listening to the surf gently reach the shore as it’s done for millennia. Who would have thought a tiny sleepy fishing village would become a tourist focal point?

Bahia Palmilla is that point and abundance surrounds it. From the grand Jack Nicklaus Ocean Nine golf course to the super exclusive One&Only Hotel Palmilla. If you can’t get it here - Cabo doesn’t have it.

Known by the tourism operators as the “longest swimming beach”, we found they meant that you can probably swim for longer along the shoreline than any other area beach. Remember, some of the Cabo San Lucas beaches are downright dangerous for swimming. But not Bahia Palmilla. It’s splendid.

Palmilla is another one of those split crescents - in other words - there’s a rock outcropping that juts into the ocean splitting a beach with sand out to a rocky/reef bottom, and a side that has simply sand as far as you can probably swim (or should).

Because of this, it’s wonderful for snorkeling. Make sure you stay along the rocks as there is nothing to see in the sand, except…well, sand. And with the protected shoreline, this is the beach for families. Even the locals come here on the weekends with their own. Rent a kayak in town and paddle around the bay (bahia). The beach is very near the parking lot.

This is one beach that sports thatch covered beach huts for shade and yes, there are garbage cans. Cabo San Lucas cares about this environment. Don’t search for a restroom because as snazzy as Bahia Palmilla is, there are no facilities. No rental facilities, either - so bring what you’d like to do from town (Cabo San Lucas).

Even though the beach is near the parking lot, it’s a long hike from the highway - so your best bet is by car or taxi. Take the Palmilla exit around kilometer 27, then just follow the signs down to the beach. Look for the taxi stand in the circle drive fronting the hotel. That’s the entrance to the beach.

Bahia Palmilla - BEACH INDEX:

Sand - medium/fine grain, coral/shell/rock. Golden.
Facilities -none, but we found you could walk to the hotel, and…
Shade - beach huts!
Sports - bring all from town as there are no rentals at the beach. Swimming is delightful here.
Notes - can get busy on the weekends and holidays, but not crowded. Recommended for families.

And now we leave Cabo San Lucas to visit the enchanting beaches of San Jose del Cabo - all along the Mexican Riveira - with their very own Côte d’Azur! - Next! >>asd

Kololi Beach Gambia

Within Kololi town there is a bustling local market and plenty of restaurants to choose from along the main road. The resort also offers lively nightlife thanks to a selection of bars and nightclubs serving cold beers and tropical cocktails into the early hours. There is a local bar & restaurant on the site and the galleria is open from 9.30 am till 9.00pm. However some of the local guides will take you out for the day for a good price and you will get to see the real African people. Malic took us out ask outside the hotel for him.

The hotel grounds front onto the beach, though the grounds are quite large and the rooms I talk about are about two minutes walk to the waters edge. There’s plenty of trees to hang antennas from. Food tips - if you want a special meal - book a pool side table at the Coconut Residence (they’ll pick you up and take you home to your hotel). Scala (next to the Holiday Beach Club) has really good quality food (fish, seafood, steak) at reasonable prices. Was a wonderful hotel . Great staff, enthusiastic and peaceful.

We have just returned from a 2 week holiday at the Senegambia Hotel. On arrival we were taken to our room which was basic and quite dark but everything was in working order. Facilities include loungers, thatched umbrellas as well as a watersports centre at the Sun Beach Hotel which is right near the beach, where you can take part in activities like jet skiing, canoeing, windsurfing and sailing. A large fresh water swimming pool is located in the center of the hotel complex, surrounded by the tropical garden. For relaxation, sun beds, parasols, and mattresses are all provided.

It’s actually one of the Gambia’s most popular stretches, but it’s refreshingly undeveloped and relaxing. This uncrowded sandy beach stretches for miles to the fishing village of Tanji and even beyond to South Senegal. There is a lot to discover in Gambia. Located in the bush on a sandy bay where you willl enjoy the sound of silence. An eighteen hole par three course with its forgiving fairways and browns (that’s Gambian for ‘greens’!). Beginners and experts are both welcome.

Tamarindo Area, Costa Rica

Tamarindo is one of the most developed resort areas in Costa Rica. The town caters to a surfing crowd as well as family vacationers who love the warm water and perfect weather. Driving from Monteverde to Tamarindo is not very long drive. It last about 4 hours. Tamarindo is popular with surfers, who ply the break right here or use the town as a jumping-off place for playas Grande, Langosta, Avellanas, and Negra. Tamarindo is a small fishing village in Costa Rica that foreign interests are trying to develop. Small coastal towns that are untouched by the rush and crush of the concrete jungle are ideal places to visit.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDrXplDFSBE

Tamarindo, located on the Pacific Coast, has much to offer besides its crystal clear ocean, exquisite nature and stunning sunsets. Go surfing, fishing, visit a spa, rent a car, stay at a friendly bed and breakfast, luxurious hotel, the options are endless. If you want Pizza Hut and TCBY, Tamarindo can offer these options in addition to up-scale local restaurants. The same is true for all Costa Rica fishing trips for not only marlin but sailfish, wahoo, and all the popular sportfish in the waters off Tamarindo and Papagayo Costa Rica. But to catch these magnificent creatures you need a Captain and crew that are experienced and work well together.

The excellent surf and abundant flora and fauna are still there, however much has changed, and Tamarindo is a secret no more. So many additional features are available which can truly provide travelers a phenomenal, unforgettable vacation.

Kari and I at Tamarindo beach after our surfing lessons collecting seashells

However, the real attraction of Tamarindo is its central location between the world famous break of Playa Negra (south) and Witches Rock (north). Logistically, Tamarindo provides the easiest place to explore the most surf in the shortest time. If you decide to drive, Tamarindo is about 5 hours away from San Jose and the bus service is also very accessible. Named for the tamarind trees that fringe the beach, Tamarindo is the most accessible location on the northern Pacific coast. There is a airstrip that is served seven days a week by local carriers, including Nature Air and Sansa, and frequent bus service or private transfer service from San Jose for those that do not mind the five or six hour trip.

langosta y tamarindo, estero de san francisco.1

So tamarindo is just groovy with us. There’s even monkeys on the trees off the road into town! Tamarindo is a great places to visit on your Costa Rican surf vacation. Check out the video to get a glimpse of what Tamarindo Costa Rica is like. Tamarindo is the most accessible beach area along the Northern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, located in the Province of Guanacaste 10 degrees 18 minutes North and 85 degrees 49 minutes West. Tamarindo has an airstrip serviced 7 days a week from San Jose and Liberia.

Baga Beach Review, Goa, India

Goa, India is located on the west coast of the country and is one of the longest running beaches in the world. From tan sandy dunes to flat out shallows that make a skimboarder smile with joy, Goa presents a little bit of old India and a dash of the new. Sprinkle in some pure culture, cows along the beach, young men selling everything from swimsuits to necklaces, you have the makings for a true Bollywood setting - sunsets included.

And why wouldn’t the whole country be proud of this beach? It’s bound to have a section you’ll fall in love with. Think sandy beach lined by a few million coconut palms rustling in the afternoon breeze, you’ll know why it’s so easy to drink a toast to your hippie friends (we all have a few somewhere) and tell them you are in the zone.

Baga Beach is a beautiful rocky beach situated on western coast of Goa. It is an extension of the Calangute beach and is surrounded by beautiful cliffs and lovely coconut and palm trees. Baga Beach is at the center of the Bardez coast, bordered by Calangute beach to the south and Colva to the north.

The southern end of this long stretch of pristine sand can get crowded and one can find Goa Tourism hotels stand stately over the noisiest part of Baga Beach. Baga beach is especially popular amongst the foreign tourists. Baga Beach is surrounded by beautiful scenery and of course the Baga Beach Shacks that serve cheap traditional Goan cuisine of fish, curries and rice.

Baga’s main road is lined with shops with goods from all over India, the bars give a warm friendly welcome and to whet your appetite, there are some fantastic restaurants serving traditional and international cuisine of the highest standard (probably the best in Goa). Nestled amid rocky headland, Baga beach is a popular destination for water sports like parasailing, water skiing, and wind surfing especially among foreigners. This peaceful beach comes alive in the night with vibrant night parties, cultural shows and programs.

At its northern end, the beach presents a picture-perfect view at the point where a small river merges with the Arabian sea. Located at Baga Lands End, we are the only resort that is on the river on one side, and the beach on the other. You can step out of the resort to Baga Beach and the river, and are just a few minutes walk away from numerous dining and nightlife options.

This fishing village beach of Goa is the northern end of Calangute beach, south of Anjuna, the party beach of Goa. Compared to Calangute, it has more character, with its scenic beauty enhanced by the creek and the Retreat House perched on the hill. The market also puts on sale numerous kinds of bric-a-brac, toys and trinkets, exotic delicacies and irresistible Goan cuisine. The place is made even more enjoyable with the live bands playing regularly creating a festive ambience in the market.

Goa Baga beach is about ten minutes from Mapusa, and thirty minutes from the state capital, Panaji. Most buses from Panaji terminate at Calangute and a few trudge further on up to Baga. Baga beach is famous for its beach shacks that serve local cuisine which is absolutely scrumptious.

In case you are not the experimenting types, you can also find swanky pizzerias as well as roof top cafes that serve amazing espresso coffee. Baga beach is rated as being one of the most picturesque beaches in Goa and is a mere 5 minutes away.

A host of activities to enjoy include river cruises, water sports, trips to local cashew nut factories, various temples, churches and beaches.

Even though a small beach, plenty of local shops, cafes and beach shacks plus good restaurants and water sports activities makes Baga an ideal tourist destination in Goa. Known for its hopping ‘shack life’, Baga beach has several beach shacks that sell delicious Goan food and thirst-quenching Feni.

If you happen to be on the Baga Beach on Saturdays it will be tough on your part to resist the temptation of going on a shopping spree. The Baga Beach Market in Goa has an array of stalls overflowing with all kinds of goodies and treats apart from clothes and trinkets.

Playa Tortugas Beach, Cancun

You may come to Cancun for Spring Break which included a great percentage of your time drinking, dancing and general partying, but when it comes down to refueling that zest for life you need to think about recharging your batteries at a great eatery. So why do we mention that when discussing one of the most fun beaches in Cancun? Because there are some very cool open air restaurants and bars on Playa Tortugas Beach in Cancun. Viva la food!

This beach is never quiet and peaceful and is a party beach, so don’t expect to arrive with a picnic basket and have a quiet afternoon. It won’t happen here. There is a lot of loud music, partying and fun happening around almost all the time. Enjoy that or maybe find something more secluded. Tulum? Maybe?

You’ll find your string of cabanas and thatched roof huts, a flea market, and very primitive looking restaurants lining the treeline up from the beach. They are all here to cater to your every need. And the food is really good.

Think of Tex-Mex and other sorts of easy hand foods and you have the picture. Also try some of the spit grill meats on shish kabob; that with an ice cold beer can make your visit to Playa Tortugas quite memorable.

The beach name means turtle and this is because there are turtles that used to come here to drop their eggs once a year. Remarkably this is the same beach they were hatched on and they would come back year after year.

Along the crescent strip you’re more likely to find beach chairs and towels and young people running around enjoying the Mexican sun. We’re not even sure if the local government is doing any impact studies on Cancun - however some say they still see turtles in the area.

For you, expect plastic chairs and tables right in the sand or on the wooden floors of the thatched roof bars and eateries that line Tortugas. And if you need to cool off, think clean, clear water that comes in the many colors of blue. The area closest to the shore contains sea grass in many areas but once you get out a ways, you will find a soft, sandy bottom. The further you wade out, the water gets remarkably colder and some say that on snorkel tours the chilly water makes that adventure unpleasant. We feel it may be due to the deep channel that runs just offshore.

Snorkeling is not good as there are very few fish (not many rocks for them to hide.) There is a small pier which is fun to go out on. The beach could be better maintained and is small.

Playa Tortugas in Cancun offers the same sports amenities as other beaches in the area: snorkeling, scuba, parasailing, waverunner, wind surfing, stand up paddle boarding, water skiing, and beach volleyball. And if you want to enjoy a different view of Playa Tortugas, take a catamaran cruise that will offer drinks and a few stops off shore where you can jump in a have a blast.

Among the small shops and bars you may note the area a bit run down and overly touristy. Many people come here to get the ferry to Isla Mujeres. A lot of locals come here as well and for that reason you can do a lot of people watching (as they do) and enjoy the local cuisine.

Playa Tortugas Cancun Beach Index:

Semi-crowded beach with many food and trinket huts.
A little run down
Hopping off point for Isla Mujeres
Full facilities
Many sports available including sight seeing catamarans
Sea grass near shore offers a glimpse of local turtles on occasion

Galinhos Beach Natal Brazil

A combination of mangroves, sand dunes, salt flats and oil fields enchants the tourists who find this fishing village where the only taxis are horse and trap and the only cars are the visiting 4×4. It is a day of pure relaxation, where everything happens in slow motion in this isolated and deserted corner of Rio Grande do Norte’s coast. Pipa is a fishing village discovered by surfers in the 1970’s, is one of the most frequented beaches in the state with bars and restaurants to liven the nightlife. The fishing village has incredible natural beauty with colourful half-submerged rocks, fine sands, and tepid transparent waters, not to mention the dolphins, which can be seen playing around the rocks. Dead fish remind of the last inundation. Some bushes and low, flowering vegetation covers the remaining land.

While fishing and salt cultivation remain the sole basis of its economy, there is definitely charm in the area! Baia dos Golfinhos has an exceptional population of resident dolphin and at low tide the Rocas Atoll provides a spectacular seascape of lagoons and tidal pools teeming with fish.

Although not one of the most elegant destinations in Brazil, Natal is very popular with European tourists as much for its safe family-friendly atmosphere as the fact that it is the closest Brazilian beach to Europe. The sand is the consistency of white sugar and swimmers interested and snorkeling or diving will love exploring the reefs just offshore and on days when the water is not a draw, the active traveler might boogie across the magnificent sand dunes in an ATV. Actually, as shown by Testa and Bosence (1999), the intertidal region before Touros is strongly influenced by tidal currents, its bedforms being strongly controlled by unidirectional current from SE to NW, parallel to the coastline. Testa and Bosence (1999) also considered the bedforms to be controlled by currents induced by the SE to NW wind. The tourism infrastrue is fully developed at the Brazil beaches there are plenty of hotel, restaurents and proper transport facility to server there tourist.

Located on the beach of the Ponta de Calcanhar at Touros, 105 km (65 mi) north of Natal. Site open, tower open daily 9 am to 11 am. Here, tourists and locals enjoy the beauty and effervescence of this bayside resort overlooked by a gigantic partly vegetated sand dune. In nearby Pirangi do Norte, the world`s largest cashew tree covers 7,000 sq m and produces a ton of fruit per year with its huge network of intertwined branches. Restaurants in the tourist areas are clean, the Sanitary Agency is very active. The law obliges all restaurants to allow customers to visit their instalations to check out the higiene.

We discover that the region counts two mineral resources, the salt and the petroleum, both extracted extensively near Galinhos. After circumnavigating a mangrove area, we drive through a succession of surrealist atmospheres: at the heart of a multitude of salt mounds, to the estrada do oleo (literally “the petroleum road”) through scenery of aligned oil rigs animated by the permanent motion of the hammer shaped pumps. Its economic activities began with the exploration of salt, sugar cane and cattle-raising. And the result of all this is reflected until today, when the State is responsible for 87% of all marine salt production in the country.

Hurghada Beach

Have you ever experienced the best of sun, sea, and sand? If you are yet to experience the same, pamper yourself basking in the sun on gently shelving beaches, striking crystal clear waters, and endless sunny days on the small yet serene Hurghada beach, dotted with a range of hotels.

Yes, the Red Sea is cool and has some exciting dive sites, history, beauty all its own, but Hurghada is a must see as well and you won’t be disappointed by booking here. Make sure you take into consideration any State Department advisory, be attentive as in anywhere in the world and you will be just fine.

Every hotel beach offers you a plethora of water activities to enjoy a full day relaxing and indulging in adventure sports. Whether you like swimming or sunbathing, Hurghada beaches have it all. Enjoy snorkeling and glass boat trips to an amazing chain of corals. What’s more, you can even choose your own coral!

Hurghada is indeed the best place for a beach-based vacation, be it with your family or your beloved. You can pick any of the exquisite Hurghada hotels, each boasting its own private beach. If you are a fish lover, you would hardly find a better fishing village anywhere else in the world. The abundance of tropical fish at Hurghada is simply amazing. You will find Hurghada as one of the best diving spots in the world, whether you are an experienced diver or a beginner.

Enjoy the best of scuba diving sites in the Red Sea. If you are a beginner, you will find many shallow reefs abundant in marine life. And if you are an experienced diver, do not miss exploring the numerous wrecks, dramatic walls and drop offs. Surely the Giftun Islands are your prime destination if you are in Hurghada especially for diving. Being one of the best protected areas in the Red Sea, the Giftun Islands is a main diving site for day boats from Hurghada.

In fact, Hurghada is one of the largest Red Sea Riviera resorts, which is constantly expanding to pamper its tourists and locals alike with all the modern facilities that can leave you stunned!

Despite this, Hurghada has effectively and proudly retained its Egyptian atmosphere and character and you will find glimpses of the same in the ethnic cuisines, which can tantalize your taste buds. With a great range of restaurants, offering local and international flavor, you will find Hurghada beach area the perfect spot for relishing the best from the Egyptian kitchens.

When you are in downtown Hurghada, you would surely find enough spots for souvenir shopping. Take back home some of the antiques of the land of pyramids. You will enjoy haggling in the market area – why not pick up a bargain? Take home some cheap leather and gold items for a perfect shopping experience.

Come; explore the beautiful Hurghada in Egypt for an amazing experience, filled with fun and adventure, peace and relaxation, and sea, sun, and sand!

Hurghada Beach Index:

Sand is medium coarse, sort of brown, like the desert.
Actually, there are many beaches in the Hurghada area.
Most beaches are family safe with gently sloping shorelines.
Area is known for spectacular snorkeling and diving. Recommended!
$, $$, $$$ Hotels and restaurants. DiVino rated #1 restaurant.

Albufeira Beaches Portugal

Albufeira is a city in the district of Faro in Portugal. Although the recorded population is around 35,000 inhabitants, this grows quite a bit in the summer, when European tourists flock to the area. Albufeira is an International Centre noted for its rich and diverse cuisine. The great variety of restaurants offer everything from regional dishes to the more refined specialities of French, Italian or German cooking. Albufeira is about a 45-minute drive ( 47 km or 29 miles) west from Faro , and its airport. If you are renting a car (perfect for sightseeing trips to all the little towns and beaches!), this is likely where you will pick it up.

Albufeira - Praia dos Pescadores

Nightlife in Albufeira is the liveliest in the Algarve with a large number of pubs, clubs and discos. Here it is possible to dance and party from sun down to sun up. Albufeira is a perfectly located astonishing little town in the heart of Algarve. It used to be a small fishing village back in the 60’s, but since then it has grown into a popular holiday resort for tourists from all over the world. Albufeira is great, but I would encourage you to explore the rest of Algarve, especially the eastern part, where the beaches are less crowded and the water is a fewer degrees warmer. Check out a little island beach in Cacela Velha, which is only an hour away from the condo and driving is very easy.

Dubbed the “St Tropez” of the Algarve, Albufeira is one of the main tourist towns not just of the Algarve but also of the whole of Portugal. Famed for its racy nightlife, Albufeira is well endowed with discos, bars and restaurants. Albufeira is at the center of one of the great beach side tourist developments in Portugal . Albufeira was at one time a thriving fishing village where Portugal fishing flourished but now it is somewhat washed away by a tide of tourism and is now a major holiday resort in the southern region of Portugal.

Though the charm of Albufeira is obvious, it also has plenty of modern conveniences. Although Albufeira is known as a major tourist resort, it is amazing that you still find hardly any tourists in the old center. When coming from the Tunnel (every tourist will end up there) turn right and you will arrive at the central place of Albufeira with all its restaurants. The nightlife in Albufeira is geared towards the younger crowd with The Strip, situated near the Montechoro area, being especially popular. Linekers, Cafe Del Mar and La Bamba are among the most popular bars in the city while Kiss is the number one nightclub.

La Rochelle Beach France

Once known as the French Geneva, La Rochelle is a historic port and ancient sailors’ city, formerly the stronghold of the Huguenots. It was founded as a fishing village in the 10th century on a rocky platform in the center of a marshland. La Rochelle is one such truly exceptional site. Only past events, whether cheerful or sorrowful, can allow one to fully understand the colorful character of La Rochelle.

You can sit outside at the tables and drink some local wine, pastis or coffee, watching the boats go by in the Vieux Port. At lunch time they all serve light meals, snacks or sandwiches. As a part of this policy the municipality has been promoting the use of electric cars, bicycles and public transport. At this moment, there are 235 electric vehicles on the road, which makes La Rochelle the leading city for electric vehicles within the European Union. The Laleu neighbourhood, also near the bridge, is famous as you’ll find La Rochelle airport there.

Although its fisheries, canneries, and shipyards still make it a busy port, La Rochelle never recovered its former importance. The principal harbor is now at La Pallice, some 3 mi (5 km) distant. It’s probably the single most famous feature along with the port fortifications. Walk through and you’ll be at the port.

CNOUS and EGIDE manage French government scholarships as well as programs for university cooperation sponsored by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the 16th and 17th centuries it was the centre of trade with French Canada.

After seven hours I found La Rochelle

Blue Bay Beach - Mauritius

Mahebourg is a larger town in Mauritius and Blue Bay Beach is close. Because of this, Blue Bay Beach can get kind of crowded on weekends. But during the week, you may have this long beauty all to yourself - well, almost.

Blue Bay is named for the crystal-clear ice blue water. This is one of those beaches in the world where it is simply hard to get a bad picture. The contrasts are simply amazing.

To get the best shots, make sure your camera is set to “beach” or “sun” or “outdoors”. Best times are mid morning and late afternoon. You can sneak in a great shot at other times, as well. Just make sure you don’t position yourself where you’ll get too much glare.

Next, compose your shot with plenty of contrast. For beach shots here, it’s easy. Get about half sand and half sky. And make sure you get some great sky - with few clouds. The blues are amazing here (and at other beaches as well).

Blue Bay Beach is located on the southeast side of the main island and is very easily accessible. When in Mahebourg, just ask the directions to Blue Bay… and take the camera.

Blue Bay - BEACH INDEX:

Sand - medium powder, all coral based.
Facilities - full.
Shade - trees line the coast here. Nice.
Sports - snorkeling, diving, and a few others - ask at hotels - their venue changes with seasons.
Notes - will get crowded on weekends.

We make our way to a small fishing village next. Hard work as a fisherman, but what a view! Let’s visit the Cap, Next! >>

Cap Malheureux Beach - Mauritius

If you had to give it all up and pursue another career, and you liked fishing with a wonderful view, you might give Cap Malheureux (Unhappy Cape) a chance. I looked at this place and thought, man… Mark Twain was right! God did start with Mauritius and then created paradise.

It’s really that incredible, and pictures just can’t capture the beauty. Cap Malheureux Beach is located at the northern tip of the main island of Mauritius. Cap Malheureux is still a small fishing village, so you’d fit right in here if you gave up your current occupation.

Then there’s moving the family off to Mauritius, saying goodbye to the relatives, but hey… who said paradise was easy?

Beautiful it IS, no denying that. And from Cap Malheureux you can see a few of the other island, so the setting is that more dramatic.

Take for instance Ile Plate, famous for its lighthouse built around the mid 1800’s and still functioning. Ile Plate isn’t really all that “flat”, but maybe the nominator was contrasting it to the main island of Mauritius, or even, Coin de Mire (Gunner’s Quoin).

Coin de Mire is what you see in all the photos of Cap Malheureux Beach. All of these small islands just have a few rats, geckos and some rare flora. But in the day, the great rock island was the launching point for the English in 1810 as they took Mauritius from the French - an occupation which lasted until 1968.

Why in the world would the English want Mauritius?

The French harassed British vessels en route to India for trade, plus the Brits saw possession as complete control of the Indian Ocean. And it remained that way until the Japanese changed things with World War II in 1941.

Hey, up next a funny name for a fun beach. It sits on a beautiful lagoon and is another place where construction may change the face of Eden - on our way to the most popular beach on Mauritius - NEXT >>

Cap Malheureux - BEACH INDEX:

Sand - medium grain, coral based, some debris
Facilities - near by commercial buildings
Shade - adult trees border beach
Sports - wreck diving, swimming
Notes - gets it’s name (malheureux, mal-humor, sad) from the many ships that wrecked here.

Playa Cofresi, Puerto Plata - Dominican Republic

Cofresi Beach is located close to Puerto Plata and was named after an infamous Puerto Rican pirate, Captain Roberto Cofresi. This town began much like Buzios, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; a tiny fishing village that went on for years as a sleepy bay on the Atlantic.

Today, Cofresi has changed but only slightly, with high-end hotels and condos offering great views of both Cofresi Beach and the nearby mountains. What a fantastic bay - golden sand blending into crystal clear water. There is only one entrance to the town; a narrow road that runs all the way to the beach. Mountains peak at either side of the city.

Close to Cofresi Beach is the Ocean World & Water Park which houses the world’s largest dolphin lagoon. There is also a sea lion encounter claimed to be best in the world; but what some come for is the world’s first shark interaction pool. Check this out when you’re not at the beach. If you’re in Cofresi, ask anyone for directions.

While here, make sure you check out the local Dominican coffee, which locals say is second only to Colombian. And the cuisine here is special as well. If you can, get a local to shop at Puerto Plata with you for the best choices at the markets. Later, experiment some of the great dishes served in this country. Culture not to be missed.

Playa Cofresi - BEACH INDEX:

Sand - golden, coral/rock content.
Facilities - full service.
Shade - trees along the strand, some huts/umbrellas.
Sports - full service.
Notes - charming beach not likely to be overrun with tourists.

This coastline boast three great beaches. Of the three, Cofresi is the most charming. You will find fun and sun here along with a myriad of water toys that can make your time away from home just that much more exciting. Pictures of Playa Cofresi often appear in magazine all over the world. And now you know why.

Playa Rincon, Samana - Dominican Republic

Las Galeras, the once small fishing village has awakened. It was once untouched, with a natural beauty found only in the most remote spots. But, because it is close to the city of Samana, wealthy Dominicans made it their weekend paradise.

Since that time, Las Galeras has been set on the map mainly by abundance of beaches and the landscape that is majestic and simple, all at the same time. Las Galeras Beach is here, as well as the more famous Playa Rincon. And people are awakening to see that this is prime ocean front property with beautiful year-round weather in a country with a stable government, and far away from it all. What more could you ask for? Oh, and the problem with mosquitoes? Ask me what they’re doing to combat them. Pretty high tech!

Rincon is a quiet beach, usually deserted, on a small bay - but with no hotels in site. And, no vendors, booths, signs, radios - all the paraphernalia that comes with a popular beach. Nearby, a fresh-water lagoon to rinse off in. Sweet.

You don’t need a boat to get to Playa Rincon, Dominican Republic. You can get a taxi out of Las Terrenas or Samana to Las Galeras. Just before Las Galeras you’ll see the turn-off to Playa Rincon. The road is pretty rugged from here, so plan accordingly (timewise). If you do have the time, plan a stop at one of the local eateries and experience what food in this neck of the woods is like. You won’t find more hospitable people than Dominicans. They know what they have and they are proud of it. This is pretty close to paradise. Just look.

So plan to eat at Playa Rincon as the fish and langosta are reportedly the best in the Dominican Republic. And, if time permits, take a tour down to beautiful Playa Bonita. It’s romantic and peaceful.

But any place along the shore is simply breathtaking and well worth your visit. See if you can book online for a week or month and spend time here getting to know the whole concept of living in the Caribbean.

Maybe Columbus didn’t have it so bad?

Las Terrenas is busy; Las Galeras somewhat less, and Playa Rincon is sleepy. Enjoy.

Playa Rincon - Beach Index:

Sand - medium grain.
Facilities - few, some food huts.
Shade - palms, trees.
Sports - none.
Notes - pretty deserted - enjoy!

When I visited this area earlier this year, I was so impressed, I’ve decided to invest in real estate here. A nice home right on the beach would suit me fine. OK, doesn’t have to be year-round or when the hurricanes are moving in, but it would be paradise to get away from the rat race. And did I mention the cost of living here is cheap?

A very special thanks to Tony van der Heijden of Immomexx for these pictures. Please visit his site http://www.dr2007.com/ for information about Real Estate in this super hot area of the Dominican Republic.

Beaches of Nungwi - Zanzibar Tanzania

When you trek as far as Tanzania, you have to make sure you’re going to see the best beaches there, and Nungwi, even though it has a tongue-twister for a name, has wonderful beaches that would have any strip of sand on this globe jealous with envy. This white strip is as wonderful as it looks, with that crunchy sound beneath your toes. It’s magical. And the best part is that it really isn’t that hard to find a getaway right on the beach. Take a look below and see the beachside bungalows.

A visit to Zanzibar is incomplete without making the trek north to the most stunning beaches of the entire Zanzibarian Archipelago. We’re talking about the Nungwi area, a town located on the northern tip of Zanzibar. The reason this area is so beautiful, is probably due to the coral reef that has for centuries deposited tons of shimmering grains of sand on its shores - this is because of the Indian Ocean wave action from the northeast.

Then again, it’s probably God’s blessing to the island, which you can take in - even today and see it as it was, pretty much identical to when it was created.

We found the contrast of the turquoise water, the deep blue sky, brilliant white sand, and unusual large rock outcroppings made the whole Nungwi area just simply breathtaking. It’s like when someone asks you to explain how it looks and you just stand there speechless. You’re not avoiding them - you just can’t put it into words.

And believe us when we tell you that the pictures here don’t do justice as well.

Come here to recharge your batteries as the safari travelers have done for centuries. Nungwi is still a small fishing village where traditional wooden boats (dhau’s) are made by hand, and you’ll have a chance to view the craftsmen close up. The fishing village has evolved into a resort area - but not in a big way. There is still the old village charm which you’ll appreciate.

One of the things you’ll note immediately when you wade into the water is that the sandy shore here slopes rather steeply allowing you to swim low tide or not. Because of this feature, little seaweed grows here - which mean less for you to contend with when you’re relaxing in the crystal clear waters.

There are good cabana-style resorts, great food, lots of activities including scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, and depending on the wind, windsurfing and kiteboarding. Try your skill at beach volleyball or football, played every afternoon near the resorts on the beach at Nangwi.

Beach bars and dance floors have popped up at a few of the resorts. Know that on the weekends, deejays will have the music going until well past midnight. But save some of that energy for a few of the tours offered at your resort.

There is a tour of the boat-building craftsmen, which seemed a little strange to us since there aren’t but a few trees still standing on the island. You can also be taken on a “Spice” tour. Don’t expect fields and fields of spices. Here on Zanzibar the plots of spices are small. You’ll be able to smell the cloves along the road as the locals dry out the pods preparing them for sale.

Many locals don’t have running water or electricity. Children have few toys, but are always playing with what they can find - a ball made of plastic bags, small hoops from old bicycles. The men build, harvest, and fish, but one interesting scene is of the women dragging nets through the shallows every morning to catch the day’s meal.

Even though you seem to be in some remote bungalow, you’re actually only an hour and a half across the island from the major port of Stone Town . As a matter of fact, if you arrive in Zanzibar without having booked Nungwi, you can do so from there - resort, diving, the works.

Enjoy your stay here. It’s full of culture and the primitive feel won’t last forever. More development is on the drawing board for resorts and infrastructure. Come stay in Nungwi, where the Best Beaches in Zanzibar are found.

Nungwi Beaches - Beach Index:

Sand -fine grain, coral based, steep slope, little debris
Facilities - mainly around resorts
Shade -few shade huts, high palms
Sports -diving, snorkeling
Notes -soak it all in - recommended stop

Biarritz Beaches - Napoleon’s Favorite Resort

Biarritz, France surfing. Ah, yes. Two words that one week out of the year go hand in hand. The Biarritz Surfing Festival draws surfers from all over the world. See our other video below for some rad surfing action, right here in Biarritz, France. There are over 5 Km’s of beaches here - and people frequent them year round. You, no doubt, want to experience Biarritz Beaches in the fullness of summer. And you’ll find that it’s one of the most wonderful times of the year. But let us warn you that it can get quite toasty in France as well. Peak times are early and late summer. But don’t let those seasons stop you from visiting this jewel of Napoleon’s France.

Yes, he loved it here, but it’s the same reason everyone else does. It has an awesome vibe to it. The beach here is nice. It is brown but fine sand that packs well. This is what makes it good to find a beach chair. At the same time, you will see that as the beach approaches the Bellevue area, it turns more rocky and finally into the outcropping that is the center part of Biarritz. Gentle wave give way to huge surf throughout the year. But it doesn’t matter. You can enjoy both by getting onto the beach and hanging out, taking in the spectacle that is the Basque area.

Biarritz established itself as a popular coastal resort in the mid-19th century when Napoleon III and his wife Eugenie used to spend their summers here. Since then it has proved popular not only with royalty but also with Europe’s rich and famous.

Biarritz lies along the Basque coast, near Spain’s Basque region. You can easily see the influence even today in the Biarritz architecture and cuisine. Any of the many hotels in this beautiful French resort town reflect that.

There are five beaches in all, each with a distinct history. Once a fishing village, this area became a European surf mecca when in the late 50’s American filmmaker Peter Viertel brought a longboard from California and surfed the huge waves astonishing the locals.

Today Biarritz, France is home to the “Biarritz Surf Festival” attended by over 150,000 surfing enthusiasts.

You will find this area of France astoundingly picturesque with majestic hotels and old resorts with all of the amenities. But book your hotel early; this is one popular place for both local Europeans and people from all over the world.

If you tire of the beach and don’t want to be cooped up in the hotel, head for the local aquarium, one of the best in the region. Or, walk to several of the museums of Biarritz. Check with your hotel concierge for times and locations.

Other attractions include the old whaling port which looks a lot like it did many years ago when whaling was the prime means of commerce. Biarritz is full of boutiques with the finest from Europe. And at night, the City Casino stays open until morning. You can also head off to the local disco and dance away any energy you may have left.

BEACH INDEX:

Sand - dark, coral/loam mix, some debris
Facilities - various along all beaches
Shade - none
Sports - none except surf rentals at select beaches
Notes - a popular destination for international tourists, who flock to the beach during the summer months. Biarritz becomes crowded during the July Surf Festival, and hotel prices increase. The climate in Biarritz is always temperate: winters are comfortable (average 50 degrees F), and summers are warm (average 72 degrees F). Biarritz has an average of 61 rainy days per year. Closest major airport - CDG.

But which area in France is considered home to the Best Beaches? - Next >>