For many of us, a day at the beach brings to mind lazing around on golden sand, the smell of sunscreen and splashing about in the water. However, rather than scouting out a list of heavenly shorelines for you to visit, we’re doing something a little different and serving you up some of the world’s weirdest beaches.
Going for a swim with the pigs in the Bahamas
Pig Beach, Big Major Cay
You heard us right. While some may swim with turtles, dolphins or other types of marine wildlife, here in the blissful setting of the Bahamas, you can swim with pigs. The creatures who roam wild upon the uninhabited island of Major Cay can be spotted chilling out on the sand up and down the shore.
As visitors tend to bring food, these pigs will excitedly swim out to greet the incoming boats, a bizarre phenomenon that is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. There are about 20 pigs and piglets who live on the island, although as they are not a native species, it is still uncertain how they came to be there.
Laze on the black sands of Punalu’u Beach
Kau coast, Big Island, Hawaii
This beach offers neither golden nor white sands, but the pitchest black. The volcanic nature of Hawaii means that you’ll find beaches with different hued sands, but none quite so prominent as that of Punalu’u.
Situated on the eastern coast of the Big Island in Hawaii, the beach is adjacent to the small town of Naalehu and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If you’re lucky, you might see some of the Hawaiian sea green turtles known to visit the beach, also known as honu. While this isn’t perhaps the most ideal spot for swimming, pack some lunch to eat under the coconut trees or at the picnic area.
Share the beach with some bovine friends
Anjuna Beach, Goa, India
Much like our first entry, this busy beach in Goa is not only shared by visitors and locals, but also by cows. The animals can be seen taking a leisurely stroll across the beach, as well as lazing on the sands in small groups like they would in a paddock.
The cow is considered to be sacred by Hindus, and you will see the tranquil beasts roaming the city streets, as well as being decorated for festivals. Many states within India forbid the slaughter of cows. While you’re here on the beach, make sure to take a swing by the local flea market, or check out some of the nightlife.
See the glittering shore of Glass Beach
Fort Bragg, California
If you’re a fan of sea glass, then prepare to be dazzled at California’s Glass Beach. Instead of a golden shore, you’ll encounter a carpet of multicoloured glass, washed up after years of rubbish dumping from the city.
From 1906-1967, innumerous amounts of trash was disposed by locals pushing it off the edge of a seaside cliff – unfortunately, not an uncommon practice at the time. However, while it has been 50 years since the dumping stopped, the sea still brings countless sea glass to shore.
Explore the beach and you can unearth smoothed pieces of red from car lights, or even apothecary jars, according to the Fort Bragg website. Just remember, that while you are encouraged to roam and unearth glimmering glass treasures, the local council specifies that you are not to take home any to keep.
