Late Afternoon Archives - World's Best Beaches

Olho de Boi - Bullseye Beach Buzios

Some of the best vistas off of the Buzios peninsula are on the eastern shore and there are mainly rocky shorelines with mountains sloping into the sea. There is only a couple of beaches and these are hard to get to. We visited Brava, with the heavy surf; a beach facing northeast and open to the ocean. There aren’t many residences on this side of the peninsula either, and that’s because of the terrain as well. One beach that gets some curious visitors is Olho de Boi. If you go there, make sure you know that this beach is also a clothing optional beach.

You won’t find any pousadas or Buzios hotels in this area of the peninsula, but what an interesting name for the beach that has been officially designated as Buzios nude beach. And what makes it perfect for sunning au naturale is the fact that you can’t drive to it, and it’s far enough away from the road or nearby Praia Brava Beach that you can’t see what goes on there.

Not that anything crazy does.

Olho de Boi is literally translated the Eye of the Bull. An “olho de boi” is also the name Brazilians give a seed frequently found on this beach. The seed is red, and very hard.

Like we said, Olho de Boi Beach isn’t the easiest beach to get to. And if your going, make sure you know what you’re getting in to. Once you start down the trail to the beach, it’s a long way back up. But don’t let the natural state of the other sunbathers keep you from enjoying one of Buzios’ best.

The beach is ideal, surrounded by rock outcroppings on both sides. The sandy shore, which is made up of some of the whitest sand around Buzios, slopes gradually making the water shimmer with a beautiful hue. The water is clear here. There is now a kiosk that sells drinks and light snacks.

Late afternoon the surf can kick up and cause some dangerous situations if you swim near the rocks. You’ll be greeted with a nice day of peace and quiet and an awesome almost easterly view. Sunrises here are spectacular.

To get to Olho de Boi Beach, go to Praia Brava Beach first. From Brava, just ask. Locals will point you to the trail that leads up and over the crest that separates Olho de Boi Beach from the rest of the world.

And let’s take a look at Brava Beach next - the most wicked beach in Buzios! >>

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! >>

Magens Bay Beach - St. Thomas USVI

This huge expanse of a beach is set next to the rolling mountains of St. Thomas, and what makes this SO beautiful is that the mountains literally roll right down into the Caribbean Sea. The water around this enchanted Island is so blue, and I’m happy that pictures of St. Thomas normally pick up the hues. It is even more breathtaking in person. Have you been? What did you think? Care to comment below and let us know. We’d be happy to post any pictures you have as well.

Conde Nast Traveler gave this beach a rating of one of the world’s 10 most beautiful beaches. What makes it so is that it spans between two mountains. It’s accessible - only three miles north of the capital.

Yes, the turquoise waters are heavenly and perfect for snorkeling or swimming. But remember, St. Thomas is a great port for cruise ships so you’ll often find Magens Bay Beach very crowded. Choose mid-afternoon as your time to visit.

They have everything here, from snorkel rental to changing facilities. Kayaks are available as well. However, there is no bus service out to Magens Bay. Some hotels run shuttles; check with yours.

Magens Bay Beach is gated. The gates are open from 5 AM to 6 PM and by late afternoon you’ll need insect repellent. It costs $3.00 to get into the beach and ample parking is available.

Magens Bay - BEACH INDEX:

Sand - powdery white, coral substance.
Facilities - full.
Shade - palms and some umbrellas.
Sports - all available. Check local vendors.
Notes - gets crowded.

Hey, close-by you’ll find former President Clinton’s favorite beach on St. Thomas. It’s clothing-optional! Next! >>

Bathway Beach

Some claim Bathway Beach in Grenada a dangerous beach. But seriously, you must observe the conditions of the sea. As this video shows, the surf can be heavy on the outside of the rock outcropping that protects the inside of Bathway Beach. When tide is flowing out, you must watch for rip currents between the rock and the shore. Use caution, but have a great time at Bathway.

When you decide to travel to the beautiful Caribbean island of Grenada, you have more to do than choose your hotel. You have to choose between 45 awesome beaches, some with even that interesting black sand!

Now all the beaches on the island are public, so no matter where you are - if you’re on the beach, you’re on public property.

One tip before we start: there are no legal clothing optional beaches in Grenada.

Bathway Beach

Pronounced “bat way”, this beautiful beach is located in Bathway (who would have thought?), in the northeastern part of Grenada. Bathway Beach is popular on the weekends with the locals from this town, a favorite because of the natural shelter from the ocean. Even so, because of its location on the open Atlantic coastline, during the US winter season, waves can get pretty choppy.

But don’t be surprised if you’re the only one there on a weekday.

Windswept and framed in jungle green palm trees, Bathway Beach on Grenada is worth the effort to see. Make sure you take time to watch nature and listen to the surf as you sit back and take in Sugar Loaf and Levera Island. These strands of sand are the nesting place for sea turtles. You’ll only catch them at night or see the hatchings at daybreak.

And here’s a great tip while you’re in the area. Don’t miss Levera National Park. It is awesome with it’s 23 acre pond surrounded by picturesque white and red mangroves. This is the largest mangrove garden on the island! Take your camera, as the scarlet ibis makes its home right in the mangrove. You’ll have a good chance seeing them early in the morning, or late afternoon as they come home to roost.

BEACH INDEX

Sand - dark, volcanic/coral mix, medium grained, fine tree debris
Facilities - full service close by
Shade - plenty with adult trees and palms along the road
Sports - bring your own gear
Notes - avoid on weekends, very crowded with locals

We found the most romantic beach on the island, and gold awaits you at our best beach. Next >>