The World’s 15 Most Dangerous Beaches
When we think of beaches, we normally picture golden sands, turquoise waves, and perfect sunsets. Not every coastal paradise is as peaceful as it appears, however. Thousands of beachgoers are put at risk every year from deadly marine wildlife to ricocheting around powerful rip currents.
According to the United States Lifesaving Association, rip currents cause over 100 deaths annually in the U.S. and account for over 80 percent of surf beach lifeguards’ rescues.
Moreover, beaches worldwide are infamous for shark attacks, jellyfish stings, and hazardous conditions. Here’s a list of the 15 most dangerous beaches around the world, the risks we don’t know about, and insights to help you stay safe on these treacherous coastal hotspots.
New Smyrna Beach, Florida, USA
Known as the “Shark Attack Capital of the World,” New Smyrna Beach in Florida records more shark attacks per square mile than anywhere else on Earth. Especially in the warmer months, blacktip and spinner sharks are frequent visitors.
It is also famous for strong rip currents that kill people every year. Sometimes, swimmers are told not to go near the water unless being escorted by lifeguards or during peak shark seasons.
Praia de Boa Viagem, Brazil
Praia de Boa Viagem (Boa Viagem Beach), located in Recife, Brazil, is infamous for violent shark attacks—by very aggressive tiger sharks.
The warm waters and human activities, such as fishing on the coast, attract these predators. And there are no coral reefs to help defend people. Although pristine, sea experts say it’s terrible to venture too far out.
Hanakapiai Beach, Hawaii, USA
As beautiful as it is deadly, Hanakapiai Beach lies on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. Swimming here is very dangerous because of strong rip currents and unpredictable waves. Over 80 drownings have happened in 40 years.
There are posted warning signs telling people to stay on shore and merely admire the view.
Playa Zipolite, Mexico
Known as the “Beach of the Dead,” Playa Zipolite on Mexico’s Pacific coast hides powerful undertows and rip currents beneath its tranquil appearance. Despite lifeguards now patrolling the area, swimming here remains risky.
Experienced swimmers are advised to exercise caution and be near the shore.
Skeleton Coast, Namibia
The appropriately named Skeleton Coast stretches along the northern part of Namibia’s coast and is a haunting combination of shipwrecks, fog, and powerful currents from the Benguela Current.
At least 11 shark species live in these waters, making them dangerous for vessels and swimmers. Historically called “The Gates of Hell,” this beach is equally eerie and dangerous.
Dumas Beach, India
A haunting reputation is this black sand beach in Gujarat that has got people talking about how the beach is haunted; people have reported paranormal activity, mostly at night.
Other than the eerie appeal of Dumas Beach, it is best known for the powerful currents in its waters that have claimed the lives of many swimmers and sunbathers. Local people advise to stay out of the water, especially at night.
Fraser Island, Australia
The world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island, is a trifecta of hazards. Threats to swimmers include strong rip currents, venomous Irukandji jellyfish, and fatal stings from which there is no antidote. Packs of dingoes have been known to attack visitors on land.
Anybody visiting this island must comply with proper precautions, i.e., stay in designated areas and wear protective gear.
Gansbaai, South Africa
Nicknamed “Shark Alley,” Gansbaai is home to one of the world’s densest populations of great white sharks. Cage diving is popular with tourists who come to get a feel of the waters, but venturing into these waters without having sufficient safety precautions is deadly. With 60,000 seals in nearby waters, this is a hotspot for one of the ocean’s most feared predators.
Kilauea Beach, Hawaii, USA
This Hawaiian beach is near the active Kilauea Volcano and, therefore, features the usual oceanic risks and volcanic dangers. Hazards include sudden lava flows and hot sulfur-laden clouds.
Land and sea alike are dangerous; ocean water can get as hot as 110°F near the point of lava entry. Meanwhile, visitors are asked to follow local guidelines and keep their distance from active zones.
Chowpatty Beach, Mumbai, India
One of the most polluted beaches in the world, famous for its cultural value, is Chowpatty Beach in Mumbai. Its waters have become a health hazard from years of industrial and human waste.
Attempts are being made to clean the beach, but swimming shouldn’t be practiced here because of the risk of infections and diseases.
Staithes Beach, England
Staithes Beach is a quaint but treacherous site in North Yorkshire. This beach is part of landslide-prone cliffs. Hence, there are risks to visitors. Furthermore, oceanic pollution is at its peak, so swimming is unsafe.
Cape Tribulation, Australia
From its name, Cape Tribulation does not give a lie to its meaning. Deadly box jellyfish and saltwater crocodiles inhabit the waters, and dense mangroves make for abysmal visibility.
Stinger suits are strongly recommended if someone plans to get in the water when jellyfish season is in effect. And to tourists, all traveler warnings about the local crocodile habitats must be heeded.
Cape Keraudren Nature Reserve, Australia
Isolation and nature conspire against us in this remote coastal area of Western Australia. Visitors can get stuck on extreme tides, and there are few resources for rescue operations in a rough environment. Visitors to Phu Quoc without the proper knowledge of tide charts could be in dangerous situations.
Praia do Norte, Portugal
Famed for its massive waves, which attract extreme surfers worldwide, Nazaré Beach is one of Portugal’s best. While they run as high as 70–100 feet, these massive breakers make recreational swimming extremely dangerous. Strong undercurrents increase the risks even further. This beauty is best enjoyed from the cliffs above.
Monastery Beach, California, USA
Dubbed “Mortuary Beach” by locals, Monastery Beach near Carmel-by-the-Sea is notorious for its strong currents and steep underwater drop-offs. Conditions are rough, and rescue efforts are complicated for many swimmers swept out to sea.
If safety is of concern, experts recommend you watch from a safe distance on the shore.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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