A drone video captured a large great white shark near popular beaches in Maine, prompting police to issue a warning to the public. The sighting comes weeks after a fatal shark attack in the area, highlighting the presence of these sharks in Maine waters, which is unusual but increasing due to a growing seal population. Authorities shared the footage for public awareness, emphasizing the rarity of shark attacks in Maine.
Angola, a largely unexplored destination with stunning natural landscapes, is opening up to tourism with new infrastructure and attractions such as lunar-like cliffs, wildlife parks, pristine beaches, and cultural sites, offering unique and solitary experiences for adventurous travelers.
Syria has implemented a new conservative dress code requiring women to wear burkinis or full-body swimwear on public beaches, reflecting the influence of Islamist groups leading the transitional government, amidst efforts to revive tourism post-sanctions.
South Carolina's beaches, including Myrtle Beach, Sea Pines Beach, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, and Hunting Island, are popular tourist destinations known for their beautiful waters and occasional shark sightings. While shark attacks are rare, with only two reported in 2023, these areas are frequented by various shark species due to abundant fish and fishing activities. Visitors are advised to follow safety tips, such as avoiding swimming during dawn and dusk, to minimize the risk of encounters.
Thousands of mysterious black balls that washed ashore on Sydney beaches were identified as 'fatbergs,' composed of human waste, hair, cooking oil, and other materials. Initially thought to be tar, these blobs prompted beach closures as they were removed. Formed in sewers when materials fail to dissolve, the exact origin of these fatbergs remains unknown, raising concerns about future occurrences. The NSW Environmental Protection Authority is conducting further tests to determine their source.
Four New Jersey beaches are under advisories due to high levels of fecal bacteria, which can cause illnesses such as gastroenteritis and infections. The advisories were issued after bacteria levels exceeded safe thresholds, with resampling results pending. If high levels persist, the beaches will be closed to swimming.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue announced an arbitration panel's decision that will enable the city to hire more lifeguards by modifying qualifications for shallow water pools and modernizing vision requirements. This move aims to increase swimming capacity at beaches and pools, improve lifeguard operations, and address staffing challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. The agreement also includes a pay raise and retention bonus for lifeguards, enhancing recruitment and retention efforts.
A man flying his drone in Malibu captured video of a large gray whale that washed ashore, showing the whale rocking back and forth as waves crashed down. The California Wildlife Center in Calabasas confirmed that the whale is alive, and it's unclear if it was pushed back into the ocean. Wildlife officials will be in the area to assess the situation, while the drone operator emphasized the importance of raising awareness for marine wildlife.
Florida beach towns are bracing for the annual influx of spring breakers with increased law enforcement, beach closures, and strict enforcement of rules and fines to curb violence and mayhem. Miami Beach is leading the charge with a breakup campaign, while other cities like Fort Lauderdale and Panama City Beach are also preparing for the surge in visitors. The state's law enforcement agencies will be on hand to help maintain order, and cities are implementing measures such as curfews, bag checks, restricted beach access, and increased police presence to keep the crowds in check.
HawaiianIslands.com analyzed over 1.5 million TripAdvisor reviews to identify the beaches with the calmest waters in North America. Baby Beach in Maui, Hawaii, claimed the top spot, followed by Ten Bay Beach in Eleuthera, Bahamas, and Browne’s Beach in Bridgetown, Barbados. Other serene beaches include Bloody Bay in Negril, Jamaica, Morne Rouge in Grenada, and Playa Las Ballenas in Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic. These destinations offer tranquil, swimmable waters, making them ideal for families and beach enthusiasts seeking a peaceful getaway.
The Financial Times discusses the growing competition between India and China for influence in the Maldives, focusing on the battle for control over the country's beaches and tourism industry. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the Maldives underscores India's efforts to counter China's expanding presence in the region, particularly in the context of strategic and geopolitical interests. The article highlights the significance of the Maldives as a key battleground in the broader power struggle between the two Asian giants.
Florida Panhandle analyzed 450 popular beaches in the US to determine the 10 most crowded ones based on visitor reviews. Waikiki Beach in Hawaii topped the list, followed by Manatee Public Beach in Florida and Golden Gardens Park in Washington. Main Beach and Arroyo Burro County Beach Park, both in California, rounded out the top five. These beaches, while beautiful, may not be ideal for those seeking a serene beach retreat due to their high levels of crowding.
Fall is one of the best times to visit Europe, offering a variety of experiences for travelers. While popular cities like Paris, London, and Florence are still top choices, there are many overlooked destinations that provide the opportunity to escape crowds and enjoy seasonal activities. From warm beaches in Spain, Portugal, and Turkey, to food festivals and harvest time across Europe, there is something for everyone. Island escapes like Tenerife, Ibiza, and Mallorca are also less crowded in the fall. Other recommended destinations include the Alentejo region in Portugal, the Dolomite mountains in Italy, Romania, Mallorca, Thessaloniki in Greece, Malta, Madeira, and Baden-Baden in Germany.
A 42-year-old man from Rincon, Georgia, drowned on the beaches of Hilton Head over Labor Day weekend, marking the first drowning death of the year in the area. Despite efforts by physician bystanders who performed CPR, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Hilton Head Fire Rescue emphasizes the importance of having a buddy and knowing CPR, offering free classes to the public to increase preparedness in water-related emergencies.
As Labor Day weekend comes to a close, people flocked to Ludington in Michigan to enjoy the last days of summer. Visitors enjoyed fishing, swimming, and soaking up the sun at the beaches and state park. House of Flavors, a local ice cream shop, was a popular spot for treats. Ludington's beautiful scenery and attractions made it a memorable destination for vacationers.
