37 of the Most Surreal Beaches and Coastlines on the Planet

Martianesque rocks, gorgeous water, wicked cloud formations, crazy shorebreak — these photos explore diverse coastal terrain from around the world.

1. The Great Ocean Road, Australia

Iconic limestone stack formations, the “12 Apostles,” of Australia’s Great Ocean Road, which has made several of our most inspiring road roundups.

2. Miniloc Island, Philippines

MatadorU faculty member Scott Sporleder’s note: “to reach the entrance to this little lagoon on Miniloc Island you travel through the break in the cliff, making your way past reefs and dreamlike water.”

3. Kauai, Hawaii

4. Pinamar, Argentina

5. Laguna Beach, California

Scott Sporleder got pinned against the rocks by heavy winter and rising tides while taking this shot.

6. Dawlish, England

7. Alki Beach, Washington

8. Aruba

9. Kauai, Hawaii

This aerial shot was taken over the Nā Pali Coast State Park, an area accessible only by foot or boat.

10. Cannon Beach, Oregon

The Oregon coast is home to massive headlands, dunes, and monstrous surf including the largest waves ever surfed in a kayak.

11. El Nido, Philippines

12. Mar del Plata, Argentina

13. San Francisco, California

Seal Rocks on the north end of Ocean Beach.

14. Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts

15. Persian Gulf, Iran

16. Palawan, Philippines

17. Phi Phi Leh, Thailand

Maya Bay can get a bit crowded these days with tourist boats whipping down from Phuket, but if you get there early in the morning or stay long enough to let the boats leave, chances are you will have the place to yourself.

18. Ontario, Canada

19. Robin Hood’s Bay, England

Although it’s not likely he was ever in the area, this small fishing village on the coast of North Yorkshire is named after the legendary thief. As the story goes, Robin Hood took on a band of French pirates in this spot and returned their loot to the villagers.

20. Daracton Island, Philippines

21. Santa Monica, California

22. India

23. Oahu, Hawaii

Haleiwa, a community located on Waialua Bay.

24. Morro Bay, California

25. Aitutaki, Cook Islands

26. San Blas Islands, Panama

Home to the Kuna Indians, these small islands (some of them only large enough for a single palm tree) are located on the Caribbean side of Panama.

27. Queensland, Australia

28. Kekaha, Hawaii

29. Yawsawa Islands, Fiji

“Walking along Champagne Bay was surreal. The sand was so white it nearly hurt my eyes and to top it all off, there was not a single foot print to be found.” (Photographer Scott Sporleder)

30. Worthing, England

31. Corfu Island, Greece

32. Maldives

33. Coney Island, New York

34. Isla Providencia, Colombia

35. Maldives

36. North Ayrshire, Scotland

37. Punggol, Singapore