Explore Worldwide, a UK-based travel company, has unveiled its list of the 13 best beaches in the world for 2025. The selections, based on recommendations from a global network of tour guides and travel experts, were chosen for their unique geology, ecosystems, cultural experiences, history, and conservation value. These beaches not only offer stunning scenery but also provide opportunities to connect with nature and local communities.

Pink Beach, Indonesia

Located within Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991 and one of the New7Wonders of Nature, Pink Beach gets its distinctive rosy hue from crushed coral and Foraminifera microorganisms. This unique characteristic sets it apart from typical beaches. The area boasts a rich coral reef, home to diverse fish and starfish species. Visitors often depart from Labuan Bajo by boat for snorkeling, exploring the landscape, and learning about Komodo dragons, the world's largest lizards, which still roam the island. Image: Explore Bali

Le Morne Beach, Mauritius

Nestled at the foot of cliffs in southwest Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean about 2,000 km off southeast Africa, Le Morne Beach features soft white sand and swaying palm trees. It's an ideal location for water sports like kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. Offshore, Le Morne is known for the "underwater waterfall" illusion, where sand currents create the impression of cascading into the ocean depths. Image: Mauritius Now

Boulders Beach, South Africa

Situated on South Africa's Cape Peninsula, Boulders Beach is famous for its large granite boulders that frame the white sand and turquoise water. Its main attraction is the colony of African penguins that inhabit the beach and shallows. Visitors can observe them from wooden walkways that wind through dunes, vegetation, and viewing points. Occasionally, rock hyraxes basking in the sun and cormorants soaring overhead can also be spotted. Image: Tripadvisor

Yalong Bay, China

Known as the "Hawaii of China," Yalong Bay graces the southern coast of Hainan Island. Its white sandy beach and clear turquoise waters are home to a variety of marine life, including butterflyfish and sea turtles. On shore, palm trees punctuate resorts and tropical gardens, connected to the mountains by lantern-lit paths and elevated glass bridges. As the sun sets, painting the horizon in hues of orange and pink, fishing boats can be seen navigating the waters near Longtou Mountain. Image: CGTN

Sunrise Beach, Thailand

Located on the east coast of Koh Lipe, a popular destination in the Andaman Sea, Sunrise Beach is known for its snorkeling, longtail boat rides, and local cuisine at beachside restaurants. During low tide, a natural sandbar emerges, allowing visitors to walk to nearby islands. Image: Skotheimtravels

Cala Macarelleta Beach, Spain

Tucked away on the southwest coast of Menorca, Spain, Cala Macarelleta is a secluded beach accessible only by winding footpaths or boat. Surrounded by limestone cliffs and Aleppo pine forests, it's a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sailing. The waters teem with fish like sea bream and other marine life around the rocks and coral reefs. On land, trails through the pine forests and cliffs offer options for those who want to combine beach relaxation with nature exploration. Image: Tripadvisor

Pentle Bay, England

Located on the east coast of Tresco in the Isles of Scilly, Pentle Bay boasts a long stretch of fine white sand. Situated within the Gulf Stream's influence, the bay offers clear waters ideal for kayaking, swimming, and coastal sightseeing. The surrounding area is rich in biodiversity, with seabirds like oystercatchers and seals frequently seen near the shore. Behind the beach lies a subtropical botanical garden, home to endemic and imported plants thriving in Tresco's unique microclimate. Image: HolidayFox

Vik i Myrdal Beach, Iceland

Situated on Iceland's south coast, Vik i Myrdal Beach is known for its black sand formed from volcanic lava and basalt cliffs. Its most striking feature is the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, linked to the legend of trolls turned to stone by the rising sun. The area is a habitat for various seabirds, including puffins, northern fulmars, and guillemots, particularly during breeding season. Its unique landscape and ever-changing sky make Vik i Myrdal a favorite destination for photographers and those seeking untouched nature. Image: Manawa

Playa la Concha Beach, Spain

Playa la Concha, a crescent-shaped beach nestled in the Bay of San Sebastian, Spain, is embraced by Santa Clara Island, Mount Igueldo, and Mount Urgull. It's a popular spot for stand-up paddleboarding and swimming along its curved shoreline. 19th-century architecture lines the promenade, interspersed with outdoor cafes and restaurants. At low tide, the beach reveals tide pools where visitors can catch small crabs. In the evenings, locals stroll along the beach, enjoying the sunset over the horizon. Image: Alberto-g-rovi

Los Roques Archipelago, Venezuela

Located in the Caribbean Sea, Los Roques Archipelago is a Venezuelan collection of over 300 islands, cays, and beaches. Protected as a national park, it's renowned for its rich marine ecosystem, including angelfish, rays, anemones, and diverse coral reefs. Beyond the white sands and clear waters, Los Roques features small islands that serve as nesting grounds for seabirds, along with mangroves and salt flats. Gran Roque, the largest island, is the tourism hub, offering activities like diving, sailing, and nature exploration. Image: Ospreyexpeditions

Cannon Beach, USA

Located on the northern Oregon coast, Cannon Beach is distinguished by the iconic Haystack Rock, a 72-meter-tall sea stack within the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The area is home to various seabirds, such as tufted puffins and black oystercatchers, as well as marine animals like seals and crabs. At low tide, the beach exposes tide pools teeming with starfish, crabs, and other marine life. The town of Cannon Beach, just inland, offers quiet streets with shops, art galleries, and cottages, combining natural beauty with tourist attractions. Image: Smalltownwashington

Man O' War Beach, England

Situated on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, England, near the famous Durdle Door arch, Man O' War Beach is a sheltered cove ideal for swimming and exploring marine life. At low tide, rock pools emerge, revealing shore crabs and starfish, and offering opportunities to search for ammonite fossils. Herring gulls nest on the cliffs surrounding the bay. Accessible only by a steep path and devoid of tourist amenities, the beach offers tranquility and natural beauty. Image: Daniel James Clarke

Lucky Bay, Australia

Located in Cape Le Grand National Park in Western Australia, Lucky Bay is known for its white, quartz-rich sand. Kangaroos frequently appear and relax on the beach, creating an iconic image of the area. The shallow waters are ideal for snorkeling, with Australian salmon, blue groper, and queen snapper among the marine life present. Offshore, whales can be observed breaching during their migration from July to October. Inland, ancient granite outcrops and bushwalking trails complete the landscape. Named by explorer Matthew Flinders in 1802 after finding shelter there during a storm, the bay remains a tranquil, unspoiled destination. Image: Western Australia

Tuan Anh (Forbes)