Megan Bryant is a passionate writer and traveler who has combined her two loves to help others fulfill their traveling dreams. When she isn’t writing, she’s usually curled up with her 3 Dachshunds and a good book or planning her next adventure—wherever that may be.
Beaches are usually the perfect summer activity where you can kick back on the sand, cool off in the ocean, and forget about all your troubles for an hour or two. That is unless you visit one of the world’s deadliest beaches where danger lurks in the water.
All over the world, there are coasts that are home to unfavorable water conditions and countless deadly animals. So if you’re planning your next beachside getaway, you’ll probably want to give these ones a miss.
Amazon River Beaches
Adventurers from far and wide visit the Amazon Rainforest and the Amazon River year after year to get up close to the local wildlife. And although it is safe to do so on a boat or at a distance, spending the day at one of the Amazon’s beaches may just be the worst mistake you ever make.
The waters of the Amazon’s beaches are teeming with piranhas, electric eels, anacondas, and fish that can get inside your body—and you don’t even want to know how they do it. It is highly recommended that you never get into the waters surrounding the Amazon, and to be honest, just knowing about the animals that you’ll be sharing it with should put you off completely.
Boa Viagem Beach, Brazil
Brazil has dozens of beautiful beaches, many of which are popular amongst surfers. But there is one in particular that you should avoid, like the plague. Boa Viagem Beach has one of the highest shark attack rates in the whole world, so swimming there is strongly discouraged.
With sharks using the coast as a migratory route, hunting for prey in the shallows, both swimmers and surfers are at risk of losing their life—no matter how long they’re in the water.
Cape Tribulation, Australia
Australia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches the world has to offer, and although Cape Tribulation in northeast Queensland is nice to look at, its residents will make you second-guess visiting.
Cape Tribulation’s waters are full of marine stringers, and if you come into contact with an Australian Box Jellyfish, then you can practically say goodbye to your life within minutes; that’s how lethal these seemingly harmful jellies are.
And if the stringers weren’t enough to put you off, Cape Tribulation is also home to crocodiles—and we’re talking lots of them. There are even trees in the area that sting you, so really, it’s best to stay clear and visit one of Australia’s safer beaches.
Dumas Beach, India
Dumas Beach in Surat, India, is one the most haunted places in the state of Gujarat, as the beach was once a burial ground. But it isn’t the ghosts that will be scaring you away. Slithering along the shores are deadly king cobras that can kill you with a single bite. I don’t know about you, but I can’t say I’d enjoy a day at the beach with ghosts and poisonous snakes in my company.
Fraser Island, Australia
Fraser Island is yet another beautiful Australian beach, but similar to Cape Tribulation, deadly Irukandji jellyfish frequent the waters making them a no-go area. And if you thought you were safe on land, you were wrong. Wild dogs (dingoes) call Fraser Island home and have been known to attack young children—even killing some in extreme cases.
Gansbaai, South Africa
Gansbaai in South Africa is known for its whale-watching opportunities but even more so its dense population of great white sharks. Great whites are one of the deadliest shark species on the planet, so I’m sure you can only imagine what would happen to you if you were to go for a dip in the waters at Gansbaai.
Hanakapiai Beach, Hawaii
You may not come up against any poisonous or deadly creatures at Hanakapiai Beach, but what you will come up against is much worse. Despite the beach’s natural beauty with its glistening sand and staggering black cliffs, Hanakapiai has some incredibly strong riptides and currents that are almost impossible to get out of.
If you do want to visit Hanakapiai, remain on the sand and only enter the water until knee height.
Kilauea Beaches, Hawaii
Hawaii is home to some of the world’s most active volcanoes, and thanks to boiling hot lava spewing from Kilauea—which has been erupting frequently for 35 years—the waters surrounding the volcano have temperatures of up to 100 degrees. Although warm waters seem blissful, even those who like your baths extra hot wouldn’t be able to withstand the ocean temperatures of Kilauea beaches.
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
It’s no secret that New Smyrna Beach in Florida is beautiful. And sharks seem to think so too. The waters at New Smyrna Beach are infested with eight different shark species which regularly attack surfers. In fact, there have been so many attacks that New Smyrna Beach has gained the nickname of the “Shark Bite Capital of the World.”
So, if you’d like to keep all your limbs, we suggest finding somewhere else to surf.
Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Skeleton Beach’s name says it all, and really, there is nowhere for you to hide. The waters at Skeleton Beach have destroyed many ships—some of which you can see wrecked on the shore—thanks to the strong Benguela Current, which flows past northern Namibia. And if the deadly current wasn’t off-putting enough, twelve shark species call the ocean surrounding Skeleton Beach home, increasing the risk of death even further.
If you do manage to make your way back to the beach, then things aren’t much better as hyenas, tigers, and lions have been known to make their way down to the sand, adding even more risk to this extremely dangerous area—if that’s even possible.
11 Day Trips From Reno: Desert Stops For Everyone To Enjoy
Are you planning a day trip from Reno, Nevada, and looking for some exciting options? Look no further than this article, which highlights the best day trips from Reno. There’s something for everyone, from skiing in Mount Rose to relaxing in Steamboat Hot Springs. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains and beyond!
Fly-Fishing, Skiing, Hiking, and Much More: 10 Montana Vacation Spots
Looking for an outdoor adventure in Big Sky Country? Look no further than this article, which highlights the top vacation spots in Montana. From Yellowstone National Park’s famous geysers to Glacier National Park’s breathtaking scenery, and Bozeman’s skiing and whitewater rafting, there’s something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable trip to Montana’s beautiful wilderness, abundant animal life, and incredible national parks.
Best 16 Utah Vacation Spots
If you’re looking for a vacation spot that offers breathtaking natural scenery and exciting outdoor adventures, then Utah is the place to be! This article highlights the top places to visit in Utah, from the stunning Zion National Park to the unique Homestead Crater. Whether you’re interested in hiking, skiing, or simply soaking in a hot spring, Utah has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes of Utah!
10 National Parks To Skip If You Have Young Children
If you’re planning a national park trip with young children, this article is a must-read! Discover the top 10 national parks to skip if you have young children, from the rugged terrain of Denali National Park to the limited access to Isle Royale National Park. Learn about the challenges and potential dangers of visiting these parks with young children and plan your trip accordingly for a safe and enjoyable experience.