Water covers 71% of the earth's surfaces. Similarly, 73% of the human heart and brain are composed of the same liquid. Perhaps this fact draws people to the shorelines, acting on an unconscious desire to be in nature and connect with the stuff that keeps us all going. There's something incredibly striking about water clear enough to see through, the views of what lies beneath distinguishable even at great depths.
Maybe, once again, the magic of crystalline water has something to do with the constant pursuit of gaining clarity in a human sense. Away from the large blocks of land most of the world's population calls home, thousands of islands with less human influence attract tourists searching for something special. These islands, rife with wildlife and natural beauty, possess the clearest waters on the planet.
10 Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay) - Kalaoa, Hawaii
Hawaii is known for its cozy white-sand beaches, and it can sometimes be hard to find a spot to set up the towels due to their popularity. Kua Bay is a little more challenging to get to, but the reward for scrambling down a stretch of lava rocks is the relative seclusion that's hard to find on the more easily accessible big island beaches.
During the summertime, the waters are calm, offering prime opportunities to observe what's going on beneath the surface of the crystal clear water. It's not unusual to witness sea turtles gracefully drifting by or the occasional dolphin zooming past.
9 Shoal Bay - Anguilla, Caribbean
There is no shortage of activities to keep visitors to Anguilla occupied during their stay. The popular destination is known for its extensive dining, rich nightlife, and 33 pristine beaches. The most impressive of all is Shoal Bay, a stretch of sand home to waters so clear that guests enjoy an unobstructed view of the rich flora blooming on the sea bed. Gentle, turquoise waves kiss the blinding white sand shores, the paradisal ambiance enhanced by the lush palm trees surrounding the beach.
8 Zamami - Okinawa, Japan
Visitors to Japan's gorgeous shores can hop on a speedboat or take a ferry to Zamami for a unique island experience near Okinawa. Half-day kayak adventures keep people above water, and floating atop the crystalline surface will have them feeling like they're gliding through the air. More adventurous souls can fully submerge and watch the sun rays dance in crisp lines across the seabed, the softly rippling waters swaying healthy sea plants and exposing the colorful fish hiding among them.
7 Aitutaki Lagoon - Cook Islands
Less than 2,000 people call the tiny island paradise of Aitutaki home, making it a special place to experience rich Polynesian culture in a small setting. The picturesque Aitutaki lagoon contains some of the most biodiverse reef formations in the world, and the clear waters make it a prime spot to view the hundreds of fish species thriving beneath the surface. Lagoon cruise tours give guests the opportunity to scuba dive and feed the fishes, and private pontoons are available for rental for those who'd like to soak up the sun surrounded by sparkling blue waters.
6 Sainte Anne - Seychelles
Any of the 115 islands floating in the Indian Sea, known collectively as Seychelles, will satisfy water-loving wanderers searching for crystal clarity. Eight islands form what is known as Sainte Anne Marine National Park, renowned for its pristine beaches and preservation of aquatic wildlife.
The shorelines are studded with tree-laden mountains and impressive rock formations, and the transparent waters are out of this world. Glass bottomed boat trips take tourists across the muted blue waters, where they will witness a spectacular underwater show. During July, humpback whales migrate close to shore, and people describe the memorable experience as overwhelmingly emotional.
5 Exuma - Bahamas
The Exuma Islands in the Bahamas provide visitors with a relaxing island getaway without the clamor associated with the more popular destination, Nassau. The bleached sand beaches, abundant hidden lagoons, coves, and wildlife make it ideal for landscape lovers who find their peace surrounded by natural beauty. It's impossible not to mention the opportunity to soak in the warm, clear waters in the company of the cutest feral pigs on the planet, an experience unique to Exuma's Pig Beach.
4 Palawan - Phillippines
Palawan Island has been voted the most beautiful island in the world on several occasions, taking the top spot as recently as 2020. Visitors become entranced by the magnificent limestone cliffs that hug the shorelines of immaculate, white-sand beaches. The clear, turquoise waters and lush lagoons create a paradise too beautiful to be captured by a postcard. The tranquil, unclouded waters make Palawan perfect for shipwreck divers, who can explore sunken WWII ships teeming with impressive reef life.
3 Maldives - Literally, Anywhere In The Maldives
It's no wonder why the Maldives remain high on the bucket lists of travel lovers around the world. The beaches are almost unbelievable, and anyone lucky enough to visit is sure to have a memorable experience. Cloud-spotted blue skies match the vibrant waters and soft sands. The currents create an ever-changing landscape of sandbanks that carry barefoot beachgoers to tiny islands surrounded by inconceivably clear water. Aside from scuba diving, submarine excursions allow tourists to explore the stunning coral reefs of the Maldives while staying dry in the process.
2 Daydream Island - Whitsunday Islands, Australia
The 74 Whitsunday Islands off the coast of Australia are part of the largest ecosystem in the world, the Great Barrier Reef, an expanse of over 130,000 miles of reef systems containing hundreds of unique plant and animal species. Visitors will come face to face with the importance of preserving the planet's most beautiful habitats.
Daydream Island has several fringing reefs perfect for snorkeling through teal-tinted crystalline waters. The swirling shorelines create the impression of a wispy cloud-filled sky, resulting in a landscape deserving of its name.
1 Matangi - Fiji Islands
Visitors to Matangi Island in Fiji will enjoy an untouched landscape surrounded by towering trees and gorgeous villas. The horseshoe-shaped island is a privacy lover's paradise. Sparkling cerulean waters gently roll into the secluded shoreline. Guests will savor unimpeded, clear as glass views of fringing reefs teeming with wildlife beneath the surface.