When you’re daydreaming about a far-flung beach, you’re probably thinking more along the lines of umbrella-topped cocktails and perfectly translucent water than all the things that could go wrong. But consider that lethal riptides and ominous sea creatures are real. Have a look at these most dangerous beaches in the world.
1. Kilauea – Hawaii
Hawaii is famous for amazing beaches, big waves, and perfect sunbathing weather but it’s not without it’s dangers. Hawaii also has numerous volcanoes with Mt. Kilauea being the most active. The sand on the Kilauea beach is black from volcanic ash and while it may be an amazing place to visit, there is still the danger of the volcano erupting. Especially when you consider that it has been active since 1983, it should make you think twice about visiting here.
2. Playa Zipolite – Mexico
Playa Zipolite looks like paradise and can put you into a false sense of security, a dip into the luscious blue sea could end up being your last as the waves are huge which result in dangerous undercurrents. So many people have died on this beach that a special lifeguard team have been stationed here, thanks to these heroes the number of drownings has declined over the years.
3. Fraser Island – Australia
Sadly Fraser Island is a paradise that is forbidden to people as the seas are home to dangerous jellyfish and sharks. The beach is just as dangerous too as the island is home to some of the world’s deadliest spiders and a few large crocodiles too. Is this piece of paradise really worth the risk?
4. Gansbaai – South Africa
Gansbaai has so many white sharks in the waters that it has become a tourist attraction for adventure seekers. You can feed the mighty beasts and if courageous enough can take a swim with them too. Of course, you’ll be given a shark proof cage for safety otherwise you’ll be their food.
5. Volusia County – Florida
There have been more shark sightings off the coast of Volusia County than in the entire South African region, which is notorious for its shark habitat. While most shark attacks in Florida are not fatal it still puts you off wanting to take a dip. But it’s not just sharks that are a threat, Florida also has the highest fatalities from lightning strikes in North America too. Guess you are not safe in the water or on the beach.
6. Chowpatty Beach – India
Chowpatty Beach is India’s most famous beach but it is also one of the most polluted in the world too. Every year hundreds of Mumbai residents celebrate the Hindu festival of Ganesha Chaturthi on the beach and it’s a tradition to wash their idols of Lord Ganapati in the sea. But as the waters and beach are so disgusting the chances of catching something here are highly likely.
7. Bikini Atoll – US Marshall Islands
The seas are shark infested and it was once a testing ground for nuclear weapons between 1946 to 1958. Around 20 nuclear bombs were set off on the islands infecting the area with radiation. The government has since declared the area safe but do you still want to visit there?
8. Schitovaya Bukhta – Russia
Schitovaya Bukhta is known to be one of the greatest surfing spots in the world but unfortunately, there are also numerous military facilities based here. Because of this, surfers need to apply for a permit to ride the waves and secondly one of these bases houses old nuclear submarines which leak radiation.
9. Heard Island – Antarctica
While most people prefer a beach with plenty of sunshine some extreme surfers like to visit Heard Island. Being the Antarctic the sea is ice cold but the surfers love the big waves, even if it does often give them hypothermia.
10. North Sentinel Island – Andaman Islands
The natives on this island do not like outsiders, an attempt to make contact with India ended in their plane being shot by flaming arrows and the need for a quick escape. In another instance a boat run ashore on the island, the two occupants were instantly killed by the natives.
So watch out the next time you visit a beach, it might not be as peaceful and calm as it seems. Watch your step!! Now for something on a much safer side, have a look at these gorgeous beaches in India which are no less perfect than the Goa beaches.
