Spotting the burrows of the black petrels at Glenfern Sanctuary and the hillside was like magic! The burrows had eggs in a cream shade with tan freckles. They almost looked like the eggs of a hen, though slightly larger.
Also, some chicks were chirping their hearts out inside the burrows. They looked like those squishy dog toys. Now, spotting birds is one of the most fulfilling activities when you are camping on Great Barrier Island, New Zealand.
Furthermore, if days were about hiking and spotting the birds, the nights were about indulging in the surreal beauty of the celestial bodies at this designated Dark Sky Sanctuary.
Moreover, camping in Great Barrier Island is a true off-grid and remote experience.
No Streetlight!
No Public Rubbish Bins!
And, No Powered Camping Sites!
It’s just you, the camping tent, and the rugged beauty of New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf.
Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about the Great Barrier Island camping tips. Here, you will learn about the must-book DOC sites, the non-negotiable biosecurity rules, and everything else you need to plan your adventure.
Camping In Aotea, Great Barrier Island: Setting The Right Mindset For Biosecurity And Sustainability
Aotea isn’t a place that just hands you its beauty. It’s a place that makes you earn it. It’s a true adventure that rewards you for being self-sufficient.
It’s the thrill of waking up to the raucous call of a Kākā parrot, not an alarm clock. It’s the magic of watching the Milky Way rise over the dunes at Medlands Beach, and the peace of having a rugged, white-sand cove all to yourself.
Also, it is one of the rare islands that serve as sanctuaries, and with 60% of its area protected by the Department of Conservation, Great Barrier Island demands the utmost care for biosecurity and the adoption of sustainable practices.
So, before you want to explore the best camping spots on Great Barrier Island New Zealand, you have to build your mindset.
This is your invitation to join a small community of travellers who value wild, authentic, and responsible adventure.
1. Offering The True Off-Grid Experience
The campsites of the Great Barrier Island are exactly what the island is. They are not powered, and they have basic amenities. Furthermore, open fire is not allowed in these campsites.
So, you will have to bring fuel-powered or gas cookers. Furthemore, the Department of Conservation camping sites have only a specific number of tents. So, you need to make the booking well in advance. Contact the Department of Conservation (DoC) at 0800 275 362.
2. The Golden Rule: “Pack In, Pack Out”
Zero waste and recycling are important for the sustainability and environmentally friendly practices of the Great Barrier Island. However, the island does not have public rubbish bins.
So, whatever you carry to the island, you will have to take it back. You must use the official Orange Council bags with stickers for trash disposal.
3. Biosecurity Is Most Important
Protecting the Kauri trees from the infamous “Kauri Dieback disease” and the island’s endemic animals requires a high level of biosecurity.
So, when you leave for the Great Barrier Island from Auckland, you will have to check for ants and rats. Also, when you leave Great Barrier Island, check the tents and packs for skinks.
In addition, the Phytophthora Agathidicida attack on the kauri trees has been a serious concern. Stopping the soil movement is crucial to stopping the attack of this dieback disease. Soil movement can happen through pigs, footwear, and vehicles.
Therefore, the Department of Conservation (DoC) cleaning stations play an important role in cleaning and removing soil from your gear and footwear before entering a kauri forest on Great Barrier Island, New Zealand.
If you are camping in any of the DoC sites, you have to make the booking online well in advance. Private camping sites can be booked directly.
Here is the step-by-step guide for booking a DoC Campsite on the Great Barrier Island.
First, visit the Department of Conservation site for the particular campsite. For example, let’s talk about the Akapoua Bay Campsite.
On the dedicated Akapoua Bay Campsite page, you will get to know about the campsite and the fees.
The fees for the Akapoua Bay Campsite are $18 per night for adults, $9 per night for children ages 5 to 17, and $0 per night for infants ages 0 to 4.
In addition, you can book a campsite pass from the Department of Conservation of New Zealand. It will give you access to all the bookable and non-bookable campsites in the country.
If you need any assistance in booking the campsite pass, you can avail of that at a service tax of $10. For adults, the camping pass will cost $295.00 (365 nights), and for children between 5 and 17 years, the pass will cost $147.50.
Moreover, for children below 5 years, the camping pass is free.
If you need any assistance regarding the booking of the 1-year campsite pass or a pass for any specific site, you can contact Whakatū/Nelson Visitor Centre at +64 3 546 9339 or email them at nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz.
The Kauaeranga Visitor Centre (+64 7 867 9080/kauaerangavc@doc.govt.nz) also offers the same assistance.
What Are The Best Camping Spots On Great Barrier Island New Zealand?
Digital detox has been a trending thing these days, and if you want to truly experience that and shut all the noise in your head, the camping spots on the Great Barrier Island will be the best for you.
Further, the real magic of camping on Aotea starts after sunset. You haven’t lived until you’ve watched the Milky Way rise over your tent from the dunes at Medlands.
However, along with the Medlands Beach, there are 5 other DoC campsites in the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand. Here are the details.
1. Akapoua Bay Campsite
The sheltered waters of Port FitzRoy have a beautiful camping ground, which is like a gateway to the many walking tracks of the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand.
From waking up with a 60-second dash of a cold shower to exploring the paths graced by the pohutukawa trees, the Akapoua Bay Campsite will offer you a peaceful and off-the-grid experience.
The maximum number of campers on this site can be 75. Moreover, the camp is hosted from Christmas to the end of January.
2. Harataonga Campsite
This campground is very close to Harataonga Beach. So, it is an ideal camping site for swimmers and snorkeling enthusiasts.
It can accommodate 120 campers, and this campsite is surrounded by bush and farmland. and camping takes place between Christmas and mid-February. Harataonga is for the romantic escape.
3. Awana Beach Campsite
The Awana Beach Campsite is a surfer’s dream. It has beautiful dunes and farmlands around. It can accommodate 120 campers, and the campground remains open from Christmas to the end of January.
The only problem with this camping site is mosquitoes. So, you have to carry mosquito repellents.
4. Medlands Beach Campsite
The sound of the waves at Medlands. This is the music you will listen to when you go to sleep or wake up at the Medlands Beach Campsite.
Medlands is like an all-rounder. It is ideal for families and surfers alike. The campsite remains open from Christmas to mid-February, and it can accommodate 120 campers.
5. The Green Campsite
You can boat in or walk in the Green Campsite, which remains open from 1st December to the end of February. With a capacity of accommodating only 30 campers, this campsite has a rich history associated with whaling, kauri logging, and timber milling.
The waters of the Whangaparapara Harbour make it an idyllic retreat, and it is also the base of the Aotea Track.
6. Whangapoua Campsite
The Whangapoua Campsite is a surfer’s paradise, and it is located on the edge of the Whangapoua estuary. It is also a favorite camping site for fishing.
With an accommodation capacity of 150 people, this campsite remains open from Christmas to the end of February. However, the biggest highlight of this camping site is the views of Rakitu Island and Mount Hirakimata.
A Comparison Summary Table Of The DoC Camping Sites On The Great Barrier Island, New Zealand
DoC Campsite
Access
Landscape
Facilities
Activities
Dog Access
Fees
Akapoua Bay Campsite
Campervan, Car and Caravan
Coastal
Boat Launching, Cooking Shelter, Cold Shower, Non-Flush Toilets for Men and Women
Boating, Fishing, Walking, and Tramping
No
Adults: $18 per night, Children of 5-17 years, $9 per night, and Children below 5 years: free
Harataonga Beach
Campervan, Car and Caravan
Coastal
Cooking Shelter, Cold Shower, Non-Flush Toilets for Men and Women
Swimming, Snorkeling, Fishing
No
Adults: $18 per night, Children of 5-17 years, $9 per night, and Children below 5 years: free
Awana Beach Campsite
Campervan, Car and Caravan
Coastal
Cooking Shelter, Cold Shower, Non-Flush Toilets for Men and Women
Kayaking and Canoeing
No
Adults: $18 per night, Children of 5-17 years, $9 per night, and Children below 5 years: free
Medlands Beach Campsite
Campervan, Car and Caravan
Coastal
Boat Launching, Cooking Shelter, Cold Shower, Non-Flush Toilets for Men and Women
Fishing, Surfing, Swimming
No
Adults: $18 per night, Children of 5-17 years, $9 per night, and Children below 5 years: free
The Green Campsite
Boat, Foot
Coastal
Cooking Shelter, Non-Flush Toilets for Men and Women
Hiking, Boating
No
Adults: $18 per night, Children of 5-17 years, $9 per night, and Children below 5 years: free
Whangapoua campsite
Campervan, Car and Caravan
Coastal
Cooking Shelter, Cold Shower, Non-Flush Toilets for Men and Women
Fishing, Surfing
No
Adults: $18 per night, Children of 5-17 years, $9 per night, and Children below 5 years: free
Insider Tips For Camping At DoC Campsites On The Great Barrier Island
If you are camping in a caravan or campervan, remember that the gravel roads leading to the camping sites, especially the Harataonga Campsite, are steep and winding. Also, the sites are off-the-grid.
Furthermore, the campervans are not usually allowed on the beaches.
The Best Private & Unique Camping Options On The Great Barrier Island
The Great Barrier Island Campground, spanning over an area of 12 square acres, is an ideal camping ground for access to different beach activities.
The camping site is located at a distance of just 200 meters from the beach. The camping fee at the Great Barrier Island Campground is $10 per person per night. You can contact them at 021 298 8905 for booking.
2. Mickeys Place
The O’Shea Family farm in Awana houses the Mickey’s Place camping ground. It is a family-friendly camping site with the following facilities.
A Communal Cooking Area
Flush Toilets
Showers
Patrick, Sean, and Mickey are the hosts of this campsite, and you can contact them at 09 4290 140.
3. Stray Possum
Stary Possum in Tryphena is an ideal camping site for backpackers. If you are camping here, you will have access to the kitchen, toilets, and showers of the adjacent Stray Possum Lodge.
This camping site has 14 tents, and you can call 09 4290 109 for booking details.
21 Essential Great Barrier Island Camping Tips
I promised you tips, and here they are. Do not go to Great Barrier Island without reading this checklist.
• Packing And Food
1. Bringing a Gas Cooker
Open fires are banned in the Camping sites of the Great Barrier Island. So, you will have to bring a gas burner for preparing your food.
2. Packing Your Food
Groceries are not available everywhere, and they are even very expensive. So, it is better to collect and pack the groceries you will need before leaving Auckland.
3. Bringing a Good Chilly Bin
You will need this insulated chest for storing warm and cold food items.
4. Bringing a Red-Light Torch
The island is a Dark Sky Sanctuary. A red torch lets you stargaze without ruining your night vision.
5. Bringing Cash
EFTPOS (debit) is unreliable, and many camping sites only accept cash.
6. Packing Warm Clothes
The weather can suddenly become cold, even on summer days. So, you will have to pack layered clothes.
7. Carrying Mosquito and Insect Repellent
Sandflies and mosquitoes are notorious on Great Barrier Island. So, you will have to carry an insect repellent.
• On-Site & Facilities
8. Cold Showers
Most shower stations on the Great Barrier Island are cold water shower stations. This is great as the dash of cold water in the morning, literally works as the eye opener.
9. Long-Drop Toilets
The long-drop toilets are basic and waterless. Using these pit toilets can be challenging for some campers.
10. Drinking Water
The tap water available at these sites is not ideal for drinking unless it is purified or boiled.
11. Pet-Friendly
The DoC camping grounds are not accessible to dogs. This is crucial for the protection of wildlife, the safety of the pets, and soil movement, causing the resurrection of pets and parasites affecting the local flora and fauna.
12. Booking
The slots for camping sites such as Medlands, Akapoua get sold more than 6 months in advance for the Christmas and New Year periods. So, it is indeed a year-long planning.
13. Alcohol Rules
The consumption of alcohol can be banned in various camping sites, especially during the peak seasons. So, check with the camping site authority.
• Transport & Logistics
14. Having a Vehicle
Having a vehicle is a must for moving around the rugged and large Great Barrier Island. You cannot walk between the sites.
15. Renting a 4WD (or 4WD-Capable)
The roads to various campsites are challenging. The road to Harataonga, especially, is very difficult. So, you will have to rent a 4WD-capable vehicle.
16. The Motorhome/Campervan Reality
The gravel roads are narrow, steep, and winding, and if you are planning to camp in a large RV, you will definitely struggle.
17. The Dump Station Nightmare
There is only one dump station in Claris, and it is only for black water or toilet waste. You will have to carry your grey water or sink with you.
18. Freedom Camping
Freedom camping on the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, is a fascinating idea. However, the reality is quite different. It is heavily restricted, and sticking to the DoC sites is the best option.
• Safety & Etiquette
19. Using a Paper Map
Mobile network and GPS will not function in various parts of the Great Barrier Island. So, you will have to carry a paper map.
20. Tell Someone Your Plans
If you are hiking on the Great Barrier Island, you have to keep someone informed. The wilderness and remote locations of the hiking trails can throw many challenges, despite having an easy to moderately difficult level.
21. Being a Good Neighbour
You must respect the quiet, off-grid, and nature-first vibe of the Great Barrier Island. So, you have to keep the noise level down.
How To Reach The Aotea Great Barrier Island With Your Camping Gear?
For campers, especially the ones with campervans, traveling by the ferry from SeaLink is the best option. It is the only mode of transportation in which passengers and cars are both transported.
It is a 4.5-hour picturesque journey from Auckland.
Your Great Barrier Island Camping Adventure Is Calling
Camping on the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, is the right mix of adventure, soaking in nature, and cherishing the off-the-grid living of the island. However, it’s not going to be easy with the amenities at the campsites being basic, and even the gravel roads posing challenges for the big RVs and campervans.
Also, you will have to take care of biosecurity and all the sustainability guidelines to ensure that the island, a sanctuary of wildlife, does not get impacted negatively. Conservation as a pristine sanctuary is the reason why camping in the Great Barrier Island allowed us to see a billion more stars and birds than I have ever seen in my life.
Sibashree is a travel, culture, and leisure writer who has been writing since the age of 12 and professionally since 2014. With more than a decade of travel writing experience and journeys across India and several parts of the world, she brings a deeply personal and thoughtful perspective to her work. A student of English Literature and Mass Communication, Sibashree has always viewed travel as more than movement — for her, it has been a way of understanding people, cultures, and herself. Her passion for spiritual exploration has also led her to many unusual and meaningful destinations over the years. Outside of writing, Sibashree enjoys watching European cinema, reading about global politics, and reflecting on the stories hidden within everyday places.
If you have a fun trip coming up, it's important to bring things that will make it a top-notch experience.
Different trips will call for different things, but here are some basics that can make a difference for your next vacation,
Here Are Five Impotent Things To Pack For Your Next Vacation
1. Entertainment
Of course, wherever you may go, you'll be more than entertained by the city and things to do at your destination. But, if you're planning a chill vacation, you may be left with time to lounge around, which means you'll need something to keep you entertained while lying at the beach for hours.
Get used books or audiobooks before your next trip to keep your mind entertained, whether you're chilling at the beach or taking a long international flight overseas. If you're a parent traveling with kids, packing entertainment can also be helpful for a smooth and successful vacation experience.
2. Great outfits
Going on vacation is an opportunity to go all out with your outfits. You may not be able to wear summer dresses to work, but you can stand out in your favorite dress on vacation.
Pack all those fabulous outfits that you wish you could wear more often. Don't forget to include comfortable shoes, especially if you'll be doing a lot of walking.
Make sure also to check out the weather conditions expected at your destination so that you can be sure to pack accordingly. From rain gear to summer wear, knowing the climate of your destination will make it easy for you to pack the right clothes.
3. Extra money
If you want to enjoy your vacation as much as possible, set aside some extra cash so that you can do all the activities you want to, and spend a little extra on things that you typically wouldn't. Vacation is a time to treat yourself, so make sure you have the means to do so before you board that flight.
Apart from making sure you have extra money to spend, set aside some extra cash so that you always have some money on you, just in case something happens with your credit cards while traveling abroad.
4. Your favorite toiletries
Because you may not be able to find the toiletries you love and depend on in the destination you'll be visiting, it's essential to pack a toiletry bag with lighter versions of your main staples. Whether you need a specific shampoo or anti-acne product, take care of yourself by packing your favorite travel-size toiletries in your carry-on.
5. Extra space
If you have a great vacation planned for somewhere unique, make sure to include extra space in your bag so you can bring home souvenirs and special items from the place you'll be visiting.
You can find anything from tapestry to jewelry while on vacation that you wouldn't find at home, and with extra space in your bag, you don't have to feel concerned about being able to bring it back. Think ahead when packing so you can leave out some things that you may be able to buy at your destination.
In Conclusion
From books to comfortable shoes, there are plenty of things that you'll want to pack for a successful vacation. You will also want to bring your favorite travel-size toiletries and pack the best outfits so you can look your best on your next adventure.
A vacation where you bring everything you need (but not in excess) can allow you to have a smooth and fun experience that is stress-free. What are your go-to's for the perfect vacation? Consider the list above if you need help packing for your next getaway.
Read Also:
Top 11 Outlets In Massachusetts You Can Visit While Traveling
3 Reasons To Consider A Cycling Vacation
Tips For Vacationing In Gatlinburg
Travel is not a thing to be taken lightly. The ability to explore the world is well and truly a privilege, born of new travel capabilities and ever-more global communities. Travel is a gift – but choosing where to travel can feel like something of a course. Say you’re looking for somewhere utterly beautiful to visit; where should you go?
Any list of this nature is unavoidably subjective; beautiful places are often bucket-list places, fanned out across a wide-open world and which appeal to very specific sensibilities. Someone who sees the delicate nature of life through the coral reefs of Sharm El-Sheikh might not find that same sublimity in the harsh expanse of the Grand Canyon.
As such, this list doesn’t seek to define or even rank ‘beauty’ from destination to destination. Rather, it’s designed to be a crib sheet – a handy guide by which to inform your own decision-making, should you be planning the trip of a lifetime. And these are just a handful of suggestions, too!
The Azores, Portugal
The Azores are Portuguese territory, but a far cry from the Iberian Peninsula. These nine volcanic islands are way out in the mid-Atlantic Ocean, boasting some of the most incredible island landscapes of the entire world. Secluded bays, beautiful villages, unspoiled sands and so much more await the intrepid traveler.
A private jet rental can bring you to the quiet runways of Ponta Delgada in consummate luxury – from where you can enjoy the unusually lush green landscape that surrounds you. The Lago das Sete Cidades, a crater lake of indescribable magnificence, is a short hop away and unlike anything you have ever seen before.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – Kyoto, Japan
On practically the opposite side of the globe, Japan plays host to an incredible array of stunning views and sublime locales. It is especially hard to choose between them, particularly when so much of Japan’s landscape is forever immortalized in art and pop culture. One stand-out bucket-list location is an unassuming one in comparison, but no less popular for its size.
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, nestled in the suburban northwest of Kyoto, is a stunning forest of pure green bamboo. Paths run through the trees, allowing you to soak in this utterly unique forest experience – with an outside chance of meeting a few monkeys in the process.
Reynisfjara, Iceland
I challenge you to find any destination in Iceland that is not an emotionally moving location or landscape. Reynisfjara stands apart from the jagged volcanism of the inland, though, being a black sand beach that is every bit as mesmerizing in person as it is in the pictures. Iceland is worth a tour of its own, but Reynisfjara should be high on your list of places to visit.
Banff National Park, Canada
While globe-hopping can help with getting up close to the best sights on the planet, there are those that are little more than a stone’s throw away. A brief stint north of the border could take you to Banff National Park in Canada, where you can explore the Rockies like nowhere else: above and below. This mountainous terrain hides incredible views, stunning glacier lakes, and a network of caves and basins that defy your eyes.
Read Also:
How To Plan A Best One-Day Trip To Atlanta With Family?
What Is Most Likely To Cause Someone To Fall Overboard?
Top 10 Scenic Snowflake Cities In The U.S. To Travel To This Winter
The beauty of a tropical beach is truly unmatched - the beautiful sky stretching endlessly, the glistening white sand everywhere, coconut trees creating a perfect backdrop against the sky, and the sea.
Oh, the beautiful sea! The blue waters and the rhythmic soft crash of waves on the beach always end up transporting me to a land far away.
In this land, I am a lone wolf, much like Robinson Crusoe on an adventure - and no, before you ask, I don’t need my man Friday here.
All the beauty around is the perfect companion - you don’t really need anything, especially if you have been seeking an escape from your daily, mundane corporate life.
I am not here to convince you about taking a much-needed vacation - because I’m sure you are already planning one. But I am here to share my favorite tropical beaches from around the world.
For context, my mother is a national-level professional diver - and it is only normal that I spent my teenage years and most of my 20s visiting beaches around the world - nothing makes me calmer than spending a few days by a beautiful beach.
So here I am with a singular purpose - to share my list of the best tropical beaches around the globe.
I’ve also attached a complete itinerary for each beach to help you out, in case you want to plan a visit to any of these beaches.
Stay tuned.
The 10 BEST Tropical Beaches In The World:
So, without wasting time talking about boring beaches, let’s check out some of the most beautiful tropical beaches across the globe.
10. Makena Beach (Maui, Hawaii):
I have a soft corner for Hawaii in my heart for years now - nearly a decade to be precise. I was only 19 when I first visited Hawaii on a family vacation.
Since then, I’ve returned a few times - because I just can’t get enough of this beautiful island.
Also known as the Big Beach, Makena Beach is located in Makena State Park on the island of Maui.
With white sand stretching for 3000 feet or more, Makena Beach is perhaps one of the longest beaches in Maui.
Moreover, it is a very popular tropical beach in Hawaii - and rightfully so! Also, I love how there is a rocky formation on the northern part of the beach.
Additionally, if you want to climb this volcanic formation, a small (but beautiful) surprise awaits - welcome to the Little Beach, a popular nudist beach.
FYI, it is illegal to indulge in nude sunbathing when you are in Hawaii - but, on Little Beach, nobody really cares!
9. Nusa Lembongan (Bali, Indonesia):
Of course, Nusa Lembongan is not the best tropical beach in Bali - the place has so much to offer when it comes to beautiful beaches.
But for me, Nusa Lembongan is special - and I recommend it heartily to everyone.
So what is it about Nusa Lembongan that appeals to me so much? It’s about the vibe for me, really - I love the low-key, chill vibes here.
It was a relaxing weekend. Also, I stayed with my partner at this stunning beachfront property with a pool overlooking the beach.
Additionally, during low tide, the beach exposed a seaweed farm - it was so cool. This was an epic experience, especially the sunset - it was so serene, reflective, and deeply romantic.
8. Yasawa Island (Fiji):
Fiji is a spectacular country with its string of stunning islands.
I was only 17 when I traveled to Fiji for the first time, and I'm so thankful that I was able to visit one of Fiji’s most remote islands, the Yasawa Island.
While I haven’t been back to Fiji in the past 12 years, I can say Yasawa continues to be one of my favorite tranquil escapes.
Interestingly, the only way to reach Yasawa Island is fly on a puddle-hopper plane or take a boat. Since there is no runway on the island, the eight-seater aircraft uses a grass strip. Moreover, the island is home to only one resort - the Yasawa Island Resort and Spa.
Because the place is so remote, nature feels untouched here - the ocean and the beach are absolutely clean, tranquil, and mesmerizing!
So, if you have been looking for a secluded tropical beach, this is your answer. It’s practically the middle of nowhere - somewhere in the middle of the vast South Pacific Ocean, on a small island.
7. Eagle Beach (Aruba):
While the beautiful waters of Aruba are famous, I suggest visiting just for the fun island charm you will find here.
Interestingly, the most popular beach in Aruba is Palm Beach. But it is also the most crowded spot in Aruba, thanks to the high-rise hotels and famous tour operators.
However, it wasn’t really my thing. For starters, I hate very crowded places, and everything seemed too commercial. I am more of an organic person. As a result, Eagle Beach had a different kind of appeal.
The water at Eagle Beach is calm and beautiful. Moreover, it is not crowded, which makes the entire vibe of the place very low-key and peaceful (just what I like)
6. Grace Bay Beach (Turks & Caicos):
The Turks & Caicos are famous for their tranquil, turquoise waters and beaches with white sand.
But if I had to pick my favorite beach here, it would always be Grace Bay Beach. Why? Because you can walk for miles on uninterrupted stretches of sand with plenty of quiet, serene corners.
Moreover, small markets and small restaurants are scattered along the beach, without making the experience too commercial for tourists.
Also, this is the most popular beach located in Providenciales with fancy hotels and too many tourists.
But don’t let that discourage you - the beach is long enough for you to find your peace, much like I did.
5. Carlisle Bay (Barbados):
Without a doubt, Barbados is home to some of the Caribbean’s best tropical beaches. And while I’ve been here a number of times, Carlisle Bay is my absolute favorite.
Located just outside Bridgetown, Carlisle Bay has a ton of activities on offer. From sunbathing and snorkelling to paddleboarding, there’s so much to try out.
Moreover, there are several nice hotels here, and in spite of all the accommodations on the bay, the place is relatively quiet. Also, I fell in love with the crystal-clear water here.
And the best part? You might just end up spotting a turtle if you are out snorkeling.
4. Kalalau Beach (Kauai, Hawaii):
If you have been planning a trip to Kauai Island in Hawaii, chances are you have definitely come across the NaPali Coast, and more importantly, the famous Kalalau Trail.
So, I’ve been to Kauai Island thrice, and it is the jaw-dropping landscape that appeals to me so much - it is unlike anything I have ever seen.
FYI, the NaPali Coast is a rugged, mountainous region - there are no roads, and accessibility is zero. The only way to commute here is either by taking a boat or hiking for 11 miles (17 kms).
In case you choose to hike, note that the trail is right beside cliffs that are over 2000 feet high.
While this is definitely not for anyone faint-hearted, once you hike to the destination, you will be mesmerized - Kalalau Beach awaits you!
Located in the gorgeous Kalalau Valley, the beach has a stunning backdrop. What makes Kalalau Beach so special is how difficult it is to reach this place.
But be careful - this place is not meant for swimming. The currents and rip-tide are no joke. Plus, people have actually died or gotten injured in this area.
Also, if you are hiking, you will need a permit beforehand.
Additionally, you can also hike specific parts of the valley via another park - this park offers a different perspective of the valley and the beach.
You can also go for a helicopter ride in this region - the views are absolutely stunning!
3. El Nido (Palawan, The Philippines):
I visited the Philippines in 2021, and on my first visit itself, El Nido had my heart.
Located in Palawan, the beautiful El Nido is famous for its gorgeous limestone cliffs, diverse marine life, and its islands.
Moreover, the beach is home to beautiful reefs. As a result, diving here was an exceptional experience. Plus, the landscape was spectacular. I just hope that the marine life in this region continues to be untouched.
Also, I loved how you need a boat to visit most islands in this region - it makes everything remote, unique, and memorable.
2. Baa Atoll (The Maldives):
Located in the beautiful (and very popular) Maldives, Baa Atoll is a UNESCO biosphere reserve - and that too since 2011.
FYI, the Maldives has only one such biosphere reserve - and this is precisely why you must consider planning a trip to Baa Atoll.
Due to the vast ecological diversity in Baa Atoll, including one of the biggest groups of coral reefs located in the Indian Ocean, the beach received UNESCO’s official designation.
Moreover, the area is protected and has several beautiful beaches. Also, most of the resorts here have private beaches with crystal-clear water.
In addition, I found a very cool house reef near the beach - you can explore and check it out.
1. Bimini (The Bahamas):
Located in the Bahamas, Bimini is my favorite tropical beach in the whole world. Of course, you can disagree with me and claim there are better beaches.
TBH, it is possible, but for me, Bimini is home! I’ve visited this island more than five times, and I am definitely going back soon.
If you dream about swimming at a stunning, tropical beach with dolphins on your side, then you should definitely consider visiting Bimini at least once.
Related
