The way it heaves, throws, and bends behaves in ways
other waves can’t begin to comprehend.  If you look
at it up close, you’ll notice that The Wedge is a
combination of two waves that join together, resulting
in a massive slingshot that is capable of sending
anyone flying.

The Wedge takes a swell, but only for a few moments,
retracting the swell energy from the jetty then
smashing on the beach.  Though it may look like a
“humping effect”, as the locals call it, the feel
and look of it must be seen to be believed.

For many years, The Wedge in Newport Beach has proven
to be the best place in the world for surfing.  Over
the years, professional body boarders have headed
here as well, to test their skill and experience
with the one thing that’s very hard to top.

Deadly at all tides, the best time to show up at
The Wedge is in the morning or late afternoon, as
this is when the tide is at it’s best.  With sizes
reaching between 6 and 20+ feet, you have to be on
your toes before you even attempt to tame it.

If you plan to go surfing or body boarding here, you
should also bring your camera, beach chair, swim fins,
goggles, and insurance card!  It’s always best to be
prepared, which makes the insurance card great to
have – especially when you consider just how powerful
The Wedge truly is.

The best time to visit The Wedge is the summer, as
winter may be a bit cold.  As a beginner, The Wedge
may be a bit too difficult.  If you have experience,
you may even find it to be a bit psychotic.  At any
rate, it’s a challenge you won’t soon forget.

Nearby, you have many places to eat, such as the
Quick Fix and Worth The Wait.  There are also several
places to stay as well, along with places to shop and
enjoy yourself.

From surfing to sheer fun watching The Wedge pummel
surfers, Newport Beach offers you everything you need
to have an excellent stay.  If you enjoy surfing, you
simply must visit The Wedge at least once and see
if you have what it takes.

Once known as the haunt of the infamous pirate Blackbeard, Ocracoke Island is now heralded for its secluded, undeveloped beaches and its unique regional charm. Ocracoke Island is one of the barrier islands of North Carolina’s Outer Banks and is only accessible by boat or plane. The island’s 16 miles of beaches are great for fishing, swimming and sunbathing by day, and the beach’s sunsets are legendary. Ocracoke locals have a laid back lifestyle that is ideal for escaping from the clamor of the rat race. The surrounding town still retains the charm of an old-fashioned fishing village – perfect for a quiet dinner with the family or a romantic night out.

We’ve all seen commercials for tropical beach resorts that show off crystal blue/turquoise water that leaps majestically with joy as good-looking people kick their feet with delight. Most of us have also been disappointed to find that these beaches never live up to their hype and certainly not our expectations. Lanikai Beach in O’ahu, Hawaii may just prove to be an exception. Lanikai is a favorite of both locals and tourists for swimming and kayaking. The beach’s scenic beauty also makes it a favorite spot for photographers. The beach is relatively small at only a half mile, but you will most likely be too distracted by its beauty to care.

Being ranked as one of the best beaches in the world has its advantages and disadvantages. In the tourist season, don’t expect to find this scenic spot empty – you’ll be toe to toe with tourists like you. However, with some proper planning, this paradise can become a more private affair as it tends to die down in the off season, especially on weekdays. That way, your view of the twin islands of Na Mokulua won’t be obstructed by the inevitable fat man with his sagging red speedo.

Playa Avellanas is excellent for surfing and popular with locals, and connects with other nearby beaches all along the coast so you can walk as far as Tamarindo – some ten kilometres away – on foot in the soft, pale sand. The water is shallow and also good for swimming, and there are shady places to sit and enjoy a drink at the bar between the palm trees.

A fairly quiet stretch of pure white sand which attracts mainly locals, but is used by villa guests nearby. There is an esplanade with a small bandstand that occasionally hosts events. Good snorkelling nearby.

Location of Folkstone Underwater park which has a marine reserve which is excellent for snorkelling. A popular picnic spot with locals at the weekends. See a Review of Children on this beach.

Big favourite with families, loved by locals and visitors. Calm waters and fine white sand, with good for snorkelling.

Located north of St John’s close to the entrance to the harbour and being so close is very popular with cruise ship passengers. There are a couple of beach bars and on weekends it is a favourite with locals who like to play beach volleyball or cricket.

Near Calvi, this is a small, secluded Corsican beach and mentioned by several non locals as one of the prettiest in the Med. Surrounded by pine trees, it slips under the radar of the beach loving crowds, but it has all the mod cons, including a charming restaurant right on the front.

The climate is closer to Italy than France, the food and culture closer to mainland France but the location is slap bang in between, a diamond along Corica’s 600 miles worth of beach-y coastline.

Canoa Quebrada is an old and small village installed on cliffs that was discovered and popularized by the hippies in the sixties. This beach has transparent water surrounded by enormous multicolored dunes. From the top of these dunes, you could see what the locals call “the magic sunset” or, at night of full moon, the sea becomes a silver mirror where you can see a dancing moon moving across the sea.

The nature of this beach is fragile, and for that reason a special attention must be given to the dunes and cliffs and any construction in the beach is allowed only after a detailed study and considering that destruction of the vegetation is prohibited. This beach is in a Protected Area that was created in 1998 to protect the area and keep untouched all natural attractions as well as local flora and fauna.

WHERE TO STAY AND HOW TO GO – HOTELS AND FLIGHTS
The beach has a good infrastructure, and in recent years it has a big development, but it is still recommendable to book your accommodation before coming. As happens normally in this kind of beach you will not find big hotels like in other Brazil cities but excellent villas. The beach is located 164 Kms from Fortaleza. The nearest airport is Pinto Martins in Fortaleza, capital of Ceara State. To this airport there are local flights coming daily, mainly of the following airlines: Gol, Tam and Varig. If you are coming from Europe you can check Tap Air Portugal and if you are coming from United States or Canada, you should check United Airlines for flights to Rio de Janeiro and combinations. But the best thing to do is to check the web for cheap flights to Brazil.