Nothing beats having a quiet lie-down on the beach or a little swim across the sea during summers. It’s a blissful escape from the dusty, mundane everyday lives, and it’s often very refreshing, therapeutic, and enjoyable. However, some of the best places to sunbathe are also habitats to some of the most dangerous predators of the planet. From great white sharks to Komodo dragons to alligators to poisonous snakes to lions, you will find all sorts of killers on beaches from around the world. So, the next time you take your family to make sand dunes and take in some of that Vitamin D, make sure you take necessary safety precautions; especially if your favorite beach is mentioned in the list below:
Kilauea Beach in Hawaii
Nothing epitomizes the saying “Looks can be deceiving” more than this beach in Hawaii. It’s located on the North side of Kauai Island, and even though it looks incredibly beautiful and peaceful, there is a lot more to it than meets the eye.
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It’s actually situated near an active volcano and has a very vicious undercurrent as well. The lava from the volcano often makes its way into the water, and swimmers have to rush out of the sea, for obvious reasons.
North Sentinel Island Beach, India
There are almost 300 the Andaman Islands located in the Bay of Bengal, but there is one specific island which is considered one of the remotest islands on the planet. A tribe of indigenous people, the Sentinelese inhabit it.
Source: orangesmile.com
These people are oblivious of the rest of the world. They still possess the medieval hunting and survival instincts which make them predatorily dangerous. Anyone who visits the island puts themselves at risk of being killed. An airplane, containing photographers once flew close to the island, and the locals hit it with almost 100 arrows. Because they aren’t welcoming of outsiders, not much is known about their tribe and traditions.
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
If you don’t like sharks breathing down your neck, then you shouldn’t plan a trip to the New Smyrna Beach. Almost 8 people have lost their lives here because of shark attacks in the last 8 years.
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Bull sharks are the most common in these parts. They are very good freshwater swimmers and hunters. In 2007, more people were bitten by sharks in this little region than anywhere else in the world. They continued to top the list in the following year with a staggering 24 annual bites.
Bikini Atoll Beach, Marshall Islands
The Bikini Atoll beach is deceptively beautiful. At first sight, you would want your next family trip to be held there, but once you do a bit of research on it, you’d realize just why you shouldn’t. This secluded beach is present on the equator and contains over 23 nuclear bombs that were dropped at different test sites during the 40s and 50s.
Source: YouTube
Only after visitors have obtained approval beforehand, and have paid for 2 official representatives and a diver to chaperone them, can they enter the vessels. So, unless the nuclear waste is your cup of tea, you might want to steer clear of this beach.
Playa Zipolite, Mexico
Located on the Pacific Coast in Mexico, the Playa Zipolite is known as “the beach of the dead” by the local people. Why? Around 50 swimmers die every year because of the heavy current present in the waters here.
Source: playazipolite.blogspot.com
Even though you might not want to swim here after reading the warnings, you could have a good time there just watching people around you. As it’s the only public nude beach in Mexico.
Heard Island Beach, Australia
The Heard Island is actually closer to Antarctica than it’s to the rest of Australia. It’s easily one of the remotest places on the planet. There are a lot of wetland sites scattered across the coastal area, which include lagoons, sandy and rocky shores, and a lot of vegetation, all separated by active glaciers.
Source: ABC.com
Because of its proximity to the Antarctic Ocean, the temperatures here are surprisingly high. A research facility is present on the island; a lot of scientists trying to make their way to the facility have died along the way.
Tamarama Beach, Australia
The Tamarama beach is a huge hit among the Australians, mainly because it is present just outside Sydney, which makes the trip from the metropolitan a small one. However, the powerful rip tides and shore breaks make it one of the most dangerous beaches on the planet.
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The locals have given the nickname “Glamorama” to it because it apparently attracts a lot of celebrities and trendsetters to its shores. However, think twice before going down as you might not be able to handle its fury.
Broome Beach, Australia
The Broome Beach in Australia appears to be a 22-kilometer-wide spectacle of natural beauty, but there is another side to it that often goes unseen. There are box jellyfish swimming freely in these waters, and these fish have been known to sting and even kill swimmers.
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The jellyfish are present in abundance during the wet season (between May and November). Throughout the last 5 years, around 160 people have been stung by box jellyfish. However, there is a lot of eye-candy on the shores, as it’s one of the biggest nudist beaches in Australia.
Lamu Island Beach, Kenya
No one pays the Lamu Island Beach a visit as the waters there are ruled by Somalian pirates. The beach is only situated 100 km from Somalia, and the Al-Shabab terror group (which has Somalian origins) has completely destroyed the economy of this small planet, present near Kenya.
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The pirates have captured many visitors on multiple occasions, and a majority of them didn’t make it off the island alive. The beach, which used to be a safe haven for tourists and Kenyans alike, is a now a terrorized piece of occupied land.
Staithes Beach, United Kingdom
The Staithes beach in the UK is a favorite among the surfing enthusiasts but is often looked down upon by the environmentalists. Why? You guessed it; it’s one of the most polluted beaches in the world, and the health hazards even prevent any water sports from happening there.
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The main reason for the pollution is the abundance of industrial plants that are present nearby. These plants have been dumping toxic waste into the ocean for decades now…
Manaus Beach, Brazil
There are plenty of refreshing and beautiful beaches throughout Brazil, but not many compare in beauty and danger to the ones in Manaus. Rio de Janeiro has been notorious for illegal trades, but it doesn’t come close to the type of crimes you find in Manaus.
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In 2016, the highest number of homicides across the country were reported in Manaus. Despite the lousy image surrounding the city, many tourists and locals are found on the beaches and adventure sports.
Uttakleiv Beach, Norway
Norway is one of the rare places in the world with rich, untampered, widespread natural beauty. Even though the Uttakleiv beach is a sight for sore eyes, with the backdrop of many beautiful mountains soothing your spirit, there is a lot more to it than meets the eye.
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The temperatures at the Uttakleiv can drop suddenly and severely, often leading to death via hypothermia. So, if you are planning a trip there, make sure you are adequately prepared.
Dumas Beach, India
The locals believe the Dumas beach is haunted. It has black sand, and visitors have often claimed that they heard eerie howls and other strange voices at night. Some people even disappeared after their trips to the beach.
Source: hitopics.pw
Even if those above didn’t creep you out, there are other reasons to forego that trip to Dumas; mighty king cobras are roaming around the Arabian Sea as well.
Boa Viagem Beach, Brazil
In the Boa Viagem beach alone, around 56 people have been attacked by sharks in the last 2 decades; 22 of whom died. The primary reason for this is that many shallow water sharks are located in this region.
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The sharks get enticed by the trash that is discarded by shopping vessels, along with the low-frequency sounds emitted by the vessels. So, in addition to getting attracted by the beauty of this beach, also keep the safety hazards in mind.
Clifton Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
Many times crocodiles have come up to the shore of the Clifton Beach in Cape Town, much to the displeasure of the visitors. In addition to this, a lot of shark attacks have also been reported here in the last few years.
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Even though the beach is located in one of the most expensive areas in South Africa when it comes to real estate, the beach has some serious security concerns. However, the views are breathtaking, and the beach has repeatedly been rated in the top 10 beaches in the world.
Copacabana Beach, Brazil
When you usually go to a beach, you try your best to not forget your sunblock; once you reach the shore, you ensure that you stay wary of high waves; but, if you are visiting the Copacabana beach in Brazil, there is a lot more to know.
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Near the beach, you will find many bars, nightclubs, hotels, and even residential buildings, and the crime rates in these parts are always high. Moreover, there are also a lot of sharks in the water here, and you can’t really be too careful here.
Bolsa Chica State Beach, California
Californian beaches are a class apart when it comes to glam and beauty, but the Bolsa Chica State Beach is famous for a different kind of reasons. Many poisonous snakes are roaming the shores that can kill you with a single bite.
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Even though the beach is a hot favorite among the locals for surfing and fishing, there are some serious dangers associated with it. So, the next time you plan a trip to California, maybe choose some other beach to unwind?
The Coast of Queensland, Australia
This beach is arguably the most dangerous one in the world, and there are good reasons to say that. There are hundreds of thousands of bottle jellyfish in the sea, and they often come to pay a visit to the shore as well.
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These poisonous jellyfish are tiny, so it’s hard to spot them while swimming. Stingers are covering its entire body, so as soon as it comes in contact with you, its venom will be inside you within no time.
Costa Del Sol, Spain
Located in the southern region of Spain, the Costa del Sol is an area comprising of a lot of coastal towns. The beaches here are filled with dangerous jellyfish who often wash up to the shore as well.
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If you accidentally step on them or encounter them while swimming, they can inject you with poison that can lead to paralysis within no time. To make the waters easy-to-swim for tourists, the government had to remove around 1 ton of sea animals from the sea.
Volusia County in Florida
The Volusia county lies just outside of Florida, in the east-central parts. The area is notorious for causing a great number of shark attacks in the past few decades; a staggering 267 since 1982 to be exact.
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Even though none of the attacks led to death, the high probability of getting assaulted by a shark was enough to wreak havoc and fear in the hearts of the visitors. In 2017, around 19 bites were reported in the area.
The Island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean
The Reunion Island is a French overseas department which is known for the active volcanoes that surround the beach, and the rainforests. In addition to that, a lot of shark attacks routinely happen near the island too.
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Around 23 shark attacks have been reported since 2011, 7 of which led to deaths. Swimming, bodyguarding, and surfing at the island get banned from time to time, which is really a shame because the views there are breathtaking.
Beaches of the Amazon in Brazil
The Amazon rainforest is one of the greatest spectacles of raw nature, and even though it has been hit by waves of deforestation in the past few decades, a vast majority of it still remains unexplored. However, we do know about its beaches.
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Ponta Negra, Praia do Tupe, and Praia da Lua are three beach resorts that are very famous among the tourists, but naturally, they are also ridden with electric eels, anacondas, and piranha. So, while you bask in the sun, make sure your naked body doesn’t entice unwanted attention.
Dameisha Beach in China
There are a lot of beaches in Shenzhen, China, but the Dameisha beach is the biggest of them all. Even though there aren’t any sharks or other predators to be wary of, you have to be careful when taking children to this beach.
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Because the beach is often overcrowded, a lot of children aged between 1-14 drown in the waters here. So, if you are planning a family trip with youngsters included, make sure you pack your “overprotective parent” cap.
The Red Triangle in California
The Red Triangle is a triangular region located just outside San Francisco, which accounts for around 11 percent of all great white shark attacks in the world. There are plenty of aquatic mammals present in the waters here including harbor seals, sea lions, and sea otters, which become the primary reasons for the sharks venturing here.
Source: news.nationalgeographic.com
If the preceding fact wasn’t enough for you, consider this: Around 38% of all reported great white shark attacks ever have taken place in this small triangle-shaped region.
Gansbaai Beach in South Africa
If you fancy seeing a shark in all its might (or quite a few sharks swimming together), then head over to the Gansbaai beach. Visitors here see a shark almost every day. The beach is also referred to as “Great White Shark Capital of the World” for this very reason.
Source: orangesmile.com
Some people even like sharing the waters with the predatory creatures, while some just hop on ships to take an up-close look at them. The waters here also house a lot of whales.
Burc Beach in Istanbul
Burc Beach is one of the most visited beaches in Istanbul, and it has some breathtaking views in store for the visitors too. The water has the perfect temperature when you visit in the summers, and the administration tries really hard to keep everything clean.
Source: YouTube
However, the beach can get overcrowded a bit too quickly, and you run the risk of losing sight of your children. But the waters are mainly shallow, so drowning isn’t much of a problem, but do keep in mind that the bodyguards here are notoriously lazy.
Clifton Beach in Pakistan
Located on the Arabian Sea, the Clifton beach is a massive favorite among the locals because it’s free to the public and has some breathtaking views. However, during festival season, the beach gets overcrowded really quickly.
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Pakistanis from all over the world visit the beach, and you can get lost in the melee of excited, bewildered and enthusiastic people. There aren’t many bodyguards present on site so make sure your children don’t stray too far away from the shore.
Beaches in French Polynesia
Some of the most beautiful islands in the world are located in French Polynesia. It extends across an area of over 2,000 kilometers and out of the 118 islands situated there, Tahiti is arguably the one with the most breathtaking views.
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Even though Tahiti is a favorite among the tourists and locals, and even though the beauty there is unprecedented, there is still the risk of accidents occurring as a result of animal attacks, especially because the shark population there is high.
Palawan Island in the Philippines
Many travel magazines have repeatedly rated Palawan Island as the most beautiful island in the world, including Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler. The island is encompassed by beautiful green sea water.
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El Nido is regarded as the most beautiful beach of the island, and it too has often been rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Rocky coves, complemented by beautiful white sand, and marvelous landscape make for a breathtaking ambiance.
Seychelles, Indian Ocean
The Seychelles archipelago in the Indian Ocean comprises of a staggering 115 islands; all surrounded by crystal-blue water and dreamy, beautiful beaches. The beach tourists have been a pivotal part of the island’s academy since an international airport inauguration that took place in 1971.
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Even though the beaches here are really calm; so calm that turtles often visit the shore to lay their eggs in peace, there are still some areas of concern. There are a lot of sharks in the surrounding water, and the number of reported attacks has been increasing in the past few years.
Waikiki Beach, Oahu
Hawaii is a favorite hot spot for retreats among tourists from all over the world, and the raw beauty that you encounter there is definitely the primary reason for that. The Waikiki beach in Oahu is one of the most visited beaches in the world. However, there are some aspects of it that you should be aware of.
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In addition to the dangerous aquatic animals present in the waters like eels, sharks, and jellyfish, the crime rates in the area are also very high. So, if you are planning on buying a Hawaiian shirt for a trip to Oahu, make sure you know what the beach holds in store for you.
Capri in Italy
The island of Capri is beautiful, magical, and historical. It’s located near the Naples Bay, which makes access to it a straightforward affair. The island is legendary because a lot of celebrities and artists have been there over the years.
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You can even find remnants of the Roman Empire on the island, along with some picture-perfect towns. However, keep an eye out for some dangerous aquatic animals that can be found there including sharks, jellyfish, and eels.
Whitsunday Islands in Australia
A total of 74 islands, known as the Whitsunday Islands, make up the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Every year, tens of thousands of people visit the island because its beaches have so much more to offer than sunbathing.
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Rent a yacht and explore the waters like nowhere else on the planet. You can see the aquatic life up close and even swim with the peaceful dolphins. However, the Australian waters are also notorious for housing sharks, so keep an eye out for danger.
Corsica Island in France
If you are on a cruise across the Mediterranean Sea, you will likely stop at the Corsica Island. There are beautiful beaches, quaint villages, and awe-inspiring landscapes to take in. A few medieval monuments also decorate the island.
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Some of the old-timers there have interesting tales to tell on a cold night beside the bonfire. You can even hike up the famous GR 20. However, amidst all the fun, make sure you take good care of yourself as the temperatures can drop really quickly and thunderstorms can pop out of nowhere.
Boracay Island in the Philippines
Boracay is another beautiful island in the Philippines, and it’s considered a real photographers’ paradise. The beauty is natural and refreshing. Travel publications have repeatedly rated the island and its beaches highly on scales of tranquility, peace, and environment-friendliness.
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However, the one department that the island doesn’t get rated highly in is safety. Even though thousands of people visit every year for scuba diving, windsurfing, cliff diving, and snorkeling, sometimes reports of shark attacks have also surfaced.
The Aeolian Islands in Italy
The Aeolian Islands lie not far away from Sicily’s Northeastern coast. They have always been a favorite spot among the tourists for vacations and personal retreats. The islands have been named after Aeolus; the mythical God of the winds.
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Over 200,000 visitors come to the Aeolian every year, after venturing across a tough path. The islands promise tranquility, unfiltered beauty, and a lot of sunlight. However, the waters are home to sharks and eels too, so you have to be careful when taking a dip.
Nadi, Fiji
Fiji is home to a myriad of white sand beaches, and the ones in Nadi capture the most tourist attention every year. The rugged landscapes, tall palm trees, white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and the friendly locals all make Nadi heaven on earth.
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However, some of the beaches in Nadi kiss the water that houses dangerous aquatic animals like sharks, eels, and jellyfish. So, while you are taking in the beauty on offer, make sure you also keep your eyes open for any uninvited guests (or should we say, hosts?).
Zanzibar Islands in Tanzania
The Zanzibar archipelago comprises of seven islands and is located only 15 miles away from the Tanzanian coast. The island showcases the rich culture of the locals and also has some awe-inspiring views for you to get refreshed by.
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The Zanzibar presents a unique fusion of African and Arabian cultures. However, there have been reports of various shark attacks at the islands, and you can also come face to face with a jellyfish too from what we have heard!
Komodo Island in Indonesia
A staggering 17,508 islands make up Indonesia, with Komodo Island being one of the most renowned ones. The island is covered almost entirely with red volcanic hills and waters that have seagrass beds. You can also find coral reefs, mangroves, and some rare species of fish here too.
Source: Shutterstock
However, as you might know, an exceptional kind of reptile rules the Komodo Island too; one that you can’t possibly get too close too. The Komodo Dragon is not really a dragon, but it’s 3-meter-long, and can deliver a bite so poisonous, yucky, and fierce that you can possibly die of pain at the spot.
Mauritius
A lot of people make their way to Mauritius for a fun-time vacation, and there are good reasons for that. It’s breathtaking, distinctively beautiful, and filled with tourists from over the world; so much so, that it is the 3rd biggest tourist destination in Africa.
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The tropical climate, crystal-clear water, white sandy beaches, and the hospitable locals make it the perfect place to be. The Flic en Flac beach is famous for its dolphins, but it’s also notorious for the great white sharks that often pop their fins out of the unknown.
Sardinia Island, Italy
Sardinia Island is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. There are a lot of sandy beaches to sunbathe in, and a lot of hiking trails to sweat on. The island is famous for its diverse ecosystems; you will find mountains, streams, beaches, and rocky coasts; all in one place.
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There are hundreds of beaches present on the island, and some of them are really dangerous too. Not particularly because of predators, but because they can get overcrowded really quickly. The Stintino, for example, has been notorious for drowning incidents.
Madeira Islands in Portugal
The Madeira group of islands are located within the Atlantic Ocean, not far away from Portugal. There are a lot of active volcanoes on the islands, and a lot of good food to enjoy as well. The beaches there are awfully pretty too.
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If you like to spend time in the subtropical climate, this archipelago is where you need to be. The beaches are laden with white sand and pebbles, and the landscapes are riveting too. However, don’t forget the fact that sharks inhabit the waters surrounding the island too.
Koh Samui in Thailand
Thailand is very popular among tourists from all over the world, and none of its islands get more love than Koh Samui. The second largest island in the world is home to the finest white sandy beaches and some picture-perfect landscapes.
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You can go diving or on boat trips on this island. There are also a lot of spas and resorts to check out. However, make sure you don’t go too far from the shores because deadly sharks, eels, and jellyfish roam freely in the waters.
Ré Island in France
The Ré island is located within the Atlantic Ocean, close to the La Rochelle coast. There is a multitude of beautiful beaches present on the island, along with harbors and forests. The beaches are decorated by dunes and pine trees, which add to the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Source: levelovoyageur.com
The main island town has some ancient artifacts, outdoor cafes, and a few posh resorts as well. Many tourists rent a bike and scavenge the island looking to unravel some of the secrets it holds within itself.
Bali in Indonesia
Bali, also sometimes referred to as the island of the Gods, is one of the most visited travel destinations in the world. It’s so beautiful that the economy of Indonesia has profited hugely from tourism it has generated over the years.
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There are beautiful mountains, coral reefs, volcanoes, rice patties, and of course beaches to savor. Tourists also come here to practice yoga and meditation. However, there are some dangerous aquatic animals to be wary of.