Top 10 Non-Caribbean Beaches
No offense to the Caribbean, but sometimes it receives too much of the beach loving spotlight. Now, don’t get us wrong—the Caribbean is by all accounts a beach-lovers’ paradise. However, the Caribbean is not the be-all and end-all of sun-soaked sand. And given that Rayward Apparel’s drive is More Adventure, Less Exposure, is it not appropriate to encourage more adventure to ten beaches that receive less exposure than they deserve?
Continue below for our top ten non-Caribbean beaches:
10) Matira Beach in Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
It’s hard to pick just one beach in Bora Bora, but Matira Beach is one of the most famous for a reason. Pristine shores, emerald lagoons and picturesque palm trees make this a must-see for any beach lover—just don’t forget UPF clothing!
9) Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Over two miles long and surrounded by skyscrapers and mountains, it’s easy to enjoy Brazil’s fabled Copacabana Beach. Stay sun safe as you take in the mosaic promenade, festive parties and vibrant people so a sunburn won't ruin your Carnival!
8) Reynisfjara Beach in Vik (Iceland)
This striking black sand beach is located along Iceland’s South Coast, just a short drive from nearby Vik. Reynisfjara’s claim to fame is the shadowy cave hollowed out of the towering basalt columns. Despite being near the Arctic, cover up in UPF clothing because you could experience 20+ hours of daylight during summer!
7) La Jolla Cove Beaches near San Diego (California)
Kayak along the coastline, snorkel caves teeming with sea life or keep it above sea level and watch the playful sea lions of California’s La Jolla Cove. However you spend your day at the beach, top it off with fresh fish tacos. Just keep the salsa off your sun protective gear!
6) Honokalani Beach in Maui (Hawaii)
This black sand beach is sheltered within a crescent cove, featuring sea caves and lava tubes surrounded by thick green vegetation. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a peaceful retreat, you'll find it at Honokalani Beach in Maui’s Wai’anapanapa State Park. Sport your UPF apparel and your skin will say “Mahalo!”
5) Hopewell Rocks “Beach” in the Bay of Fundy (Canada)
This one might stretch the definition of a “beach,” but it’s worth your flexibility to experience the highest tides in the world. To appreciate the 40-foot tidal range, don your sun safe clothing and kayak at high tide, and then walk the sea floor of the very same location at low tide!
4) Camps Bay Beach in Cape Town (South Africa)
Nestled behind Table Mountain and under the watchful eye of the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, Camps Bay has a ton to offer, from an activity-filled day of volleyball or hiking, to a relaxing pairing of seascapes and local wine. Plus, if you’re an experienced surfer, go hang ten in your UPF sun shirt!
3) Navagio Beach (aka Shipwreck Beach) in Zakynthos (Greece)
Greece’s Navagio Beach is only accessible by boat, but the extra effort will be worth it when you float past the staggering cliffs, swim the blue waters and get your Instagram-worthy shipwreck selfie. Arrive early to beat the crowds, and cover up in UV protective clothing to beat the sun!
2) Horseshoe Bay Beach (Bermuda)
You wouldn’t be alone in thinking Bermuda was in the Caribbean, but this subtropical island nation is actually about 900 miles east of Charleston, South Carolina. The striking rock formations, turquoise waters and famous pink sand of Bermuda’s Horseshoe Bay Beach are the perfect setting for a day in the sun! Afterwards, try the fresh rock lobster, but avoid looking like one with proper sun safety.
1) Whitehaven Beach in Queensland (Australia)
You may have to pinch yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming as you stroll the powder-like silica sand, snorkel the azure waters or hike to a lookout above the protected reefs. Whitehaven Beach earns bonus points for being a convenient gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Speaking of great barriers, protect your skin with one using our UPF sun protection clothing (and leave the reef-damaging sunscreen behind).
Ready for the quick recap? Here are the top 10 non-Caribbean beaches again, this time sorted #1-10:
- Whitehaven Beach in Queensland (Australia)
- Horseshoe Bay Beach (Bermuda)
- Navagio Beach (aka Shipwreck Beach) in Zakynthos (Greece)
- Camps Bay Beach in Cape Town (South Africa)
- Hopewell Rocks Beach in the Bay of Fundy (Canada)
- Honokalani Beach in Maui (Hawaii)
- La Jolla Cove near San Diego (California)
- Reynisfjara Beach in Vik (Iceland)
- Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
- Matira Beach in Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
Ten incredible beaches equals ten incredible reasons to stock up on sun protective apparel! Check out the exclusively UPF 30+ clothing from Rayward Apparel.
Did we miss any of your favorite beaches? We’d love to hear about it, and we’d love even more to see it for ourselves. Let us know in the comments below!
Until next time, stay Rayward!
