If you have a fear of sharks, then you won’t want to go to New Smyrna Beach. This beach has seen eight shark attacks culminating in death over the last five years. Most common here are the bull sharks, who are able to swim and hunt in freshwater. New Smyrna Beach which is in Volusia County saw more confirmed shark bites than any other region in the world in 2007. In 2008, they once again took first place, beating their own previous record of shark bites with a staggering 24 bites.
If you can look past that, then you might also appreciate the many recreational opportunities offered at the beach like fishing, sailing, motorboating, golfing and hiking. It has also been rated as one of the best surf towns by National Geographic. It’s up to you if you want to do all that alongside a 290 pound animal with a bite force up to 5,914 newtons.
KAUAPEA BEACH, HAWAII
Looks can be deceiving, they say. And this beach in Kalihiwai, Hawaii, verifies that statement. This beach may look beautiful, but the water has a strong undercurrent and is situated near an active volcano, called Kilauea. The volcano sends lava into the ocean every day and swimmers are often prohibited from going in the water, for obvious reasons.
In the winter, conditions are extremely dangerous and swimming is not advised. So don’t be fooled by the pristine white sand, the cliff backdrop and the turquoise-colored ocean water because these waters are brewing with danger. We think picnicking, seashell hunting and sunbathing sound like a much safer and carefree option.
HEARD ISLAND BEACH, AUSTRALIA
This island of Australia is actually closer to Antarctica. It is among the most remote places on Earth. It has a number of small wetland sites dispersed around its coastal periphery including areas of wetland vegetation, lagoons and rocky and sandy shores which are all divided by active glaciers.
Because of its location in the Antarctic Ocean, it experiences a harsh Antarctic climate. Housing penguins and a research facility, it proves to be quite the deadly home for scientists. There have been more scientists who have died getting on an off the island than those stationed there.
TAMARAMA BEACH, AUSTRALIA
While this beach is super popular amongst Australians and located just outside of Sydney, its strong rip tides and shore breaks make it a deadly beach. It is nicknamed Glamarama by its locals, as the beach attracts budding trend setters to its sandy shores.
So basically, if you are thinking of taking a trip to the land Down Under and paying a visit to this famous beach, don't go in the water. You can settle for dipping your feet and taking a cool picture for Instagram but don't risk yourself doing anything more extreme than that. There are safer beaches to explore.
BIKINI ATOLL BEACH, MARSHALL ISLANDS
This is a beach you won’t want to add to your bucket list, and that’s not because it’s not beautiful. The deserted beach is almost exactly on the equator and is filled with more than 23 nuclear bombs that the United States dropped at seven test sites located on the reef in the 40s and 50s.
If visitors obtain prior approval and pay for a diver and two local government council representatives to accompany them, they are allowed aboard the vessels. If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea and you don’t want to tan amongst nuclear waste and radiation, you’d be better off to find another beach.