The World’s Most Swimmable Beaches

Comparing beaches is like comparing apples and… coconuts. Some prefer a bustling social scene, others demand quality shade palms to snooze away the day.

One thing all beachgoers can agree on is the importance of safe and swimmable seas.

Splash out on a visit to one of our 20 can’t-miss tropical dips.

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The Riviera Maya is home to a dozen beaches that could make this list — the soft white sand and clear aqua waters of Maroma Beach (10m north of Playa del Carmen) and the turtle haven of jungle-fringed Akumal Beach (21m south of Playa del Carmen) being two notable favorites.

But not many beaches can offer not only a view of the surf and swells, but well-preserved ancient Mayan ruins.

At the foot of El Castillo, a particularly large stone structure dotted with resident iguanas, lies a wooden staircase down to the swimming cove. (Locals access the beach via a clearly marked jungle path south of the ruins to avoid paying national park fees.)

Where to stay: Azulik Lodge

Travel past Wailea’s perfectly manicured upscale resort grounds to a 1.5 mile golden shore piece of paradise in Makena State Park.

There are no commercial services on the undeveloped beach, so be sure to stop by the chilled fruit stand or handful of food trucks waiting to serve up “ono” eats in the parking lot for refreshments. Visitors come to sunbathe or body surf with a view of Molokini Crater.

During high swells days, inexperienced swimmers might want to stick to the sand and enjoy the extreme boogie boarding antics on display. Climbing a rough trail over the rocks on the north end of the beach leads to Little Beach, the island’s popular nude beach.

Where to stay: Fairmont Kea Lani – Maui  

The pink sand of Bermuda’s beaches earns its blush thanks to the wealth of red foraminifera growing below the coral reefs. This glowing hue only further sets off the brilliant turquoise waters capped by white foam.

Nearly every beach on the island is gorgeous, but when ships are in, the most popular shores can be too congested to enjoy.

Skip bustling Horseshoe Bay Beach for Elbow Beach, the resort bearing the same name offering a beachside café for refreshments and sushi bar. Car rentals are not available to visitors (though mopeds are), but taxis and a well managed system of pink public buses stop at the public access walk to the beach.

Where to stay: Elbow Beach Hotel

Thailand has numerous overdone beach destinations, like Koh Samui and Kho Panang, but with a little research (or connecting with the right local longtail boat) heading off the beaten path for a day of relaxation can be done.

Trang island has clear waters for prime snorkeling and coral reefs you can stroll to at low tide. that you can easily see fish swimming around, and when the tide is low, you can walk to the coral reefs.

Earn your cold Singha beer by kayaking around the half-resort/half national park island (about three hours).

Where to stay: Kradan Beach Resort