5 Must See Black Sand Beaches to Visit on Your Family Vacation

Who said beach vacations had to involve golden fields of light sand? These 5 must-see black sand beaches will make you want to pack your bag and say “let’s go!”

Have you ever seen black sand beaches? Most beaches offer beautiful blue water that is surrounded by light-colored sand. However, there are some beaches to the world that take this contrast to an entirely different level. Believe it or not, there are dozens of beaches around the world that have black sand! The sand is still just as soft but it is made of basalt. Basalt is created by lava that has flowed into the ocean but cools and solidifies as it reaches the shores. Here are 5 black sand beaches that you have to visit!

Must-See Black Sand Beaches

Affiliate links included below. Thanks for your support!

1. Punalu’u Beach, Hawaii

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSm62-qh1p8/?tagged=punaluubeach

Punalu’u Beach is located on the Big Island in Hawaii. The beach is home to all sorts of sea life, to include green and hawksbill turtles. This beach is a popular place for turtles to lay and hatch their eggs, so be prepared to share the beach with them! This beach isn’t the best for swimming in, as it is quite rocky, but the sight alone is worth the trip.

2. Playa Negra, Puerto Rico

https://www.instagram.com/p/BClf8plM3Lf/?tagged=playanegrita

As the name would suggest, Playa Negra is another black sand beach located in the U.S. The beach can be found in Vieques, Puerto Rico. The black can be attributed to the country’s volcano, Monte Pirata, which soars 987 feet in the air. Apparently the beach is home to a few wild horses, so keep your eyes and ears open!

3. Black Sands Beach, California

https://www.instagram.com/p/BStp7DEgXLk/?tagged=blacksandsbeach

Black Sands Beach is located in Shelter Cove, California and is one of the prettiest beaches you may ever see. With pretty blue waters, black sand and tall redwoods, there is not one inch of this beach that is not a sight worth seeing!

4. Lovina Beach, Bali

https://www.instagram.com/p/BS4ldFSlt3R/?tagged=lovinabeach

Lovina Beach is one of the most famous beaches in all of Bali. While Bali is known for its crystal clear waters and white sand beaches, Lovina Beach offers visitors a new experience. The black sand on the beach comes from nearby Mt. Agung. The beach isn’t usually filled with tourists so you can expect plenty of privacy and relaxation.


5. Anse Ceron, Martinique

https://www.instagram.com/p/BS1halUjR6F/?tagged=anseceron

Anse Ceron is located in Martinique, which can be found in the beautiful Caribbean. The beach offers a stark contrast to the green topical jungles and palm trees that surround it. Anse Ceron is perfect for snorkeling and diving excursions. This beach isn’t as popular as most beaches in the Caribbean which means more beautiful black sand for you to enjoy!

Have you ever been to any of these black sand beaches? Share your travel experiences below!

22 thoughts on “5 Must See Black Sand Beaches to Visit on Your Family Vacation”

  1. Oh my goodness , just beautiful ! I would love to see a black sand beach ! Hawaii is also at the top of my bucket list !

  2. I figured one of them would be in Hawaii. Too bad there aren’t black sand beaches on the east coast…

  3. Catherine Robichaud

    I have been to one of the Black Sand beaches on the Big Island in Hawaii and it truly was amazing. I had no idea that there were others. Thanks for sharing I would love to see them all someday.

  4. My bucket list is filling up quick! I’ve never seen any of these beaches in person. They all look just gorgeous and the perfect place to unwind.

  5. Tracy Iglesias

    I have been to Puerto Rico, but not yet to Vieques I would love to see the Black Sand Beach there! I would love to see them all! :-)

    Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly

  6. nicolecochingcoecsat

    Black Sands Beach, California is one of my favorite place to visit! Its really beautiful ad awesome!

  7. erin fesperman

    I have heard of the black sand beaches of Hawaii but not the other places mentioned! I would LOOOVE to visit Lovina Beach, Bali one day (and of course Hawaii too!)

  8. We are going to Hawaii next year for our 15th anniversary. I just put Punalu’u Beach on my list of places to visit!

  9. I have always wanted to see a black sand beach. We are actually thinking of going to Puerto Rico next year.

  10. Kelly Hutchinson

    I musty live under a rock. I had no idea there were so many beautiful black beaches. I need to put these on my travel bucket list.

Leave a Reply to Liz Mays Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *