Matira Beach, French Polynesia

Matira Beach is the only truly public beach on Bora Bora and delivers the most iconic lagoon view among these seven entries. Its narrow tongue of white sand on the island's southern tip juts into a shallow lagoon of impossible turquoise, with Mount Otemanu's silhouette rising behind at sunset. The lagoon water is so clear that visibility reaches 30 metres, allowing reef sharks and manta rays to be seen from the shoreline. It is cheaper than the average luxury beach destination, with public access free year-round. While it matches #4 (not listed) for beauty, its coral reef is 20% less vibrant than that of #8 Seven Mile Beach. Best visited May through October.