A cruise is the ultimate way to see the very best sights the world has to offer, taking you to new lands you never knew existed. From hidden forests to the depths of the oceans, there are hundreds of weird and wonderful locations still waiting to be explored. Here, we uncover 5 of the most unusual places you can cruise to:
Pink Sands Beach
Harbour Islands, Bahamas
Located on Harbour Island in the Bahamas, Pink Sands Beach is a pastel lovers' paradise. Located on the east coast of the island, it is one of the most notable beaches in the Atlantic, sitting pretty in contrast with the crystal-clear blue waters. The surrounding areas are home to millions of microscopic creatures, also known as Foraminifera. The shells of the Foraminifera are bright pink and red and as they shed their shells, the sand turns a baby pink hue.
On their blog, We Are Travel Girls report, “Harbour Island, a magical island known by the locals as Briland, is alive with colour, passion fruit sangria and soft, flour-like pink sand beaches surrounded by beautiful turquoise waters. It is both incredibly remote and unique due to its small size, how difficult it is to get to, hopping nightlife and unbeatable aquatic life.”
The Great Blue Hole
Lighthouse Reef, Belize
Not your average cruise location, The Great Blue Hole off the coast of Belize is a phenomenon like no other. Said to have emerged 153,000 years ago, the giant marine sinkhole is circular in shape and spans 318 metres and 124 metres in diameter.
“I visited the Great Blue Hole in Belize back in 2014,” Arianwen from Beyond Blighty told us. “As a scuba diver, I’d dreamt of descending into the depths of the Blue Hole for years. It’s an unforgettable experience knowing you’re in such a unique location. We swam behind columns of rock and saw sharks approaching from the darkness below. We also visited a serene island with an abundance of coconuts and crabs and dived on shallow tropical reefs with eagle rays.”
Blue Lagoon
Grindavík, Iceland
Situated in Iceland, the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa, is located in a lava field near Grindavík, a place known for its geothermal power. Travellers flock to the water for its known healing and rejuvenation properties - the milky blue water is rich in silica and the soft white mud at the bottom of the lake is the perfect face and body mask for those looking to reap the benefits of super soft skin.
“The Blue Lagoon is a spectacular place to visit,” Becky The Traveller explained. “Bathing outside in the turquoise waters whilst treating yourself to a traditional face mask to complete the experience is wonderful. The Blue Lagoon is a lot bigger than it looks in photos and during quieter times, there are places you can find a spot to float around and relax.”
The geothermal spa, which is powered by lava that turns large turbines in order to heat the bubbling water, is the perfect temperature for bathing, reaching highs of 39℃. Also rich in salt and algae, the water has significant exfoliating properties which are said to cure skin ailments of all kinds.
Sagano Bamboo Forest
Kyoto, Japan
Located on the outskirts of Kyoto in Japan, the Sagano Bamboo Forest is a towering green jungle of tall bamboo that gently sways as the wind travels. “Exploring the Sagano Bamboo Forest involves a leisurely stroll along a path,” Josh and Pat from Chasing Places recalled. “The path isn’t too long, it only took us about 20 minutes to complete the walk. The towering bamboo trees in hundreds stand magnificently under the natural light that highlights their intense green colour.”
Maria from Nerd Nomads added, “The Sagano Bamboo Forest in Kyoto is one of the most stunning and unique sights in Japan. From the moment you step into the forest, the atmosphere feels magical. Stand still, close your eyes and listen to the wind rustle through the bamboo leaves, making the trunks creak eerily as they collide and twist.
“Open your eyes and look up towards the sky. The long thin bamboo stalks continue endlessly. The light is breathtaking! The sunbeams fight to peer through the leaves, making the trees glow with bright green and yellow hues.”
Confluence of the Rhône and Arve Rivers
Geneva, Switzerland
The confluence of the Rhône and Arve Rivers looks relatively unrealistic to the naked eye. The meet takes place in Geneva, Switzerland where the Rhône River and the Arve River collide creating a standoff of waters.
The Rhône River is one of Europe’s major waterways. It runs through Switzerland and France before reaching Geneva. The waters of the Rhône are deep blue and are commonly crystal clear, a juxtaposition in comparison to the Arve River, which, due to its high slit levels, is a murky, brown colour.
Hannah from That Adventurer Blog told us, “The confluence of these two rivers is magical because of the colours they make as they swirl together and combine. Spring to early Autumn is the best time to see the confluence of the Rhône and Arve Rivers. The Rhône River is turquoise in colour and comes from Lake Geneva while the Arve River has more muddy grey tones. The way they mix is like watching an artist with his palette.
“Besides the fact that it’s a great site to see these two large rivers come together, this spot is also much quieter than many areas around Lake Geneva, making it perfect for grabbing a drink and hanging out with the locals.”
