Black beach puerto rico: Black Sand Beach | Discover Puerto Rico – Conoce las especies de Puerto Rico

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February 16, 2023
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Black beach puerto rico: Black Sand Beach | Discover Puerto Rico

Playa Negra (Black Sand Beach) In Vieques, Puerto Rico (2023)

The black sand of Playa Negra is one of the most unique sights in Puerto Rico!

If you are visiting Vieques, you shouldn’t leave without visiting this special beach.

Being from Puerto Rico, I’ve been to this beach many times, and I think it’s one of the most interesting beaches here.

In this article, I will go over everything you need to know about Playa Negra (Black Sand Beach):

– What is Playa Negra (Black Sand Beach)?

– Where is Playa Negra (Black Sand Beach) located?

– How do you get to Playa Negra (Black Sand Beach) in Puerto Rico?

– How much time do you need to spend there?

– Is there free parking?

– Can you visit Playa Negra (Black Sand Beach) without a tour?

– Is Playa Negra (Black Sand Beach) open to the public?

– Is it worth visiting?

What is Playa Negra (Black Sand Beach)?

Playa Negra is a beach with black sand that is located on the south coast of Vieques island.

It’s the darkest among the few black sand beaches in Puerto Rico.

This beach boasts unique, beautiful visuals with cliffs, small orange crabs and pitch-black sand.

Below is a video that shows Playa Negra (Black Sand Beach):

Playa Negra’s origin goes back millions of years when the movement of tectonic plates and the volcanic activity in the area formed Vieques.

Playa Negra, also called “Negrita”, owes its black sand color to the leftover particles of the volcanic material and minerals left behind by the volcanic activity in the area.

During the rainy season, the rain carries these minerals from Monte Pirata, located in the southwest of the island, out to the beach, giving the sand on Playa Negra its peculiar color.

Where is Playa Negra (Black Sand Beach) located?

Playa Negra is on the southwest coast of Vieques, an offshore island part of Puerto Rico.

This beach is located close to La Esperanza and Vieques Wildlife Refuge.

Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Playa Negra:

I will explain the different ways to get to this beach below.

How do you get to Playa Negra (Black Sand Beach) in Puerto Rico?

The trip to Playa Negra is divided into two parts: getting to Vieques, and then getting to Playa Negra.

I’ll review them separately:

Getting to Vieques:

Vieques is an island located 8-miles (13 km) east from the main island in Puerto Rico.

There are multiple transportation methods to get to Vieques.

The most direct and easiest way to get to the island is by flying from the San Juan International Airport.

Cape Air and Seaborne Airlines have connecting flights directly from the San Juan Airport to the Vieques Airport, so you don’t even have to leave the airport if you don’t want to.

A roundtrip typically costs between $100 and $400 per person, and the ride is around 30 minutes.

Another option is to depart from Isla Grande Airport, also located in San Juan. From this airport, you can book a flight with Vieques Airlink and Air Flamenco to Vieques.

These tickets are usually cheaper and can range between $130 – $160 per roundtrip. The ride to Vieques is also shorter, with an average flight time of 20 minutes.

You can see this airport’s exact location below:

But the most common way to get to Vieques is by taking a shuttle from San Juan or driving a rental car to the ferry terminal in Ceiba. Below is the location of the ferry terminal:

From there, you can take a ferry that within 20 to 45 minutes will leave you on the north side of Vieques, in the neighborhood of Isabel II.

You can either buy the ferry tickets there, or you can book them through the website Puerto Rico Ferry.

An important note is that you can’t take cars on the ferry to Vieques or Culebra. Therefore, if you drive a car to the Ceiba ferry terminal, you will have to leave it in the parking lot and pay a daily fee.

Flying from Ceiba Airport to Vieques is also an option. Vieques Airlink offers fares for about $80 a roundtrip. The flight takes approximately 10 minutes.

Vieques Airlines airplane.

Read more details in our guide on How to Get to Vieques.

Getting to Playa Negra Trail:

Once you arrive at the ferry terminal at Vieques, you will have multiple options to get to Playa Negra.

The least convenient way is walking. Although Vieques is relatively small and walking from one place to another isn’t entirely impossible, it’s dangerous to walk through most roads.

Most Vieques roads are narrow, curvy, and lack sidewalks. All those elements put pedestrians that don’t know the area in danger.

The walk from the Vieques ferry terminal to Playa Negra would take between 2 and 3 hours, depending on your pace, the route, and how many stops you make. See an estimated route on the following map:

Renting a bike is also an option, but you would face the same problems on the roads, and the topography of Vieques would make crossing the island by bicycle a hard task to accomplish.

So, although possible options, walking or riding a bike isn’t recommended for moving around in Vieques.

Below is a video that shows the roads in Vieques:

The most common way to move around in Vieques is by renting a car or a golf cart. You can also take a carro publico, a type of taxi that can take you to the main tourist sites in Vieques.

The carro publico’s fares to Playa Negra are around $10 per person per ride. You can catch one at the ferry terminal in Vieques or you can check out the following list with some of Vieques’ drivers and call one directly:

Letty Perez/Kiani Tours – 787-556-6003

Vieques Taxi – 787-741-8294

M&M Taxi – 939-208-1600

Vieques Tours & Transportation – 787-397-2048

Getting to Playa Negra:

The GPS will take you to the following location:

From here, you’ll see a large sign that says Playa Negra and the start of a trail next to it. You should follow the trail for 15 minutes until you reach the beach.

Keep in mind the trail can be somewhat muddy during the rainy season and you might have to cross water puddles, particularly in the last section of the trail. During this season, a small creek also runs along the trail.

See part of the trail in the following video:

How much time do you need to spend there?

How much time you spend in Playa Negra will depend on what you want to do there.

If you just want to take some pictures and a short walk, then 15-30 minutes are enough. However, if you’re hiking, swimming, or just sunbathing, allow yourself 1-2 hours on the beach.

Yet, keep in mind this beach isn’t recommended for swimming, as the tide is strong. Yet, I’ve seen many tourists adventuring on the beach.

Black sand in Playa Negra, Vieques.

Is there free parking?

Although limited, Playa Negra has free parking on the road next to the trailhead.

It isn’t identified officially, but there is a space across Gallery Galeon where visitors park and walk to their left to reach the trailhead.

Pin Gallery Galeon in your GPS and you’ll find Playa Negra’s parking lot easily:

Can you visit Playa Negra (Black Sand Beach) without a tour?

All tourists and travelers can visit Playa Negra without a tour. Access to the site is free.

But, many travelers choose to visit this breathtaking beach on a horseback riding tour that starts on Esperanza Beach. You can book one with Esperanza Riding Company.

Is Playa Negra (Black Sand Beach) open to the public?

Playa Negra is open to the public, and it’s free of charge.

It doesn’t have a gate or operating hours, but visiting at night isn’t recommended, as it can be lonely and there aren’t any facilities at the beach.

Footsteps on the black sand in Playa Negra, Vieques.

Is it worth visiting?

Playa Negra is worth visiting in Vieques.

This beach has beautiful visuals and is one of the few with black sand in Puerto Rico. It’s perfect for hiking, sunbathing, and photography.

Black sand in Playa Negra.

However, Playa Negra is not for everyone.

If you’re looking for a beach that has calm and turquoise water, then it’s better to visit other beaches in Vieques.

Final thoughts

Playa Negra is one of the most unique beaches in Puerto Rico due to its black sand and cliffs.

If you are looking for other things to do in Vieques, then check out our article about Mosquito Bay. This is the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, and is a must-do activity in Puerto Rico.

Article by

Vanessa Ramos

Writer at PuertoRico.com. I’m an avid traveler and freelance writer from Puerto Rico. I love the outdoors, coffee, hiking, and letters. When I’m not inside typing letters on my laptop, I’m out exploring the hidden treasures that Puerto Rico has to offer!

About the author

20 Best Black Sand Beaches in the World

Thinking about an exotic place to hang out on your next vacation? There is nothing better than a black sand beach. These are the best black sand beaches in the entire world.

Would you like to discover new places while having fun? Then black sand beaches are definitely for you. What is so amazing about black sand beaches and why is the sand black?

Well, before showing you the most stunning beaches with these characteristics, you need to know that this particular sand comes from eroded volcanic materials such as lava and other dark-colored stones and minerals.

Table of Contents

Best Black Sand Beaches Around the World

However, what makes these beaches so incredibly beautiful is the fact that they are unique as they exist only in specific parts of the world. So pack your luggage and be ready to get lost in one of the eye-catching black sand beaches on earth!

20) Black Sand Beach, California

Hidden within the San Francisco’s Golden Gate Recreation Area, this black sand beach is one of a kind in America. This beach looks like it doesn’t belong to this shore as black sand beaches are natural phenomena related to volcanic areas. And that is what makes this place so special.

The dark sand comes from iron minerals that surround the 20 miles long coastline. Regardless of its beauty, you can’t swim there due to the heavy waves. In fact, there are signs all over the place warning people not to dive in the water.

However, it is a cool place to chill with friends or family. Explore the area by taking one of these awesome San Francisco walking tours.

See Related: Best Things to do in East Bay, California

19) Albay Islands, Philippines

The best part about this place, is you have three islands to choose from. Albay is an island complex where Bacacay, Sto. Domingo and Tiwi offer both locals and tourists a unique day. They show you don’t have to go to Hawaii or Iceland to enjoy the majestic views of black sand beaches.

The volcanic rock and ground lava give the beach a distinctive dark color. Whichever Island you choose to visit, you’ll feel relaxed. Also, you can get to Albay from the capital city Manila by direct flight or around 10 hours by bus or car.

If adrenaline rushes are your thing, check out these top zip lines in the Phillippines.

See Related: Best Phillipino Festivals to Experience

18) Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Indonesia

Deep into the woods of the Tangkoko Nature Reserve, lies one of the most beautiful black sand beaches on earth.

Located on Sulawesi island, this beach combines a unique dark-sand color with an awesome natural park with endemic and exotic species all over the area. That is why this place should be on your bucket list.

Furthermore, it is simple to reach. You may fly into Manado and then travel for about two hours to Tangkoko, which has breathtaking scenery along the way before reaching the black sand beach.

See Related: Best Coastal Towns in Ireland

17) Karekare Beach, New Zealand

New Zealand also has a place on this list and northern Auckland offers one magical black sand beach. Karekare is a non-conventional beach as you get here hiking through steep ridges that surround the whole area. But it is definitely worth the effort once you are there.

This is one of the black sand beaches where surfers and risky swimmers pave their way. However, it is dangerous as the waves strike the beach violently.

If you are planning to visit Karekare on a family trip, authorities advise you to first know about the place to avoid any dangerous situations.

In any case, this is a gorgeous beach that deserves your time. Want to know more about this remote place? So go check out an amazing tour that GuideYourGuide has around this area.

See Related: Best Archaeological Sites in Mexico

16) Papenoo Beach, Tahiti

Can you imagine how is a beach in French Polynesia? Exactly, amazing. Papenoo is in this ranking for a reason and is because it’s one of the nicest black sand beaches.

This is not your typical white and light sand beach that crowds the whole country. Indeed, volcanic materials make this place different.

Locals say this beach has to be your first step before going through The Papenoo Valley, which is a jungle on the island of Tahiti that offers incredible mountainous landscapes.

What else can you ask for in French Polynesia?

15) Playa Negra, Puerto Rico

Did you think white sand beaches are the only ones in the Caribbean Sea? Think twice! Puerto Rico shows you that black sand beaches can also be a primary destination in the Caribbean area.

This black sand beach in Vieques is the result of volcanic materials beneath the surface, which cause this amazing dark tone. As it is in the Caribbean zone, the sea is clear and totally available to swim and spend a good time with friends and family.

What’s even funnier is that many locals were totally unaware of Vieques’ existence until 2004, when more and more Puerto Ricans started noticing this gem in their own country.

They named it “Playa Negrita”, and it also shows you don’t have to go so far to see a natural treasure.

See Related: When is the Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico?

14) Kamari Beach, Greece

Greece is home to Western Civilization, it offers a rich cultural history and wonderful heritage. However, this country also gives you the opportunity to see awe-inspiring beaches, such as the black sand beach at Kamari, Santorini.

Normally you would think of white sand beaches when it comes to Greece, but it turns out that also offers one of the fanciest black sand beaches. Santorini rests on the rim of a volcano, which is the reason for the glimmering black sands on Perissa.

Both locals and tourists make a journey to Santorini only to witness this unique place in Greece. Looking to visit Greece?

Check out these quiet Greek islands so you can avoid sweaty partiers messing up your trip. If you like partying, then you can check out these top Greek party islands.

See Related: Greece vs Italy

13) Soufriere, St. Lucia

This time the Caribbean Sea brings up another treasure. But in this case, this black sand beach is even more difficult to know about due to St. Lucia’s lack of awareness.

In fact, black sand beaches are what make St. Lucia a different place from the other Caribbean countries because it offers views that you rarely see. It’s amazing.

Not for nothing, Soufriere Beach is one of the main attractions to locals. Every year St. Lucia’s residents try to put Soufriere on the map so more people can appreciate this beautiful place.

Now you know the Caribbean area it’s not only light sandy. This region always finds a way to amaze locals and tourists. Also, don’t miss Hidden Gems in the Caribbean Sea

See Related: What to Pack for a Trip to Jamaica

12) Marigot, Grenada

The last of the black sand beaches from the Caribbean region on this list, and by far the most difficult to get to. You find Marigot in St. George, a northern city in the town of Concord. Once you are there, expect a challenging hike until you reach the beach.

But Marigot is on this list for a reason. Once you make the stroll through Grenada’s dense jungle you will arrive in one of the most lonely places on the entire planet.

No noise, probably no other humans around other than you and your crew. Certainly, you will feel that you are far away from everything.

That for itself is more than a good reason to visit this remarkable beach.

See Related: Best Travel Sandals for Beach Destinations

11) Panalu’u Beach, Hawaii

The first or many Hawaiian black sand beaches on this ranking. It couldn’t be another one than Panalu’u Beach, located on the Big Island of Hawaii. The exotic dark sandy comes from basalt and lava flooding into the ocean. When you see this beauty, you will feel all the journey is worth it.

The beach is rocky and in some seasons of the year is dangerous to swim. For this reason, authorities warn tourists to stay awake. The downside of this natural beauty is that some endangered species exist, such as the green sea turtle, hawksbill turtle, or the Hawaiian monk seal.

Locals are doing a titanic effort to preserve their endemic animals. This is why you must be respectful of the area, you are here to relax and become one with nature.

See Related: How to Visit Barbados on a Budget

10) Miho-no-Matsubara, Japan

In the Miho Peninsula of Shizuoka City, you will find this natural treasure. When you arrive here, you won’t believe how amazing this place is, ever. Miho-no-Matsubara was included in 2013 in the UNESCO World Heritage site. So you can have an idea of the magic of this area.

The black sand beach only adds a piece of attractiveness to this place. What’s more incredible is that here you will be surrounded by over thirty-thousand pine trees as well as Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan in the background.

Make your stay even more relaxing by staying at a traditional Japanese ryokan in Hakone. Without a doubt, this is a landscape you don’t want to miss out on.

Also, you need to know what to buy in Japan: souvenirs to take home.

See Related: Kyoto vs Tokyo

9) Playa Jardin, Spain

As you may know, Spain has a lot to offer. And of course, Playa Jardin is one of them. Located in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Playa Jardin (Garden Beach) is what every tourist wants when it comes to a relaxing vacation.

When you see the beautiful landscape with palm trees and volcanic black sand alongside a botanical garden, you can easily notice that is not a coincidence that this beach was named Garden Beach.

The best part? This beach is safe to swim! You can enjoy the view of Tenerife’s volcano Mount Teide while swimming or snorkeling.

It is a great place to go on a family trip or just chill out with friends. For further information about Playa Jardin, check out the amazing offer GetYourGuide has for you.

See Related: Best Places To Go For Your Birthday

8) Prince William Sound, Alaska

Going down on this ranking you find this wonderful black sand beach in Alaska. You won’t regret it if you ever visit this place. Unfortunately, and for obvious reasons, you can swim here.

But Prince William Sound is not here for swimmers, rather you will be delighted with the landscape surrounded by glaciers and mountains all around the area. Perhaps the most intriguing part about this place is the paddling off the shore going through the colossal glaciers and towering rocks on a deep-blue background. This experience undoubtedly is breathtaking.

Furthermore, this is a fantastic camping location. Alaska has one of the greatest or even the best sunsets on Earth, according to experts. Now you may see that the dark sand is only a complement to this area.

The volcano sand is soft and you can hike around the place as well or just enjoy a picnic while delighting yourself with a beautiful sunset.

All of these components make this place one of the most amazing black sand beaches on earth. Check out these other top places to visit in Alaska.

See Related: Best Things to do in Juneau, Alaska

7) Playa Negra, Costa Rica

Starting in the top 7 there is another Playa Negra, but this time the travel takes us to Costa Rica. Playa Negra, located in the northwestern region of Guanacaste, is what every surfer would call paradise. Indeed, this beach was the filming spot of Bruce Brown’s The Endless Summer II.

Playa Negra amuses visitors not only with the beauty of the place itself but the renowned resorts, hotels, and cafes that make this place even more amazing.

Small but great, Playa Negra is considered by many as one of the best zones in Costa Rica. Check and plan the safety conditions of Costa Rica before visiting.

Don’t miss out on these other best beaches in Costa Rica to visit.

See Related: Best Travel Atomizers

6) Lovina Beach, Bali, Indonesia

When you think about Bali, tranquillity is the first thing that comes to mind. And, who wouldn’t be amazed at Bali? Well, when you visit Lovina Beach you will confirm this place should absolutely be on everyone’s bucket list and it’s a true hidden gem of Bali that’s totally worth exploring.

Situated just 2 hours away by plane from Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital city, Lovina will delight you with its grey and black sand together with a dolphin show in the mornings.

Want more? Here you can dive, snorkel and go on a boat trip on the sunrise to the dolphins. So yes, it’s safe to swim! You simply cannot miss this place. It’s the true definition when someone refers to a ‘different vacation’.

If you love vegan organic food, check out these organic Bali restaurants during your stay. Or buy a travel juicer to make fresh juice with organic fruits.

See Related: Best Things to do in Nassau, Bahamas

5) Stokksnes Beach, Iceland

Entering the top 5 you will see a lot of Iceland here, and Stokksnes Beach is a place you only see in movies. In fact, it is true.

This place in southeast Iceland looks like a background in a Disney film. The cliffs that surround the areas combined with the beautiful lagoon and the amazing black sand beaches result in a breathtaking landscape.

Without a doubt, one of the best places to enjoy the black sand beaches in Iceland. A great way to see the many beaches in Iceland is by renting a car and stopping at each spot. Iceland is a small country so you should be able to see the entire country in a few days.

See Related: Earplanes Review

4) Waianapanapa State Park, Hawaii

Located minutes away from the Hana Highway, Waianapanata State Park is everything you’ve ever dreamed of when it comes to unique beaches. This place is not only a black sand beach, but it also represents a cultural heritage as there are various legends about this area.

And once you see the marvelous beach you will immediately realize why this natural park is one of a kind. When you are here you will not know what to take pictures of, it’s simply amazing.

Lava caves, the coastline, stone arches, blowholes, and the glimmering black sand beach make this place a paradise to hike and is a perfect tropical vacation spot.

See Related: Maui Travel Itinerary

3) Kaimu, Hawaii

Going deep into the top 3 we reach the newest of the black sand beaches on earth, and it couldn’t be located in a more delightful place than Hawaii. Kaimu is a local favorite place although you can’t swim there due to hazardous waves and currents.

However, what makes this beach special is its amazing landscape surrounded by coconut trees alongside heavy dark volcano sand. This beach was formed after a river of lava destroyed the original place in 1990.

See Related: Reasons to Visit Mongolia

2) Diamond Beach, Iceland

Deciding between the first two spots is not always easy, and this is exactly what happens in this case. The next two black sand beaches are so amazing that ranking one ahead of the other is torture. But one has to win, hasn’t it?

Regardless, Diamond Beach will make you feel in a magical world. It’s so amazing and not for anything is considered one of the best black sand beaches in Iceland.

The ice shapes in a unique way make the beach look like there are diamonds all around the place. You will never see the beach in the same way. While some ices melt, new ones are forming every time, and thanks to this natural phenomenon this place never looks the same.

So you will have a lot of pictures to take when you visit Diamond Beach. If you like to take pictures be sure to grab one of these best travel camera lenses to capture these epic moments.

See Related: Delta Airlines Review

1) Reynisfjara, Iceland

What does Game of Thrones and Star Wars have in common? They both were filmed in Reynisfjara, making it a very famous black sand beach. In fact, many other movies and series have this astonishing place as their filming spot.

It is easy to notice why many all over the globe consider this place on the South Coast of Iceland as the best non-tropical beach on earth. Reynisfjara takes you to another dimension, it’s only you, and the powerful waves that combined with the volcanic sand will make you feel your life’s worth every single second.

Just looking at pictures of it you automatically feel in another world. As there are not many humans strolling around, this is a perfect location to blow your mind. You can’t miss this overwhelming place, that’s why GetYourGuide offers you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit Reynisfjara.

After seeing this, are you still wondering why you should visit black sand beaches?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where are black sand beaches?

Most beaches are known to have pearl cream to caramel-colored sand beaches. However, seeing and visiting beaches with unique black sand is remarkably fascinating. The majority of these beaches can be found in Hawaii, Spain, Greece, and Indonesia.

What beaches have black sand?

Black sand on beaches is uncommon and unique, which is why these beaches attract thousands of tourists each year.

Examples of some of the most well-known beaches with black sand are Lafayette Beach in Tahiti, Playa Jardín in the Canary Islands, Punalu’u Beach in Hawaii, and the beach of Spiaggia di Ficogrande in Italy, and Kamari Beach in Greece.

What gives black sand beaches their color?

The black color of the sand is largely due to the massive amount of volcanic minerals it has that are broken down over the ages. The minerals are also high in iron content which gives off black color.

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12 most beautiful black sand beaches

Iceland’s volcanic ice-block beaches, Alaska’s black coast with fur seals and seals, charcoal beaches in the Hawaiian rainforest, Puerto Rico’s “black pearl” with magnetic sand and other amazing black beaches

Vik Beach, Iceland

The five-kilometer Vik Beach is completely covered with pitch black sand. This is due to the nearby Katla volcano, which has erupted 14 times since the 10th century, the last time in the 19th century.18 year. Hundreds of years after the eruptions, volcanic lava flowed into the ocean and solidified, sea water broke it and threw particles onto the shore – this is how Vik Beach, one of the most amazing places in Iceland, was born.

Although the Icelandic climate is not conducive to prolonged swimming, local landscapes are worth seeing with your own eyes: from the black beach of the beach, basalt boulders and black columns “Reynisdrangar” (Reynisdrangar) or “Troll Fingers” are clearly visible growing out of the water.

Playa Jardin, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

On the island of Tenerife at the foot of the Teide volcano (this is the highest point in Spain), there is the famous Playa Jardin – an artificial black beach. It appeared on the northern coast of the island in 1993 thanks to an ingenious plan by the architect Cesar Manrique. 230,000 cubic meters of volcanic sand were raised from the sea day to the shore and protected the new black beach from the waves with a dam weighing 20 tons. Now the islanders call this place the pearl of the Puerto de la Cruz resort. nine0003

The free beach is equipped for swimming: there are sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, several restaurants. The blue flag of UNESCO reports that the black sand of Playa Jardin has healing properties.

Black Sand Beach, Maui, Hawaii

Waianapanapa is not the only black sand beach on the island of Maui, but unlike others, it was formed gradually. For centuries, sea waves eroded coastal rocks of volcanic origin, their fragments turned into black sand, which settled on the coast. nine0003

In winter there are very strong waves, so the best time to swim is in the summer. Travelers will also be interested in seeing the black caves and stone bridges of natural origin.

Black Sand Beach, Alaska

You won’t want to take a dip in the crystal-clear water that runs up the black coast in Prince William Sound. But while kayaking, you can meet killer whales, sea otters, fur seals and seals that lie on ice floes among the mountain slopes. nine0003

Piha Beach, New Zealand

The New Zealand Islands are called the Valley of Volcanoes, and Piha Beach, like many other black beaches in New Zealand, is of volcanic origin. Piha Beach, located 50 minutes from Auckland, is a popular surf spot. Swimming here is dangerous due to strong waves, but surfers come here from all over the world to catch waves on boards.

Jökulsárlón Beach, Iceland

Black volcanic sand and blocks of ice that have broken away from Iceland’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, and landed on the shore form a very unusual Jökulsárlón beach. In the glacial lagoon of Jekulsarlon, scenes of the James Bond films A View to a Kill and Dia Another Day, episodes of Batman Begins were filmed. nine0003

Miho no Matsubara, Shizuoka, Japan

Miho no Matsubara, a 6.5 km long, white beach lined with pine trees, was considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Japan. Today, centuries-old pine trees, which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, still stand here, the same view of Mount Fuji opens from the shore, and the sand on the beach is natural black. Once upon a time, white sand on Miho no Matsubara was transported from the Abe River, but over time, the waves washed it away, and the beach turned black again due to the volcanic rock that forms the Miho Peninsula. nine0003

Punalu’u Beach, Big Island, Hawaii

The Big Island Volcano National Park (Big Island is truly the largest of the Hawaiian Islands) is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea. The black sand of Punaluu Beach is made up of its lava. Here live green sea turtles of a rare species, which are under the protection of the law. It is forbidden to touch them, as well as to take the black sand from the beach with you as a keepsake.

Anse Céron, Martinique

This charcoal sand beach is a highlight against the lush green of Martinique’s tropical jungle. Anse Céron is one of the few secluded beaches on the island, which is chosen by local divers. Along the rocky coast there are several shops with diving equipment.

Playa Negra, Vieques, Puerto Rico

Playa Negra is called the “black pearl” of the island of Vieques – all because the sand on this beach contains the volcanic mineral magnetite, which colors it dark. Volcanic soil rich in magnetite falls on Playa Negra along with rain flows from the slopes of Monte Pirata. Beach sand is magnetic, sticks to metal parts, changes compass readings, and turns towels black. nine0003

Models in swimsuits were photographed for Victoria’s Secret in 2015 against the backdrop of azure waves crashing on a black sandy beach.

Karekare Beach, New Zealand

New Zealand’s Karekare Beach (40 minutes drive from Auckland) became famous after the 1992 movie The Piano was released on the big screen. Fog, storm clouds and rocks hanging over a deserted beach with volcanic sand in the frame attracted the attention of travelers from all over the world to Karekare Beach. nine0003

In the vicinity of the beach there is a beautiful Karekare Falls waterfall of the same name, and Karekare is also chosen by a colony of seals that lie and frolic on the shore.

Stokksnes Beach, Iceland

The ash-black coastline of Stokksnes Beach on Iceland’s southeast coast looks like a set from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. A wild beach with volcanic sand is surrounded by the Vestrahorn mountain range, you should not swim here, but you won’t find a better place to watch sunsets in the area. nine0015 @

12 black beaches for those who seek new sensations

When you imagine a beach, images of seagulls, the sound of waves crashing on the shore, and warm white sand appear in your head. Now imagine that the sand is not white, but black. Yes, black.

It turns out that black beaches are much more common than you might think. You can find them all over the world. This article describes some of the most memorable of them. nine0003

Miho no Matsubara – Shizuoka, Japan

This black beach is over six kilometers long, covered with over 30,000 ancient pine trees, and allows you to see Mount Fuji in all its beauty, so you should definitely come here. Even if you visit this beach on a cloudy day and cannot see the mountain, the sound of warm crystal clear water crashing against the shore will leave you in a trance.

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Tulamben Beach – Bali, Indonesia

The large volcanic rocks found throughout this beach make it not the most comfortable place to walk barefoot, but the crystal clear waters definitely attract divers. Having overcome the rocky coast, they can admire the amazing underwater show, which features various types of amazing marine life.

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Punalu’u Beach – Island of Hawaii, Hawaii

If you’ve ever been to Hawaii, chances are you’ve at least heard of this beach. It is bordered by beautiful coconut palms on one side and is covered in amazing lava sand, making this famous beach easily accessible and great for swimming, diving, walking, camping and picnicking. In addition to being covered in uniquely colored sand, you will also be able to see endangered species of turtles here, such as green turtles, for example. nine0003

Playa Jardin – Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

If you are going on vacation with the whole family, then this beach is the perfect choice for you. Whether you want to sunbathe, surf, visit the beautiful gardens, take the kids to the playground, or enjoy the music during the concerts on the nearby stage, you will get what you want. This black beach can offer you all of the above. nine0003

Taharuu Beach – Tahiti, French Polynesia

Another black beach suitable for family holidays can be found on the southern coast of French Polynesia. This is where many people go to learn how to surf, as the waters here are rarely dotted with crowds of tourists or surfers. There is even a small food shop with snacks, conveniently located right on the beach.

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Murivai Beach – Auckland, New Zealand

This beach is also called the “Murivai cormorant colony” as it is always filled with thousands of nesting cormorants. The rocky terrain that surrounds this beach is perfect for taking some great shots, especially during sunset or sunrise, and the shimmering blue waters are perfect for those who want to swim or even snorkel.

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Anse Seron – Martinique, Caribbean

No wonder this beach is the most popular in all of Martinique. It is ideal for everyone: divers, surfers, swimmers or sunbathers. If you want to avoid the crowds that are usually found on nearby beaches, but still get the most out of your trip, then this is the beach to visit.

Kaimu Beach – Pahua, Hawaii
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Given the shade and strong currents, you will hardly find many sunbathers and swimmers on this beach. The beach that is now there was formed on top of the original Kaimu beach. It only appeared there around 1990, which makes this place ideal for volcano lovers, as they can see how powerful the Kilauea volcano is.

Playa Negra – Vieques, Puerto Rico

nine0004 This black beach was created as heavy rains washed away volcanic particles on the coast, which is why you should definitely see it. The golden cliffs that surround it make for a very impressive landscape because they look like they are hugging the black sand of the beach. And this alone makes going to this beach a worthwhile activity.

Karekare Beach – Karekare, New Zealand

If you have seen movie 1993 Piano, you know exactly what this beach looks like. It is located on the west coast of Auckland and is ideal for surfing the waves of the Pacific Ocean, and at the same time it is only a few minutes walk from the Karekare Falls. The cliffs surrounding this beach, the beautiful coastline, as well as the spectacular landscapes that seem endless, will definitely make you want to stay here for at least a few days.

Reinsfjara Beach – Vik, Iceland
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You don’t need to take your bathing suit with you on your trip to this beach. It is located on the south coast of Iceland and is amazing no matter the weather. Besides being famous for its black sand, this beach also offers you the opportunity to explore caves and climb basalt columns.