20 Places You Should Never Ever Swim

Going to the beach is a very pleasant activity, no doubt about it. Not all beaches, however, are safe. Here are some places to avoid.

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Going to the beach is an extremely popular escape plan. There is nothing like the sun, sand, a group of friends and a few alcoholic drinks to have fun. However, choosing the right beach is not always easy. Each beach is unique and offers interesting things to see for those who venture there. However, beaches can be dangerous because of some of their characteristics. Hidden caves, strong currents, sharks and jellyfish are just some of the threats facing the world’s most popular beaches. Here are some of the most dangerous beaches in the world where you should never go swimming…

20. Reunion Island – France

Reunion Island is located in the east of Madagascar. This tropical island is known for its many advantages for surfers. However, this area is also home to sharks that often attack humans. An increased number of shark attacks have killed eight people to date. Twenty shark attacks have taken place since 2011. One of the most famous attacks was that of a 13-year-old boy who died from his injuries. The last shark attack, which resulted in the death of a surfer, took place in February 2017.

19. Fraser Island – Australia

This ecotourism destination is located just off the Queensland coast and is rich in water, wilderness, and real dangers. Fraser Island is known for its regular dingo attacks and jellyfish that can cause fatal injuries.

Abundant sharks, strong waves and poisonous jellyfish make swimming dangerous. Add to that the many dingoes who can attack without provocation and you get a complete list of real dangers.

18. Gansbaai – South Africa

Gansbaai is the closest beach in South Africa to the famous Shark Alley. The alley has earned its reputation thanks to the many large white sharks that encircle the islands 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and swim in the narrow channel that separates them. Great white sharks are attracted to this region by the 60,000 colonies of fur seals in Cape Geyser Rock.

17. Praia da Boa Viagem – Recife, Brazil

The reef is known for its beaches and shark attacks. Since 1992, at least 56 people have been killed by sharks in Récife. This region is known to have the highest mortality rate in the world, at no less than 37%. The number of sharks is so high, thanks to a migration route half a mile from the coast, that rescuers train in a pool and avoid the sea until the time is critical.

16. Darwin – Australia

Not all Darwin’s beaches are suitable for swimming or even visiting, especially at certain times of the year. You should be wary of poisonous jellyfish and even crocodiles all year round. Of course, there are also sharks that are dangerous.

Due to a high concentration of crocodiles, beaches are protected by traps and forest guards. In general, it is preferable to stick to supervised beaches and the advice of lifeguards.

15. New Smyrna Beach – Florida, United States

This beach in the Orlando region is known to have the highest number of shark attacks in the world. Indeed, nearly 240 shark attacks have taken place since 2013. Although the majority of the attacks were not fatal, it is better to stay out of the water.

14. Girgaum Chowpatty Beach – Mumbai, India

One of the biggest problems in Mumbai is the treatment of untreated wastewater. As a result of this problem, Mumbai’s coastal waters are terribly polluted when wastewater is discharged into the ocean.

Girgaum Chowpatty in Mumbai is one of the most polluted beaches in the world, with extremely high concentrations of fecal coliform bacteria in water and sand. The problem is not getting better.

13. Copacabana Beach – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Tons of tourists are attracted to Rio de Janeiro’s famous beaches every year without even knowing how dangerous they are. The dangers that await you there are manifested by high levels of bacteria in the water and sand, and frequent minor offenses.

While enjoying your cocktail on the sand, remember that if you only ingest three teaspoons of water, you may get a virus. Also, don’t leave anything precious, especially your phone, unattended. Even better, leave them at home, just in case.

12. Bikini Atoll – Marshall Islands

This region has a deadly history. Nuclear weapons have been tested by the US military over a long period of time, from 1946 to 1958. Its 23 islands and islets all contain a certain level of radiation.

The soil is still too contaminated to be inhabited permanently, not everything that is grown locally can be eaten safely and tourism is quite limited. Although the area is extremely popular for scuba diving, we suggest that you do not venture there.

11. The Red Triangle – California, United States

A place where 38 percent of all major white shark attacks occur in the United States is known as the Red Triangle. The coast between Bodega Bay in the north and Big Sur in the south is notorious for its shark attacks. Contrary to popular belief, sharks are not attracted to this area for swimmers and surfers, but because of a rich population of mammals such as harbor seals, sea lions, sea otters, and elephant seals. As a result, sharks are constantly hunting.

10. Kilauea – Hawaii, United States

Hawaii is well known for its beautiful beaches and pleasant climate. However, it is less known for the active volcano Kilauea. This volcano has been active since 1983, resulting in a 6 to 5 km lava flow that spilled into the ocean, boiled the water and created steam.

9. Playa Zipolite – Mexico

Playa Zipolite is the first choice when you want to spend time on a beautiful and secluded beach. However, this beach has strong currents that have led to many drownings.

This beach, including a nudist swimming area, has had a volunteer lifeguard corps in place since 1995 to improve bathers’ safety. Therefore, the entire area is marked with flags to indicate the danger to swimmers.

8. Staithes – United Kingdom

Staithes is known for its inability to meet European water quality standards. This North Sea beach based in Yorkshire is one of the most polluted beaches on the continent due to wastewater.

The local government has announced a plan to address the problem of pollution and improve the overall quality of the coastline in 2010. The beach still has no lifeguards and currently, everything but paddling is recommended.

7. Cape Tribulation – Queensland, Australia

This part of paradise is home to poisonous snakes, poisonous jellyfish, and even crocodiles. This beach is very dangerous, so it is not advisable to visit it without a local guide. Following all instructions is a must.

6. Hanakapiai Beach – Kauai, Hawaii, United States

Hanakapiai Beach is one of the most dangerous places in the world to swim. The currents are extremely strong and you should not try your luck in these waters if you are not a professional swimmer. Even if these are the case, you should think twice about it since Hanakapiai Beach has taken 29 lives since 1970 because of drowning.

Resist your desire to jump into the sea and cool off after a long hike on this beach. Avoid these powerful waters and reefs and enjoy the beauty of the landscape first.

5. Amazon Basin – Brazil

The Amazon basin is one of the most popular ecotourism destinations. This mighty river may seem so powerful that you might want to jump in and swim in it. But, resist the urge unless you want to meet fish with teeth.

Piranhas are a real danger as well as electric eels and anaconda snakes that can be a few meters long. Candiru, a parasitic catfish, can see you as a vessel because it can invade the human body through any available opening.

4. Cairns – Australia

With so much diversity across the continent, it is not surprising that Australia is so often on this list. Cairns, a beach located in North Queensland, is a real dart field. Between November and June, the sting season is active and jellyfish are everywhere.

3. Utakleiv Beach – Norway


This rocky beach is close to the Lofoten Islands, near the Arctic Circle, which means that the water is very cold. The average temperature is between 8 and 18 degrees Celsius, which is enough to cause hypothermia.

2. Acapulco – Mexico

Just the sound of the word Acapulco probably reminds you of beautiful beaches, breathtaking landscapes, seaside hotels, and restaurants. The second thing that comes to mind is the fact that this region is known worldwide as the murder capital of Mexico.

The violence that reigns in the city is the result of decades of clashes between drug cartels. This violence includes car theft, numerous robberies, and a high homicide rate.

1. Mindanao Island – Philippines


In recent years, the Philippines, particularly the island of Mindanao, has experienced difficulties due to the increase in terrorist acts. The region is deeply affected by a war between Muslim militants and government troops, while abductions of foreigners are not uncommon. This is a region to avoid.