Lord Howe Island

Ned's Beach wins every time. The fish here are so tame they'll eat from your hands — literally. Bring some fish food from Thompson's Store and watch kingfish and wrasse swarm around your ankles. The beach faces north, so it's protected from the trade winds that can make other spots choppy. Blinky Beach stretches along the island's western shore with the calmest water for swimming. The sand here is actually made from crushed coral and shells, giving it that brilliant white color that looks almost fake in photos. But watch for the occasional blue bottle jellyfish during summer months. Old Settlement Beach sits at the island's southern tip where the coral lagoon meets deeper water. This is your best bet for seeing larger fish species, including the occasional turtle. The current can be strong here, so stick close to shore if you're not a confident swimmer.