20 Best Black Sand Beaches in the World

Are you 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 unique about black sand beaches, and why is the sand black?

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

Best Black Sand Beaches in the World

However, what makes these beaches so incredibly beautiful is 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 San Francisco’s Golden Gate Recreation Area, this black sand beach is one of a kind in America. This beach 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 unique.

The dark sand comes from iron minerals surrounding the 20 miles long coastline. You can’t swim there despite its beauty due to the heavy waves. There are signs everywhere warning people not to dive in the water. Nonetheless, it is an excellent place to chill with friends or family. Explore the area by taking one of these fantastic 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.

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18) Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Indonesia

Deep into the Tangkoko Nature Reserve’s woods 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 excellent 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. Before reaching the black sand beach, you may fly into Manado and then travel for about two hours to Tangkoko, which has breathtaking scenery.

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17) Karekare Beach, New Zealand

New Zealand is also 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 surrounding the area. But it is 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 plan to visit Karekare on a family trip, authorities advise you to first know about the place to avoid 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 a fantastic tour that GuideYourGuide has around this area.

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16) Papenoo Beach, Tahiti

Can you imagine how a beach is in French Polynesia? Exactly, amazing. Papenoo is in this ranking for a reason, and that is because it’s one of the most excellent 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 must be your first step before going through The Papenoo Valley, 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.

This black sand beach in Vieques results from volcanic materials beneath the surface, which causes this excellent dark tone. As it is in the Caribbean zone, the sea is clear and available for swimming and spending time with friends and family.

What’s even funnier is that many locals were unaware of Vieques’ existence until 2004, when more Puerto Ricans started noticing this gem in their own country. They named it “Playa Negrita,” which 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 allows you to see awe-inspiring beaches like the black sand beach at Kamari, Santorini.

Usually, you would think of white sand beaches in Greece, but it also offers one of the fanciest black sand beaches. Santorini rests on the rim of a volcano, which is why the glimmering black sands on Perissa.

Both locals and tourists journey to Santorini only to witness this unique place in Greece. Are you looking to visit Greece?

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

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13) Soufriere, St. Lucia

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

Black sand beaches make St. Lucia a different place from the other Caribbean countries because it offers views you rarely see. It’s amazing.

Not for nothing, Soufriere Beach is one of the main attractions for 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

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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 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 stroll through Grenada’s dense jungle, you will arrive in one of the most lonely places on the planet.

No noise and probably no other humans around other than you and your crew. Indeed, you will feel that you are far away from everything. That is more than a good reason to visit this fantastic beach.

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11) Panalu’u Beach, Hawaii

The first or many Hawaiian black sand beaches on this ranking. It couldn’t be another 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, swimming is dangerous. 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 making a titanic effort to preserve their endemic animals. This is why you must respect the area; you are here to relax and become one with nature.

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10) Miho-no-Matsubara, Japan

You will find this natural treasure in the Miho Peninsula of Shizuoka City. 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 you will be surrounded by over thirty-thousand pine trees and Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan, in the background.

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

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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 for a relaxing vacation.

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

The best part? This beach is safe to swim on! 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 chill out with friends. For further information about Playa Jardin, check out the fantastic offer GetYourGuide has for you.

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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; instead, 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, and better yet, Alaska has one of Earth’s greatest or even the best sunsets. Now you may see that the dark sand only complements this area.

The volcano sand is soft, and you can hike around the place or enjoy a picnic while delighting yourself with a beautiful sunset. These components make this place one of Earth’s most amazing black sand beaches. 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 Bruce Brown’s The Endless Summer II filming spot.

Playa Negra amuses visitors with the beauty of the place and the renowned resorts, hotels, and cafes that make this place even more impressive. Many consider Playa Negra small but significant 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.

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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? When you visit Lovina Beach, you will confirm this place should be on everyone’s bucket list, and it’s a true hidden gem of Bali 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 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. It is true. This place in southeast Iceland looks like a background in a Disney film.

The cliffs surrounding the areas, the beautiful lagoon, and the unique 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.

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4) Waianapanapa State Park, Hawaii

Located minutes away from the Hana Highway, Waianapanata State Park is everything you’ve ever dreamed of regarding unique beaches. This place is not only a black sand beach but also 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 in, and it is a perfect tropical vacation spot.

See Related: Maui Travel Itinerary

3) Kaimu, Hawaii

Going deep into the top 3, we reach the newest 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 unique 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.

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2) Diamond Beach, Iceland

Deciding between the first two spots is not always easy, which is precisely what happens in this case. The two black sand beaches are so unique that ranking one ahead of the other is torture. But one has to win.

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

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 form 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, grab one of these best travel camera lenses to capture these epic moments.

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1) Reynisfjara, Iceland

What does Game of Thrones and Star Wars have in common? They were filmed in Reynisfjara, making it a famous black sand beach. Many other movies and series have this fantastic 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; only you and the powerful waves combined with the volcanic sand will make you feel your life’s worth every second.

Pictures of it automatically make you feel like you are in another world. There are few humans strolling around, so 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.

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