There is over 200,000 miles of coastline in the world, that’s about the same as the distance from the Earth to the Moon.  That’s a lot of beach!  In an attempt to help everyone find their own sandy spot, the team at Go Blue Tours has put together our top 15 favorite beaches.  Some are huge beaches known all over the globe and some are tiny little spots where we had a fantastic time.  Enjoy, which shouldn’t be too hard, who doesn’t like the beach!

• #15 – El Castillo Beach, Tulum, Mexico

On the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, the ancient Mayan city of Tulum dates back to the 13th century when it was used as a trading port. El Castillo (the Castle) was built as a landmark so incoming vessels could take advantage of the break in the coastal reef. Visitors today can enjoy fantastic views of the Caribbean, gorgeous white sand, and a little bit of history. Sure the Mayans totally blew their End of the World proclamation, but they sure could pick a nice beach!

• #14 – Dickenson Bay Beach, St. John’s, Antigua

Located on the northwest coast of the small island, this gem of a beach is home to top notch resorts that are consistantly voted as the “World’s Most Romantic Resorts”. It only takes a few steps out to this beach to know why. Crystal blue water, hundreds of palm trees, and beautiful sunsets make this a spot everyone must see! Whether you are enjoying a cocktail, catching some rays, or scuba diving in this underwater paradise, you’ll never want to leave.

• #13 – Playa Bávaro, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Rated as the top beach in the resort city of Punta Cana, this enormous stretch of white sand never seems to end. With close to 100 resorts, you will see thousands of vacationers swimming in the Caribbean, soaking in the sun, or enjoying a few Mama Juanas (one of many famous local beverages). You’ll relax among the hundreds of palm trees during the day and dance the night away at a beach bash. If you look hard enough, you just may be able to see Puerto Rico in the distance. If not, have a few more Mama Juanas and try again!

• #12 – Isla de Pasion, Cozumel, Mexico

Located near the northwestern tip of the small island, this private oasis has been voted as the best beach in Cozumel. Known for it’s iridescent green and blue Caribbean waters and white sand, this hidden getaway has something for everyone. Kayak or take a jeep tour through the jungle, cruise the waters in a paddle boat, or grab a cocktail (did we mention the open bar) and relax in a hammock or beach bed.

• #11 – Elbow Beach, Paget Parish, Bermuda

On the southern coast of the island nation, this is one of the most popular and visited beaches in Bermuda. Thanks to the protective coral reefs that surround it, Elbow Beach hosts one of the calmest shores on the island and is perfect for swimming and body surfing. There’s about mile mile of pink sand running along the Atlantic for visitors to enjoy. This picturesque paradise was even chosen as the vacation spot for some of the fellas in “The Sopranos”, so try and stay out of trouble!

• #10 – Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Known as the Beverly Hills of Brazil, this beauty of a beach is the longest in Rio and the home of celebrities and soccer stars. After spending a day on the gorgeous beach watching the numerous surfers, windsurfers, body-boarders, and kite-surfers, you’ll have to rest up and prepare for an all night party at some of the most famous clubs in the world. Barra da Tujuca is said to have a Miami style nightlife, but better! If you want luxury, people watching, spectacular views, and 11 miles of sand along the Atlantic, this hot spot (which will be the center of the 2016 Olympics) is the place for you.

#9 – Girls Bank, Harbor Island, Bahamas

This tiny island (only 3 miles long) is home to under 2,000 laid back locals, stunning 100 foot wide pink sand beaches, and is a popular spot for diving, snorkeling, bone fishing, and biking. Golf carts are the vehicle of choice here and the place to be is Girls Bank. Located on the west side of the island, this 1,000 foot stretch of sand is surrounded by turquoise water and the Lone Tree. Back in 1992, after Hurricane Andrew, the Lone Tree just showed up. There are many speculations as to how, but what is fact is that the image of the Lone Tree is one of the most iconic photos of the Bahamas. If we were doing a list for top sunset locations in the world, this would be top 5!

• #8 – Lover’s Beach, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

#7 – Cable Beach, Broome, Australia

Located on the northwest tip of the island nation/continent, the 14 miles of white sand beaches knows as Cable Beach is renowned as one of the most stunning beaches in the world. Looking out over the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Cable Beach is home to one of Australia’s most famous nudist beaches (located on the north side and continuing all the way up to the ironically named Willie Creek). The beach is covered in tourists, four wheel drive vehicles, and camels (fantastic for stunning sunset rides). Australia is known for it’s beaches, and Cable Beach is by far our favorite!

• #6 – Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Named the World’s Leading Beach for several years running at the World Travel Awards, this 12 mile stretch is the pride of Turks and Caicos. Surrounded by the world’s third-largest coral reef, the Grace Bay has excursions galore. You can snorkel right from shore and see barracudas, turtles, stingrays and a wide assortment of fish. You can whale watch, ride a bike, or just relax and enjoy the sun and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

• #5 – Playa Espadilla, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

As part of Manuel Antonio National Park, voted the world’s 12th most beautiful national park in 2011, this secluded beach sits is surrounded by natural rock outcroppings, warm tide pools, tropical shore birds, and a natural jungle which surrounds all of Arenas Del Mar. Gorgeous sunsets, fantastic Pacific waves for surfing (check it out on youtube), and soft, warm sand make this a wonderful spot. Add in all the excursions the national park has to offer (zip-lining, white water rafting, an Aerial Tram through the rain-forest, horseback riding) and this beach becomes a must visit. Visitors love taking the hour long hike up to Punta Catedral to hang out with and listen to the howler monkeys as well as to catch some breathtaking views of Playa Espadilla.

• #4 – Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico

This tiny island paradise (only 11 square miles) sits just a few miles off the coast of Eastern Puerto Rico and has been named the second-most beautiful beach in the world by the Discovery Channel. Flamenco Beach is in sheltered cove, surrounded by greenery with only one or two buildings. Fish swim right up to the edge of the waist deep water. There’s a ton to see snorkeling (you can see almost 20 yards underwater) around four dispersed reefs on one end of the beach. At night, if there’s no moon, you can actually see the Milky Way spread out across the sky. Grab a piña colada and stroll along the white sand and check out the US Army tank (the military used to bomb Culebra for target practice) that got stuck in the sand.

• #3 – Playa Delfines, Cancun, Mexico

There is over 14 miles of fantastic beach in Cancun, but Playa Delfines is our choice for the best. This serene sandy oasis sits in the world famous tourist zone of Cancun, surrounded by top notch resorts, restaurants, clubs, shopping, and excursions galore. The beautiful strip of beach offers views of the most gorgeous turquoise water you will find anywhere. You’ll escape from the strip of high-rise hotels and enjoy the quintessential Caribbean landscape of dunes, glittering sand, striated shades of blue and a sky sprinkled with multicolored para-sails. It’s a peaceful place for sunbathing or, in early morning, watching the wild dolphins who give the beach its name. Whether you’re looking out to sea, down the beach to the Hotel Zone, or at the waves (which occasionally strike the right balance for perfect surfing), you’ll love and never forget the mesmerizing views!

• #2 – 7 Mile Beach, Negril, Jamaica

Located on the west coastline of the island nation, this golden sand beach is home to all inclusive resorts, small beachfront cottages, beachfront bars, and the opportunity to do just about any water excursion you can think of. You’ll find yourself walking up and down 7 Mile Beach all day enjoying everything Jamaica has to offer. Everyone gathers on the beach for the most beautiful sunsets you will find anywhere, hand down. Grab a Red Stripe, get you hair braided, enjoy the sun, and everything will feel alright while you enjoy every second of the awkwardly named 7 Mile Beach (it’s really only 4 miles long). Families with small children beware and exhibitionists/spring breakers get ready: nudity is prevalent here!

• #1 – Akumal Beach, Rivera Maya, Mexico

The coastal paradise Akumal, “Place of the Turtle” in Mayan, sits just a short ride from Playa del Carmen and Tulum is a hidden gem. Grab a cerveza and lounge for the day on the picture perfect white sandy beaches or just gaze upon the endless turquoise, crystal waters. Perfect for snorkeling with the eels, rays, barracudas, squids, green turtles, and tropical fish. Want to hit the town, no problem, head on up to Playa del Carmen and enjoy the world famous nightlife. Grab some scuba equipment and dive a bit deeper or venture out a bit more and do a cave dive. This secret oasis is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the sound of the waves crashing on the shore without a care in the world. There is so much and so little to do in Akumal, that’s why it is our favorite!

What do you think?  Do you agree?  Disagree?  Let us know below.