Both Praia da Marinha and Maya Bay offer breathtaking scenery, but they cater to different preferences. Praia da Marinha is better suited for those seeking a beach with swimming and easier (though still somewhat challenging) land access, while Maya Bay, despite its stunning beauty, is heavily crowded and currently restricts swimming. The accessibility and cost also differ, with Praia da Marinha being free and more accessible by land, and Maya Bay requiring boat access and a park entrance fee.
| Attribute | Praia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal | Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands, Thailand |
|---|---|---|
| Sand color | Golden. Soft golden brown. | White, silky soft, powdery fine |
| Water clarity | Clear turquoise water. Exceptionally clear. | Exceptionally clear, crystal-clear turquoise waters |
| Accessibility | Accessible via a long set of stairs. Not easily accessible for those with limited mobility. It is not impossible to reach this beach by public transportation, but it's very inconvenient. Bus 77, operated by Vamus, departs from the city of Lagoa only on weekdays and just twice a day. | Accessible by boat from nearby islands like Phuket or Koh Phi Phi Don. Boats enter through Loh Sam Bay, with passengers walking to Maya Bay. |
| Crowd level | Can get crowded during peak season (July and August). Arriving early is recommended. Quieter outside the peak summer months. | Very crowded, especially during peak season. Thousands of people visit each day. Limited to 375 visitors at any given time. |
| Natural shade availability | Scarce. It's best to bring your own umbrella. The cliffs do not provide reliable shade due to the risk of rockfall. | Natural shade availability may be limited. |
| Wave intensity | Usually calm. Waves can be a bit higher on some days. | Waves are generally calmest between November and April. Rough seas are possible from May to October. |
| Marine life visibility | High, ideal for snorkeling. You can see many different kinds of marine species and fish underwater. Colorful fish, starfish, sea urchins, octopuses, and cuttlefish may be encountered. | Excellent visibility for seeing colorful coral and exotic fish. Marine life includes blacktip reef sharks, parrotfish, and schools of snapper. |
| Nearby amenities | Limited. There's a seasonal snack bar. Refreshment vans and beach stalls are at the top of the cliffs. There are limited facilities at the beach. A snack bar is open during the summer months. There is a restaurant at the top of the cliffs. | A small shack sells beverages and snacks. Toilets are available, but basic. |
| Cleanliness | Well-maintained. The beach is generally clean. The area's cleanliness is impressive. | The beach is maintained, and efforts have been made to restore the ecosystem. |
| Scenic beauty | Known for stunning cliffs and rock formations. Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. | Stunningly beautiful, with towering limestone cliffs. Considered one of the most remarkable places on the planet. |
| Suitability for swimming | Suitable for swimming. Calm waters make it ideal for families with children. The average annual water temperature is 18 C (64 F). The water temperature in the Atlantic Ocean in Praia da Marinha during the summer ranges from 16 C to 24 C (61 F to 75 F). Swimming is most comfortable from June to October. | Swimming is currently prohibited to protect marine life. |
| Cost of access | Free. | National Park fee of 400 baht for adults. |