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Adventure Travel INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Tan Line Free! Some of the World’s Best Nude Beaches to Visit

Written by Suzy Guese

Travel can be a liberating experience — perhaps most literally on a nude beach. All around the world, a number of beaches welcome shedding your bathing suit to go au naturel. Not only can you find other naturalists at these beaches, but you can also appreciate some naturally beautiful sands in the process. If you are looking to ditch those tan lines, seek out these nude beaches around the world!

Samurai Beach, Australia

Nudist couple in the seaLocated on the sand dunes in Tomaree National Park, Samurai Beach stretches for roughly 1.2 miles. Set in New South Wales, Australia, the beach makes you work to reach its sands. In order to get to Samurai Beach, you must have a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. Right next to One Mile Beach, Samurai Beach is entirely clothing optional, as it has been since officially declaring its no-swimsuit-required state in 1996. Post nude bathing, the area affords a number of activities including hiking and fishing.

Wreck Beach, Canada

Sunset at Wreck Beach, Vancouver

Wreck Beach, Vancouver

Located just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Wreck Beach allows you to bare it all. The 7.8-kilometer nudist beach wraps around the western tip of Point Grey. It sits within Pacific Spirit Regional Park. Not only is Wreck Beach the city’s most pristine and least developed sandy beach, but it also lends a bit of privacy for the shy. Wreck Beach is bordered on three sides by lofty trees. The beach remains the largest naturist beach in North America.

Praia do Pinho, Brazil

If you are not quite sure if you want to go without your swimsuit just yet, Praia do Pinho in Brazil is not for you. Nudity is mandatory on this beach in the city of Balneário Camboriú. With its white sands and strong waves, the beach is believed to be the first naturist beach in Brazil. Surrounded by hills for more privacy, the beach also offers cabins and inns for overnight stays.

Red Beach, Greece

Although there are more than one “red beach” in Greece, no one is more well-known than the one located a 20-minute walk away from the town of Matala, Santorini. With its dark reddish brown sand and clear waters, this secluded and nudist-friendly beach is one of Crete’s most wonderful natural havens, and a popular destination all year round for locals and visitors alike. The scenic location welcomes visitors to go completely bare. In order to reach Red Beach, you must hike over rocks or arrive by boat, and get through a shepherd’s door. Just remember to close it afterwards to avoid letting the goats escape!

Orient Beach, St. Maarten

Settled on the eastern coast of the island of St. Maarten, Orient Beach boasts a French side that is completely clothing optional. Not only can you bare it all here, but you can also appreciate Orient Bay. Orient beach is considered one of the finest beaches on the island with its powdery white sands and crystal clear waters. To fully embrace the natural lifestyle, you can even stay at neighboring Club Orient, a nudist resort. In addition to shedding your swimsuit, the beach entertains loads of activities too from parasailing to windsurfing.

You May Also Like: 4 Dog-Friendly Beaches Around the U.S. That Are Worth the Flight!

Haulover Beach, Florida

Haulover Beach Park

Haulover Park Beach.

The U.S. is not often known for its official and legal nude beaches. However, on a wide strip of sand north of Bal Harbour in between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, you can bare it all without worrying about breaking the law. Haulover Beach in Florida is one of the few clothing-optional beaches in the country. Just north of Miami, the northern part of the beach is designated for nudists. Known for its pristine white sands, the South Florida beach is also good for surfing and swimming, and therefore a good choice to relax and unwind after enduring flights to this part of the country.

From Florida to Australia, nude beaches are more common than you might think. Whether you are tired of tan lines or feeling a bit more adventurous on your travels, these beaches are some of the best in the world for dropping trou.

FAQs: 

Q: Do I need to bring anything specific to a nude beach?
A: Yes, it’s wise to bring a towel to sit on, sunscreen for full-body protection, water, and possibly a beach umbrella for sun cover. Even though clothing is optional, general beach preparedness still applies.

Q: Are nude beaches family-friendly?
A: While “family-friendly nude beach” may seem a contradiction in terms, there are actually some nude beaches that welcome families, while others are geared more toward adults. Always research each beach’s rules and cultural vibe to ensure it aligns with your expectations before visiting with children.

Q: Are there rules or etiquette I should follow at a nude beach?
A: Absolutely. Common etiquette includes respecting others’ privacy, not taking photos, and always sitting on a towel. Avoid staring or inappropriate behavior—nudist beaches are about comfort, not voyeurism.

Q: Is photography allowed on nude beaches?
A: Generally, no. Photography is discouraged or outright banned to protect visitors’ privacy. Always ask for permission if taking personal photos and never photograph others without their consent.

Q: Are facilities like restrooms, food stands, or lifeguards available at nude beaches?
A: It varies widely by location. Some nude beaches have full facilities, while others are remote with minimal services. Check ahead to know what to expect, and bring supplies if needed.

Q: Can I swim or do water activities at these beaches?
A: Yes, most nude beaches encourage swimming and activities like snorkeling or even windsurfing, depending on the beach. Be mindful of ocean currents and follow posted safety guidelines.

Q: Do I have to be nude to visit these beaches?
A: It depends on the beach. Some, like Praia do Pinho, require nudity, while others, like Wreck Beach or Haulover Beach, are clothing-optional. Always check the beach’s specific rules beforehand.

Have you been to these nude beaches or others around the globe? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!

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