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Seascapes capture our hearts, soothe our hyper-connected brains, and hold us in fascinating awe. What truly tickles your fancy? A sandy beach, rugged rocky shores, or perhaps charming pebble beaches? Are you keen to discover amazing marine biodiversity, or do delightful towns and cities right on the waterfront call your name? One thing’s for sure: being near the water when we travel absolutely makes us happier!
Whatever your idea of the perfect coastal escape, the experts at Hayes & Jarvis have compiled their top 10 suggestions for dream seaside adventures in 2026. To get started with your own, visit hayesandjarvis.co.uk and a dedicated travel expert will help you to craft your very own tailor-made trip to the sea or beyond.
Twillingate, Canada
Twillingate
Dennis Mita
This charming Newfoundland town, part of the Twillingate Islands, is a historic fishing community known as the "Iceberg Capital of the World." Experience close-up views of icebergs on a boat cruise to Iceberg Alley, or witness various whale species feeding in the rich waters from mid-May to September. Long Point Lighthouse is excellent for whale watching, but boat tours offer even closer encounters with whales, dolphins, and seabirds.
Tulum, Mexico
Tulum
Scott Tobin
Located on Mexico's Caribbean coast, Tulum boasts one of the country's most beautiful beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and natural cenotes. Tulum Beach is perfect for unwinding and savouring local cuisine. Explore the ancient Mayan city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and climb the Castillo for breathtaking Caribbean views. Nearby, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve offers boat tours through mangrove forests and lagoons, revealing crocodiles and diverse flora. Discover the sacred cenotes for a refreshing swim amid tropical landscapes.
Koh Rong, Cambodia
Koh Rong
Allphoto Bangkok
This serene island off Sihanoukville offers a tranquil tropical escape without the crowds, featuring white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and coral reefs. Many beaches have just one resort, like Lonely Beach, known for its clear aquamarine waters and fine white sand. Engage in snorkelling or scuba diving trips, kayak through mangroves, or hike the dense jungle. On moonless nights, witness bioluminescent plankton. For thrill-seekers, enjoy jet skiing, windsurfing, or the High Point Park zipline.
Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketichikan
Yuval Zukerman
As the "salmon capital of the world," Ketchikan, on Revillagigedo Island, is a bustling harbour town. From mid-July to mid-September, witness Pacific salmon battling upstream at Ketchikan Creek Falls, visible from Creek Street Boardwalk. Immerse yourself in Native Alaskan cultures at Totem Bight State Park, and explore the waterfalls, cliffs, and wildlife of Misty Fjords National Monument, home to bald eagles. Boat tours offer opportunities to spot black bears, whales, and other marine life.
Galle, Sri Lanka
Galle
Matthijs Idema
This charming coastal town on Sri Lanka's southern coast is celebrated for its colonial architecture, warm hospitality, and pristine beaches. A walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort reveals the Clock Tower, Dutch Hospital, lighthouse, and a maritime museum. The fort, once a vital trading post, now houses chic galleries and boutiques. Enjoy sunsets from the ramparts or nearby beaches, offering swimming, water sports, and fresh seafood. Discover sandy coves perfect for snorkelling and a protected lagoon where sea turtles swim.
Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii
Na Pali Coast
Jelle de Gier
This 17-mile stretch along Kauai's north shore is a wilderness of verdant cliffs, sea caves, and marine life, holding significant cultural and historical importance for native Hawaiians. Catamaran tours provide insights into Hawaiian culture and offer swimming and snorkelling stops in unspoiled reefs. Marvel at cascading waterfalls and majestic cliffs, and keep an eye out for spinner and bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, monk seals, and seabirds.
Peninsula Valdes, Argentina
Penguin, Argentina
Frmin Rodriguez Penelas
Argentina's Peninsula Valdes, a Unesco World Heritage Site, features a dramatic coastline with rocky cliffs, shallow bays, and diverse ecosystems. This unique natural paradise in Argentinian Patagonia is one of the richest marine areas on Earth, with sheltered coves where southern right whales, elephant seals, fur seals, sea lions, orcas, and dolphins reproduce. Witness thousands of breeding Magellanic penguins and orcas hunting sea lions. Over 181 bird species reside here, alongside terrestrial animals like grey foxes and guanacos, all observable from shore, driving trips, or boat and kayak tours.
Freycinet National Park, Tasmania, Australia
Coles Bay
Daniela Raganato
Coles Bay is the gateway to Freycinet National Park, famous for Wineglass Bay’s crystal-clear waters and white beach. The park features pink granite peaks, secluded bays, and abundant wildlife. Easy trails lead to swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking spots. Cape Tourville Lighthouse offers stunning views of Wineglass Bay and the Tasmanian Sea, and is a great spot to see seabirds, whales, and dolphins. Scenic flights provide incredible aerial views. The pristine waters around the Freycinet peninsula support a sustainable oyster industry, offering fresh oysters, mussels, scallops, and lobster.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An
Filipe Freitas
Situated on Vietnam's central coast, Hoi An is renowned for its well-preserved historic buildings, canals, delightful beaches like An Bang and Cua Dai, and tantalising food. Explore the bustling Hoi An Night Market for street food and souvenirs, or take a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed My Son architectural complex. Speedboat trips to the Cham Islands offer soft sand beaches, fishing villages, coral reefs, and local seafood. Enjoy Hoai River lantern boat rides, sunset cruises, or traditional basket boat tours through nipa palm forests.
Coromandel Peninsula, North Island, New Zealand
Coromandel
Ferntech Dji
This narrow strip of land, just 70 miles long, is rich in natural beauty, with a mountainous interior of native rainforest and rolling pastures, and a 250-mile coastline of pristine beaches. The East Coast offers calmer waters and beautiful beaches, including Hot Water Beach, where visitors can dig their own geothermal pools. Popular hikes include the Coromandel Coastal Walkway and trails leading to Cathedral Cove, a natural rock arch. Explore the cove and sea caves by kayak or boat, and snorkel in the Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve to spot seals, dolphins, and colourful fish.
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