Have you seen a shorebird with colored bands or numbered flags on its legs? You can report your sighting at BandedBirds.org. The web site asks for a description on the bands, the location of the sighting, the date and time, the weather, the birds environment, the size of the flock and how many banded birds [...]

What: The east coast’s only consumer expo for surfers. See and feel the latest in surfboards, fins, foam and surf accessories. Also featuring daily:

Surfboard shaping demos
Surfboard art with Drew Brophy
Travel seminar with Surf Express
Sandsculpting display
Free product giveaways
Raffle for surfboard
DJ and Acoustic Surf Music

When: Saturday, April 17 & Sunday, April 18, 2010
Where: Cocoa, Florida (Cocoa Expo [...]

Miami's Mid-Beach is just as beautiful as South Beach, just more laid back

Visitors who are new to Miami often don’t understand the distinction between Miami, Miami Beach and South Beach. The community of Miami Beach is located on a barrier island separated from the mainland by Biscayne Bay, while the City of Miami fronts Biscayne Bay on the mainland side. Further confusing the issue, on the Atlantic side of the barrier island, Miami Beach (the community) is divided into South Beach, Mid-Beach, and North Beach, arbitrary divisions that define neighborhoods.

Of these three, South Beach is unquestionably the most famous. Although there is some disagreement about its exact boundaries, locals generally agree that South Beach begins at the southern tip of the island and continues north to 17th Street. This is where celebrities, captains of industry, and the obscenely rich congregate, so it is not surprising that its crystal white beaches are filled with long-legged beauties in skimpy bikinis and weightlifters with rippling six-packs.

Idyllic and far from crowded, Mid-Beach is a much better options for families

While every visitor to Miami Beach should walk the promenade at least once, if only to enjoy the eye candy, when it’s time to actually hit the beach some are intimidated by all those bodies beautiful. For these folks, Mid-Beach is a perfect alternative. Stretching for miles north of 17th Street, Mid-Beach is just as gorgeous as it’s more famous sibling to the south but is uncrowded and laid back. All the amenities are close at hand: chaise lounges, beach umbrellas and towel huts line the beach, while famous resorts like the Fontainbleu are just steps away, providing great dining and entertainment choices after a day at the beach.

North Beach is even less crowded, but offers few amenities and is far from the action at South and Mid-Beaches.

Photo credit: Barbara  Weibel

Article by Barbara Weibel of Hole In The Donut Travels

Eleven years of working on Fort Lauderdale Beach and Lt. Gio Serrano of Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue has never seen so many purple snails washing up on the beach. One has to wonder if the unusually cold and rainy El Nino winter has had a hand in this mass stranding.
Note that the snail seems to [...]

View over Noordhoek Beach from Chapman's Peak Drive

Though its official name is Noordhoek, most locals just call it Long Beach, a reference to its five-mile length. This longest beach on the Cape Peninsula’s Atlantic Seaboard connects the towns of Noordhoek and Kommetjie, located a short half hour drive south of Cape Town. Yet despite its convenient location, soft white sand, and vast undeveloped landscape, Noordhoek is often practically deserted. During the winter, strong winds drive angry waves across the beach, creating a lagoon behind the dunes; even in gentler seasons, this is definitely not a swimming beach.

Yet, Noordhoek has other charms. Its windswept stretches offer impressive vistas of Chapman’s Peak pass and the mountains towards Simonstown, luring power walkers, kite-fliers, and even romantic couples who appreciate the solitude. At the northern end of the beach, huge boulders rounded by wind and water have formed a small sandy bay nicknamed “The Hook” by surfers and bodyboarders. The waves arrive at regular intervals and are dependably high, something every surfer dreams of. On the southern end, a 100-year old old wrecked steamship begs to be explored. Perhaps the most popular activity of all is horseback riding. Nearby Sleepy Hollow Riding Stables can arrange for rides through the dunes and on the beach for riders of every ability level, even children.

Five miles of complete solitude

Noordhoek Beach is easily accessible from Chapman’s Peak Drive or the scenic Oukaapse Weg, and facilities, including a few guest houses, restaurants, and shops, are available in the towns that anchor the north and south ends of the beach.

Photo credit: Barbara Weibel
Article by Barbara Weibel of Hole In The Donut Travels

Suzie and I had our first date 6 years ago on Valentine’s Day. We had take-out from the Thai Orchid Restaurant in St. Petersburg, FL.
So every year for Valentine’s Day we come back here (and many other days during the year as well) to our favorite Thai Restaurant. Since we will be somewhere else on [...]

Posted by David McRee at BlogTheBeach.com
The 13th Annual Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival was my first birding festival. I attended the full week and my daily schedule was packed with classes, field trips, keynote presentations, and daily visits to the exhibit room to meet vendors and meet birders. The whole experience exceeded my expectations.
The [...]

Beautiful Scotland

Surrounded by a landscape of soft blue water, golden sands and rocky coves, Mellon Udrigle is one of the most beautiful hidden beaches in Scotland. Normally, when people think of Scotland they think of green hillsides, historic castles, woolly sheep and snowcapped mountains. But something people tend to overlook is that Scotland is scattered with gorgeous beaches that are perfect for year-round vacations. With the unpredictable weather conditions in Scotland, it isn’t the ideal spot for constant sun-but these beaches are beautiful enough to look past the snow lining the sand in the winter.

Golden Beaches of Scotland

If you are someone who enjoys more than just laying on the beach, this is the perfect spot for extreme water sports, such as kayaking, wind surfing and sailing.

A Beautiful Day at the Beach

There are great lodging accommodations around the beach, but something to consider (which will be cheaper) is staying at the local campgrounds. Only accessible from a solitary road, Mellon Udrigle beach is the perfect spot to relax and truly enjoy the surrounding scenery of Scotland.

Lastly…

Whiskey-Scotland's Signature Drink

Are you looking to learn all about the Scots favorite drink? Make sure to take a tour at “The Scotch Whisky Experience” in Edinburgh to complete your stay in the UK!

Photos (in order of appearance):

• Gone Trekking II by _basquiat_
• Water on the beach by atomic jeep
• Golspie by espinr
• GreatScot! by IntangibleArts

Posted by David McRee at BlogTheBeach.com
The journey to Caladesi Island begins from Honeymoon Island. The shallow-draft pontoon boat transports passengers from the dock in Honeymoon Island State Park through the calm backwaters to the bay side of Caladesi, thick with mangroves, mullet, diving pelicans and graceful long-necked wading birds. The jovial bantering of the captain [...]

If you are entertaining the idea of buying a new pair of binoculars or a spotting scope, the Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival is definitely one of your best opportunities to do so. The advantage to attending the Festival is that you can try out the entire line of binoculars, spotting scopes and all [...]

On the route between Cape Town’s city center and the Cape of Good Hope, my tour bus sped past the lovely, boulder-strewn crescent of Oudekraal Beach without the slightest acknowledgment from our guide. At first this did not seem odd; in a country blessed with more than 100 beaches – most of them exquisite – perhaps Oudekrall was not special enough to warrant a mention. I snapped a photo from the window and put it put of my mind. That evening, I downloaded the day’s photos and puzzled over the shot. Our tour guide had painstakingly identified every other site on the tour, in French, English, Afrikaans, and German. So why was he mute about this beach? My curiosity now piqued, I researched Oudekraal and discovered a history of mishaps and bad luck – was it possible my guide believed this beach to be cursed?calm

Oudekraal Beach spreads beneath the Twelve Apostles massif

Oudekraal’s first recorded instance of bad luck was in 1608, when the Dutch vessel Huis te Crayenstein, sailing in heavy fog that obscured the coastline, ran aground on the rocks behind the Lion’s Head, just below Oudekraal. The crew was picked up by a French ship sailing nearby and delivered to Cape Town, where arrangements were immediately begun to save the cargo, which included 19 chests of gold coin. Ship’s records indicate that 16 chests were recovered. Of the remaining three, two were thought to have been torn from their cleats and thrown into the gunner’s room, where they slid through the ports and into the sea. The few pieces of gold found lying about in the ship’s saloon and on shore indicated the third had been broken open and plundered; thieves were believed to have carried their booty up the mountain and hidden it there.

Fifty years later, Oudekraal’s curse seems to be alive and well. In 1957, the township granted the owner of the 44 hectares of land surrounding the beach the right to develop the property. But when he presented plans for a luxury housing estate in 1996, environmentalists opposed the project because of the ecological sensitivity of the site and Muslims lobbied for denial because of graves in the area. The City of Cape Town, perhaps recognizing that the land was the most valuable piece of natural real estate on the peninsula still in private hands, turned to the High Court and succeeded in having the development rights overturned.

Today Odekraal is best known by divers who descend into Justin’s Caves, a rocky outcrop less than a ten-minute swim from the shore, where canyons covered with pink china coral await at a depth of 45 feet. Just a short distance offshore, the 1698 wreck of the Huis te Crayenstein lures divers with legends of treasure waiting to be salvaged.

Granite boulders attract a resident sea lion colony to Oudekraal

Whether or not two old treasure chests lie on the ocean bottom beneath shifting sands, just waiting to be discovered, may never be known. But I know this much. Divers searching for ancient gold coins are missing the real treasure of Oudekraal: its deserted expanse of golden sand, its glassy surfing waves, and its rock-lined tidal pools that create calm lagoons perfect for swimming. You can keep crowded Camps Bay and Clifton Beach; give me cursed Odekraal any day.

Photo credits: Top, Barbara Weibel; bottom, Warrenski
Article by Barbara Weibel at Hole In The Donut Travels

Posted by David McRee at BlogTheBeach.com
I don’t usually make comments about shark bite incidents. Most shark bite reports in the newspapers and on news channels tend to lack enough detail to really explain what happened. This latest case of a kite surfer being fatally bitten south of Stuart Beach in Florida is different, and instructive. [...]

Posted by David McRee at BlogTheBeach.com
If you are visiting Anna Maria Island, don’t miss these restaurants:
The Sun House Restaurant

The Sun House Restaurant is in Bradenton Beach on Historic Bridge Street at the roundabout, right across the street from the Gulf of Mexico. I enjoyed eating dinner here one evening and was completely taken by surprise [...]

Lake Neusiedl

Nestled in a gorgeous landscape of rolling hills, colorful vineyards and bright turquoise water, it is easy to lose yourself when vacationing in Vienna, Austria. Vienna, more commonly known for its delicious food, is also famous for its surrounding lakes and rivers. One of Europe’s largest steppe lakes called Lake Neusiedl has drawn tourists and locals alike by the thousands. With an endless amount of outdoor activities, such as biking, bird watching, kite surfing, and hiking, Austria is definitely a must-see vacation spot.

Vienna Wetlands

Located right near the Hungary border, Lake Neusiedl is most popular for its water sports and natural habitat. With great wind conditions, people come from all over for the amazing sailing, and kite surfing opportunities. If you are not the type who enjoys water sports, there are numerous biking trails around town that you can enjoy. Due to the fact that this spot is partly a wetland, the lake holds extensive reed beds making it an ideal spot to see the three hundred different species of birds that occupy the area throughout the year. With the lake, biking and bird watching opportunities, this is a great destination for your family vacation. Lake Neusiedl will bring both entertainment and relaxation while you enjoy the beauty of Austria.

Related Posts:

• Vienna, Austria-So Much More Than Just Classical Music
• Five Favorites in Austria – With and Without Kids

Photos by trishhhh

Posted by David McRee at BlogTheBeach.com
There are two really good places to watch gulls: the beach and the dump.
On this particular morning during the Space Coast Birding Festival we went to the dump on a field trip led by gull expert extraordinaire Alvaro Jaramillo of Field Guides. I shot this short video during our visit.
If [...]

Diaz Beach at Cape Point comes into view at cliff's edge

Most visitors to the Cape of Good Hope have their photos taken in front of the sign that declares the site to be the southwestern most point of the African continent. Some ride the funicular up jagged cliffs to see Cape Point Lighthouse and look seaward, to where the cold west coast Beguela current merges with the warm east coast Agulhus current, imagining the fierce storms that make this such a treacherous passage. Then they clamber back into their rental cars and tour buses and return to Cape Town, happy to say they have been to Cape Point. The few hearty souls who hike the trails along the precipitous clifftops, or even venture to the edge and look down, discover Diaz Beach, a pure white sand jewel tucked between jutting rock arms.

A rest area on the trail to Cape Point Lighthouse; Diaz Beach is barely visible in the distance

Diaz is a great spot for surfing and body boarding, although the waves are not for the beginner. Heavy barrels are common and there is a fairly severe shore break. And it should be said that this is not the place for frolicking in the water, as heavy currents can carry swimmers out to sea. But the beach is stunning and almost always secluded, aside from the wild baboons who sometimes wander down to the water’s edge. To reach Diaz Beach, travel south from Cape Town to the Cape Point section of Table Mountain National Park (formerly Cape Peninsula National Park). Take Cape Point Road all the way to the end to the parking lot, then follow the path on the right hand side all the way down to the beach. The walk takes about 20 minutes down and 30-40 minutes up, but is well worth the effort for the spectacular views along the way and a fun day of sun worshiping. The entrance fee to the park is 75 Rand (about $10 U.S. at the time of writing). Photo credit: Barbara Weibel Article by Barbara Weibel at Hole In The Donut Travels

Breathtaking Belgium Sunset

Unbeknownst to many people, Belgium is partly situated along forty-two miles of beautiful coastline. The North Sea has one of the most beautiful sweeps of soft, white sand, making these beaches the ideal spot for activities such as walking, jogging or playing different sports. More preferable in the summer, tourists flock to this spot to experience the beauty these beaches have to offer. One thing to be aware of is that the water stays pretty cool even during the summer. So, if you are the type of person who prefers Mexico-type water temperatures, you might want to consider a different vacation destination this time.

Knokke Beach Seashells

Whether you are traveling for the best seafood, water sports or places to tan, Belgium is the perfect vacation spot for those looking for a memorable vacation. A more specific location to look out for in Belgium is Knokke-Heist, one of the most beautiful resort destinations. Located right along the water, this spot is known not only for its expensive surroundings, but it is predominantly admired for its beaches which are decorated with beautiful sand dunes. This particular spot along the coastline provides a perfect getaway for both romantic couples and family vacations. Knokke is also well-known for its unforgettable restaurants and adorable Bed and Breakfasts, so make your way over to this scenic destination next time you find yourself in Belgium.

Related Posts:

• Things to do in Belgium
• Belgium’s Best Hotels

Photos (in order of appearance):

• De Haan by fdecomite
• Knokke-sand and shells by Spigoo

Posted by David McRee at BlogTheBeach.com
I met lots of great folks at the 13th Annual Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival. I learned a lot about nature and birds from everyone. I thought it would be fun to introduce you to some of the personalities at the Festival, so I’ve created the short video clip [...]

Historic lifeguard station is painted to match South Beach's famous Art Deco architecture

When the last scrimmage has ended and the final buzzer of Super Bowl XLIV has sounded, sports fans will find no lack of things to see and do in the greater Miami area. One of these is South Beach, the famous ribbon of sparkling sand that runs from 23rd Street to the southern tip of Miami Beach, on the barrier island that lies just across Biscayne Bay from downtown Miami.

Boardwalk parallels the entire length of South Beach

Just walking along the boardwalk that parallels the beach is a feast for the senses. Roller bladers and tourists on Segways expertly weave between pedestrians. South Beach residents promenade pampered pets, bejeweled and beribboned, between the beach and their glitzy hi-rise condos. On one side of the boardwalk, tourists stream endlessly between sidewalk cafe tables, lured by offers of half-price meals and free giant mojitos hawked by Latina servers in skin tight leopard-striped pants.

Latina beauties, dressed to lure customers into their sidewalk cafe

On the other side of the boardwalk, sweeping sands are framed by the Atlantic Ocean, shimmering a dozen shades of turquoise. The beach is one of the best places to people watch. Model thin sun-worshipers in the skimpiest of bikinis mingle with stocky Midwestern families that have fled frozen landscapes for a week of well-deserved vacation. From the oiled and tanned lifeguards manning the historic lifesaving stations to the rippling muscles of body-builders, South Beach is a site well worth a visit, if only to enjoy the eye candy.

Body builder eye candy

Photo credit: Barbara Weibel
Article by Barbara Weibel of Hole In The Donut Travels

We at the beach blog are dedicated to highlighting all the fun reasons to be on beach. On occasion though, I think it is important to show how, as humans, we really do need beaches. Not only to unwind but also to make a living and most of the time, to define a culture of those who live around a beach. This piece by Peter Naylor, produced for the BBC’s Ten Towns Tour, highlights the impact that global economics has on one seaside community in Norfolk, England.

By Sebastien Tobler