Somewhere in most tropical vacation
fantasies you will find a white, golden sand beach complete with palm
trees, crystal clear water, and tall tropical drinks with tiny
umbrellas. The little known black sand beach is often nowhere in this
picture. However, for ecotourism enthusiasts, and travelers just looking
for a change from the typical tropical vacation fair, the beauty of
black sand beaches have become more recognized as a wonderful
alternative.

Have you ever wondered what causes such a striking difference in the
appearance of black sand vs. white sand beaches? This results from the
fact that black sand beaches are formed very differently from their
white sand counterparts which are coral in origin. Here's a crash course
in black sand beach formation:

Black sand beaches are volcanic in origin. Hot lava flows into the sea
and turns black upon contact with the cooling effect of the water. As it
cools it breaks up into smaller fragments. The constant pounding of the
surf and waves over time causes these fragments to form smaller and
smaller particles, until sand is produced. The development of this sand
is also encouraged by the steam explosions which occur when the water
and the hot lava meet.

The size of sand particles may very significantly from quite coarse to
finer grains depending on the location. The color of the sand may also
differ from light grey to charcoal black, even on the same stretch of
beach. But regardless of the exact color, black sand beaches are truly
breathtaking.

Black sand beaches can be found in more places and closer to home than
you may think. These include Polynesia, Indonesia, Hawaii, Iceland, and
the Caribbean islands of Dominica, St Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent and
Puerto Rico.

Written by Kim Phillips

Experience black sand beaches in a premiere ecotourism
destination in the Caribbean, Dominica.