Amazon Beaches, South America
You’ll find plenty of animals that pose an issue for swimmers here, such as anacondas, electric eels, piranhas, and vampire fish (candiru). Unfortunately, the area is also home to quite a bit of gang-related crime, like drug trafficking and robberies. Hundreds of small rivers make it easier for criminals to make their escape, like modern-day pirates. Still keen on a South American adventure? Find eight things to do in Brazil here.
Arnhem Land, Australia
Australia’s poisonous wildlife isn’t limited to land species. In this far-flung corner of the continent in the Northern Territory, you’ll share the water with ravenous saltwater crocs, stonefish, jellyfish and so much more. And the area is so isolated (most beaches don’t have names) that any call for help may go unanswered for a long time. Want to dive a little deeper? Check out these five iconic Aussie pubs you need to see at least once in your lifetime.
Staithes Beach, UK
Surfers might be attracted to the giant waves at Yorkshire’s Staithes Beach, but they’ll be less keen on the contents of its water. The beach repeatedly makes the EU’s “swimming prohibited” list because of all the pollutants in the area. According to the BBC, the main reason for the high pollution levels is farm sewage draining into the harbor. “Breakwaters compound the issue by keeping the water within the harbor and limiting dilution from the sea,” said Dominic Shepherd, an environmental agency water quality manager.
