Best Beach Vacations for Teens: 8 Spots that Make a Splash

Beach vacations are typically a great choice with teenagers in tow, even the ones who are hardest to please. The water provides days’ worth of built-in entertainment, from swimming to surfing to snorkeling, and it’s easy to strike a balance between family activities and the solo downtime teens crave. But not all beaches are created equal — as with any age group, choosing the right destination makes all the difference.

The ideal beach vacation depends on your teenager’s personality and preferences. Some are happiest lolling seaside with a good book and zero agenda, while others are on a mission to get the perfect sunset shots for their Instagram and TikTok feeds. Still others want nonstop action, from snorkeling and parasailing to water sports and beach clubs. To get your inspiration flowing, here are eight of the best beach destinations for teens around the world, each with its own unique appeal.

The 8 Best Beach Vacations for Teens

Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles

Seychelles is an archipelago consisting of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, so it’s no surprise that you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet here. Bring your kids to Anse Source d’Argent on the island of La Digue and watch their eyes pop — the shoreline is hugged by massive granite boulders sculpted into smooth mounds by wind and waves. Combine that with shallow, tranquil waters protected by a coral reef, plus the emblematic white sands and palms of the tropics, and teens can snap all the selfies they want against this spectacular backdrop as they enjoy lazy days in the sun.

Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos

The Caribbean as a whole is known for stunning beaches of all kinds, but Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos is truly exceptional with its blinding-white sand and and clear water in graduated shades of aquamarine and sapphire. Teens who prefer to keep busy will love parasailing high above the ocean, kayaking along the shore and enjoying live music and frosty, fruity sippers at the beachside restaurants. And for those who want to go below the waves, snorkeling through Bight Reef, a.k.a. Coral Gardens, is one of the best ways to explore — the water is so calm that marine life flourishes all around. It’s filled with bright fish and plenty of coral and widely considered one of the best reefs in the world. As a bonus, many of the top luxury properties in Turks and Caicos sit on Grace Bay, so you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding the perfect home base.

Phi Phi Don, Thailand

The six Phi Phi Islands, tucked between Phuket and Krabi on Thailand‘s western coast, are postcard-perfect, renowned for the towering karst cliffs that jut skyward from deep turquoise waters. With teens, head for Phi Phi Don, which allows them to mix and match adventure, downtime and a little nightlife too. By day, kayak between the cliffs, hike to the Phi Phi Viewpoint for a full-circle vista over the isles or visit the arresting Maya Bay, made famous by the 2000 Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach. Other inviting stretches of sand include Ao Ton Sai, Loh Dalum Bay and Laem Tong. In the evening, Phi Phi Don’s oceanfront fire shows, in which performers juggle flaming sticks and torches in choreographed routines, will wow everyone in the family (and just might keep teens’ eyes off their screens).

Boulders Beach, South Africa

Cape Town, South Africa, is famous for its dramatic coastline and sea views, and one of its beaches in particular is a magnet for animal-loving teens. You’ll know you’ve reached Boulders Beach, tucked away on the Cape Peninsula, when you see dozens of African penguins roaming freely along the shore. Kids will have a great time snapping photos of these cute, flightless birds as they lounge on rocks and watching them waddle along the sand — this is the only place where you can see them at close range. With the large granite boulders that give the beach its name and keep the waves to a minimum, it’s an awesome spot for sunning and splashing on an excursion from the city center.

Papakōlea Beach, Hawaii

Papakōlea Beach on the southern shores of the Big Island of Hawaii is one of just a handful around the world where the sand leading to the water isn’t black, beige, white, gray or any other typical hue … it’s green. The beach gets its unusual color thanks to the olivine crystals that come from the nearby volcanic activity, and the pure novelty puts it up there with the best beach vacations for teens. Getting to Papakōlea Beach takes a little effort — it requires a 2.5-mile hike to reach — but the payoff is worth it. While it’s not always advisable to swim here due to the intense waves, it’s a great place to go shelling and admire this geological phenomenon for yourself.

Elafonissi Beach, Crete

If green beaches aren’t your teen’s thing, maybe pink would suit them better. While pastel-colored sand isn’t rare, one of the most beautiful pink beaches you’ll ever visit is Elafonissi Beach along the southwestern shore of Crete. The warm water is perfect for leisurely swims, and sunbeds and umbrellas are available to rent on the main beach; as food options here are limited, it’s also ideal for packing a picnic. Getting here from home bases near the popular towns of Chania and Heraklion takes some time, so make sure you get an early start or plan an evening visit so you can explore and enjoy Elafonissi without peak crowds.

Eagle Beach, Aruba

If your family’s idea of a perfect beach day involves a long list of activities on the sand and at sea, Eagle Beach in Aruba delivers. Laid-back but just lively enough to keep teens happy, it’s an incredible spot for heading into the open waters on jet skis, taking ATV rides around the area, kayaking through the waves or paddleboarding in the shallows. Curious teens will be intrigued by the crooked Divi-Divi (Fofoti) trees that lean toward the sea along the shoreline — a fun place to seek shade when the sun is high overhead. This is also a prime spot for turtle nesting, and in season (March to September), you might be lucky enough to witness a hatching event.

TIP: Eagle Beach faces west, so linger long enough to catch a spectacular Caribbean sunset!

Whitehaven Beach, Australia

Part of Whitsunday Islands National Park in Queensland, Australia, Whitehaven Beach is only reachable by boat, seaplane or helicopter, and its remoteness and sparse facilities make it a better fit with older kids than little ones. As the name suggests, it’s home to pale, powdery sand that remains cool underfoot even on the hottest days; at nearby Hill Inlet, the sand swirls with turquoise water for an absolutely jawdropping effect (hike to the lookout at Tongue Bay to get a view from overhead). Snorkeling and diving are popular at Whitehaven too, as it’s right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and sea creatures abound in the shallows.

Relevant Links: 

Browse all ideas for travel with teens and tweens on Ciao Bambino

Best family beach vacations for kids at every age

Vacation ideas for teens that beat the boredom blues

27 great vacation ideas for all types of teens

What’s the secret to traveling with teens? Adapt and adjust

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.