#8 Fun And Interesting Facts About The Beach That You Might Not Know

How much beach trivia do you know? By the end of this deep dive, you will know all sorts of fun facts and interesting details about the sands of the Caribbean. This is a chance for you to learn more about the beaches you both love and enjoy. 

If you are a true Thalllassophile or beach lover, this is going to be the article that brings your appreciation of the sunny sands to new levels. Let's go beyond the obvious and learn some actually interesting facts about the beach. 

1. Beach colors vary by destination

What color do you think of when someone mentions the beach? Some people may say that the sand is yellow, others say brown, black, or even white. The vibrant hues of the coastline can vary greatly depending on the area. Why is this and what color should the beach be?

The color palette of the sand depends on the rock that has eroded to create the beach which means that technically beaches can be any color that rocks can be. This is why you get everything from red to gold, to black or other color beaches. Whilst many people may have differing preferences, a favorite beach color is white sand since it reflects a pristine purity of beauty and reflects the heat from the sun much better than darker sands.

White sand beaches such as those found in Cancun, are composed usually of coastal sediments made up of mostly quartz rock. 

2. Visiting the beach can relieve stress

A fun fact from over 100 years ago is that doctors in Victorian times used to actually prescribe their patients to go to the beach to help in their recovery. Whilst it might not be recommendable to put your trust in medical ideas from that time period, this type of treatment has actually been scientifically proven in modern times to be beneficial to our health.

Spending some time at the beach can actually work to reduce stress and anxiety. The ambiance of scenic views, peaceful rolling waves, and relaxing sands is just what the doctor ordered. You can unwind, refresh your senses, and allow yourself to enjoy this natural way to destress. 

3. Beaches are constantly changing

You may be someone who regularly visits the same beaches each year. However, did you realize that every time you go to the beach, it has actually changed from your last visit? Yes, every time you stare out at the tropical coastlines and warm sands of the Caribbean, it is a unique experience that can only ever be this way once in a lifetime. 

This is because, with every wave, every gust of breeze, and the constant erosion effects, the sands move and change. The actual coastlines themselves are continuously evolving into a new layout, shape, and design. So every beachfront escape is an exciting new and changed piece of paradise for you to explore.

4. Beaches are an ideal habitat

Beaches are an extremely important part of Caribbean biodiversity as they are an essential habitat for a wide array of different creatures. For example, where would our sea turtles be without the sandy shores in which to lay their eggs? Where would the seaside birds and shellfish be without the beaches in which they spend the majority of their time?

Despite the fact that we usually picture beaches with people relaxing on the sands, the reality is that there is a lot of wildlife that depends on these beaches for their home, nesting, and food source, which in itself has its own impact on the surrounding environments and a host of other connected creatures. 

5. Each beach has a lot of history

When you think about historic locations and landmarks, the beach might not be what comes to mind. However, each beach is actually the result of a huge amount of historical change over time. So how long does it take for a natural beach to form?

You may be surprised to learn that naturally occurring beaches can take thousands of years to come into existence. This allows us to truly appreciate the current beauty that abounds from these beaches and it also helps us to imagine just how different these coastlines must have looked a few thousand years ago. 

Each beach is truly a historical wonder of slow and steady creation. 

6. The full moon transforms the beach

When you hear about the full moon transforming something, it may immediately sound a little bit far fetched. But the beaches do actually change each time there is a full moon. How?

Well, you may be familiar with the concept that the moon caused the ocean tides which in turn affect the beaches. However, not only does the moon create low and high tides, but there are also spring tides and neap tides.

Spring tides occur twice a month during the full moon or new moon. These tides are a little bit higher and lower than they would normally be giving you more or less beach to enjoy. Neap tides are quite the opposite. They occur at the first and third quarters of the moon's cycle and cause less extreme versions of the high and low tides. 

7. It makes a great oasis of activity

The beach is not just a place for kids. In fact, the stunning sands of Mexico and the Caribbean have become a paradisiac playground for couples. Whether you and our other half are water sports enthusiasts, want to enjoy activities on the sand, or wish to enjoy some of your favorite things to do whilst, in the beachfront ambiance, the beach is a place where you can do it all.

Read a book, go for a run, experience horseriding, play volleyball, try some morning Yoga, or just take a stroll together along the coast. The possibilities for fun at the beach together are truly endless. 

8. You are walking on pulverized rocks

What are beaches made of? Well, whilst we usually imagine soft sands since that is our favorite, beaches can be made up of rocks, pebbles, shells, or shingles. What is truly interesting about the sand beaches however is how they are formed.

As rocks tumble down streams and rivers toward the ocean, they are slowly broken down into smaller and smaller pieces. These rock fragments get pulverized over thousands of years and blend seamlessly with crushed shells, crystals, minerals, and other marine life until you have a soft powder that is comfortable to walk on. 

Each step on the sand is a blend of thousands and thousands of years of rocks and ocean life turned into a fine powder by the natural elements of our environment over time. 

Experience the beaches of Cancun!

After having looked through these interesting beach facts, there is just one thing left for you to do. Thats right! Head to an amazing beach so that you can truly appreciate everything you just learned about the stunning sands. 

If you are heading to Cancun for your next vacation, you should definitely take some time to head away from the bustling tourist areas and enjoy some of the more secluded beaches for a more exclusive experience. 

Our recommendations are the beaches of both Playa Mujeres and the island that this oceanfront area overlooks Isla Mujeres. Each of these spots has easy access from the quiet couples only hotel of Beloved Playa Mujeres.

Take a look at some of the pictures online and see the beauty of Cancun beaches for yourself!