Top 10 Beaches With the Clearest Waters

Feeling blue? A dose of vitamin sea might be just what you need.

There’s something indescribably comforting about lounging in the surf of a well-maintained beach, inhaling the salty scent of the ocean breeze, and dipping into the shallows of transparent azure waters. Here are 10 beaches where you can do just that!

1. Malcapuya Island Beach, Coron, Philippines

Boracay gets the crowds, but the lesser-known gem that is Malcapuya Island in Coron gets our vote with its vast stretches of white, powdery sand and warm, cerulean waves. It’s the perfect place for snorkelling through a motley of marine life including corals, giant clams, and clownfish — or for spending a sultry weekend lazing on the beach in a sun hat.

2. Playa de La Francesa, Canary Islands, Spain

On the volcanic island of La Graciosa just off Lanzarote lies the delightfully unspoilt white sands of this horseshoe beach. The bay is sheltered from the rough waves of the ocean and the shoreline is tranquil year-round. You’ll feel like you’re the only person in the world if you lie on the soft sandbed and listen to the serene ripples of waves. Don’t forget to apply reef-safe SPF, though.

3. Kleftiko Beach, Milos, Greece

While not a ‘beach’ in the classic sense, the incredible transparent waters and spectacular white volcanic rock formations make Kleftiko Beach a mainstay on any bucket list. Keep an eye out for the shimmer of gold coins; it’s rumoured that one of the caves was a treasury in this old pirates’ hideout, but it was never found.

4. Pink Beach, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Komodo National Park’s Pantai Merah (or Pink Beach) receives so much praise for its beauty, it’s blushing pink! One of the few rare pink beaches in the world, the sandbed gets its complexion from the tiny bits of red corals mixing with the area’s sand. Blending with the glittering pastel blue of the surrounding sea, it makes for a perfect photo backdrop. It’s total #travelgoals and it sure is IG-worthy.

5. Anse Coco Beach, La Digue, Seychelles

Accessible only by a 20-minute walk through a lush forest, you’ll find the natural beauty of Anse Coco tastefully untarnished, apart from a small bar selling coconuts. Take a dip in the natural pool at the end of the beach — in the shade of wild palm trees, while surrounded by the sweet sighing of ocean waves. It’s the perfect spa retreat you’ve always dreamed of!

6. Isla Diablo, Guna Yala, Panama

Devil’s Island (or Isla Diablo) is certainly a piece of heaven that fell to earth — into the glittering Caribbean Sea, to be exact. You’d definitely want to spend an eternity swimming with dolphins in its aquamarine waters and exploring its beautiful, well-preserved coral reefs.

7. Heron Island Beach, Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Heron Island, a World Heritage destination, is an evergreen coral cay that’s part of the Great Barrier Reef. Visitors flock to the island all throughout the year for its many dive sites — there are over twenty in the area! Tourists must also see the Pacific Green Turtle nesting grounds, but the jewel of the island is surely the clear, electric-blue ocean waters surrounding it!

8. Waimea Bay Beach, Oʻahu Island, Hawaii

Although the 40-foot swells created by Pacific winter storms draw in crowds of daredevil surfers, they subside almost completely in the summer to paint a calm, tranquil scene. Waimea Bay Beach’s waters are so clear that you can often spot sea turtles from the top of The Big Rock, before you take the leap of faith down to join them!

9. Spaggia la Pelosa, Sardinia, Italy

La Pelosa Beach in northwestern Sardinia is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, with its shallow turquoise shores and magnificent views of the Asinara cliffs. Paddle out to the 16th century Pelosa Tower, or rent a kayak and explore the surrounding islets!

10. Halaveli Beach, Maldives

What list of the best beaches would be complete without a mention of the Maldives? No two islands are the same, but Halaveli is on our list of dream destinations for its electric blue, transparent waters that are pleasantly just knee-deep. Located in the Ari Atoll, it’s close to a number of underwater pinnacles that attract large congregations of marine life and are perfect for scuba diving.

Wading in the sea at these 10 dream-worthy beaches, you’ll be able to see your feet gliding through the sandbed and maybe catch a glimpse of the local marine life. If you’re not already packing your swimsuits and sunhats, water you doing?

Also read: Best Beach Holiday Locations in Asia