World’s Most Perfect Beaches: 5 Must-See Before You Die
Why These Beaches?
After traveling through 130 countries with our kids, we’ve realized only a handful of beaches truly feel “perfect.” These are the ones with clear, calm water where the little ones can splash safely, sand soft enough for castles, natural shade to escape the midday sun, and no seaweed, trash, or rough waves to spoil the day. These five gave us some of our happiest family memories.
What You’ll Find at the Best Beaches:
- Calm, shallow waters where our 5-year-old could swim safely
- Clean, soft sand with no trash, seaweed, or sharp shells
- Natural shade (trees or palapas) so we could picnic without baking
1. Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
1. Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
1. Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
We’ll never forget the day stingrays brushed against our youngest’s legs — he squealed so loudly that other swimmers turned to laugh with us. The water here is impossibly turquoise, so clear it feels like swimming in glass, and the sand is soft and squeaky underfoot. Sunsets over the horizon made this our family’s favorite Caribbean memory.
- Family Tip: Shade fills up quickly; bring a small beach tent if you arrive late.
- FAQ: Is Seven Mile Beach stroller-friendly? Yes — the sand is firm near the tide line, and the beach is long and flat.
- Best Time to Go: December–April for calm seas and dry skies. Summer = fewer crowds but occasional seaweed patches.
Family Hacks
- Arrive early to claim natural shade or bring a small pop-up tent.
- Skip pricey resort chairs — the public beach sections are just as perfect.
- Pack snacks — beachside restaurants can cost $20–30 per person.
💸 Sample Family Budget (per day)
- Stay: $120–200 (apartment or midrange hotel)
- Food: $50–80 (local diners + groceries)
- Activities: $30–50 (stingray boat trip, snorkel gear)
- Transport: $20–40 (car rental, short taxi rides)
✅ Total: $220–370/day for a family of 4
2. Arashi Beach — Aruba
1. Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
1. Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
Our 7-year-old still brags about spotting a fish while snorkeling here, while the other little one stayed near the fofoti trees building castles. Unlike Aruba’s busier beaches, Arashi feels local and laid-back. The fine white sand and calm turquoise water made it perfect for a full family beach day.
- Family Tip: Bring your own snorkel gear — rentals are scarce and overpriced.
- FAQ: Are there bathrooms at Arashi Beach? Yes, small but clean facilities near the parking area.
- Best Time to Go: Year-round — Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt. September–November is the cheapest and quietest.
Family Hacks
- Bring snorkel gear from home — rentals are limited and overpriced.
- Park is free, unlike other beaches with chair rentals.
- Visit weekdays — quieter than weekends when locals gather.
💸 Budget (per day)
- Stay: $100–160
- Food: $40–60
- Activities: $20–40 (snorkeling, drinks)
- Transport: $10–20 (bus or rental car)
✅ Total: $170–280/day
3. Tortuga Bay — Santa Cruz, Galápagos
The 2.5 km walk in felt long for our little ones, but the payoff was wild, raw beauty. Marine iguanas sunned themselves on black rocks, blue-footed boobies dived in the shallows, and we even spotted baby hammerhead sharks near the lagoon. It felt like stepping into a living documentary — unforgettable.
- Family Tip: Pack snacks and water — there are no vendors or facilities, and the return walk is hot.
- FAQ: Can kids swim at Tortuga Bay? Yes, but only in the lagoon — the main beach has dangerous currents.
- Best Time to Go: December–May for warm water and calmer seas. June–November has cooler seas but peak wildlife.
Family Hacks
- Pack snacks + water — no vendors inside.
- Go in the morning for calmer seas and cooler hike in.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen — rangers enforce eco rules.
💸 Budget (per day)
- Stay: $80–120
- Food: $40–60
- Activities: $30–60 (guided lagoon tour, gear rental)
- Transport: $10–20 (taxi to trailhead)
✅ Total: $160–260/day
4. Boulders Beach — Cape Town, South Africa
The moment penguins waddled right between our kids’ sandcastles, we knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime beach. The giant granite boulders make the water calm, almost like a natural pool, though chilly. Watching the penguins swim past while our 7-year-old splashed in the shallows was pure magic.
- Family Tip: Arrive before 9 AM to avoid the big tour groups — we had an entire cove to ourselves.
- FAQ: Is the water too cold for kids? It’s chilly, but quick dips are fine in summer months.
- Best Time to Go: November–March for the warmest weather. Penguins are permanent residents year-round.
Family Hacks
- Arrive before 9 AM to beat tour buses.
- Buy tickets at the lesser-used Foxy Beach gate.
- Water is cold — pack wetsuits for kids.
💸 Budget (per day)
- Stay: $60–100
- Food: $25–40
- Entry Fee: ~$10 adults, ~$5 kids
- Transport: $15–25 (Uber or rental car)
✅ Total: $115–175/day
5. Praia das Sete Ondas — São Tomé
This was the quietest beach we’ve ever visited — just us, golden sand, and gentle waves. We picnicked under palms while the kids ran freely with no crowds in sight. It felt untouched, the kind of place you almost don’t want to share because it’s so pure.
- Family Tip: No facilities — bring everything you need (water, snacks, towels). That’s part of the charm.
- FAQ: How do you get to Praia das Sete Ondas? You’ll need a rental car, and the road isn’t fully paved, but it’s worth the effort.
- Best Time to Go: June–September (dry season). Rainy months = lush scenery, but more difficult access.
Family Hacks
- No vendors → bring your own food, water, and shade.
- Great picnic spot — pack from the market before leaving town.
- Sand is gentle — no water shoes needed.
💸 Budget (per day)
- Stay: $50–90
- Food: $20–40 (market + casual meals)
- Activities: Free (nature, swimming)
- Transport: $20–40 (rental car)
✅ Total: $90–170/day
Family Travel Hacks That Work Anywhere
After 130 countries with kids, these are the hacks that saved us the most money (and stress):
- Pack light, pack smart: Each kid had their own backpack — less checked luggage = big savings + independence.
- Cook one meal a day: We often made breakfast or lunch ourselves; just that swap saved $30–$50 daily.
- Book apartments, not hotels: Family rentals gave us kitchens + space for the kids, usually 25–40% cheaper
- Travel off-peak: Shoulder seasons (spring/fall) mean cheaper flights, emptier attractions, and better weather balance.
- Use local transport: Buses, trams, and metros are part of the adventure — and can save $20–$40 daily compared to taxis.
- Always carry snacks & refillable bottles: Avoid impulse buys ($3–$5 per drink adds up fast).
- Prioritize free experiences: Playgrounds, city parks, markets, and self-guided walks are often what kids enjoy most.