Top 5 Most Dangerous Beaches

Located in Portugal, Nazaré Beach is one of the most notorious big wave beaches in the world due to its vast swells and strong currents. The beach gained notoriety after surfer Garrett McNamara surfed a record-breaking 78 ft (23.8 m) wave in 2013. In 2020, two surfers were reported dead, with several others injured from drowning or being swept ashore. Nazaré Beach has faced criticism for its lack of lifeguards and emergency services during the peak surfing season, known as "winter swells." The extreme conditions of the beach have also led to concerns about coastal erosion and wave patterns. Visitors who engage in surfing on this beach are compared to "wave warriors" due to their exceptional bravery.

Located near Half Moon Bay, California, USA, Mavericks Beach is notorious for its enormous waves that can reach heights over 50 ft (15.2 m) during stormy weather conditions. The break has been featured in several surfing films and has drawn some of the world's best surfers to challenge the treacherous conditions. According to studies, more than 100 people have lost their lives trying to ride Mavericks' waves since 1974. During storms, large amounts of foam form, creating a treacherous terrain for surfers. The beach is accessible only by a rugged dirt path and has no formal lifeguard presence. Surfers competing on this break consider themselves as the ultimate test runners.

Located in Tahiti, French Polynesia, Teahupo'o Beach is known for its heavy waves, shallow waters, and unique volcanic rock formations that create an unforgiving environment. The beach has hosted several major surf competitions due to its difficulty level, earning it the nickname "Hell's surf spot." Studies have reported an alarming rate of broken bones among competitors in the annual Billabong Pro competition, where competitors risk severe injuries from collisions with rocks or wiping out on shallow waters. Teahupo'o Beach was created by volcanic eruptions that exposed coral reefs and then a black sand beach. The unique location makes it inaccessible to anyone but the most skilled surfers.

Located in Oahu, Hawaii, USA, Sunset Beach is one of the most perilous beaches due to its extremely high waves during winter months. According to official statistics, over 400 people have lost their lives here since the turn of the century. Some surfers risk death from falling rocks, getting hit by flying pieces of coral or being crushed by a fallen wave. Sunset Beach is known for being an active volcanically eroded coastline that generates immense waves during storms. Visitors should exercise extreme caution when surfing at this beach due to its high wind speed and massive swells.

Located in New South Wales, Australia, Gunnamatta Beach has earned the nickname "Maddie's Beach" following a 2009 tragedy where the body of a young girl was found on this beach. The surf break is known for its incredibly powerful waves that have claimed several lives over time. According to police statistics, two dozen or more drowning incidents occurred at Gunnamatta in the span of 2018 alone. The power and unpredictability of the water create huge swell waves when combined with heavy rain showers on nearby mountains.