Tourism, while beneficial for local economies, has significantly impacted many of the world’s most beautiful beaches, transforming them from serene paradises to overcrowded and polluted destinations. Maya Bay in Thailand, made famous by the film “The Beach,” was forced to close indefinitely due to the devastating effects of mass tourism on its coral reefs and marine life.
Similarly, Boracay in the Philippines faced a six-month closure to address severe environmental degradation caused by unchecked development and pollution, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable tourism practices.
Other beaches have also suffered from the influx of tourists. Bali’s Kuta Beach has become infamous for its plastic pollution, while the once-tranquil shores of Santorini are now often overrun with visitors, leading to environmental stress and a loss of local culture. Venice’s Lido Beach, Patong Beach in Thailand, and Sihanoukville in Cambodia are further examples of how overdevelopment, overcrowding, and inadequate waste management can transform idyllic locations into cautionary tales. These examples underscore the critical balance required to protect natural beauty while accommodating tourism.
This post highlights 10 beaches around the world that have suffered under the weight of over-tourism. Not to shame travelers, but to encourage a deeper look at how we explore—and how to do it more responsibly. For every ruined paradise, there’s still one worth preserving—if we learn from the past.
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Tips for Responsible Beach Tourism
Travel Off-Season: Visit during the shoulder seasons to reduce overcrowding and lessen the impact on local environments.
Leave No Trace: Always clean up after yourself, avoid single-use plastics, and dispose of waste properly.
Respect Marine Life: Avoid touching or stepping on coral reefs, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
Support Local Businesses: Choose eco-friendly accommodations and support local businesses that practice sustainability.
Limit Use of Resources: Conserve water and energy, and be mindful of your environmental footprint.
Educate Yourself: Learn about the local environment and culture, and follow guidelines to minimize your impact.
Controversial Understanding
Talking about “ruined” beaches sparks controversy because it forces travelers to confront their role in the problem. Some defend their right to visit popular destinations, citing the economic benefits for local communities. Others argue that mass tourism creates dependence, destroys local culture, and offers profits to foreign-owned resorts—not the residents themselves. It’s a complex issue without a single villain, but one thing is clear: unchecked tourism comes at a cost.
Many governments are caught between two forces—economic need and environmental survival. In places like Boracay (Philippines) and Maya Bay (Thailand), authorities were forced to shut down access entirely just to give nature time to recover. Yet even after reopening, these places often fall back into the same cycle, because tourist demand rarely decreases—especially when social media fuels the desire for “must-see” spots.
What’s controversial isn’t just the environmental toll—it’s the entitlement. Travelers who insist on cheap convenience while turning a blind eye to local impacts often leave more harm than good behind. The mindset must shift from consumption to contribution: Are we visiting with respect, or just taking what we want?
Beaches Ruined By Tourism
1. Maya Bay, Thailand
Overview:
Maya Bay, located on Koh Phi Phi Leh, gained worldwide fame after being featured in the movie “The Beach.”
Impact of Tourism:
Overcrowding: Thousands of tourists visited Maya Bay daily, causing severe overcrowding.
Environmental Damage: The coral reefs and marine life suffered due to boat anchors, pollution, and sunscreen residues.
Temporary Closure: To allow the ecosystem to recover, Thai authorities closed Maya Bay to tourists in 2018, with limited reopening plans.
Lessons Learned:
Sustainable tourism practices and visitor limits are essential to preserving natural beauty.
2. Boracay, Philippines
Overview:
Boracay is known for its white sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Impact of Tourism:
Overdevelopment: Unregulated construction led to environmental degradation and water pollution.
Pollution: Inadequate waste management resulted in beach pollution and water contamination.
Temporary Closure: The Philippine government closed Boracay for six months in 2018 to rehabilitate the island.
Lessons Learned:
Infrastructure improvements and stricter environmental regulations are necessary for sustainable tourism.
3. Bali, Indonesia
Overview:
Bali is a popular tourist destination renowned for its beaches, culture, and landscapes.
Impact of Tourism:
Plastic Pollution: Beaches in Bali have been heavily polluted by plastic waste, especially during the rainy season.
Overcrowding: Popular beaches like Kuta and Seminyak are often overcrowded, diminishing the experience for visitors.
Environmental Degradation: Overdevelopment and deforestation have led to habitat loss and water shortages.
Lessons Learned:
Effective waste management and sustainable development are crucial to protect the environment.
4. Koh Tachai, Thailand
Overview:
Koh Tachai, part of the Similan Islands, was known for its stunning beaches and vibrant marine life.
Impact of Tourism:
Overcrowding: High tourist numbers led to significant environmental stress.
Coral Damage: Snorkeling and diving activities caused extensive damage to coral reefs.
Closure: Thai authorities closed Koh Tachai indefinitely in 2016 to allow the ecosystem to recover.
Lessons Learned:
Limiting tourist numbers and protecting marine ecosystems are vital for conservation.
5. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Overview:
A popular destination in the Riviera Maya, known for its beaches and nightlife.
Impact of Tourism:
Overdevelopment led to beach erosion and habitat loss.
Water pollution from hotels and resorts affected marine life.
Massive influx of sargassum seaweed due to environmental changes.
Lesson Learned:
Sustainable tourism development and environmental protection measures are necessary to preserve natural beauty.
6. Cinque Terre, Italy
Overview:
Cinque Terre is a picturesque coastal region known for its colorful villages and beautiful beaches.
Impact of Tourism:
Overcrowding: The narrow streets and small beaches of Cinque Terre struggle to accommodate the high number of tourists.
Environmental Stress: The fragile coastal ecosystem is threatened by pollution and foot traffic.
Visitor Limits: Authorities have considered limiting the number of tourists to protect the area.
Lessons Learned:
Managing tourist numbers and promoting sustainable practices can help protect delicate ecosystems.
7. Tulum, Mexico
Overview:
Known for its Mayan ruins and pristine beaches.
Impact of Tourism:
Rapid development has led to environmental degradation.
Pollution and sargassum seaweed have impacted the beaches.
Increased cost of living and loss of local culture.
Lesson Learned:
Responsible tourism and development regulations are crucial to maintaining the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
8. Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
Overview:
Renowned for their stunning scenery and clear waters.
Overcrowding and environmental degradation.
Coral reefs damaged by excessive boat traffic and diving activities.
Waste management issues leading to pollution.
Lesson Learned:
Strict environmental regulations and sustainable tourism practices are needed to protect popular destinations.
9. Patong Beach, Thailand
Overview:
Patong Beach in Phuket is famous for its nightlife and water sports.
Impact of Tourism:
Overcrowding and commercialization have led to environmental damage.
Water pollution and beach erosion are significant issues.
Loss of local culture and traditional way of life.
Lesson Learned:
Balancing tourism with environmental and cultural preservation is essential.
10. Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Overview:
Once known for its serene beaches, Sihanoukville has seen rapid development.
Impact of Tourism:
Overdevelopment with numerous casinos and high-rise buildings.
Environmental degradation and beach pollution.
Loss of local culture and increased cost of living.
Lesson Learned:
Sustainable planning and development are crucial to maintaining the integrity of beach destinations.
Final Thoughts
The loss of paradise isn’t inevitable—but it is accelerating. Beaches are resilient, but only when given time and care. As travelers, we have the power to influence what happens next. We can support destinations that enforce sustainable tourism, avoid peak seasons, choose local operators, and treat every shoreline like it’s someone’s backyard—because it is.
Not every beach has been ruined, and some are slowly recovering thanks to grassroots efforts and conscious tourism. The goal isn’t to stop traveling—it’s to do it better. To look beyond the Instagrammable view and ask what the beach looked like 10 years ago—and what we want it to look like 10 years from now.
Travelers who care about beauty, nature, and global culture can help preserve the very places they love—by being intentional, informed, and responsible. Paradise doesn’t have to be lost forever, but it does need our help to survive.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.