Matira Beach, French Polynesia

Matira Beach is the only truly public beach on Bora Bora, a narrow tongue of white sand on the island's southern tip that juts into a shallow lagoon of impossible turquoise. The famous silhouette of Mount Otemanu rises behind the island as the sun sets beyond the reef, creating a view that has defined French Polynesia's brand for decades. The lagoon is so shallow and clear that reef sharks and manta rays are visible from the shoreline. Best visited May through October during the dry season when visibility peaks.