Both Navagio Beach and Baia do Sancho offer unique and breathtaking beach experiences. Navagio Beach stands out with its iconic shipwreck and stunning cliffs, making it a must-see destination despite the crowds and litter. Baia do Sancho, on the other hand, provides a more pristine and tranquil environment with excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities, although it requires a challenging hike and involves an admission fee. The choice depends on whether you prioritize iconic scenery and accessibility (Navagio) or pristine nature and marine life (Baia do Sancho).
| Attribute | Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), Zakynthos, Greece | Baia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), Zakynthos, Greece | Baia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil |
| Sand color | White pebbles | Golden. Soft white. |
| Water clarity | Crystal-clear turquoise | Crystal clear, turquoise/blue-green. Emerald waters. |
| Accessibility (boat, hike, etc.) | Accessible only by boat | Boat or yacht. Challenging hike involving steep, narrow ladders and a rock tunnel. Descent down a steep staircase carved into the cliff. Several hundred meters down a dirt trail, down rickety ladders, through a tight crevasse, and down uneven steps. |
| Crowd level | Overcrowded during peak season | Never too crowded. Can get crowded because the beach is small. Limited to around 700 visitors on the island at any one time. |
| Natural shade availability | No amenities, no shade | Cliffs covered in lush greenery provide some shade. |
| Wave intensity (swimming suitability) | Rough sea, water gets deep quickly | Generally gentle waves. Can be rough at times. |
| Marine life visibility (snorkeling/diving) | Visible, colorful corals and fish | Excellent for snorkeling and diving. Sea turtles, dolphins, colorful fish, manta rays, and small sharks can be seen. |
| Surrounding landscape beauty | Dramatic scenery with sheer limestone cliffs | Towering cliffs covered in lush greenery. Dramatic backdrop to clear emerald waters. Crescent of soft white sand at the foot of rugged cliffs. |
| Cleanliness | Issues with litter | Pristine condition is maintained due to its protected status within a national marine park. High level of cleanliness. |
| Available activities (sunbathing, swimming, etc.) | Sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling | Sunbathing, swimming, beachcombing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, boating, hiking, and photography. |
| Cost of access (if any) | No entrance fee, boat tour cost | Admission fee to access Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park (R$358.00 per person). A moderate fee to gain entry to Fernando de Noronha since the area is a National Marine Park. Entry fee known as an "environment tax" which costs $12 per person. |
| Proximity to amenities (restaurants, restrooms) | No on-the-beach facilities | Minimal facilities to preserve its natural state. Nearby beaches offer restrooms and showers. No beachfront cafés. |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |