• Source:JND

Beaches With Unusual Sand Colours:  When we picture a beach, the first thing that comes to our mind is the presence of white or golden sand. However, not every time, nature has its own ways to surprise and mesmerise humankind. And one such example is beaches with unique colours like pink, green, purple and even black sand.

Not only do these beaches have amazing appearances, but they also tell interesting stories about geology and the environment as well. Let’s take a look at these beaches with unusual colours and why they all differ. Let’s find out.

5 Beaches With Unusual Sand Colours

1. Pink Sands Beach, Pink Sand

Pink Sands Beach is one of the world’s most famous pink beaches. Its rosy colour is created by the crushed shells of foraminifera, which are tiny marine organisms. This blend of coral, calcium carbonate, and red shells results in a pale pink sand on Pink Sands Beach in Isla Harbour, Bahamas.

Pink Sands Beach

Pink Sands Beach is one of the world’s most famous pink beaches. (Image Credit: Canva) 

2. Reynisfjara Beach, Black Sand

Reynisfjara Beach is characterised by its spectacular black sand beach. The solid colour of the sand is created by the cooling and breaking of volcanic basaltic lava. This beach is often referred to as one of the most beautiful and 'alien' beaches on Earth.

Reynisfjara Beach

Reynisfjara Beach is characterised by its solid black sand beach. (Image Credit: Canva)

3. Papakōlea Beach, Green Sand

Papakōlea Beach is one of the few green beaches in the world. Its colouration is caused by olivine crystals, a component of volcanic lava. It features an unusual green sand that glows under the sun’s rays, making the view uniquely mesmerising.

Papakolea Beach

Papakōlea Beach is one of the few green beaches in the world. (Image Credit: Canva)

4. Red Beach, Red Sand

Red Beach is famous for its reddish shore and cliffs. The colour red is due to high levels of iron contained in the lava and rocks. Moreover, the striking contrast between the red sand and the blue sea is simply outstanding and should be experienced at least once in a lifetime.

Red Beach

Red Beach is famous for its reddish shore and cliffs. (Image Credit: Canva)

5. Pfeiffer Beach, Purple Sand

Pfeiffer Beach is a rare gem of nature and a lesser-known beach destination with purple sand. The purple colouration is caused by manganese garnet particles carried down from the hills. The purple tinge can be seen most prominently after a rain or under specific lighting conditions.

Pfeiffer Beach

Pfeiffer Beach is a rare gem of nature with purple sand. (Image Credit: Canva)

Why Do Beaches Have Different Sand Colours?

Beach sand isn’t always golden or of an earthy tone. Here is a list of some of the beaches with the most unusual sand colours across the globe. The reason for these unusual sand colours reflects local minerals, rocks, marine life and others. Let’s find out.

Beach Name Sand Colour Reason
Reynisfjara Beach Black  Volcanic lava
Pink Sands Beach  Pink  Crushed coral/shells
Papakōlea Beach Green  Olivine crystals
Red Beach  Red  Iron-rich rocks
Pfeiffer Beach Purple  Rare minerals like garnet

Best Time To Visit These Unique Beaches

- The best time to visit Pink Sands Beach is December to April, during which time it is the dry season with sunny skies and calm waters. However, avoid visiting from June to November, as it is the hurricane season in the Caribbean. Irrespective of the visiting season, always keep a check on weather changes as storms and sudden shifts in weather can happen at any time.

- The best time to visit Reynisfjara Beach and the black sand is between June and August, as the weather is milder with long daylight hours (midnight sun effect). Additionally, there are safer conditions for exploring the beach and basalt columns. You can also visit September–October for fewer crowds, and to experience northern lights nearby. Lastly, avoid the winter months due to dangerous waves and icy conditions.

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- The best season to visit Papakōlea Beach and Green Sand is from May to September. The weather during this season is warm and dry, allowing easy access through hiking trails. Moreover, the seas tend to be calm during summertime.

- The best season to visit Red Beach is from May to June and September to October. This is when the weather is warm, and tourists are few. Also, sunny skies accentuate the contrast between red cliffs and blue seas.

- The best time to visit Pfeiffer Beach and Purple Sand is from April to October to experience the best weather and clearer coastal views. Purple hues are most visible after rainfall, especially in early spring. However, avoid visiting here during winter storms that can cause road closures along the Big Sur coast.

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Each of the beaches mentioned above showcases how fascinating nature can be. All of these beach spots offer great destinations for tourists who like unusual landscapes that are made of volcanic minerals, crushed corals, or even small shells.


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