BeachAtlas, a London-based company known for its beach guides, thought about all of these things and more. This year, the Golden Beach Award 2024 winners were chosen by looking at beaches in a bigger picture, highlighting hidden gems that offer more than just pretty views and soft sand. Then, they asked influential people and travel experts from all over the world to rank the final list.

The result is a list of 100 beaches that offer a wide range of qualities, such as natural beauty, party and lifestyle options, community, cultural importance, and openness to everyone. An island group in French Polynesia called Bora Bora has the best beach in the world.

It is said by BeachAtlas that Bora Bora is “where your wallet whispers ‘help’ but your Instagram screams ‘heaven.'” Dive into the clear water during the day, and take pictures of the sunset at night.

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The name “Bora Bora” makes people think of beauty, wealth, and privacy. Its land size is only 12 square miles, and it is protected by a barrier reef and a bright blue lagoon. Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, two dormant volcanoes that rise from the middle of the main island, are what make it stand out. The main island is ringed by motus, or small islands, that are usually too small for more than a few beach chairs.

Bora Bora Beach Features
Key Feature Description
Main Island Bora Bora is surrounded by small stretches of sand.
Main Beach Matira Beach is thought to be one of the best on the island.
View Enjoy views of the lagoon’s artificially blue waters and towering hills.
Best Beach 2024 Trunk Bay, located on St. John, is ranked as the best beach.
Swimming The waters are quiet and great for swimming.
Snorkeling Colorful fish can be seen while snorkeling around coral.
Selection Process Thousands of travel professionals nominate their favorite beaches.

A list of the world’s 50 best beaches joins other lists that try to find the best beaches in the world. For example, earlier this year, TripAdvisor called Praia da Falésia in Olhos de Água, Portugal, the world’s best beach. Some time ago, European Best Destinations called Ghajn Tuffieha Bay Beach in Malta the most beautiful beach in all of Europe. Barbie has also unofficially brought attention to pink-sand beaches all over the world over the past year.

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The World’s 50 Best Beaches report says that Trunk Bay is the most perfect Caribbean beach for a number of reasons.

The story says, “Visitors love the very soft sand and the clear, pool-like water, but what really sets Trunk Bay apart from other Caribbean vacation spots is its location in the beautiful Virgin Islands National Park.

Basically, this means that the beach is a safe place to be, with lots of plants and animals living there.

The Leatherback turtle, which lives in the area and is called a “trunk,” gave the bay its name.

“Those who live on the beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands and those who come back to visit hold Trunk Bay and the many beaches across the islands in a special place in their hearts,” says Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of the USVI Department of Tourism in a news release. “We have long regarded our beaches as some of the best in the world, and this recognition helps us share that with the world.”

From December to April is the Caribbean’s high season, and that’s when Trunk Bay is busy.

Lucky Bay, in western Australia, is a favourite spot for kangaroos. It was voted the best beach last year.

What are the best beaches in the US?

Henderson Beach in Florida on the Emerald Coast was the only beach in the United States to make the top 50 list. It came in at number 44.

Henderson Beach in Florida, showcasing its beautiful sandy shores and clear waters on the Emerald Coast.
Henderson Beach, ranked 44th among the top 50 beaches in the United States, is known for its stunning scenery and pristine environment.

Lanikai Beach on Oahu came in at No. 14, and Kapalua Bay Beach on Maui, which is lined with palm trees, came in at No. 40.

List of Top 10 best beaches in the world

BeachAtlas chose 99 beaches, besides Bora Bora, that stood out because of their past, the communities they build, or the way they make everyone feel welcome. Here are the top 10 pictures:

No. 1: Bora Bora, French Republic, Pacific Ocean

A stunning aerial view of Bora Bora, showcasing its turquoise lagoon and lush green islands in the Pacific Ocean.
Bora Bora, located in the French Republic, is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and is a top destination in the Pacific Ocean.

No. 2: Boulders Beach, Cape Town, South Africa

A picturesque view of Boulders Beach in Cape Town, showcasing its unique granite boulders and African penguins on the sandy shore.
Boulders Beach in Cape Town, South Africa, is known for its stunning scenery and friendly African penguin colony.

No. 3: Waikiki, Neighborhood in Hawaii, U.S.

A vibrant view of Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, featuring surfers riding the waves and the iconic Diamond Head crater in the background.
Waikiki Beach, a famous neighborhood in Hawaii, is celebrated for its stunning coastline and lively atmosphere.

No. 4: Copacabana, Brazil

A vibrant view of Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, featuring its iconic promenade, golden sands, and lively beachgoers.
Copacabana Beach, renowned as one of the world’s most famous beaches, stretches for 4 km along the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

No. 5: Maya Bay, Thailand

A breathtaking view of Maya Bay in Thailand, featuring its turquoise waters, towering limestone cliffs, and lush greenery.
Maya Bay, famous for its stunning natural beauty, is located on the island of Koh Phi Phi Leh in Thailand.

No. 6: Black Sand Beach, Iceland

A dramatic view of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Iceland, showcasing its unique black sands, powerful waves, and striking sea stacks.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, located on the south coast of Iceland, is famous for its stunning black sands and dramatic coastal scenery.

No. 7: Glass Beach, U.S.

A colorful view of Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California, showcasing smooth sea glass pieces scattered across the pebbly shore.
Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California, is famous for its vibrant sea glass, a result of years of discarded waste.

No. 8: JBR Beach, UAE

A vibrant view of JBR Beach in Dubai, showcasing its golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and the bustling promenade filled with visitors.
JBR Beach, located at Jumeirah Beach Residence, is a popular urban beach destination known for its lively atmosphere and stunning views.

No. 9: Skeleton Coast, Namibia

A dramatic view of the Skeleton Coast in Namibia, showcasing its rugged coastline, shipwrecks, and vast desert landscape.
The Skeleton Coast, known for its haunting beauty and shipwrecks, stretches along Namibia’s northern Atlantic coast.

No. 10: Omaha Beach, France

A solemn view of Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, with its sandy shores and memorials honoring the soldiers who fought during D-Day.
Omaha Beach, known for its pivotal role in the D-Day landings, is a site of remembrance and honor for those who fought in World War II.