Just because a place looks like paradise it doesn’t mean it is. Who doesn’t love a beach vacation? The sun, the sand, the radiation…hang on, what was that last part again? Yes, seems like there are some beaches out there that are less than idyllic. Whether your particular phobia is shark bites, jellyfish or being kidnapped, don’t worry – we can find a beach that’s just wrong for you. Grab an atlas, and a big red pen to mark these Top 5 Most Dangerous Beaches off your list of holiday destinations!

Playa Zipolite – Mexico

Mexico is home to Cancun Beach which has been voted the most beautiful in the world but it is also home to one of the most deadliest beaches too. The name of the beach supposedly translates to “beach of the dead” which alone should put off visiting here but it still has a large amount of tourists visiting every year.

Playa Zipolite looks like paradise and can put you into a false sense of security, a dip into the luscious blue sea could end up being your last as the waves are huge which result in dangerous undercurrents. So many people have died on this beach that a special lifeguard team have been stationed here, thanks to these heroes the number of drownings has declined over the years.

Fish Hoek beach

Shark spotters are often on duty, especially during the summer tourist season. Despite this, there have been two fatal attacks on swimmers in the bay in recent years, one in November 2004 and one in January 2010. On September 28, 2011, a 44-year-old British man Michael Cohen lost part of his leg after being mauled by a Great White shark, despite the beach being closed and shark flag flying. The northern parts of the beach are less developed, and are used by trek fishermen to launch their boats and clean nets. Seasonal visits from Southern Right Whales occur from June to November each year.