About 71% of our planet’s surface is covered with the wet stuff, but not all seas are created equal. We’ve got some favourite sea spots for when you want a beach with only the most inviting, crystal clear, gently lapping waves. You’ll be itching to jump straight into these refreshing waters:
1. Maldives
Given that the Maldives’ territory is 99% water, it’s only fair that the crystal clear seas are their biggest attraction. Diving and snorkelling in this paradisiacal island chain is sublime; warm waters, over 3000 pristine coral reefs and visibility of up to 50 metres underwater. Jump in!
2. Croatia
You’ll find plenty of clear seas on Croatia’s islands, surrounded by the shimmering Adriatic. Head to the island of Vis for unspoilt landscapes or try Brac for this dramatic shoreline, which has graced many a Croatian tourism poster over the years. 
3. Thailand
Dive on into the translucent turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, off Thailand’s south west coast. The idyllic island of Krabi is renowned for its dramatic limestone cliffs and colourful coral reefs. You’ll find even better on more remote islands like Koh Lanta. 
4. Egypt
Egypt’s Red Sea resorts like Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada are renowned for their world-class diving in warm, crystalline waters. Go in late autumn when the seas are at their clearest. The warming winter sun ain’t bad either. 
5. Cuba
The Caribbean seas offer a plethora of swimming opportunities, but we’ve plumped for characterful Cuba. Spoil yourself with an all inclusive holiday on Varadero’s white sands, lapped by clear sapphire water. Ditto Cayo Coco… Or Guardalavaca… 
6. Greece
Go island hopping to visit azure waters on remote Greek islands. On Antipaxos the greenery leads right down to the calm seas, and Elafonisos is all white sand dunes and crystal seas. But there’s plenty on the beaten track too: the pic above is Paradise Bay, one of the unspoilt coves of Halkidiki.
7. Australia
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most unmissable natural sights, and the water along Queensland coast is pretty unbelievable too. Sail and swim the aquamarine waters of the Whitsunday Islands; so clear it’ll take your breath away – so be careful when you’re going under!
8. Majorca
Proving you don’t need to go a million miles for a million-pound view, there are coves on Majorca custom-made for splashing in, with calm clear seas and gentle sandy slopes. Try Cala Formentor, Es Trenc or Illetas beach for some of the clearest waters around. 
9. Seychelles
Between the giant granite boulders and shallow luminous seas we think you’d be hard pushed to imagine a more stunning beach than Anse Source d’Argent in the Seychelles. Praslin island’s sugar sands are also picture perfect, as are… well, most things here. 
10. Sardinia
Sardinia may be in the middle of the Med but the Italian island’s white sands and transparent waters are positively tropical. The exclusive Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) refers to the sparkling sea’s jewel-like hues, and there are many secluded coves lining the north-east coast. 
