My favorite beaches, Part I

Recently the New York Times (Sunday)  Travel section had an article titled the 6 Caribbean beaches to see before you die.

httpss://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/travel/07beachescaribbean.html?src=me&ref=travel

Beaches and travel, or beaches while travelling are some of my great passions and while there is often a lot of disagreements and differences of opinion between our family when it comes to travel, one thing we’ve always agreed on wholeheartedly is that we all love beaches! And so I am going to list – in no particular order because that is too hard – my very favorite beaches I’ve been privileged to see.

Camps Bay, Cape Town, South Africa – a sentimental favorite as I spent so many of my formative days here. Nestled so beautifully in the shadow of Table Mountain, the water is usually ice-cold. But on those rare occasions when it is not – like late on a golden summer afternoon – it is unbeatable.

Abel Tasman National Park, South Island, New Zealand – many people do not associate NZ with beaches, thinking thermal, Maoris, rugby, sheep, and bungy jumping (and many other great activities for NZ is an incredible country). But the beaches here are exquisite and no better than ATNP. Warm green water with dolphins abounding make this perfect for swimming and kayaking.

Jonny Cay, San Andres Island, Colombia – locals call the water here the ‘Sea of Seven Colors’ and it may be true. Every shade of Caribbean blue and green and perfect temperature, Jonny Cay even has some good waves to play around in. The whole outing is a real Caribbean adventure, from the boat ride (short) out, to the music and food scene on the tiny island to swimming you’ll remember for a long time.

Punta Sur, Cozumel, Mexico – an anomaly in that you have to pay to get in (most beaches in Mexico are public) but it’s worth it. I had to be dragged out. Perfect color and temperature and a fantastic way to spend the day as a family. Enough said.

Cathedral Cove, New Zealand – another spectacular beach, this time in the North Island. With Lord of the Rings scenery, you have to walk a while from the car park to get to the beach. When you eventually get to the beach through the massive rock entrance, the view is spectacular. And the water’s pretty good too.

Hanson Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia – Imagine having a huge, white sand,  clear blue water beach all to yourself. that’s what we had at Hanson bay on a mid summer’s afternoon. Great sand and lovely water and best of all, nobody there but us. a wonderful beach.