When someone says the word ‘beach’, you would probably think of watching the tides of the ocean that reach for the shore and withdraw only to come back again and again. Not to mention sipping the cool refreshing drinks while soaking in the vitamin D. However, there is a quirkier and unusual side to beaches than the regular sand and water. Here are the top ten unusual beaches around the world.
Playa De Amor, Marieta Islands, Mexico
Playa De Amor, also known as the hidden beach, was a result of bombings in the early 1900s, when the government used the land as a military testing site. The crystal clear deep blue water is a jaw dropping sight, which induces a sense of serenity to the viewer. The hidden beach is invisible from outside view and can only be entered by a long water tunnel that links this beach to the Pacific Ocean.
Bioluminescent Beach, Maldives
The star-like effect in the water is due to the presence of phytoplanktons which emit light for time durations lasting anywhere from a second to a minute. Since Maldives is a very in place to visit for summers, visiting the bioluminescent beach is a must!
Glass Beach, Hanapepe, Kauai, Hawaii
The shoreline of Glass Beach is covered with brown, clear and blue sea glass pebbles. Don’t worry, they do not feel like glass when you step on them and do not rip your skin in half. The glass on this beach is due to all the broken shards from old bottles and windshields but it is smoothened by the moving water.
Maho Beach, Saint Martin Island, Sint Maarten
This beach lies adjacent to the Princess Juliana International Airport resulting in aeroplanes flying at a jumping distance from the coast, though that wouldn’t be advised!
Purple Sand Beach, Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, California, USA
Due to the presence of mineral quartz combined with manganese garnet deposits found in the rocks nearby, the colour of the sand of this beach is purple. Although this beach can be hard to find, once visited, the violet colour is a treat to the eyes.
Pig Beach, Big Major Cay, Bahamas
A very rare sight of feral pigs swimming in the clear waters can be witnessed at this scenic, tantalising beach. The cause for the pigs’ presence is unknown, however, they bring an additional incentive for tourists to visit this spot.
Majata Beach, Scala Dei Turchi, Southern Sicily, Realmonte, Italy
Natural white rocks form a stair-like structure near the coastline of this beach. The rocks are composed mainly of mineral Marl which is found in great abundance in nearby areas. Furthermore, Marl is apparently meant to be beneficial for skin. It is not safe to trek this structure, but one can walk on its lower levels and enjoy the view from a slight elevation.
Bowling Ball Beach, Schooner Gulch State Beach, Mendocino County, California, USA
As the name suggests, the bowling ball beach comprises of huge round smooth grey boulders covering a vast area of the land and party the sea. Over large periods of time, water washes the rocks and makes them smoother and rounder, causing them to look even more similar to bowling balls.
Vanishing Beach, Chandipur Beach, Odisha, Eastern India
The seawater of this beach recedes daily by a stretch of 5 kilometres, after which one can easily walk on the seabed. However, one must be cautious and ensure that by the time the tide returns to the shore, no people remain on the seabed. This unique phenomenon which takes place throughout the year makes this beach stand out from the rest.
White Haven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Australia
Not only is the view of this beach spectacular, but also it is said to be the most eco friendly beach in the world. Since the sand particles are composed of Silica (which doesn’t retain heat) visitors can easily walk around without burning their feet.
(The author is a student of The Shri Ram School, Aravali and is a Newsmobile Mobile Journalist)