Most travelers prefer going to the beach in the summer, but many beaches hide deadly dangers.
Last year, Reunion Island implemented a series of measures to prevent shark attacks on tourists. This French territory in the Indian Ocean has experienced 20 shark attacks, resulting in 7 fatalities since 2011. This means that 13% of shark attacks have occurred around this small island over the past five years.
The waters around Fraser Island off the coast of Queensland, Australia, are extremely dangerous for visitors due to the concentration of sharks, poisonous jellyfish, and strong currents. The island is also home to some of the world’s most venomous spiders, saltwater crocodiles, and wild dogs.
The waters off Gansbaai Beach in South Africa are considered the territory of great white sharks. The reason for the high concentration of great whites in this area is due to the presence of 60,000 seals, providing them with an abundant food source.
Praia de Boa Viegem is one of the most popular beaches in Brazil. This area previously had no shark incidents, but since 1992, at least 50 shark attacks have been reported here, including 19 fatalities. Environmentalists believe that the destruction of the coastal ecosystem is the reason sharks are now hunting closer to shore.
The beach in Shenzhen has the highest number of drowning incidents involving children in China.
From October to April each year, box jellyfish often gather in large numbers along the beaches of Northern Australia. This species is one of the most venomous in the world, having caused 73 deaths since 1883. The sting of a box jellyfish can cause the victim to stop breathing before reaching shore.
Volusia Beach in Florida, USA has witnessed 267 shark attacks since 1882, more than the total number of shark attacks in South Africa. Residents in Florida also face another danger: lightning, with at least 71 fatalities from lightning strikes in the state between 1997 and 2006.
Chowpatty Beach: While dangerous marine creatures and currents are significant deterrents when vacationing at the beach, another reason to avoid it is pollution. If you dislike being surrounded by sewage while swimming, you should steer clear of Chowpatty Beach in Mumbai, India. With approximately 18 million residents, Mumbai is one of the most populous cities in the world, leading to a massive amount of waste generated. The city’s drainage system channels sewage directly onto the beach, and there is also a significant amount of litter along the coastline. This beach has long been notorious as one of the most polluted in the world.
Visitors to Copacabana Beach in Brazil not only face the threat of shark attacks but also theft. Therefore, it’s advisable to leave your camera and wallet at the hotel when swimming here.
Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands faces two dangers: sharks and nuclear radiation. It was the testing site for 20 nuclear weapons from 1946 to 1958. The waters surrounding the island are also home to many sharks, with hundreds of shark attacks on divers occurring each year.
The black sand beach on Kilauea Island, part of the Hawaiian Islands, lies next to one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. The volcano on Kilauea has been continuously active since 1983, spewing hot lava into the sea. The Hawaiian Islands have also recorded 102 shark attacks since 1828, including 8 fatalities.
Beaches in the Amazon region of Brazil are a nightmare for many travelers, as piranha attacks on people occur frequently. This area is also home to giant anacondas and electric eels.
Hanakapiai Beach with Dangerous Currents: Travelers to Hawaii often spend at least part of their time at the beach. While many beaches are suitable for swimming and water sports, there are others that are much less hospitable. One such beach is the remote Hanakapiai Beach along the Napali Coast. To reach it, visitors must hike about 5 kilometers on the Kalalau Trail, which is not recommended for inexperienced hikers. Once you arrive at the beach, swimming is not possible. There is a wooden sign warning visitors against entering the water due to the dangerously strong currents. Due to the area’s geographical features, swimmers caught in the current will be trapped unless they can swim to the nearest accessible shore, which is about 6 miles away. So far, 15 people have gone missing in the ocean and have never been found.
The Skeleton Coast, filled with shipwrecks and lurking desert lions: Although not a famous tourist destination, the Skeleton Coast in Namibia attracts adventurous travelers, especially those interested in surfing or shipwrecks. This is a long stretch of coastline within a desert and particularly dangerous for naval vessels. This is due to the foggy conditions and erratic currents in the area, making it the largest ship graveyard in the world, with hundreds of wrecked ships lying along the coast. This area is famous not only for the number of shipwrecks but also for the frequent whale carcasses washing ashore. The Skeleton Coast is remote, so it does not attract large numbers of tourists. Additionally, it is home to desert lions, which have adapted to this harsh environment. Desert lions can consume marine animals, including seals and white whales, as well as birds, and their behavior is much more aggressive than that of lions in other parts of Africa.
New Smyrna Beach: This is the place with the highest number of shark attacks on humans in the world. Swimmers at New Smyrna Beach are ten times more likely to be bitten by sharks than anywhere else in the United States.
Cape Tribulation Beach filled with box jellyfish: Located in North Queensland, Australia, this beach boasts picturesque scenery with tropical rainforests and mangroves. However, caution is imperative if you choose to dip into the stunning waters here. Tourists must be vigilant when visiting this area due to the presence of an extremely dangerous species that can threaten human life and turn a delightful vacation into a nightmare – the box jellyfish.
These marine creatures thrive from October to early June. If you are stung by one of these jellyfish, their venom will attack your cardiovascular system. The potency of this jellyfish’s venom is so intense that it can cause drowning before you can escape from the water. Experts advise everyone to avoid swimming during this time of year. However, there are some sections of the beach equipped with nets designed to keep jellyfish away from swimmers.
In addition, there is another creature to be cautious of at Cape Tribulation, the saltwater crocodile. These reptiles can hide in both shallow and deep waters, presenting hidden dangers throughout the area. Reports indicate that each year, about one to two people lose their lives due to saltwater crocodile attacks here.
