I didn’t realize just how many great beaches we had actually walked on until I read an article a few years ago talking about 25 of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The funny part is I just happened to be sitting on a plane heading to an island that would undoubtedly have another beautiful beach waiting for me when we landed. What struck me was that we had already walked, napped, swam or set up a hammock on 20 of those 25 beaches on that list.

I wish I had kept that article to make this list easier (and to see if we have crossed any of the remaining 5 off their list) but here are 10 of our personal favorite beaches in the world. While some of these might not have the finest sand, the best surf or the lack of crowds we generally yearn for, they all have something that makes them intrinsically special to us. I’ve kept it to a single beach per country just to spread the love but have given a small nod to another beach in the same country we also enjoyed.

Our Favorite 10 Beaches from 20 Years of Travel

20 years of travel sounds like a lot but it’s less than half of what we hope the future brings. As the kids start to go off on their own adventures, so too will we start visiting places that have been on our bucket list as well and maybe revisit some of our favorite places for the last few decades. This list is for those beach lovers that can never get enough of sand, sun and surf. Enjoy!

Whitsundays – Queensland – Australia

As the largest island country in the world, Australia probably has more beaches than some countries have people. How do you decide which of those is your favorite? Simple, you think back to which beach struck you as unforgettable. For us, that was the Whitsundays and more specifically, Whitehaven Beach.

We had been sailing the Whitsundays for days and when we clambered onto the island and walked over the trail from one side to the other, to say Whitehaven Beach left a mark on us would be an understatement. Beautiful aquamarine water overlapping sandbars of pure white sand with almost zero civilisation in sight? Yes please.

Australia: Special nod to Fraser Island (now known as K’gari). At 122km, Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world and we had a great week of 4x4ing and sleeping on it’s main beach. While it can’t compare to the Whitsundays for sheer beauty, it makes up for it in sheer size and activities. Besides, who can resist driving on a beach so long (75 miles) that it’s classified as both a highway as well as a airplane runway.

Looking for travel insurance that actually makes sense for nomads?

SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance is one of the top options. It’s affordable, flexible, and built for travelers who live and work on the road. You can buy it while abroad, cancel anytime, and pick a plan that fits your needs.

 It’s designed for people living and working on the road, whether you’re bouncing between countries or settling into one place for a bit.

Get a Quick Quote here to see if it’s for you.

Long Beach – Ko Phi Phi – Thailand

Our three week stay on Long Beach on Thailand’s backpacker riddled Ko Phi Phi is still one of our fondest memories. We were staying in a small hut just feet from the surf and the simple days of swimming in the ocean, snorkeling with fish and reef sharks a stones throw from our door and watching movies on our old laptop with the ocean crashing in the background never got old.

We haven’t been back since the island got wiped out a decade ago however we heard the island is still as popular as ever these days. Taking a quick water taxi to town to grab a bite to eat or taking a half day tour out to Monkey Beach was a great way to change things up as well.

Thailand: Small nod to Ko Lanta has to be said as well. Though we walked and swam on dozens of beaches in Thailand (and some of the smaller island beaches even stand out among this entire list as truly beautiful), Micki and I fell in love with Ko Lanta. The sand was more gritty and the water clarity doesn’t even belong on this list but we spent weeks there in the off season when things had calmed down after the busy tourist season. Of course there was amazing Thai food everywhere but a quick walk down the beach we had found an Italian restaurant that rivalled any place we ever ate in Italy (the Italian owner had just moved there) and we couldn’t get enough of it.

We also fell in love with a beach in Emerald Cave on Ko Mook, Thailand. It’s such a cool place, that’s only accessible by swimming through a cave!

Looking back now or time on Ko Mook is always filled with a different memory. Micki had a kidney infection that we couldn’t ignore and we had to take a private boat off the island then an ambulance to get the nearest hospital. Because of that experience, we always recommend getting travel medical insurance before you leave the country.

SafetyWing Nomad 2.0 insurance has become a favorite since we can choose the clinic we want (something that was vital when we were in Greece and the hospital was closed), it’s a pay-as-you-go subscription and we’re covered up to 250k in 180 different countries. It also has $0 deductible so we’re covered for even small claims like travelers belly or ear infections and their new Nomad 2.0 policy allows both an Adventure Sport addon as well as an electronics insurance addon. Plus, now with the new Nomad 2.0 claims process you can start a claim with a new simple form in as little as five minutes and get reimbursed within 2.8 days.

Akumal – Yucatan Peninsula – Mexico

Mexico has hundreds of beautiful beaches on both sides of the country but our favorite is still probably Akumal. Not as busy as Cancun or Playa Del Carmen nor as unspoiled as Tulum, Akumal is known primarily for their sea turtles. We’ve spent days on the beach there over the years from before we had kids to now and every time we go there’s just something special about the place. The water is super calm, the many fronds reach down to the beach and we just always enjoy our day there.

The funny part is though we’ve spent months (years at this point) staying up and down the Mayan Riviera coast, we’ve never actually spent the night in Akumal. So, if you’re looking to book a week or two in the area, just outside Playa Del Carmen or close to Playa Paraiso down in Tulum would be the area I would suggest but just make sure you take a day to spend on Akumal Beach with the sea turtles. You’re welcome.

Mexico: Small nod to Yelapa, Jalisco. It’s only a quick 30 minute boat ride from Nuevo Vallarta but it feels like you’re in another area of the country. It has an amazing laid back charm and the water and sand are both great compared to many places on the Pacific side of the country.

Lanikai Beach – Oahu – Hawaii

Hawaii is filled with beautiful beaches and while the surf on the North Shore is impressive, the water and sand at Lanikai Beach is hard to beat. One of the reasons this beach stands out to us is that it’s the first beach we ever went stand up paddle boarding on and partly why we currently own four paddle boards today.

Also known as Kaʻōhao Beach, Lanikai Beach makes it onto plenty of lists of the best beaches in the world and is popular for a reason. With nice views of the Mokulua Islands and it’s relative proximity to almost everything on the island (we toured the entire island in a day and stopped for hours at plenty of areas), it’s a great place to spend a day when on Oahu.

Hawaii: Small nod to Witches Brew beach in Hanauma Bay for snorkeling as well if you’re already on the island. While the beach itself doesn’t compare to Lanikai, there’s some great protected snorkeling right off the beach where we saw sea turtles, moray eels and more colorful fish than we could ever count just feet off the shore. It was a hit with both us and the kids as the surf is incredibly gentle.

Tortuga Bay – Galapagos Islands – Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands are primarily known for their giant Galapagos tortoises however they should be equally famous for their salt encrusted sea iguanas, playful sea lions, blue footed boobies and the only penguin in the world found north of the equator. Most of these can be found on nearly any beach in the island chain and they make any beach excursion in the Galapagos unforgettable.

Tortugas Bay, located on the island of Santa Cruz, isn’t a beach you go swimming on but still remains unforgettable for it’s length and the amount of sea creatures you find while walking this long beach. Due to the constant current, swimming isn’t allowed on the beautiful beach itself but as you reach the end you’ll find a small cove on the other side with nice water you can swim in. On our walk to the cove, we saw plenty of sea lions and a tons of sea iguanas basking (and snorting out salt) in the sun. Right before we got the cove we also saw a few of the iguanas venturing into the water and swimming out to find lunch.

Galapagos: Small nod to Gardner Bay on Española Island has to be added due to it’s exceptional beauty. While you can’t stay on the island itself, there are plenty of day trip cruises that will get you to this idyllic long white sand beach. It has great swimming and if you’re lucky, one of the resident sea lions might decide to play with you in the surf.

Varadero Beach – Cuba

While not remote nor that hard to get to, there’s no denying that the long white sands of Veradero Beach are popular for a reason. The beach, also known as Playa Azul for it’s crystal clear blue water goes on for miles (at 21km or 13 mi, it’s the longest in the Caribbean) and though it’s now littered with all-inclusive resorts, the water is still gorgeous and the sand still smooth. The bonus to having civilization so close here is that their world famous mojitos or a Cuba libre (rum and coke) are only a few feet away and taking a day trip into Havana is like stepping back in time.

Cuba: Small nod to Cayo Blanco as well. While it’s only accessible by boat, it’s a beautiful strip of white sand and aquamarine water as well with a much more rustic vibe. You really can’t go wrong heading out there for a day but note that it can get busy some days.

White Beach – Boracay – Philippines

What can I say about Boracay besides that the place is always busy and yet the sand is some of the finest you’ll find anywhere in the world. It’s so fine that it actually squeaks when you walk on it and good luck getting the sand out of your clothes after playing in the aquamarine surf. I would have loved to see the area 50 years ago before all the development took over but White Beach and Boracay Island itself are popular for a reason.

The beach can get quite crowded at certain times of the year however if you go to the farther edge you can often find a quieter place to set up a towel. It’s a great swimming beach with plenty to see while walking it’s 4 kilometer length and if you crave a little more excitement, walk 10 minutes and you’ll be on the other side of the island and can enjoy some amazing kitesurfing and windsurfing (whether watching or renting) on Habagat Bay.

Philippines: A small nod to Entalula Beach is owed. It’s a gorgeous stretch of sand however you’ll need to take a tour to get there. Most tours depart from El Nid and often visit the unique sandbar of Snake Island. Make sure to check out Nacpan Beach if you’re staying in the area as well, as it’s a gorgeous beach on it’s own and is easy to get to.

Cathedral Cove – The Coromandel – New Zealand

For an island nation, New Zealand has tons of beaches however unlike their Australian neighbors, the sand isn’t generally as fine here. That said, we fell in love with the country and even decided to get married there. What has that to do with Cathedral Cove in the northern Coromandel area of the northern island? Not much except we had a few beautiful days in the area and really enjoyed the nice beach and the famed arch.

Back then you could hike out to the beach but these days the trails are closed and you need to take a water taxi to get there. It’s still worth the trip and the backdrop is simply beautiful plus there are some other cool things to see in the area including Hot Water Beach where natural hot springs meet the ocean and with a bit of digging, you can make your own sandy hot tub only feet from the surf.

New Zealand: Small nod to Abel Tasman Park on the south island. I can’t really tell you the exact beach we loved the most but the entire Park is just a beautiful wonderland of nature. Our pic on the side with the kayaks in the background was taken there and seeing it still brings back great memories of our time there.

Bavaro Beach – Punta Cana – Dominican Republic

Full of all-inclusive properties and huge resorts, Bavaro isn’t for you if you demand a quiet beach away from the crowds. What it does give you is miles of gorgeous white sand and beautiful water to swim in. To be fair, while you’ll never find yourself truly alone, the sheer size of some of the resorts lining this little pocket of paradise means that you can find tons of quiet places to lay out a towel. Like some of the others on this list, the place is busy for a reason. The beach is beautiful.

Dominican Republic: Small nod to Playa Rincon a few hours away. This gorgeous stretch of unspoiled beach is a great place to drive to. Far away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist sites, it can give you a feel of what the Dominican Republic felt a few decades ago.

Praia da Falésia – Algarve – Portugal

There are hundreds of amazing Mediterranean beaches in Europe with clear blue water and beaches worth moving there for but it’s hard to pick out any single beach that had meaning to us more than the others. So rather than list one of those, I’m going to look more towards the ocean and name a beach with some amazing backgrounds. The 6km Praia da Falesia in the Algarve region of Portugal can really be broken into 3 areas, with the cliffs around Olhos de Agua being the most scenic.

Hugely popular in the summer months, shoulder season is when the area truly shines and the beaches are quieter and the days not scorching hot. The cliffs that line the Praia da Falesia make the entire beach feel like you’re cut off from civilization and you might spend just as much time watching the cliffs as you do the blue green water. Our kids loved the cliffs so it might be why the beach stuck so vividly in my mind but as is everything on this list, it’s the memories that connect us to these places that make them memorable.

Portugal: A small nod to Praia da Mareta near Sagres. While the sand isn’t as nice as Falesia, the views are just gorgeous as you look south and west across the ocean. The cliffs in the area aren’t bad either.

Special Mention – Anguilla

Micki and I have almost exclusively traveled together over the years however there are a few places that only one or the other has been to. Micki took a trip a few years ago to Anguilla and fell in love with the many beaches however her favorite was Shoal Bay with it’s quiet vibe and white sands.

Final thoughts on our favorite beaches in 20 years of travel

Every beach is unique with something that means something to someone. Whether it be a lake beach your family visited every summer or a once in a lifetime trip to the Maldives you took on your honeymoon, it’s a personal thing. Choosing your favorite bit of sea and sand when you’ve had the good fortune to have walked on so many beautiful beaches over the years gets tough.

If you’re not in agreement with this list, that’s okay. Every beach has it’s unique charms and sometimes the people, the food, nature, the crowds (or lack of them), the quality of the sand, the booming of the surf, the color of the water and the non human residents who call the beach home outweigh any of the other things going for them.

There are hundreds of beaches we’ve walked on over the years that are probably more secluded, more beautiful and more untouched by mankind but sometimes they’re forgettable for exactly that reason. Sometimes there are so many idyllic beaches on an island or faraway coast that they all blend into on another and don’t leave an impression except for the general notion of “wow, there are a lot of nice beaches around here”.

Maybe that’s for the best and they remain off these lists of the best beaches in the world for a good reason. Maybe we are just preserving their untouched beauty for generations to come or maybe, we just want them to stay as pristine as the day we first stumbled onto them…

If you want to list some of your favorite beaches here and tell us just how wrong we are, you’re welcome as well. We love hearing about new places and why a certain beach is important to you and not to be missed.

Safe travels.

Need a break from the crowds of Cancun and Tulum? Holbox Island is calling!

Holbox, Mexico is a secluded paradise located off the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s a less-crowded island surrounded by stunning beaches, incredible wildlife, and plenty of things to do.

While small, Holbox is packed full of fun activities. So whether you’re looking to explore the island’s natural beauty, relax in a hammock, or get active, there’s something for everyone.

Things to Do on Holbox Island, Mexico

Here are eight of the best things to do on Holbox Island, Mexico.

Go Snorkeling or Scuba Diving

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, consider exploring the depths of Isla Holbox with a snorkeling or scuba diving tour and discover the island’s crystal clear waters teeming with colorful fish and amazing coral reefs.

The best time to go snorkeling or scuba diving is during the summer months, when the water is warm and visibility is at its best. There are many great spots to explore, but some of the best snorkeling can be found in the area around Punta Cocos Beach Club. Here, you’ll have a chance to spot barracudas, turtles, and a variety of tropical fish.

Swim with Whale Sharks

One of the most popular activities at Isla Holbox is swimming with whale sharks. These majestic creatures migrate to the island between the months of May and September, making it an ideal time to come and witness them in their natural habitat. This experience offers a unique opportunity to observe these gentle giants up close and take a dip in the crystal clear waters.

When it comes to swimming with whale sharks, be respectful and safe. It’s important to note that Holbox is only safe for swimming with whale sharks when they are actively feeding. If you see the whale sharks resting or moving too quickly, it’s best to stay away and not enter the water. During this time, you can still observe the whale sharks from the boat, but be sure to keep your distance and respect their space. Make sure to not get too close or touch the whales, as this can startle them and disrupt their natural behavior.

Swimming with whale sharks at Holbox is an amazing experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Take a Holbox Boat Tour

Experience the beauty of Isla Holbox from the sea with a boat tour. Holbox boat tours offer a unique way to explore the island and its stunning coastline, mangrove forests and small islands. With a tour guide leading the way, you’ll learn about local history and culture while getting the chance to spot wildlife such as dolphins, stingrays, and sometimes even whale sharks.

The waters around Holbox are safe for swimming and snorkeling, so you can also jump in to experience the vibrant coral reef firsthand. There are a variety of boat tours available depending on your interests and budget, from sunset cruises to all-day trips that include visits to neighboring islands.

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to explore Isla Holbox from the water.

Visit the Isla de la Pasión

Isla de la Pasión is a small uninhabited island located a few kilometers from Holbox Island. It is known for its stunning white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and abundant wildlife. As Holbox continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination, more and more visitors are discovering Isla de la Pasión.

Getting to Isla de la Pasión is easy, as there are several tour companies on Holbox that will take you there. You can also rent a boat at the harbor and make your own way to the island.

Once on Isla de la Pasión, visitors will find an idyllic beach paradise, with crystal clear waters and white sand beaches that seem to stretch forever. There are many places to swim, snorkel and simply relax and take in the beauty of the island. The waters around the island are particularly clear and full of sea life, making it an ideal spot for spotting dolphins and other marine creatures.

Shop Holbox’s Local Markets

When visiting Holbox, it’s worth taking the time to explore the local markets. From handmade jewelry and clothing to souvenirs, there are plenty of great finds on this beautiful island.

Holbox has all the essentials and you can find everything you need for your vacation in these markets. Be sure to check out the artisans selling their handmade items, and don’t forget to purchase some gifts for the family. If you’re looking for souvenirs, there are plenty of shops selling t-shirts, hats, and other memorabilia that will remind you of your time on Holbox Island.

Visit the Punta Cocos Beach Club

If you’re looking for a fun day out on Isla Holbox, Mexico, then you can’t skip a visit to the Punta Cocos Beach Club. Located on the north side of the island, Punta Cocos Beach Club is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

The club boasts a stunning beach and is has a lively atmosphere. You can lounge in the sun and cool off in the crystal-clear waters, sip a cocktail at the beachside bar and enjoy food from one of the local restaurants. There are also plenty of water activities to choose from, such as paddle boarding and kayaking.

Eat Delicious Food

While a small island, Holbox is packed with delicious food options from budget-friendly to upscale restaurants. There is a large number of vegan restaurants in Holbox, so conscious eating is definitely available on the island.

You can also find affordable and tasty snacks from local beach vendors and at the central markets. And while the island is generally more expensive than mainland Mexico, it’s safe to say, you won’t go hungry in Holbox.

Watch The Sunset

Nothing beats ending the perfect sun-bleached day as watching the sunset over the Ocean – and Holbox definitely serves up some incredible sunsets.

One popular spot to watch the sunset on Holbox is centrally located on Natural Pier. So, grab some beers, snacks and friends and bask in the beautiful sunset as it colors the island in a mixture of colors – maybe go for dip too.

Did you enjoy this article? You might like:

• Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen Mexico
• Xcaret in Cancun Mexico: Our Review
• How-to-visit-Cenote-Dos-Oyos-Tulum-Mexico

Tamarindo’s mainly known as a surf town, but we found plenty of other watersports, great restaurants, and a bustling night market, as well as zip lining, ATVs and horseback riding on the beach.

Sure, Tamarindo gets a bad rep occasionally. It can be busy and touristy, and when compared to some other Cost Rican areas, a bit on the expensive side. Even so, Tamarindo is a beautiful place, with a long, sweeping public beach, and clean clear waters.

Things to do in Tamarindo Costa Rica

Like most vacation destinations in Costa Rica, you’ll need to spend a little time on the road to get here. The trip from San Jose to Tamarindo takes four or five hours by car, but you can also take a commuter flight to Tamarindo airport. If you don’t want to drive you can go from San Jose to Tamarindo by bus or minivan.

Here are some of our favorite activities in Tamarindo.

Spend Time on The Beach

Tamarindo’s main beach, called Tamarindo Beach, is long, sandy, and perfect for everything from sunbathing to surfing, to sand castle building, to even enjoying a delicious meal outdoors under a palm tree. Hanging out on the beach is our favorite of the many cheap things to do in Tamarindo. We’ve spent many hours just walking up and down the beach, enjoying the scenery and the water.

Surfing

Tamarindo is one of the top surfing destinations in Costa Rica. It’s a wonderful place to learn to surf, with consistent waves almost every day. There are plenty of surf shops offering lessons, but Carlos’ Surf Shop is probably the best known in the area. Group lessons are pretty inexpensive at around $50 USD for a couple of hours and almost guarantees you’ll get up and going at least a few times.

Beginner surfers catch waves off Tamarindo Beach itself, just in front of the town. As you improve, you’ll surf off the Estero river mouth for faster breaks, and beyond.

Boogie Boarding on Playa Langosta

While Playa Tamarindo is the most famous beach in Guanacaste, Playa Langosta is just a short walk away. The waves at Playa Langosta are generally smaller, and better for families and newbie surfers.

Teaching our then five year old son to boogie board was one of our favorite family things to do in Costa Rica on that trip.

That said, we caught the waves at Langosta at high tide on a big swell day, and managed to smash a boogie board in two.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Kayaking

Stand up Paddle Boarding (SUP) is hugely popular with tourists now, but it wasn’t as huge when we last visited. It’s a lot of fun, but I find the waves are a little large to make stand up paddle boarding in the ocean waves easy.

If you’re up for something a little less .. bumpy, you can rent a kayak to explore the estuary, where you’ll see wildlife like birds, monkeys and even crocodiles.

Sailing

One of the most popular things to do in Tamarindo, is taking a sunset (or sunrise) sailing tour.

There are several operators that offer catamaran tours, and most include something to eat and drink. It’s a lovely time, with a chance to see dolphins, sea turtles or even whales.

Fishing

Fishing offers a chance to get out on the water and even catch your dinner. Some of the more popular fish around Tamarindo include Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi-Mahi, and Yellowfin tuna.

Horseback Riding

The beaches in Tamarindo’s Guanacaste province are picture perfect for horseback riding. Horseback riding tours start in Tamarindo and goes down to Conchal Beach. There’s a chance to look at local wildlife, and maybe do a little snorkelling off Conchal Beach as well.

Monkey Park

Monkey Park is a refuge for injured or sick animals. It’s a non-profit and run by volunteers, with a low entrance fee.

They have a spider monkeys, as well as birds and other animals like marmosets. This is not a traditional zoo, and is run on a limited budget from the proceeds of admissions. Many of the animals are being rehabilitated for release to the wild, but some permanent residents are unable to survive on their own.

Tamarindo Night Market

The Tamarindo Night Market is open every Thursday night between 6 pm to 9 pm. There are food vendors, local entertainment, and plenty of vendors.

Dining Out

Tamarindo has a well deserved reputation for great restaurants. In terms of cuisine, this beach town is definitely punching far above its weight class. The best restaurants in Tamarindo range from breweries to beach bars to elegant dining.

Volcano Brewing Company is a great place for beers, while Shrimp Hole is popular for seafood, and Antichi Sapori Tamarindo is the place for Italian. Green Papaya Taco Bar is hugely popular, with swings for seating and a chill vibe.

Visit Marino Las Baulas National Park

The Marino Las Baulas National Park was established in 1990 to protect the endangered leatherback turtle eggs from poachers. Las baulas means the leatherbacks.

During turtle mating season, you can take an educational nighttime tour to see the turtles nesting. Read about our experience taking a tour at Las Baulos National Park.

Tennis and Pickleball

This is the place to go if you fancy a game of tennis, or pickleball. There are tennis and pickleball clinics, open play, and competitions if you’re feeling up for it. There’s also a 15 Love Tennis & Pickleball Vacation villa Airbnb rental on site.

Nanny Garden for the Kids

Next to the Tamarindo gymnasium, Nanny garden is for kids aged one to six. It’s open 7:30 am to 3:30 pm, and focuses on fun and art. Lunch is provided, and nanny services are available.

Go Zip Lining or ATV Riding

We spent a day at Monkey Jungle with the kids, and it was one of our favorite things to do in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

While we had fun at Monkey Jungle, there are plenty of other options, including Black Stallion Eco Park & Estates, and Canopy Vista Tamarindo.

Scuba Diving or Snorkeling

Scuba divers take off from Flamingo marina (about half an hour from Tamarindo) to dive the nearby Catalina Islands.

Be Water Diving Tamarindo or Tamadive are popular choices. PADI courses are available as well.

Learn Spanish

If you’re up for a more cerebral challenge, WAYRA Spanish Institute offers Spanish lessons in Tamarindo.

They offer a wide range, from online classes, to intensive courses, to courses with lodging included.

Go to the Gym

If you’re looking to stay fit, Tamarindo has a few gym fitness options. The most popular is arguably Nick Holt Fitness, but plenty of people visit the Revive Wellness Center at Langosta Beach Club, Tamarindo Fitness, and Pura Vida Barre.

Unusual and Quirky Things To Do in Tamarindo

Up for something a little different? Check out these unusual things to do in Tamarindo.

Enjoy Trits

If you haven’t tried this iconic Costa Rican ice cream concoction, you’re in for a treat with Trits.

Trits is sold in most convenience and grocery stores in Costa Rica. It’s not generally available outside Costa Rica or Nicaragua, so enjoy it while you’re here.

Try Your Luck at the Casino

Reviews on Tamarindo’s Casino Diria are decidedly mixed, but it may be worth a visit if casinos are your thing. We’ve never visited, but it’s a smaller casino with table games and slot machines. It’s the only casino in the area that we know of.

Get an Inspirational Psychic Reading

If you’re looking for something unusual to do in Tamarindo, a psychic ready might be the ticket.

Sally Rice psychic bills herself as “a Certified Psychic Medium and Reiki Healer, Remote Viewer, and Medical Intuitive”.

While your future may not be certain, it’s almost certain you’ll find plenty to do while visiting Tamarindo.

Looking for more travel inspiration for South and Central America?

• Should I Visit Tamarindo Costa Rica?
• What To Expect On An Ecuador Amazon Tour With La Selva Lodge
• 15 Awe-inspiring Things to See and Do in South America
• An Honest Review of GlocalMe WiFi Hotspot

Did we miss anything? Let us know what you love to do in Tamarindo!

It’s a boring one, if you ask my kids. While beach balls, sand castles and water pistols are great for little ones (and myself), older kids and adults often need a little more to do when they hit the beach in summer.

We spend a lot of time at the beach, so we decided to put together a list of the best beach games for adults and kids alike.

If you enjoy beach activities, there are so many beach games to play if you’re bored of working on your tan or swimming in the water. Whether you enjoy classic beach games like throwing a Frisbee around, or prefer some of the newer beach fads like pickle ball or roundnet, there are plenty of things to do at the beach for everyone of all ages and skills.

So without further ado, here’s our list of some of the best beach games you can play while spending the day by the water. We know which ones are our favorites, which ones are yours?

Best Beach Games List

Looking for some fun games to play at the beach? Here are our favorites, with picks for beach games for couples, adults, and kids. Some of these involve fun beach toys you can buy, but keep reading for free games to play at the beach as well.

Whether you’re booking some time away with your loved ones, a solo trip, or a couples retreat, beach games are always a great way to make the most of your time in the sand.

Best throwing games for the beach

Throwing sports make great beach activities. You can often play them in the water, on the beach or on the nearby grass and, if the beach is a little crowded, lobbing something in the air gives you more room to maneuver. Just be mindful of other people’s space, and try to keep everyone, including yourself, safe.

Frisbee or flying discs

No beach day is complete without someone getting hit by at least one Frisbee. To make sure you’re not the one getting hit, be the one throwing it.

If you have a few beach items as targets, you can even start a beach version of disc golf.

If you’re playing Frisbee in the water, consider getting a soft flying disc so it doesn’t sink or hurt when you accidentally toss it at someone.

Check out these floating flying discs here. 

Nerf balls

Whether it’s shaped like a football or some weird hybrid, Nerf balls make a great way to kill time while on the beach. The best part, if you accidentally hit someone, a Nerf ball won’t typically do a lot of damage. Some even absorb enough water that if you’re playing catch in the surf, it’s just like having a water balloon fight, minus the messy balloons..

Want a nerf ball for yourself? Check them out here.

American Football

Yeah, the ol’ pigskin is better suited to throwing around on the grass and not the sand however football is still a very popular beach pastime in North America. Just don’t be the guy trying to kick it because you know that never turns out well.

Feel like throwing a classic football around? Check these out.

Bocce Ball

This is probably the pinnacle of beach style class. Technically, it’s more of a bowling game than a throwing game, however it’s great fun and a good game to play in teams. The best part is that lots of wind just makes the game more enjoyable and you can play on sand, grass or even gravel. If you enjoy playing bocce ball but haven’t bought your own set yet, similarly played petanque might also be something worth checking out.

Love bocce ball as much as we do?

Check bocce ball sets here.

Beach Volleyball

A quintessential beach sport, there’s no better reason to dive into the sand than while playing a quick pick up game of v-ball. Considering there are volleyball courts at nearly every beach these days, it makes it an easy game to get started and, if you show up at any beach with a volleyball, guaranteed friends.

Tip! Even if there’s no net, getting a few people together in a rough circle is a great way to enjoy playing a little volleyball. The bonus, you won’t be letting the team down if you suck at it.

Love beach volleyball more than life itself?

Check out beach volleyballs here.

Basketball

You know I had to add this in here. Why? Because everyone takes a basketball to the beach silly! Actually, there are basketball courts in so many parks, especially in North America, that adjoin the beach that taking one actually makes sense if you enjoy shooting hoops outside. Just make sure to grab a street ball vs a regular ball since most courts close to sand can be hard on an indoor ball.

Enjoy a little street b-ball? Check them out here.

Ladderball

Yes, this is that game where you toss two golf balls tied together on a string at some stick like ladders. No, you aren’t a dork for playing it. Yes, it’s more fun than it looks, and yes, it’s actually harder than it looks. Who knew that golfballs had so much bounce?

What’s in a name? Since ladderball is still relatively new, it’s also known in some circles as ladder toss, ladder golf, ball rope and hillbilly golf. There’s even an area down south where they call it horse nuts. If you have to ask, you don’t want to know.

Wanna toss tied golf balls at plastic pipes? Check out ladderball sets here.

Horseshoes

Speaking of horses, classics never go out of style and though lobbing a 5 pound metal U at a steel spike in the ground isn’t as common as it once was, you can still find horseshoe pits along many beaches, especially ones with parks attached to them. If you enjoy the game but hate being forced to use a sand pit, grab a set of lighter plastic ones and play wherever you want.

Feeling nostalgic for horseshoes?

Check out this awesome horseshoe starter set.

Beanbag toss

Nope, not talking about that 70’s beanbag you spent a decade lying on while ruining your posture as a kid. This is the one where you toss some square beanbags at a board with a hole in it. Yeah, it’s kind of dorky, but that’s what you get when you ask for lawn darts to be banned. For the unaware, it’s also known in many circles as cornhole, and competition can oftentimes be fierce.

Personal brag: My brother in law and I once won 17 straight matches against the extended family. The result? Accolades, trophies, money? Nope, just forever banned from ever playing together again.

Interested in tossing the old beanbag yourself?

Check out your future cornhole set here.

Roundnet

Ever wanted to slap a ball on a mini trampoline with your friends? Now’s your chance with roundnet. Also known as SpikeBall, BounceBall or Slammo, roundnet is a great new game to play at the beach. Comprising two teams of two, you need to smack the small ball onto the net and hope the other team can’t return the ball. This game is fast and furious and is a ton of fun to both play and watch.

Feel like some hectic fun? Check out these sets here.

Washer Toss

A cross between beanbag and horseshoes, washer toss involves throwing metal washers into a small hole. Obviously created by some bored mechanics, the smaller boards and large metal washers means this game can be played at the beach or in your backyard. The best part about it, with more variants than any other beach game on here means you can make up your rules as you go along and it’s doubtful anyone will know the difference or call you out about it.

Curious about washer toss? Buy your washer toss game here.

Best kicking games for the beach

If you have room to run, kicking a ball around the sand might be the best beach game for you and your friends. If you don’t have so much room, there’s also a few beach games you can play that don’t require a lot of running. No matter which beach kick sport you choose, you’re going to work up a sweat. Especially if it’s a hot day out.

Soccer (Football)

If you’re from Canada or the US, then having a soccer ball with you at the beach might seem a little strange however, trust me, pretty much anywhere else in the world the number one beach sport is soccer by a large degree. We’ve seen soccer (football to almost everyone else in the world) played on some of the most remote beaches we’ve been to and it’s not uncommon for dozens of players to join in on an impromptu match.

Need to get your beach footie on? Check out this great barefoot ball here.

Hacky sack

What? Hacky sack isn’t a sport! Well, I’m not going to argue but there are several world champion hacky sack players that might disagree. In any case, hacky sacks are perfectly suited to the beach. They’re small, easy to carry in your beach bag and since you generally don’t keep score, it allows experts and novices alike to enjoy kicking the old dirtbag among the circle.

Need to get you hacky sack on? Check out these hacky sacks here.

Sepak takraw

Volleyball not your style but still enjoy hitting something over a net? Sepak takraw is a Southeast Asian specialty where you have to kick a rattan ball over a net using only your feet, head, chest or knees. It requires crazy skill and is essentially a combination of hacky sack and volleyball. Matches are 3 vs 3 and the court is similar in size to a badminton court.

Think you have what it takes for sepak takraw?

Check out a plastic version of the traditional rattan balls here.

Footvolley

Footvolley is closer to beach volleyball than sepak takraw where they use an actual ball and the teams are 2 vs 2. You can also use a beach volleyball court so in some aspects it’s also easier to set up. Skilled soccer players without a lot of room to run love playing footvolley or kickball at the beach and you’ll often see it being played in Brasil and Paraguay.

Love soccer but hate running? Check out this footvolley ball here.

Best paddle games for the beach

Ha, bet you didn’t realize there’s a whole division of paddle sports you can play at the beach. Well, there is and here is what makes them some of the best beach games you can play anywhere.

Pickleball

The newest fad to hit the world, (actually originally conceived back in 1965), pickle ball is remarkably like ping pong but with bigger paddles and big plastic balls with holes in them. A lot of beaches have tennis courts nearby so pickleball is a great way to get some exercise without all the running involved in tennis.

Ready to get pickled? Check out this great starter set here.

Paddle Ball

I can remember playing this when I was a kid. There really was no game, it’s pretty much just trying to hit a hard little ball back and forth to each other with a really big wooden paddle. The funny part about it is that it’s ridiculously fun and is a great game to play in the surf since you really can’t hit it that far to begin with and the ball floats quite well.

Think you can keep it up going for more than a few turns? Check out this Deluxe Paddle Ball Game Set here. 

Badminton

Ah, badminton. I didn’t really want to add this here since badminton can get frustrating outdoors. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still one of my favorite gym sports, however outside the wind plays havoc with the shuttlecock. That said, I’ve seen more than one group at the beach frolicking about with badminton rackets in their hands and happiness in their eyes. That alone tells me it’s a real beach game to someone, somewhere.

Willing to brave the outdoors?

Check out everything you need right here.

Tennis

If you can play Pickleball, you can surely play tennis, right? Yup. Tennis has been around since the 13th century and will likely long outlive most of the other games on this list. Though there’s lots of tennis courts next to beaches around the world, when you can play Pickleball in a court half the size, why would you want to get all sweaty like that?

Feeling like a champion? Check out this great tennis racket here.

Best free beach activities

Like to think out of the box? Hate organised sports or want to buck the trend of the best beach games above? Don’t want to invest in some of the best beach toys?

Here are some alternative games you and your kiddos can play at the beach. The only limit here is your imagination.

Hole digging contest

Yup, you want alternatives, dig a hole. This is great if you have sand castle blasé but still want to play in the sand. The goal is simple, get everyone in a line and see who can dig a predetermined depth before the others. Have a bunch of different ages playing? Make it something like the depth of the persons knee. Little ones with stubby legs might win it every time, but it’s not winning or losing here that counts. They get to dig!

Water filling contest

Well, what’s the next best thing to digging sand? Filling it with water, obviously. Get everyone to fill their holes in as fast as they can. Want to make it even funnier? Tell them they can only use their bodies to hold the water and no buckets allowed.

Sand sculpting

How do you make something a little more fun for bored kids? Make it into a competition. Instead of everyone creating one giant sandcastle, have everyone create their own then let everyone vote on their favorite or pick a non competitor to be the judge. Points should be awarded for creativity as well as execution to give everyone a fair chance. Bonus points to those incorporating objects they find along the shore into their design.

Sand drawing

What’s easier than sand sculpting? Sand drawing of course. Grab your finger or a stick and see who’s imagination is equal to their skill at drawing. Want to make it even funner. Tell them it has to be a self portrait or their favorite animal. Winner gets their choice of snack and bragging rights!

Beach treasure hunt

Well, if it’s a beach, there’s likely sand and water. What else is there depends on what kind of beach it is. Kinds love finding things so give them a mission. They can either do it alone or as a group and it can range from rocks of a certain size to shells, pieces of wood, crabs, feathers or even things of a certain color. Your imagination (and forethought) can make it easy or hard depending on your children’s ages.

Beach item must haves

Love the beach as much as we do? If so, you probably realized a long time ago that having a few beach specific items is a must for a happy day by the water. Besides for classics like sun tan lotion and sunglasses, here’s a few extra things that you might want to consider.

Beach socks

Love the beach but hate the feeling of sand beneath your toes? We know a few people like that and they swear by lycra beach socks. Unlike typical water shoes, these feel more like socks and are great if you’re playing beach volleyball or beach soccer and your feet get sore quickly from the sand under them. They also make great fin inserts if you enjoy wearing flippers.

Need a little more foot protection? Check out these comfortable lycra socks here.

Water shoes

Water socks not going to cut it? Need just a little more protection and a harder soled bottom so you can tackle the rougher water terrain? Water shoes are a great investment if you enjoy more natural beaches that aren’t all fine sand and comfy grass. We just picked up new sets of water shoes for the whole family and they’re great when we’re out paddle boarding or enjoying our new camper and enjoying the more rustic beaches.

Ready to tackle any beach terrain? Check out these great water shoes.

Air pump

Do you have any of those beach balls we mentioned at the top like a soccer or volleyball? If so, you’re going to need to fill them up with something. We picked up one of these a while back and it’s a great way to fill or top up those balls after a long winter of storage. The best part, with the included pressure gauge, you know exactly how hard or soft it needs to be.

Need something to pump you up? Check out this air pump kit.

Sand pails

Every kid (and sand loving adult) needs a sand bucket for a day at the beach. Sure, a true sand sculptor can get by with his hands and a stick but why limit yourself to traditional means when you can have various sized pails for every situation. The best part about this 4 piece nesting set is you can share it with your friends! Feel free to invest in some dollar store shovels and molds but a quality set of pails that generally take the biggest beating will last you forever.

Ready, set, dig! Check out these nesting sand pails.

Essential beach packing lists

Heading to the beach and not sure what all you need to bring? We wrote a great beach packlist that should get you started. If you’re looking for other essential beach gear we have you covered as well.

Looking for other ways to stay cool this summer without going to the beach? Check out this post we wrote on ways to beat the summer time heat.

So, now that you have your list of the best beach games out there, why are you still reading? Go out and enjoy your day at the beach!

Have we forgotten any of your favorite beach games? Are there other things to do at the beach that we missed? Please let us know below so we can share your insight with the rest of the world!

Here are our top picks of the best beaches for sunbathing, getting together with friends, or simply for long walks along the sand. If you really want to get up close and personal to some of these beaches, you’ll need to charter a boat or get a ride from a friend, as many are only accessible via the water.

So pack your swimsuit, sunscreen and floppy hat, and discover these top 10 Mediterranean beaches.

The Best Beaches in The Mediterranean

We found the top 10 beaches in the Mediterranean, from Andalusia to Zakynthos, and everywhere in between. Here they are in no particular order. Be sure to add them to your bucket list of the best things to do and see in Greece!

Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece

Also named Shipwreck Beach or Smugglers Cove after the freightliner that sank in the area in 1980, Navagio is one of the most spectacular and most famous beaches in the Zakynthos area.

You can get to the beach by joining one of the many tours organized from Zakynthos that will not only take you to the wreck, but to the nearby caves as well.

Best of all, this iconic beach is only a 45 minute flight or 4 hour drive from Athens. If you’re looking for amazing beaches, you can’t go wrong with Greece, a country that boasts great beaches from the westward Ionian Islands to the more central Poros Island to the most eastward island of Kastellorizo.

Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece

Situated in the southwestern part of Crete, 75 kilometers off the old Venetian harbor today known as Chania, Elafonisi is a tiny island just a few meters away from the mainland.

What makes it so special is that the white sand has pink hues to it as well. The island is a protected area with sporadic vegetation, but even so, it’s home to over 100 different species of plants, some of which grow nowhere else in the world.

Scoglio di Peppino at Costa Rei, Sardinia, Italy

Located just 70 kilometers off Cagliari, the region’s capital, Costa Rei welcomes you with a picture-perfect landscape of white powder sand and crystal blue waters that are so typical of Sardina.

The Scoglio di Peppino beach is one of the best beaches in Sardinia, and is renowned for its spectacular coral reefs as well as the nearby cuisine at Costa Rei. So after you explore the amazing colors and hues of the sea and enjoy the local wildlife out among the reefs while snorkeling, diving or taking a boating trip during the day, you can spend the evening relaxing in one of the charming restaurants or trattorias in Costa Rei that serve tasty local dishes.

Praia de Falesia, Portugal

The six kilometer long beach of Praia de Falesia in Portugal stretches between Olhos de Agua and Vilamoura.

The golden sand combines with spectacular rock formations that contrast perfectly with the crystal sea. Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, the Praia de Falesia beach is spotted with coves which makes it perfect not only for a peaceful day in the sun, but for enjoying water sports and hiking as well.

Calo Des Mort, Formentera, Spain’s Balearic islands

Calo des Mort is a small, simple beach surrounded by rocky cliffs on the island of Formentera, which is just a quick jaunt away from the popular island of Ibiza. It’s the perfect place to enjoy fine sand, clear water, and gorgeous views without the crowds that plague Ibiza.

Mojacar Playa, Spain

This 17 kilometer long stretch located in eastern Andalusia, on the Costa del Almeira, is breathtakingly beautiful, but still relatively unknown as a tourist destination.

The deep blue water is framed by a golden, sandy beach that turns into a rugged hillside with a welcoming town that awaits the visitor complete with great restaurants and beach bars.

Beaches of Cala Gonone, Sardinia, Italy

Accessible only by boat or by hiking, the beaches of Cala Gonone in the East Sardinia are nothing short of stunning. The beaches are still largely untouched, with dramatic limestone cliffs and deep caves as a gorgeous backdrop.

If you’ve ever seen Madonna’s movie Swept Away, directed by Guy Ritchie, it was set in Cala Gonone. Suffice it to say, the movie is worth a view just for the beautiful scenery.

Balos Beach and Lagoon in Kissamos, Crete, Greece

Getting to Balos Beach is a bit of a trial. You can either reach it by a windy dirt road, or by taking a day cruise. Either way, you’ll be greeted by striking scenery and gorgeous pink and white sand.

St. Paul’s Bay in Lindos, Greece

If you’re looking for a fairly uncrowded beach in a a gorgeous bay, St Paul’s Bay is your spot. It’s south of Lindos on the southeast coast of Rhodes.

There’s a small church on the hillside, and two beaches to enjoy. The largest beach (on the south end) is covered with golden sand, and the smaller beach on the north side is a mix of sand and gravel.

Tel Aviv Israel

Tel Aviv is home to some of the Mediterranean’s busiest and most beautiful beaches. Winter here stays above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, making every sunny day (and most are), a great beach day.

Since the beaches also face West, there are stunning sunsets there every night. That said, if you love watching sunsets with a crowd, Saturday night is the time to be there.

Do you have a favorite Mediterranean beach? Let us know!

One of the pluses to being based in North America is that getting down to the Caribbean is relatively simple. With hundreds of gorgeous islands, finding an amazing beach in the Caribbean is a piece of cake.

Finding a great beach is especially easy if you happen to be visiting one of the biggest countries in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic. Comprising over half of the island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic has over 250 miles of coastline and hundreds of beaches.

If you’re thinking of going there (and you should), here is a list of some of the best beaches you’ll find in the Dominican Republic as well as a few places to stay, and a few things to do while you’re there.

Punta Cana

You would think that showing up on top ten best beaches in the world lists regularly for a couple of decades would diminish Punta Cana’s reputation, but it’s hard to deny the appeal of 20 miles of gorgeous white sand and clear turquoise water.

The beach in Punta Cana is as nice as it is famous. It’s also one of the busiest in the country considering more people visit this area than anywhere else in the Caribbean.

Book bus or minivan from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana.

The majority of the resort-loving vacationers come to walk the miles of wide beautiful beach and enjoy the crystal clear water, however what gets them returning every year are the conveniences staying on a large resort offers.

To stay in the heart of Punta Cana, you can check out some all-inclusive Dominican Republic hotels and resorts and enjoy everything that makes these resorts famous. From five-star restaurants to night time extravaganzas, organized water sports on the beach to lounging in swimming pools the size of football fields, staying at a resort has nice perks. Oh yeah, it also doesn’t hurt that once you get there you don’t need to pull your wallet out ever again, because when you stay at an all-inclusive resort, there are also unlimited food and unlimited cocktails.

For families, most resorts also have a kids’ club where children can while away the day hanging out with other kids.

For those so inclined, there are a myriad of organised day trips around Punta Cana, so you can try everything from 4×4 adventures, to swimming with dolphins, to exploring the nearby towns and historic sites.

Playa Bavaro

Playa Bavaro is rapidly becoming one of the the DR’s most sought after beach areas in Punta Cana. It’s set on the East Coast, where the stunning Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean.

The beach at Playa Bavaro is wide, with stunning aquamarine water and soft white sand. There’s plenty to see and do here, with locals and tourists alike enjoying the beach and activities. It’s a wonderful place to soak up the natural beauty.

Playa Boca Chica

If you’re in the capital city of Santo Domingo, and need to get your feet wet, there’s no better beach than nearby Playa Boca Chica.

Protected by a reef a 1/4 mile out, the water at Boca Chica Beach is some of the calmest you’ll find in the Dominican Republic. Popular with locals and tourists alike, this palm fringed oasis of cheap restaurants and busy beach bars will have you grooving to the sweet sounds of merengue and bachata music.

There are tons of activities and water sports and if you’re looking for a happening beach this is the one to go to.

Playa Rincon

If you need more than sand and surf to make your day complete, you might enjoy the views of Playa Rincon.

Found on the eastern coast of the island, on the Samana peninsula, surrounded by lush jungle greenery and high seaside cliffs, you’ll need to go on a bit of a trek to reach the surf at Playa Rincon. Once there, enjoy the seclusion and check out the snorkeling before grabbing a bite to eat at one of the few small restaurants found along the beach.

It might be a hike, but I guarantee you’ll enjoy yourself once you get there.

Juan Dolio

Santo Domingo’s other main beach, the more upscale Juan Dolio is a little less crowded, a little less lively and a little more natural than its more famous sister beach Boca Chica.

Set along rows of coconut trees, the beach of Juan Dolio feels a little more unspoiled as well. There are also decent restaurants and higher end shopping nearby to help tourists spend their money.

Macao Beach

Really just a subset of Punta Cana, Macao Beach is UNESCO approved and offers some of the best surf for beginners in the Dominican Republic.

The very popular and highly rated Macao Surf Camp can be found here and practically guarantees a good time while learning to ride the waves.

Playa Dorada

Situated on the north coast conveniently close to Puerto Plata, the up and coming resort strung Playa Dorada (aka Golden Beach) offers everything for lovers of all-inclusive resorts.

Clear water and golden sand line Puerto Plata’s busiest beach and there are dozens of things to do on and around the water, as well as take day trips into Puerto Plata for great shopping and dining.

Playa Sosua

Puerto Plata’s second busiest beach is Playa Sosua (Sosua Beach). Popular with the locals (especially on Sundays), this U-shaped beach has souvenir and snack shacks aplenty and is a great choice if your looking for a city/beach style vacation.

There’s also decent snorkeling right off the beach for a city style beach, so that says a lot for the water quality.

Cabarete

Known as the best hotspot for windsurfing and kiteboarding in all the Caribbean, the laid back surf town of Cabarete on the north coast caters to everything a water adventure junkie craves. From big wind to big waves, if you’re looking for someplace to get your adrenaline running, Cabarete is the place for you.

At night, the chill vibes of the one street town offers great dining and a lively night scene. Cabarete is also one of the most budget friendly locations in the Dominican Republic, and is a great place to relax if you want to get away from the big resorts that line most of the busier beaches.

Cayo Levantado

Found just off the south coast of the Semana Peninsula, the island of Cayo Levantado isn’t the easiest to get to. That said, it’s beaches are amazing and the lush jungle greenery that surrounds them makes it one of the prettiest in all of the Dominican Republic.

With not a lot of facilities, the beaches at Cayo Levantado are some of the most secluded in all the country, with hiking trails crisscrossing the island joining the three main beaches.

To get there, you can hire a boat or take a short ferry across. You can also book a whale watching tour from January until March that tours the Bay of Semana that stops off at Cayo Levantado for lunch.

Bahia de las Aguilas

Also known as Eagle Bay Beach or the Bay of Eagles, no matter how you say it, Bahia de las Aguilas  is a gorgeous eight km long strip of unspoiled paradise.

Found in the southwestern most corner of the country closest to Haiti, Bahia de las Aguilas isn’t the easiest place to get to. 25 kilometers from the nearest town, Padernales and over 300 kilometers from Santo Domingo, you need to pack a lunch when you go there, since the beach is as empty now as it was 200 years ago.

Located in Jaragua National Park, this protected stretch of beach is teeming with sea life and is often considered the nicest beach in the country by the Dominican people. It also has no facilities, no hotels, no restaurants and almost no people, so if you’re craving your own little private stretch of paradise then this is the beach for you.

You can bargain for a 15-20 minute boat ride or a 15-20 minute 4×4 ride (seasonal) out of Cabo Rojo, which borders the park entrance, however make sure you have everything you need when you get there because you’ll be on your own.

Also don’t forget to bring your snorkel gear since the beach at Bahia de las Aguilas has some extraordinary sea life right off the beach and is probably the best site in the country for snorkeling.

My dream

I have a dream. It doesn’t involve world peace or solving the hunger crisis. It’s a personal vision. In truth, the only thing remarkable about it is its simplicity.

Imagine this…

A hammock, an endless ocean and powdery white sand. Me, a cool drink in one hand and my favorite book in the other. The gentle breeze and surf mixing together to create a perfect harmony of sound while the warm glow of sunshine paints the world in hues of red and yellow.

It’s a simple dream, though as vivid in my mind as the computer screen I’m currently staring into. I’ve had it ever since I can remember.

I believe most people have a similar dream, though few take the time to shape it into anything more than a fuzzy idea of where they hope their future takes them. Most of us wake up with a purpose, however have no greater plan than to make it through another day hoping that we’re working towards a better future.

I believe the lucky ones in life have a clear vision of where they’re going. For some of them, their dreams are so focused that they’re like arrows pointing them exactly where they believe they need to be.

I’m a little jealous of those with such a clear focus on what they need to do to make their own dream a reality. I also applaud them for having the strength and patience to see their dreams come true.

An unusual dream

That said, I believe my dream is a little different from most. It’s clear as day, however it doesn’t push me in any direction. Mine is just constantly playing in the background of my mind.

At times, I believe it gives me the energy to keep going. Other times it gives me perspective on the road I’ve already traveled. Sometimes, it cheers me up on days that I’m feeling blue and occasionally, it even gives me focus on days where my choices seem cloudy.

The funny part is, it’s such a simple dream yet it has no urgency. In it, I’m content to spend the entire day just lounging and there’s absolutely no rush to get anything accomplished except maybe finish reading the chapter I’m on or the cool drink in my hand.

Realizing my dream

In terms of dreams, it’s also fairly obtainable and a dozen years ago, I thought I achieved it.

A few months into our first year long round the world trip together as a couple I found myself in almost exactly that place. It was everything I ever dreamed and more since I had someone I loved beside me. The problem was that after a few days on the beach, there was a restlessness growing inside me.

Up until reality smacked me in the face that beach and that hammock was my lifelong dream. Don’t think that the absurdity of that statement isn’t wasted on me. I know it’s not much however guess what, it’s still my life dream. Except now when I close my eyes, the dream isn’t only a vision but also a memory I continue to cherish.

You might ask yourself why after every country I’ve explored, every natural wonder I’ve seen, every “once in a lifetime event” I’ve had the good fortune to participate in that my dream hasn’t changed. You’re not the only one. I ask myself that same question every day.

Definitions

I think the answer lies in the definition of a dream. For me, swaying in the breeze that day the truth hit me. It wasn’t an abrupt realization but a slow understanding of myself and the world around me.

You see, I never realized the dream didn’t start with me laying on a hammock, it ended with it. The sense of peace, completeness and happiness I felt in it wasn’t from finally getting there, it was from having completed everything I wanted to do before I got there.

That hammock was my reward for having lived a full life. It was the icing to my proverbial cake and though that hammock still sits there waiting for me, I know in my heart that I’ll never by truly content until I’ve eaten as much lifecake as my body can stand.

Every person has their own dreams. Some are vague, others are more defined however what they each have in common is a goal we all hope to one day reach. It sits there waiting for each of us. Whether it’s finding Shangri-La, owning that mansion on the hill or achieving the unthinkable, never let anyone or anything stop you from pursuing your dreams. They’re part of who we are and give us the strength, endurance and perseverance to reach for the unobtainable.

My future awaits

For me, that hammock is still swinging near that sparkling clear ocean just waiting for me to finish whatever life decides to throw my way. For now, I can concentrate on the tasks at hand like raising my kids and making sure that their own dreams are forged. That they too have the tools necessary to reach whatever heights they dream of.

For now, the hammock can wait. I have other dreams that need tending. I’m fine with that. Regardless of what I do, it’s one step closer to my dream anyway and isn’t that worth striving for?

Like its larger island relative Cozumel, an hour to the south, Isla Mujeres (Spanish for Island of Woman) is a tourist hotspot in this region and prides itself on its gorgeous beaches and laid back atmosphere. It’s also much smaller than the nearby island of Cozumel. Isla Mujeres is less than five miles long and is only a 1/2 mile wide at its widest.

Though there are a few vehicles and some taxis on the island (as well as a vehicle ferry if you have your own ride), it’s the perfect place to rent either a moped or a golf cart. Since there were the four of us, we decided a golf cart would be the perfect way to see everything the island had to offer.

Unlike the majority of the people day tripping from Cancun, the day we decided to visit Isla Mujeres we got off to a late start. By the time our hotel’s free shuttle dropped us at the ferry, it was already pushing eleven.

We also missed the 11 o’clock ferry by 30 seconds so had to wait the extra 30 minutes for the next one. The kids were excited since they knew we planned on getting a golf cart and Cole was anxious to get in the driver’s seat. Those 30 minutes felt like forever until Micki suggested we grab some drinks while we waited.

The drinks definitely helped, however I was secretly worried that we wouldn’t be able to find a cart to rent for the day. All the forums and boards say that if you arrive in the afternoon, all the islands 500+ golf carts would already be rented. As we always do, we decided to see if this travel legend was true for ourselves.

After enjoying the peaceful ride of the ferry, we were surprised at the hustle and bustle of the island. There were people, taxi drivers, tour operators and food carts everywhere and the place had a definite frenetic energy that we hadn’t felt in a while. Our learned travel sense kicked into high gear and we grabbed the kids, pushed past the throng of people and started heading up the street.

After walking past more than a few shops with sold out signs next to their golf cart boards, Micki and I started to once again question our late arrival. Thankfully, the night before I had scoured the web for the best places to rent one once we reached the island. I kept a few of the backstreet rental shops in my head just in case we didn’t have any luck with the popular places. Our search lead us down a few small side streets and more than once we questioned where we were going.

Luckily, we found a place with one last cart available. The going rate for a daily cart in Isla Mujeres this time of year is $50 for a normal cart (2 people facing forward and 2 people facing backward) and $60 for the deluxe version that’s longer and can seat all 4 people facing forward.

Of course they only had the deluxe version and refused to budge on the price seeing they knew it was probably one of the last carts to rent on the island. We don’t normally pay top price for anything as we travel and I had a tough time swallowing it, but the look in the kids’ eyes was enough for me to pull my wallet out and suck it up.

A few minutes after dropping the cash (and leaving behind my driver’s license – all the shops make you do it) we were on our way. After driving a few blocks I can honestly say that the money was well spent. Passing by the loads of tourists sweating their way down the small 8 x 5 block radius of downtown we headed for the open road and south to the ever popular turtle farm.

For those of you who have never visited Isla Mujeres, the island is perfectly sized that a golf cart can easily go from one end to the other and back again in around two hours. You can probably do it quicker if you don’t stop anywhere. Of course we wanted to see it all so it took most of the afternoon.

There is one main road along each shoreline so you can simply follow the loop and you never really need to do much backtracking. Besides for a few small areas, it’s hard to get lost and your rental shop will give you a tourist map of the island before you leave.

One of the days highlights was definitely Tortugranja, otherwise known as the Turtle Farm or Sea Turtle Sanctuary. It was our first destination and the kids loved it. Costing only a few dollars for all of us, they each got to pick up a baby land turtle, watched sea turtles swimming in the large tanks as well as got up close to a bunch of smaller sea turtles in the inside tanks. There were also a few workers who were letting them touch various marine animals like a star fish, sea cucumbers and a prehistoric horseshoe crab that they let me hold.

Though the place is small, the even smaller entry fee made it a great spot to stop for an hour and the kids enjoyed seeing and interacting with the creatures. The tanks in the small building also housed an octopus, sea horses, crustaceans, sea anemones and clownfish as well as various other fish.

There were also rare albino sea turtles in the center tanks as well as a few smaller turtles that were currently being rehabilitated. Outside, there were a few larger ones swimming about and I heard that on a calm day you may see sharks in the large outside pen.

After washing up and jumping back on the cart we headed south towards Punta Sur to see the lighthouse and the Mayan ruins. Before we reached the southern tip of the island, we had to stop at Garrafon Natural Reef Park to check out the views. The place was expensive ($29 an adult and not sure what they charged for kids) so we didn’t go in, however they have a nice lookout view where you can watch people zip along a bunch of ziplines leading from the tall cliff near the road down to the water. The beach and the hammocks looked quite nice as well.

We had heard that some of the best snorkeling on the island can be found there, but we usually prefer to keep our costs low so would have probably gone to the cheaper (though not as upscale) Garrafon de Castilla (only 50 pesos or  $4 USD per person) right next door instead. They essentially offer the same snorkeling experience so if you don’t have the time for Garrafon Natural Reef Park on your golf cart trip around the island, Garrafon de Castilla might be worth your time.

As we continued our cruise to Punta Sur, the lighthouse was impossible to miss and the road pretty much ended there regardless. We locked up the cart and headed left towards the large Iguana statue and the dozens of real iguanas overlooking the stone wall and some gorgeous views east from Mexico’s farthest easternmost point. Who knew that a few short weeks later we would be in mainland Europe’s westernmost point looking right back across that same body of water?

We circled back around the building and stopped off for an ice cream in the little ice cream shop at the entrance. It wasn’t bad but it was ridiculously overpriced. If you have a need for ice cream I suggest you grab some from the shops on the left side of the entrance way as they cost less than half what the ice cream shop was charging.

Once properly cooled down, we headed over to the ruins. Supposedly, when the Spanish arrived there were tons of images of the female Mayan goddess Ixchel scattered all over the island and in particular around the now destroyed temple. Thus the name Isla Mujeres was born and has remained.

We were a little dismayed they charged to get into the garden and to see the ruins, however the kids were free and it was only 30 pesos ($2.50 USD) per person so we decided to check them out. It’s sad to say that the ruins weren’t much to see however the walk around the cliffs was gorgeous.

The kids loved walking along the pathways on the cliffs overlooking the water with its twists and turns and little grottos. It was quite beautiful. For some reason there are large sculptures everywhere in the gardens near the ruins and though some detract from the natural beauty of the land, they definitely give you something to ponder as you walk along the paths.

After numerous photographs around beautiful Punta Sur, we jumped back on the cart and started making our way up to the beautiful northern beaches and their white powdered sand. We also had to stop a few times to check out the small beaches and tide pools along the eastern road as they looked too interesting to just pass by. As we enjoyed the last few minutes of wind blowing through our hair, too soon we found ourselves back in town.

We had originally planned to eat at one of the beachside restaurants but we were all so hungry by that point that we decided to stop in town. We pulled up to Manana Restaurante & Bookshop and ordered some delicious sandwiches and huge smoothies. The kids really enjoyed the smoothies and we thought the place had a lot of character. The waitress was super nice and the kids enjoyed checking out the book selections.

Our day was quickly passing by so we decided to drive around town and check out the sights before heading to the beach. There is a huge boardwalk that goes along the northwest point in town and on the east side there are smaller beaches and much smaller boardwalks. In the top northeast you can find a great little lagoon and beach called Playa del Secreto. There’s a small narrow bridge that connects to a smaller island there that the kids thought was great fun to drive over on the cart. Micki didn’t agree.

After that we headed towards the main beaches on the island. Most roads going towards them are dead ends so it took us a while to find a place to park. As luck would have it, just as we reached the beach the sky clouded up and it started to mist. After spending the past few months near the ocean, we decided we’d already had a great day and left the beach for the next time we visited.

After cruising the town one more time we decided it was time to drop off our cart. Most places close early and are very strict on their return times so wanted to ensure they would still be open. We had to circle the area twice since all of the small streets in town are either one way lanes or pedestrian only.

With my driver’s license finally back in my pocket and the cart safely returned, we wandered down the small streets and checked out the little shops and markets along the way. We were expecting to stay later in Isla Mujeres, however after getting into the busier section of town we decided to end our day on the island the opposite of how we started it; early.

As we fought our way back into the proper ferry area (there are different ferry terminals depending on which ferry you take) and waited in line with the scores of others, we started to contemplate what a week or longer on the island might be like. Our daydreams were soon interrupted as we began to board the ferry. Before we knew it we were back in Cancun and in a cheap taxi heading back to our hotel.

In all, it was a great day trip and with all the great restaurants, gorgeous beaches and things to do on the island I know we’ll be back there again someday.

Years after Alex Garland’s best-selling novel, The Beach, first hit bookstores, I went in search of the ultimate backpacker’s paradise.

Like many desk-bound Canadians, I had always fantasized about finding the perfect tropical beach. A beach with the whitest sand, the clearest water, and most importantly, the fewest tourists. I had left a promising career on hold to explore Thailand in search of Garland’s perfect beach with Charles, who was then my boyfriend of just over a year.

Garland’s best-selling novel tells the story of twenty-something Richard, who sets out in search of the perfect backpacker’s beach paradise. Ultimately, he finds his paradise on an isolated island commune in the sea near the Thai island of Ko Samui.

In his book, Garland notes that the formerly isolated backpacker’s paradise of Ko Samui itself has become an ugly, over crowded tourist trap. In 2003, seven years after he wrote those words, I visited Ko Samui to see for myself.

Garland was right. The busy beaches on Ko Samui were crowded with hairy tourists, who looked like they’d been poured into their far too tight Speedos. The towns were even worse: loud strips of highway jammed with brightly-lit tour agencies, Internet cafes and a seeming endless stream of tawdry bars with tired-looking bar girls. Hopping on a moped to tour the island, we found some lovely beaches and quiet corners away from the main beaches, but the noise was only a short drive away.

Ko Samui was clearly off my list, so I decided to see if the nearby island of Ko Tao was any closer to Garland’s paradise. Almost completely deserted when Garland wrote The Beach, Ko Tao is now billed as one of Thailand’s best scuba-diving sites. The tiny island lacks the crass consumerism of Ko Samui, but today Ko Tao is packed to the gills with dive operators offering introductory scuba lessons. Close, but no enchilada.

I was beginning to lose hope that I would ever find Garland’s paradise. Did it still exist, somewhere off Thailand’s rugged coastline?

The numbers themselves argued against being able to find paradise. Close to ten million tourists visit Thailand each year, with a good proportion of them hitting the touristy mainland beaches of Pattaya, and almost as many visiting the island of Phuket.

Obviously, I had to go far, far afield to find Garland’s perfect beach. My next tactic was to leave the busy islands behind, and see if Thailand’s mainland beaches harbored my secret paradise. I decided to next check out the beaches near the town of Krabi, rumored to be much less touristy than those of the popular islands like Ko Samui.

I never found my isolated beach paradise in Krabi. Instead, I found myself ocean kayaking underneath stunning limestone cliffs with only the sound of my paddle to disturb the peace. I maneuvered the kayak into narrow passages between rocks jutting up from the ocean, pushed and pulled by the gentle tides. Limestone cliffs jutted overhead, and long stalactites hung precariously. Caves carved into the cliffs dozens of feet above my head cried out to be explored. The ocean was a clear, deep turquoise, and schools of little silver fish darted, iridescent and shimmering just under the surface.

Despite the beautiful distractions of Krabi’s coastline, I continued my search for the perfect beach. This time, I focused on Thailand’s more isolated southern Andaman Sea.

My first stop was Maya Bay, on Ko Phi Phi Leh island: the setting for The Beach’s film version, starring Leonardo DeCaprio. About 550 km southwest of Bangkok, the filmmakers’ decision to use the once isolated Maya Beach for filming was fraught with controversy. Environmentalists blasted filmmakers for damaging the fragile beach. Later, the movie’s success ensured that the film’s location would become a stop on any tour of Thailand’s beaches, creating further damage to the pristine natural environment of the island. I didn’t really expect to find Garland’s perfect beach at Maya Bay, but I wanted to take a look anyway.

On the day I visited in 2003, Maya Bay’s once-pristine water was coated with a light sheen of spilled diesel fuel, and tourists like me swarmed the white sand. My heart sunk to see what tourism had made of this idyllic place. Today, 10 years after my trip, tourists still report polluted water and unchecked tourism on Maya Bay.

The island of Ko Lanta was my next stop. Ko Lanta’s sand wasn’t the whitest, and the beaches were dotted with tourists, but the laid-back feel of the island seduced me to stay well over three weeks. Each night, Charles and I ate at one of the many open-air restaurants, and each day we swam in the clear, shallow waters.

Eventually, I decided to continue my search for Garland’s perfect beach on the isolated, and largely unknown, island of Ko Mook. The longtail boat swept me past towering limestone cliffs and lush greens of little islands that dot the Andaman coast.

My first glimpse of Ko Mook (also spelled Koh Muk) was the less than one kilometer long stretch of perfect white sand on Farang (the Thai word for foreigner) Beach. Carrying my backpack precariously, I waded toward the little bamboo bungalows that dotted the length of the beach.

Boasting only a few resorts, Ko Mook was decidedly more serene than any of the other islands I’d visited on my quest. The only sign of nightlife on the island was a small beachfront bar, with six tables on the sand, serving ice-cold beer and cocktails. The only television in sight was in the restaurant at Charlies’ Resort. For meals, there was a choice of the four restaurants at the local resorts (Sawatdee’s, Charlie’s, Hat Farang, and the newest resort, Rubbertree). All the restaurants served excellent Thai food, Western breakfasts, and standard Western fare like sandwiches and spaghetti. Typically, a main course cost between 50 and 100 baht (about $1.50 – $3.50 USD).

Every evening, everyone on the island made his or her way down to the beach to watch the sun set. I spent most afternoons running from the beach’s perfect, wide strip of powdery white sand into the warm, emerald green water. The only complaint was the water fleas, which would sometimes bite mercilessly, feeling like stinging little mosquito bites under water. They never left a mark, and only stung for a few seconds, but the bites were still a little bit disconcerting!

Overall, the beach was almost deserted, apart from a half dozen tourists, and occasionally some local young men and women. The local people of Ko Mook are Muslim, and they often swam in full clothing, including long skirts or trousers, and full head coverings. Their modestly contrasted sharply with us Western tourists, who mostly wore tiny Speedos or string bikinis, and sometimes even went topless.

Was Ko Mook my equivalent of Garland’s perfect beach? Definitely not. Garland’s paradise would never have resorts; it would be perfectly isolated and unspoiled.

Did I ever find Garland’s perfect beach?

No. Though I did find the beauty I was looking for in the emerald green waters of Krabi, and relaxation in the laid back beach life of Ko Mook and Ko Lanta.

Garland’s perfect beach may still exist… somewhere.

But every year, as tourists just like me travel to even more distant coastlines in search of paradise, the perfect beach becomes more lost. Eventually, I can’t help but wonder if it will exist at all.

Did you like this article? You can read more of our Flashback articles, where we explore driving through Australia’s isolated Outback, watch jumping crocodiles and visit the wild and beautiful Fraser Island.

The little beach town of Akumal wins big points for delivering one of the coolest attractions in the area for almost nothing: snorkeling with endangered green sea turtles.

Updated for 2017. Click here to see a quick addendum at the bottom for the new restrictions. Because of changes, it may be easiest to snorkel with an organized tour, as your guide will know what’s allowed and what isn’t.

See tour prices here.

Need a little more incentive to check it out? I shot this video after about 10 minutes in the water, only 50 feet from shore.

Best of all, you don’t need to rent a boat or even need a guide to go snorkeling with the turtles. They’re a short swim straight from shore. We’ve been to Akumal Bay several times, and we’ve seen sea turtles (and some very strange behavior by fellow snorkelers) each time we’ve visited.

The ocean floor at Akumal is covered with sea grass, one of the turtles’ favorite foods. They’ll linger for hours in the bay, casually munching on the grass, and giving you a chance to get up close and personal.

Aside from turtles, there isn’t much other marine life in the shallow waters of Akumal Bay, except a few stray fish that swim by. The bay’s mostly covered with sea grass, which is great for attracting turtles, but it doesn’t attract many fish, as there are few rocks to hide among. If you’re very lucky, you’ll see a barracuda or sting ray wandering through. If you want to see more than just turtles, be prepared to swim a little farther or even walk over to Half Moon Bay for a little more color.

How do I get here?

Akumal’s a short 22 miles (35 km) south of Playa del Carmen (or 66 miles (106 km) from Cancun), on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. It’s also about 17 miles (27 km) north of Tulum.

The most inexpensive way to get to Akumal from Playa del Carmen is by collectivo (a shared van/bus). You can catch the collectivo in Playa del Carmen on Calle 2 Norte between Av. 10 and 15. Collectivos are white with blue writing, air conditioned and hold up to 14 people at a time. The fare is 35 pesos (about $2.75 USD) for tourists. Children who sit on your lap are usually free. Collectivos leave when they’re full, but usually only take a few minutes to fill. Collectivos are small, so if you have a lot of luggage, you may want to take a bus or taxi. When you leave Akumal, you can catch a collectivo where the main road and the highway meet. Just flag down a white van with writing on the side full of people and you’ll do fine.

The collectivo or bus from Playa del Carmen will usually drop you off by the pedestrian overpass on the highway. Cross over the overpass and keep following the road for about 1/2 km and you’ll be walking through an archway. Keep going straight and you’ll be on the beach. If the collectivo drops you off in Akumal town, just follow the road back across the highway and you’ll do fine.

Another option for getting to Akumal from Playa is to take a bus. The ADO buses do not stop in Akumal, so you’ll need to take a second class Mayab bus. Catch the Mayab bus at the terminal on 5th and Juarez – the sign in the window may say Tulum since it’s the same bus. The Mayab bus schedule is very flexible, so for the price and wait you’re probably better off taking a collectivo.

If you drive, simply take the main highway from Playa to Akumal, and park in the public lot near the beach.

You can also take a taxi from Playa del Carmen (which is a great option for larger groups), and should cost around $20 to $25 USD . If you pay in pesos, you should get a slightly better rate. Expect to pay about twice this rate if you need a special van taxi that will hold six or more people. If you’re heading back to Playa after a day at the beach, there are always taxis waiting as you cross under the archway. There’s no fixed price so be prepared to haggle. $20 USD seems to be the cheapest rate.

It’s about a 10 minute walk from the overpass over the highway east to Akumal Bay itself.

Akumal’s a tiny beach town, so getting to the bay is a piece of cake. You’ll pass a convenience store on your left side. Prices here are fairly high, but it’s a great place to grab a bottle of water and snacks for the beach.

There’s a small library and playground on your left as well.

The water in the bay is calm, warm and Caribbean clear. It’s a great spot for small children to play, but you definitely won’t be doing any surfing, as the waves are tiny.

There aren’t an overabundance of palm trees offering shade on the beach, so shady spots are at a premium. You should be able to grab a spot in the shade, but expect to be pretty close to other beach goers.

Don’t have your own snorkeling equipment? No problem.

You can rent snorkels, fins and masks right in the bay. The Akumal Dive Center is located next to the Lol-ha Restaurant, while the Akumal Dive Shop is on the North end of the bay. A mask and snorkel cost around $6 USD, fins are about $6 USD and a life jacket (if you need it) will set you back another $6 USD. You’ll need to bring your own towels, ID and a deposit. The dive sites also rent lockers. If you’re staying at a hostel, many hostels will rent snorkel equipment for about 50 pesos.

Respect the turtles

Remember, the turtles are wild animals in their natural environment. Getting too close, touching them or trying to feed them is a definite no-no. While these turtles are used to people, loud noises (like yelling right beside them as they’re grazing) and getting too close can disturb their feeding patterns and cause them stress.

Where to eat?

The rightfully popular Lolha (sometimes spelled Lol-ha) restaurant is Akumal’s go-to place to eat. It’s right on the beach, and offers up everything from fruit smoothies to seafood and vegetarian options. Check out reviews of Lolha on Tripadvisor and some other Akumal restaurants. If you want to save some cash, bring a picnic lunch and sprawl out under the palm trees on the beach.

More information

Does all this seem like too much work?

We get you; sometimes you just want to relax and have the work done for you. Viator offers a really good Click here to check it out. They also have tours that leave from Cozumel and Cancun.

Check Cozumel tour prices here.

Check prices for tours from Cancun.

Check prices here for tours from Playa del Carmen.

Updates for 2017

It seems there have been some changes to the rules in Akumal in regards to swimming with sea turtles. We drove through Akumal in late February however we didn’t have time to snorkel with sea turtles that day. We have talked to a few local “experts” though since it seems people are having issues snorkeling right now.

It appears that the government is a little wary of the number of tourists that are getting a little too friendly with the animals. They’ve changed it so that people now need to wear a life jacket while snorkeling to prevent people from diving down and harassing the sea turtles. There has also been reports that people are no longer allowed to use flippers anymore. There has even been days when everyone was prohibited from swimming past the close buoys due to turtle laying (February is typically green sea turtle laying month).

So what’s the verdict? Can you still swim with sea turtles in Akumal? The answer is yes however the government is still trying to regulate how it’s going to work. That means that there are still going to be some changes going forward and we’ll post back here once it’s all finalized.

For now, it may be helpful to go with an organized tour, as your guide will know what’s allowed and what isn’t.

See tour prices and details here.

As of right now, people are still snorkeling with them, however the life jacket requirement still appears in effect. You can rent a life jacket from the main dive shop for around $5 for the day so it’s still a good deal. You can also opt to get a tour which provides a life jacket, a guide and snorkeling equipment or just rent a jacket and snorkel gear if you need them.

You can still go it alone if you wish and some people have said that if you go further down the beach you can still use flippers however you might get in trouble if you come closer to the main area.

Another option is to go snorkeling in Half Moon Bay. It’s the next bay to the left of the main beach. You can even opt to go snorkeling in Yal-Ku Lagoon for a small fee that includes lockers, washrooms and showers. It’s even further left than Half Moon Bay but it gets decent enough reviews that if for some reason you’re having trouble snorkeling in Akumal, your planned snorkel trip isn’t totally wasted.

You can also go to a local cenote. There’s a few between Akumal and Playa Del Carmen. We wrote about Cenote Crystalino a few years back but the information is still valid.

We’ll post here again when everything is settled regarding swimming with sea turtles in Akumal however the moral of the story is this: Don’t harass the turtles. Not only are you scaring away an endangered animal but you’re also ruining the chances for others to experience them in nature as well. Keep your distance, don’t try to touch them and for God’s sake, don’t flash them.

Have you been snorkeling at Akumal? Have any tips? Let us know!