Top 21+ Gorgeous Beaches with the Clearest Water in the World

Porto Katsiki, Lefkada, Greece

Porto Katsiki Beach (which was formerly said to be accessible only by goats, hence its Greek translation of "Goat Port") is located on an island called Lefkada in the Ionian Sea. It can only be reached by taking narrow roads, which are usually congested with traffic, and then walking down a small, winding staircase alongside a cliff. A taxi boat is perhaps the least complex way to reach this secluded paradise. But rest assured, the journey is worthwhile, as it's one of the most stunning clear water beaches. In fact, it is considered to be one of the ten best beaches in the Mediterranean and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Devil's Bay, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Devil's Bay can be reached by boat, an easy walk down a path, or a 30-minute hike through the Baths, which requires a great deal of climbing and crawling around granite boulders. Regardless of how you get there, these crystal-clear beaches will make you wonder why you've never visited before. The boulders at Devil's Bay also make the clear water beaches unique, forming arches, grottos, tidal pools, tunnels, and of course, the maze on the way down. They also make for an interesting dive around and down the sides of the partially submerged boulders.

Ipil Beach, El Nido, Palawan Island, Philippines

Ipil Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, is known to be free of tourists. Many travelers find that they are the only ones on the beach during their visit, with the exception of some locals. In addition to one of the most stunning clear beaches, visitors can expect to see monkeys, a plethora of chromatic coral, palm trees, and friendly turtles. The backdrop of the mountains makes for incredible scenery, and the sunset is said to be remarkable.

Fulhadhoo, Maldives

Fulhadhoo is an island located in the middle of the alluring Indian Ocean. It's ideal for those who truly want clear beaches where they can see life through a native islander's eyes. Located two hours away by speedboat from the Maldivian mainland, with no tourist attractions and only one hotel, it has clear water beaches that make for a true tropical getaway. With that in mind, travelers must abide by the natives' rules, which include no bikinis allowed outside of the west beach and no consuming alcohol. Surrounded by palm trees, coral reefs, colorful fish, and other marine life, you'll find every reason to keep exploring the Maldives.

Bai Dam Trau, Con Dao Island, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, Vietnam

Bai Dam Trau is fairly close to an airport, so visitors can expect to see some occasional low-flying planes. Otherwise, the beach is surrounded by parts of a tropical jungle, a forest plentiful with bamboo and pine trees, offering visitors the enchanting feel of being in their own little world. Dam Trau beach can be reached by a rather bumpy and muddy road, which ultimately opens up to an incredible view of the sea, three small beach restaurants, hammocks, fine white sand, and few to no tourists.

Shipwreck (Navagio) Beach, Zakynthos, Greece

Originally known as Agios Georgios, Shipwreck Beach (also known as Navagio Beach) is quite literally a beach with a shipwreck washed ashore. While the mysterious shipwreck (with many legends surrounding its placement) is what predominantly lures in the crowds, the beach's clear waters are another draw. The only way to reach Zakynthos' clear beaches is by sea, but the view from the hiking trails and the tourist platform at the top of the cliffs is what's really spellbinding.

Hanauma Bay, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Rated the number one beach in the United States in 2013, Hanauma Bay, with some of the clearest waters in the United States, should be on your beach bucket list. Created by a volcanic eruption tens of thousands of years ago and located on the island of Oahu, it's a marine life conservation area. Before first-timers can enter the bay, they must watch a nine-minute video about conserving marine life and preservation. About 3,000 visitors (it used to be 10,000 or more before there was a population control rule put into place) make their way to Honolulu every day to spend time with the exotic marine life, tranquil waves, and glistening white sand—and the reason is clear (just like the water).