Introducing the World Beach Map

Where are the Best Beaches in the World, and how do you find them? Welcome to our site which not only chooses the top three beaches at vacation destinations all over the globe, but we pride ourselves in giving you relevant data and pictures from people just like you; not the flashy tourism brochures which can crop and paint over reality. We love beaches, and have been fortunate to visit hundreds in our travels. And people have been gracious enough to send us their favorites and tell us why they think that the beaches are worth a visit.

You will notice that we give conditions of the beach, along with things we found you can do at the beach, and if we recommend you spend the time to visit. There are many beaches that are just off the beaten path or only known by locals that are out of this world. Many never hear of them because they are secluded, or near any commerce. But we found them and now you can, too!

Start by clicking on the map below where you want to visit. We're bound to have what you are looking for. You'll find comments from other visitors as well. Explore now and welcome to Three Best Beaches!


Click on an area of the map above and wander off into the wonderland of the World's Best Beaches. We did the work - you can do the choosing. And if we don't have your beach, we've made it easy to send us a message asking for it to be included.

In fact, if you own or operate a resort or bed and breakfast anywhere in the world near a beach, we'd love to hear from you as our readers enjoy the many stories we already have in the pages of Three Best Beaches of hidden paradises around the globe.

It all started with Three Best Beaches. We flew to the vacation beach destination and then did exhaustive homework from photos to restaurants to must see attractions. We graded, and still grade sand conditions, drive to the beach, parking, and best times to go.

For example - this awesome beach in Brazil is hidden away down a semi-steep trail. You'd never know it was there unless you asked the locals, as we did. With a dozen other beaches in the area, this one was our hands down favorite. You can read more about it, here. These are the gems that keep our readers coming back.

From three beaches, we expanded, by demand, to ALL the best beaches at the location. And as we grew, we had to depend on local reports until we get our team out to check. But you have the opportunity to report as well. Any beach you have been to, simply comment about it at the bottom of the page and that will be added to the material on that beach.

We also have a great feature - the Beach List! When you're on the Beach List, you're notified of great deals we come across, plus any security items we learn. Travel in confidence and save money by subscribing right now to the Beach List. You'll find the link to the left under the heading Suggest a Beach.

Our travels have taken us to Kauai, Hawaii, where we enjoyed some of the most breath- taking beaches in the world. And one thing is nice about Hawaii; it's relatively safe. We found it clean and the water simply sparkling. Read more about that, and a complete spread on every beach in Maui, here.

We've been featured on TV, most recently, on BBC's World Service. Their program "Click" gave us a full review sending viewers to check out some of the top beaches of the world. And they made a nice comment about the many, many videos we feature on the website. Make sure you check them out when you view the beach you want to visit.

Our visit to Aruba took us back to the island fifteen times where we ventured to almost every inch of shoreline. This tiny island in the Caribbean is huge with contrasts. On our first visit, we were in awe how cactus could grow in the tropics. One shore of Aruba is shallow, pristine white sand beaches, while the other side is rocky, deep and rough seas that open to the Caribbean Sea. Yet on this rocky north shore, we found an area rich in elk horn coral so large and beautiful it seemed we were in a fantasy land.

In the Maldives, we enjoyed every minute of the wonderful peacefulness of a group of islands that are literally in the middle of nowhere. And each island is home to a resort - at least the small islands. Talk about feeling isolate and remote! But God has had His handiwork in these island that are a must-see if you are a beach lover. Take a look at Maldives, here.

And Zanzibar has everyone talking. We can't stop our chatter about how fascinating this island of spices is home to both extreme wealth and old fishing villages that date back hundreds of years. The people here are just charming and make for a delightful experience if you are ever privileged to go. The beach area is very close to old parts of Zanzibar and you'll get to see first hand the people and the way they live. Visit those beaches, here.

We're expanding Australia. Many beaches and flavors in the land down under. In fact, we get requests all the time to review beaches that are off the beaten path. Australia is home to one of the longest beaches in the world. So put on your Vitamin A Swimwear and come visit this paradise..... Beaches Down Under - what everyone is talking about.

If you'd like more information about Three Best Beaches, or about a beach in particular, just write us - in the Suggest a Beach area - and we'll reply. And thanks for joining our community here. We appreciate you!

Here are a few of the TOP beaches we've reported on. Start with South Beach, Miami.

North Shore, Mokuleia Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii

Known for years as one of the better surfing spots of Hawaiian beaches, Mokuleia Beach is also one of favorite hang-outs for the locals on Oahu, Hawaii. Why? Six miles of sand, 150 feet wide from Kaiaka Bay to Camp Erdman.

Plus there's a twelve acre park smack dab in the center of the strip with restrooms and showers, camping sites and plenty of parking. You need to get a permit to camp in Hawaii - but what a way to spend time in paradise. We've done it, and we loved it!

You'll notice not much going on here because this is one of the last places to be developed along the North Shore. If you head west from the park, you'll find peace and quite from the surfing crowds - those wanting to watch and not necessarily want to enjoy the beach. Did you bring the binoculars? We hope so. You can catch some awesome action both people surfing and walking along the shore. Make sure you do some beach walking as well. Stick around for the sunset.

Think big surf - Waimea - we talk about it here on best surfing beaches of the world, but don't go away thinking that's all there is. Some reef about 100 yards out actually protects the shallows from those pounding waves - allowing you and yours to swim and snorkel - even when "surf's up!"

Here's the tip - at this beach in Hawaii there's a large area off the west end of Mokuleia Airfield. Bring the snorkel, but bring a bag as well. This area is prime for shelling. You'll find dozens of great shells worth keeping. You're neighbor will be shelling, too. It's a nice place for beachcombing.

High surf occurs during the USA Winter months through Spring. And there are no lifeguards along the beach so use your head.

Beach Index: Mokuleia Beach

• Sand - many call it white, but it's actually tan. Made of a volcanic material and coral reef mix. Nice and powdery. Clean.
• Facilities - in the center of the beach.
• Shade - many adult trees line the beach yet there are areas of full sun. Use sun screen.
• Sports - this is kite boarding and surfers heaven. Snorkeling and swimming, shelling.
• Notes - recommended beach.

Now, if you visited this beach, we'd like to hear from you. Click here to write your review!

If you camp here, you'll be sleeping next to one of the most familiar TV sets on the planet. The beach set of LOST is right here on Mokuleia and you're allowed to walk up and take pictures if you desire. Who knows? You may see a Star!

The shore goes on as you look east. Coves dotted with white sand beaches make an inviting call. Some are accessible. What you do here at Mokuleia, is drive along the beach and see if there are any of the beach access signs or paths.

It's easy to get lost in all of the beauty, well... we thought - until sunset time. It was out of this world. More colors than I had seen in a long, long time and that breathtaking spectacle that makes you realize the world just didn't bang into existence. A Higher Power put it in place and provides this show for us.

Make sure you spend some time here, before you jump in the rental car and head back to the hotel in Honolulu. This is magic. We head off to another island, but this time in the Caribbean - pictures of Puerto Rico beaches await! >>

Poipu Beach Park - Best Beach in the World

The Best Beach lies in an island chain in the Pacific. If you think surfboards and outriggers at Waikiki when you think of Hawaiian beaches, you're in for a surprise. But, you'll get the best of everything at the beach that made the top of our list.

First - a travel note that will keep you happy during your time spent in the land of leis and grass skirts. Hawaiian beaches are busiest during the US winter month, specifically between December to February. This is High Season (read: high hotel prices, airfares, crowds!)

And while we're mentioning seasons, note that June through October are the hottest months with temperatures getting near 90 F, and the humidity in the 70% range. Some areas are drier, but don't count on it. Pack accordingly. Remember that you'll be at the beach most of the day and can dip in the cool Pacific Ocean any time you feel like it.

December through March are the wettest months. Expect a shower, especially if you are visiting our beach pick on the "Garden Island" of Kauai. But it shouldn't last long.

Poipu Beach Park - Best Beach in the World

You come to Hawaii to see the spectacular beaches, and the well cared for beaches. Granted, there are similar islands (ocean/sand) in the world, but none quite kept as pristine as the Hawaiian island. So expect a nice clean beach.

Hawaii travel tip #1 - Don't just book Honolulu.

Because Hawaii is an island chain, you do yourself an injustice if you visit only Oahu (Honolulu). Because of the commercialism (which you're trying to leave a little behind, no?), you will be charmed by Oahu; its many attractions and activities, but you won't know Hawaii unless you book a hotel on two other islands – we recommend Maui and Kauai.

Poipu Beach is on the island of Kauai.

Kauai is the least developed of the four major Hawaiian Islands. You've seen the dramatic landscape in King Kong, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jurassic Park. And who could forget Fantasy Island? The opening waterfall scene was shot at Wailua Falls.

When you visit Kauai, think Grand Canyon - it's that big and breathtaking. So when you tire a bit from the beach scene, take an afternoon off and go visit the countryside. You will be inspired and thankful that you read right here to include it in your itinerary. Every video you've ever seen of Hawaii and the breathtaking contrasts is even more spectacular when seen in person.

You don't have to go on a helicopter tour, but if you do, you're in for a once in a lifetime treat. Most companies video tape the entire ride so you don't have to. Just sit back and enjoy the beauty.

Now on to the beach.

Poipu is really a series of three white crescents, which hug some of the most awesome turquoise water on Kauai's south coast. To give you an idea of how big it is, it starts at the Sheraton Kauai Resort and goes to the Poipu Beach Park.

Excellent for swimming, snorkeling and yes, even surfing during the winter months - you can find waves in a couple of different places along the beach. Families find it great since the smaller kids can wade in the middle of the crescents, while the bigger kids can check out the surf near the rocks. And remember, the snorkeling is better close to the rocks. The reason is because there is less sand and silt in the water. Coral does not grow where there is silt run-off from the shore.

You will be happy to know at the Best Beach in the World, Poipu Beach Park, there's a lifeguard on duty. The park offers showers, restrooms, picnic tables and shade. The grass is well manicured and we found no trash or debris on the property. In fact, a crew keeps the grounds clean all through the day. So, stay the whole day if you like!

Now if water-play isn't your piece of cake: warm Pacific ocean, surfing or skim boarding, boogie boarding, snorkeling; well, you'll be enamored by the palm fronds swaying in the wind while you lay out or catch up on your latest novel as you hear the gentle surf come to shore as its done for thousands of years. The beach, three crescents, is big enough that you'll feel like you're on your own little piece of paradise. And come to think of it, you truly will be.

BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - gold, medium powder, some rock
• Facilities - showers, restrooms, picnic tables, bring food and snacks
• Shade - palm trees
• Sports - a few rental facilities close by
• Notes - swim, snorkel, surf - something for everyone on this World's Best Beach

Now, let's take a look at Florida's pride and joy - West Palm Beach! - Next! >>