In the past, the island housed Indians, hospitals, pirates and until recently enough, in 1994, it was a jail. Up to then and a little after, prison’s operation ceased and the area was inhabited only by local families. However, it took no much time for the tourists to discover this paradise and admire its beauties.
Bearing in mind that there are no cars or even banks (you need to have your cash with you from the mainland) in the island, this ”primitive” situation will make you feel the sense of exoticism of the area.
The island’s main village is Vila Abrao, but the place is actually famous for its numerous magnificent beaches, including Praia Lopes Mendes (voted as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches worldwide, by Vogue magazine), Parnaioca Beach (in which you may see remnants of the slave period of the island), Caxadaco Beach, Lagoa Azul, Adventurer Beach or Blue Lagoon.
The abundant aquatic life of these turquoise crystal waters and the biodiversity that reigns, justify why snorkeling is the most well-known sport on the island, attracting divers from all over the world. This is the right place to be acquaint with numerous species of the marine life, snorkeling in clear waters, of high temperature (20-25°C) (68-77°F) and good visibility at 5-15 m/16-49 ft long.
You’ll also have the chance to take wonderful photos while you are underwater or ‘feed’ the fish of the area, that eat bread and cookies!
Watamu Beach is located at 120 km/74 mi in the north of Mombasa and 28 km/17 mi in the south of Malindi, the nearest big town. The shoreline of this area consists of white sandy beach and offshore corals forming three bays, namely Watamu bay, Turtle bay and Blue Lagoon. The bay is protected by a coral reef almost 0.5 km/546.81 yd off the shore.
The Kangaroo Island covers an area of approximately 4400 km²/1698.8 mi², located at 110 km/70 mi south-west of Adelaide and easily accessible by ferry or plane. A congregation of attractive small towns and fascinating wild Conservation parks, Kangaroo Island represents Australia's third largest Island.
Big Lagoon is located at 7 mi/11.3 km north of Trinidad, Humboldt County, California, USA.
Grand Traverse Bay, a 51 km/ 32 mi long, 16 km/ 10 mi wide bay of Lake Michigan, is divided in two by the old Mission Peninsula. It is coextensive with the Grand Traverse Bay Underwater Preserve that contains numerous shipwrecks. One of the confirmed shipwrecks of the region is the Metropolis.
Moonta Bay and Port Hughes are close neighboring spots for snorkeling. Sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, beach-side cafes and historic jetties make this location the ideal destination for snorkeling fans. The spot is ideal for beginners and advanced fans of snorkeling.
The Elephant coast is located at the eastern seaboard of South Africa. It stretches along the Indian Ocean in the east, it borders with Mozambique in the north while the south-west lies on the Zululand. The spot is extended inland across the Lubombo mountains and the famous Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, which is the oldest in Africa and home to the big 5.
Rio de Janeiro, commonly known as Rio, is the capital city of the Rio de Janeiro State, the second largest city of Brazil and the third largest metropolitan area in South America. Since July 2012, part of the city has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in the category of ''cultural landscape''.
Barra da Tijuca is a southwestern borough of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, known for its natural and opulent beauty. Rio de Janeiro, commonly known as Rio, is the capital city of the Rio de Janeiro State, the second largest city of Brazil and the third largest metropolitan area in South America. Since July 2012, part of the city has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in the category of ''cultural landscape''.
Cabo Frio is a municipality in the State of Rio de Janeiro, located at 150 km/93 mi eastward from the city of Rio. Rio de Janeiro, commonly known as Rio, is the capital city of the Rio de Janeiro State, the second largest city of Brazil and the third largest metropolitan area in South America. Since July 2012, part of the city has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in the category of ''cultural landscape''.
Arraial do Cabo is a small town in the state of Rio de Janeiro. It is in the northeastern side of the city of Rio, in a distance of approximately 180 km/112 mi. Rio de Janeiro, commonly known as Rio, is the capital city of the Rio de Janeiro State, the second largest city of Brazil and the third largest metropolitan area in South America. Since July 2012, part of the city has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in the category of ''cultural landscape''.
Cabo Frio is a municipality in the State of Rio de Janeiro, located at 150 km/93 mi eastward from the city of Rio. Rio de Janeiro, commonly known as Rio, is the capital city of the Rio de Janeiro State, the second largest city of Brazil and the third largest metropolitan area in South America. Since July 2012, part of the city has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in the category of ''cultural landscape''.
Ilha Grande is the biggest and most well known island of the Green Bay at about 150 km/93 mi in the west-side of the State of Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro, commonly known as Rio, is the capital city of the Rio de Janeiro State, the second largest city of Brazil and the third largest metropolitan area in South America. Since July 2012, part of the city has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in the category of ''cultural landscape''.
Barra da Tijuca is a southwestern borough of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, known for its natural and opulent beauty. Rio de Janeiro, commonly known as Rio, is the capital city of the Rio de Janeiro State, the second largest city of Brazil and the third largest metropolitan area in South America. Since July 2012, part of the city has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in the category of ''cultural landscape''.
Juiz de Fora is a city in the State of Minas Gerais, in the Southern Region of Brazil. It is located among the three most important metropolises of southern Brazil, Rio de Janeio, Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte, fact that determines the city's economical and cultural development. Although not widely known as a tourist destination, Juiz de Fora, has a lot to offer to its visitors.
