From the Green Flash to Cliff Diving, Experience the World’s Most Interesting Local Beach Rituals

From diving off cliffs to diving for soccer balls, communities along the world’s beaches tend to create watery rituals that last for generations — and attract droves of curious travelers looking to feel like locals in the process. Join the beach crew at these eight spots where you can experience local seaside rituals.

As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.

Watch the Kaanapali Cliff Diving Ceremony at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

As day fades into evening, just before the sun sets behind Maui’s jagged lava rocks at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, a modern-day Hawaiian warrior runs down a lava flow and out to the ocean.

There, he lights a series of torches before diving into the water below. The cliff dive, or lele kawa, is an ancestral ceremony once only attempted by Hawaiian kings. Now, the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa honors that royal legacy by continuing the tradition for guests.

Play Soccer on Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro

As the sun slowly sinks behind the craggy peaks of Dois Irmãos near Rio de Janeiro’s Ipanema Beach, silhouettes stand out against the water. They’re gathered in groups, bouncing soccer balls back and forth in an epic gathering of beach soccer.

It’s a common pastime in this part of Brazil. And there’s one major plus: If you get too hot while you’re playing, you can just jump into the ocean.

Go Winter Swimming in Australia

You’ve probably heard of a polar bear plunge. Maybe you’ve even done it. But how about the polar bear plunge … every day, all winter long?

Winter dips are a tradition in beach-loving Australia, where coastal Aussies take to the water even if it’s freezing outside. There are even groups dedicated to daily swims, no matter the temperature.

Look for the Green Flash at Sunset in Marco Island, Florida

The elusive green flash lasts for just a few seconds, only when weather on the beach at Marco Island is perfectly clear, and some people spend a lifetime trying to get a glimpse of it.

The flash occurs when a mirage mixes with dispersed sunlight over the water, causing the very top of the sun to appear bright green just before it drops out of sight.

The green flash is a rare sight and yet another reason to watch a brilliant beachside sunset in Florida, perhaps with a cocktail in hand at chic Tesoro Restaurant at JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort.

Take a Bush Bath in St. Croix

If you’re not feeling so hot in St. Croix, draw yourself a hot bath — and fill it with herbs and flowers foraged from nearby plants. Bush baths are traditional medicinal baths where local flora is steeped in your bathwater so you can relax in its healing essence.

But it can also be a community bonding event or even a pre-wedding ritual. Either way, you’ll be left feeling revitalized in body and spirit.

Learn to Surf in a Private Class on Bali’s Kuta Beach

Just steps from the Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort is one of Bali’s most famous surfing spots: Kuta Beach. The waves break all along the beach, which runs for more than a mile, making it a perfect spot for beginners and seasoned surfers alike.

Hang 10 with the pros when you take a private surfing lesson here. And don’t worry — you’ll start out practicing on the sand before hitting the water.

Watch Athletes Compete on the Beach in Panama

Panama has 1,230 miles of coastline, plus more than 1,500 islands — which means there are many beach sports on offer. There are so many, in fact, that in 2019, Panamanian athletes joined forces to create the Olympics-affiliated Central American and Caribbean Beach Games.

The games comprise 12 beach-based sports, including underwater swimming and sailing, and more than 600 competitors battled for medals in the first year.

Attend the Romani Pilgrimage in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Every year on May 24, Romani pilgrims lead a procession down to the beach of the small French commune, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. They carry with them a statue of Saint Sarah — the patron saint of the Romani people.

Officially, the pilgrimage has been an annual event since the Middle Ages. Today, thousands of people gather for Sara’s walk to the sea, accompanied by songs, chants and ranchers on white horses.