The BEST White Sand Beaches

Explore the world's finest white sand beaches. Discover the top 14 renowned beaches for the most picturesque vacations.

1. Angaga Island, South Ari Atoll, Maldives

Located in the South Ari Atoll, Angaga Island Resort & Spa is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, featuring crystal-clear waters and a white sandy beach. Spanning approximately 45,000 square meters, the island is perfect for snorkeling and diving, with a house reef full of live coral and colorful marine life. This island is ideal for vacationers seeking peace and tranquility.

2. Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue, Seychelles

Anse Source D'Argent in the Seychelles is famous for its distinctive landscape featuring large granite boulders along the shore. The rock formations combined with the clear, shallow waters offer a stunning backdrop that draws beach enthusiasts and photographers from around the globe. Despite its fame, the beach retains a tranquil atmosphere, enabling visitors to find their own spot to unwind. Entry is via L'Union Estate, with a nominal fee charged for upkeep and conservation.

3. Boulders Beach, Simon's Town, South Africa

Boulders Beach, located near Simon's Town, is perfect for children as ancient granite boulders shield it from wind and waves. Being part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, the beach is both clean and safe. It is seldom crowded and boasts beautiful rock pools, soft white sand, and warm waters. Nonetheless, the primary draw for the 60,000 visitors each year is the sizable colony of African penguins.

4. Matira Beach, Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Matira Beach, the largest public beach in Bora Bora, is immensely popular and for good reason. Despite attracting both locals and tourists, it offers ample space for everyone. The calm waters and soft sand make it ideal for families and those wishing to swim. Mornings at Matira Beach are generally serene, offering a great chance to claim a large stretch of sand for yourself. For more activities, you can rent a Jet Ski, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard from vendors along the shore. Travelers describe Matira Beach as the quintessential image of a paradise beach in the South Pacific. They appreciate the gentle slope into the water and the numerous palm trees providing shade. Although some tourists note the crowds during peak season, it doesn't seem to diminish its allure.

5. Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

This beautiful and easily reachable beach is renowned for its soft sands, warm Caribbean waters, and the offshore barrier reef that protects it from the rough Atlantic waves. You won't find much seaweed, rocks, or pollution here—this immaculate beach is within the protected Princess Alexandra National Park. You can unwind on the soft white sand, walk along the endless shoreline, and participate in water activities like diving, snorkeling, sailing, and fishing trips. Grace Bay Beach is the launch point for catamaran sails, snorkeling tours, day and sunset cruises, and more.

6. Hyams Beach, Shoalhaven, Australia

Hyams Beach, famous for its immaculate white sand, borders the picturesque coast of Jervis Bay. Celebrated for possessing some of the whitest sand globally, it creates a striking contrast with the bay's azure waters, making it perfect for sunbathing, strolling, and family outings. You can reach the beach via the White Sands Walk from Greenfield Beach or Vincentia, which meanders through vibrant bushland offering views of Jervis Bay's beaches and local wildlife such as birds and kangaroos. Each beach presents unique attractions for swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking. The walk, accompanied by the sound of the waves, leads to Hyams Beach, one of Australia's most breathtaking locations.

7. Kauna'oa Bay, Kohala, Hawaii

Kaunaoa Beach, also known as Mauna Kea Beach, is recognized as the top beach in the United States and one of the finest on the Big Island. Stretching over a quarter mile, it boasts sandy-bottomed shores less than 10 feet deep, making it ideal for extended enjoyment in the clear, turquoise waters. Mauna Kea Beach is family-friendly, featuring soft white sand that gently slopes into the water, with palm trees along the edge providing shade. Situated in front of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, it offers convenient access to facilities and is perfect for sunbathing. During the calm summer months, it is also a great spot for snorkeling.

8. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia

Experience the tranquil freedom of Whitehaven Beach as you walk onto its immaculate white sands, ready to explore the solitude of this renowned tourist treasure. With sands that are 97% pure and silky, alongside crystal-clear tropical waters, it's evident why this beach on the eastern coast of Whitsunday Island in Queensland, Australia, is so stunning and unspoiled. The beach extends for an impressive 5 miles, curving like a crescent moon. At one end, you'll discover the Hill Inlet hiking trail, featuring a sea river flowing through the island's center, offering a spectacular view of the Whitsunday Islands National Park and Whitehaven Beach. The southern end also provides a magnificent viewpoint with vistas of the entire beach and back towards the mainland!

9. Rabbit Beach, Pelagie Islands, Italy

Isola dei Conigli (Rabbit Island) is one of those enchanting locations that contribute to Italy being one of the most beautiful countries globally. It is a rocky small island located a few feet off the southwest coast of Lampedusa, the largest of the Pelagie Islands, nestled in an exceptionally stunning bay known for its beach, Spiaggia dei Conigli. Rabbit Island spans 10 acres and can be accessed on foot or by swimming, depending on the time of day, but ensure to reserve your entry to Spiaggia dei Conigli beforehand.

10. Luskentyre Beach, Harris, Scotland

Luskentyre Beach, nestled on the island at the edge of a wide bay where a three-mile-wide estuary opens, is flanked by expansive sand dunes that can block the view from the road. As one of the largest and most impressive beaches on Harris, Luskentyre has been recognized as one of the UK’s top beaches in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. It features miles of white sand and breathtaking green-blue waters. The scenery includes magnificent sand dunes and the island of Taransay, known as the location for the BBC’s Castaway. Nearby, visitors can enjoy activities such as hillwalking, cycling, and more.

11. Shoal Bay Beach, Anguilla

Anguilla boasts around 35 beaches, with Shoal Bay East being the most favored. This northern coastline has long been a favorite among daytrippers from St. Martin-St. Maarten, offering numerous bars and restaurants, as well as rental options for snorkeling, parasailing, and scuba diving. Recent visitors insist that visiting this beach is essential, suggesting renting snorkels for a full day of enjoyment. Although the beach is well-known and often busy, recent travelers noted they had no difficulty finding a peaceful spot to unwind. As with other beaches in Anguilla, Shoal Bay East is accessible for free at any time. It's important to note that when locals mention Shoal Bay, they are referring to this beach, not Shoal Bay West located on the opposite side of Anguilla.

12. Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Just a short ferry ride from Cancun, this breathtaking area is renowned for its clear turquoise waters and lush palm trees. Relax on the soft white sand, swim in the warm Caribbean Sea, and enjoy beach activities such as jet-skiing and parasailing. Book a snorkeling tour to explore the diverse marine life at the nearby coral reef or a whale shark tour during the summer. Playa Norte also features beach clubs, bars, and restaurants offering traditional Mexican dishes and seafood. If you want more, consider staying at one of the simple beach hotels.

13. White Beach, Boracay, Philippines

White Beach is undoubtedly the largest and most popular beach in Boracay. The main draw of White Beach is its stunning beauty, along with the convenience of having everything you need right there: hotels, restaurants, nightlife, and activities are all easily accessible along the beachfront. It’s an excellent spot for swimming, as the water is typically calm, with no current, and gradually deepens. The beach is divided into sections: Station 1, 2, and 3. Station 1 is renowned for luxury and spaciousness. Station 2, located in the center, is known as the Epicenter because of the high concentration of people and activities. Station 3 is famous for its tranquility and natural surroundings, attracting many backpackers.

14. Clearwater Beach, Florida, United States

This sun-drenched beach features an expansive shoreline, charming small-town vibe, and alluring turquoise waters, ideal for parasailing, jet skiing, and snorkeling. Enjoy street performances after sunset. Families should visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Pier 60 for sunset views. Fitness enthusiasts can explore nature trails at Honeymoon Island or Caladesi Island State Park. The Jolley Trolley, stopping at Pier 60, is the best way to reach Clearwater Beach.