21 gorgeous beaches with the clearest water in the world

It’s two for the price of one here! Honopu Beach is actually two beaches split up by a magnificent giant natural rock. The bad news: you cannot drive, hike, or boat to these gorgeous shores. Your only option is a semi-difficult swim. Experts recommend swimming when the tide is low and riptides are less common. If you are a skilled swimmer and make this trek, you will not be disappointed! The views of the water and the peaceful, low-traffic beach are not to be missed if you can make it there.

Porto Katsiki Beach (which was formerly said to be accessible only by goats, hence its Greek translation of ‘Goat Port’) is located on an island called Lefkada in the Ionian Sea. It can only be reached by taking narrow roads, which are usually congested with traffic, and then walking down a small, winding staircase alongside a cliff. A taxi boat is perhaps the least complex way to reach this secluded paradise. But rest assured, the journey is worthwhile, as it’s one of the most stunning clear water beaches in the Mediterranean.

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Devil’s Bay can be reached by boat, an easy walk down a path, or a 30-minute hike through the Baths, which requires a great deal of climbing and crawling around granite boulders. Regardless of how you get there, these crystal-clear beaches will make you wonder why you’ve never visited before. The boulders at Devil’s Bay also make the clear water beaches unique, forming arches, grottos, tidal pools, tunnels, and of course, the maze on the way down. They also make for an interesting dive around and down the sides of the partially submerged boulders.

Ipil Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, is known to be free of tourists. Many travellers find that they are the only ones on the beach during their visit, with the exception of some locals. In addition to one of the most stunning clear beaches, visitors can expect to see monkeys, a plethora of chromatic coral, palm trees and friendly turtles. The backdrop of the mountains makes for incredible scenery, and the sunset is said to be remarkable.

Fulhadhoo is an island located in the middle of the alluring Indian Ocean. It’s ideal for those who truly want clear beaches where they can see life through a native islander’s eyes. Located two hours away by speedboat from the Maldivian mainland, with no tourist attractions and only one hotel, it has clear water beaches that make for a true tropical getaway. With that in mind, travellers must abide by the natives’ rules, which include no bikinis allowed outside of the west beach and no consuming alcohol. Surrounded by palm trees, coral reefs, colourful fish and other marine life, you’ll find every reason to keep exploring the Maldives.

Bai Dam Trau is fairly close to an airport, so visitors can expect to see some occasional low-flying planes. Otherwise, the beach is surrounded by parts of a tropical jungle, a forest plentiful with bamboo and pine trees, offering visitors the enchanting feel of being in their own little world. Dam Trau beach can be reached by a rather bumpy and muddy road, which ultimately opens up to an incredible view of the sea, three small beach restaurants, hammocks, fine white sand, and few to no tourists.

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Tropic of Cancer Beach (also known as Pelican Beach) is the longest of the clear water beaches on Little Exuma, with a span of over 0.6 kilometres. It can be reached after venturing down a long, dirt road. The water is especially transparent, with no obstructions like coral or rocks. With a lack of vendors and tourists (due to its hidden location), this beach is a true oasis.

Perhaps best known for its water sports, Elephant Beach is definitely a destination for adventure-seekers who want the serenity of clear water beaches. Here are some of the excursions you can try: scuba diving, snorkelling (the vibrant reef starts at just 152 centimetres deep), trekking, riding in a seaplane, fishing, taking glass-bottomed boat rides, and even sea walking (where visitors are provided with a helmet to breathe underwater while they explore the seafloor).

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Rated the best beach in the world by TripAdvisor in 2013, this island in Italy is located 169 kilometres away from the mainland. Aside from its beauty and status as one of the most impressive places with clear water, history is engraved in its rocky grottos. It was once inhabited by Arabs, Greeks and Romans, so scuba-diving in these waters could lead to the discovery of historic remains. History isn’t just located at the bottom of the ocean, though; visitors can spot prehistoric huts ashore and hike through astounding, lush trails. Fun fact: there aren’t actually that many rabbits.

Originally known as Agios Georgios, Shipwreck Beach (also known as Navagio Beach) is quite literally a beach with a shipwreck washed ashore. While the mysterious shipwreck (with many legends surrounding its placement) is what predominantly lures in the crowds, the beach’s clear waters are another draw. The only way to reach Zakynthos’ clear beaches is by sea, but the view from the hiking trails and the tourist platform at the top of the cliffs is what’s really spellbinding.