When I close my eyes and imagine the perfect vacation, it always involves a beautiful sandy beach and amazing blue water! Don’t get me wrong, I love a picturesque snowy mountain top and a great ski slope that’s beginner friendly. But my poor circulation just can’t tolerate the cold for very long.
Which always leads me back to the BEACH!
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It’s just my happy place. Warm sun and sand with great waters for swimming and snorkeling. I really do love the ocean. It’s a Zen place for me.
If you’re like me, you imagine all the amazing places you would travel… if of course you had the money and the time. Those little things that always slow us down. Right?
Well, life is short, so they say. Or it might not be. But either way, have you made a bucket list of world destinations you would love to see? I have!
So here are my Top 5 Must Visit Water Destinations
1. Santorini Greece
I can’t NOT think of the Mediterranean when I think of the ocean. Greece has always called to me, with it’s pictures of white and candy colored buildings built up the mountainside over the amazing deep blue Aegean Sea below.
Now I know I’m contradicting myself a bit because Santorini isn’t known for its white sand beaches. The beaches are more on the black (and even red) side, but let’s remember that this is a city built on a volcano.
“With multicoloured cliffs soaring above a sea-drowned caldera, Santorini looks like a giant slab of layered cake.” – Lonely Planet.com
This quote alone makes me want to book my flight tomorrow and start exploring Santorini’s cobblestone paved villages and jump in the azure blue water!
2. Fiji
You can’t talk about water and travel without including Fiji. Fiji is the ideal destination if you’re looking for a tropical paradise of white sand beaches and pristine, crystal-clear ocean waters. Fiji’s island water is so famous for its purity, they have their own bottled water.
Located in the heart of the South Pacific, Fiji is made up of 333 stunning islands that are home to some of the most exclusive resorts in the world. While Fiji has a reputation for catering to the elite, it’s very family friendly with something for every budget. Get to know the local culture, enjoy the food, explore the island waterfalls, hike, dive, or just relax by the water and soak in the amazing views.
My dream would be to stay in a bungalow right over the water with a hammock at the waters’ edge and stairs leading right down into the water for my own private snorkeling experience. Who’s with me?
3. Turks & Caicos
A bit closer to home (at least for me here in Florida) would be the water destination of Turks and Caicos in the Eastern Caribbean. There are 40 different islands and cays to explore, but only 8 of them are inhabited, and each boasting its own unique vibe.
The islands have miles of secluded white sandy beaches that stretch out to meet the crystal-clear water of the Caribbean. Turks & Caicos has some of the top dive destinations in the world, although I prefer to stay safely on top of the water with my mask, snorkel, and easy access to the boat ladder.
4. Hawaii
Even though Hawaii is known for being expensive and touristy, I have to include Hawaii in my must visits. After all, these are my “dream water vacas”, not my “what I can afford” vacas. Lol.
To just say Hawaii may be too general, since it’s made up of so many islands in the Pacific Ocean. I’ll be a bit more specific with my Hawaii destination…
Disney’s Aulani Resort on the leeward coast of O’ahu
Set on the beautiful beaches of Ko Olina, which means “place of Joy”, the waters are perfect for a relaxing afternoon of sun and snorkeling. Plus, it’s a Disney resort, so if they feel safe putting kids in the water, then I’m good there.
Plus, we are HUGE Disney fans, so my daughter will be in Heaven! It may be a bit touristy and chaotic, but sometimes we parents have to make these sacrifices to keep the peace with the kiddos.
5. Marco Island, Florida
Living in Florida, I must give props to our own amazing beaches, which there are many! Florida is known for some of the best beaches in the Unites States, so my #5 spot goes to Marco Island, Florida. I must admit that I have been to Marco Island before, but it was about 25 years ago, so I think I’m due for a revisit.
Marco Island is on the Southwestern tip of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico, and one of the last cities before the Everglades National Park and the Florida Keys.
The beaches are amazing, the water clear, and be sure to watch for the dolphins. The Gulf side allows for calmer, more shallow waters than the other coast. Perfect for sea shell hunting!
Marco Island has the best of the beach, shopping, wildlife, the everglades, and don’t forget the amazing seafood!
So that’s my top 5 must visit water destinations!!!
I would love to hear what’s on your bucket list or dream destinations! Also, be sure to share if you’ve been to any of these amazing places. I would love to hear your opinions and tips for all us future world travelers!
Stay hydrated for better health and happiness!
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