The beach is supposed to be a place where you can let loose and relax, while you bask in the hot sun. While this is the normal experience, these beaches are far from that. While it makes sense that every beach is going to be different, you have to be aware that these beaches can be dangerous. Some of these may even be the most popular beaches around so make sure to look out for the harsh currents, scary jellyfish, and vicious sharks lurking around.
Gansbaai, South Africa
Not only do tourists around the world love vacationing on this beach, but also South African locals. However, this favorite spot is also the home to many sharks. A popular, yet problematic activity here is when tourists go into the sea in shark-proof cages, and attract the creatures using chum, which is a mixture of blood and offal. This alerts the sharks to come to the area and in no time you’ll be surrounded by sharks, be careful!
Gansbaai, South Africa
Kilauea Beaches, Hawaii
The beautiful beaches surrounding the Kilauea volcano have an amazing combination of luminous ocean color and strong black sand. While it may be beautiful, have you ever wondered where the sand came from? Well, in the last 35 years, the volcano has been flaring up and dangerous lava has been pouring out into the water. Make sure to be informed before you head to this beach!
Kilauea Beaches, Hawaii
Amazon Basin, Brazil
The Amazon Basin is one of the most popular places to visit and many are intrigued to jump right in, just to say they were in the mitiest river in the world. However, we recommend avoiding this spot unless you want to come in contact with a vicious piranha fish. That’s not all, you may also come in contact with some electric eels or poisonous anacondas! That’s not all, you should also be aware of the Candiru, which is a parasitic catfish that will enter the body any chance it gets.
Amazon Basin, Brazil
Fraser Island, Australia
Fraser Island is a beach that has danger lying in every corner. The ocean is filled with loads of deadly jellyfish, that will send you into stomach pains, immense sweating, anxiety, nausea, hypertension, pulmonary edema, and the worst of it would be a life-threatening heart attack. What’s even worse, the island is loaded with a local Australian, untamed, dog that is ready to attack all tourists.
Fraser Island, Australia
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
While the surfers may be pleased with the swells off the coast of Florida, so do the sharks. Every year around 29 people suffer from Shark attacks, with nine of which occured at this exact beach in 2017. While the amount of attacks has significantly dropped, it’s not close to over.
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Galveston County Beaches, Texas
The coastline of Texas is filled with signs that say “Swim At Your Own Risk,” and the reason is quite valid. While the pollution levels are extremely high, there is also a high level of fecal bacteria due to overflowing water from sewers. In 2017 and 2018, three of the Galveston County beaches, Rettilon Road, Magnolia Lane, and Helen Boulevard saw terrible pollution levels. However, if the sewage stops being thrown in, then the sea can clean itself again.
Galveston County Beaches, Texas
Acapulco, Mexico
When you hear the name Acapulco, you probably are imagining beautiful beaches, stunning views, and lavish dining experiences. While all of this may be true, it is also a location that has the most murders. Also, there has been plenty of history about battles between drug cartels that has caused a reputation for violence in the city. The theft and homicide have plummeted with many people living in fear.
Acapulco, Mexico
Girgaum Chowpatty Beach, India
Girgaum Chowpatty is located in Mumbai, which is the home to serious sewage problems. The wastewater is regularly sent into the ocean, and today it is one of the most polluted beaches in the world. That’s not all, but it is also health threatening. They have seen no indication that things will improve any time soon.
Girgaum Chowpatty Beach, India
Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Just the name itself gives it away how dangerous this beach is. It gets worse, and Portuguese navigators have named it “The Gates of Hell.” The speedy and treacherous Benguela current goes through the beach and ruins ships in its process. Also, around eleven different shark species live there and it’s normal to see lions and hyenas.
Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
This beach is one of the filthiest beaches around and the most dangerous as well. The water is filled with bacteria and just a little amount can give you a virus. There is also plenty of crime around the area, including pickpockets and con artists. Just to be safe, don’t walk around with any valuables.
Copacabana Beach, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Hanakapiai Beach, Hawaii
At walking down a beautiful hiking trail where you’ve worked up a sweat, you’ll find yourself at the relaxing Hanakapiai Beach. Whatever you do, do not go into the water as the currents and surf are so strong that it can pull you down under. In the last 40 years, many have drowned there and you’ll see a warning sign that indicates over 80 deaths.
Hanakapiai Beach, Hawaii
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
While the beach may be beautiful, that doesn’t mean the surroundings are safe. In 2018, Myrtle Beach was named the 32nd most dangerous city in America, and in 2019 it was close to the 20th. Visitors have a 1 in 60 chance of being a victim to crime and you have to be extra alert.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Reunion Island, France
Located in the east area of Madagascar is a wonderful, heavenly spot with many surfers. Not only is it crowded with surfers, but also sharks. Recently, nearly eight people died from shark attacks in the crystal blue water. It is recommended to enjoy the water from afar rather than getting inside. Yikes!
Reunion Island, France
Playa Zipolite, Mexico
“Playa Zipolite” is commonly referred to as the “Beach Of Death” and satisfies everything you could imagine in terms of tropical beaches. Unfortunately, the ocean is so strong and can be almost deadly. This spot is so popular that it has its lifeguard team but just make sure you don’t get into a situation where you need their help.
Playa Zipolite, Mexico.
Cape Tribulation, Australia
Naive tourists should stay away from this beach at all costs unless accompanied by a local guide. There are so many dangers like saltwater crocodiles, deathly snakes, and harmful jellyfish. The spot is also home to an enormous bird with claws so sharp that it can kill a human being!
Cape Tribulation, Australia
Morecambe Bay, UK
The Morecambe Bay is described as a “treacherous place” by the Guardian newspaper. It is filled with secret dangers and quicksand that can kill anyone that takes a step. It can even drag down horse-drawn carriages and mechanical tractors.
Morecambe Bay, UK
Utakleiv, Norway
Norway is home to Lofoten Island with the most beautiful beaches in the world. It also an excellent place to see the Northern Lights, however, it is so cold that the water may give you hypothermia, and that’s even in the summer!
Utakleiv, Norway
Monastery Beach, California
While the popular Monastery beach may be beautiful, you should be careful given its nicknamed “Mortuary Beach.” Stay away from those waves because every year there are drownings that the town has to deal with.
Monastery Beach, California
Mindanao Island, Philippines
While the Philipines is incredibly beautiful, Mindanao Island is in a very dangerous situation at the moment because of a long-running battle between Muslim fundamentalists and government forces. Tourists may be kidnapped at any time and there is no sign of peace shortly.
Mindanao Island, Philippines
Dumas Beach, India
Located along the Arabian Sea is the home to the Dumas Beach which was previously a cremation spot and today many are under the assumption that it’s being haunted. While you may not believe this, it is no secret that many have gone to visit the Island and never came back. They also happen to have the most poisonous snakes, what a bonus.
