The world is home to so many stunning beaches, but if you’re dreaming of the perfect white sand beach, experts claim to have found the one with the “whitest sand”. CV Villas conducted an independent study using Google Maps image data of 200 beaches around the globe, analysed them to reveal their RGB colour code, and cross-referenced that with the colour code of the whitest shade of white.

While it might be near impossible to determine which beach on Earth has the whitest sand, the study is a good way to find some of the best options for sandy beach lovers.

According to the study, Tulum Beach in Mexico scored highly for its white sand, with the experts dubbing it “the whitest sand in the world” based on their analysis. They also commended its stunning shoreline.

“The research found that Tulum Beach in Mexico claims the top spot with its sand being just 1.4 points off the whitest shade in the world,” said CV Villas.

“Situated on the Caribbean coast, this beautiful beach is picture-perfect, with bright blue waves, and almost pure white shores.”

Tulum Beach sits on the Yucatan coast of Mexico at the country’s southeastern tip, looking out to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Tulum is a huge tourist destination known for its beaches and well-preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan port city.

The main building is a large stone structure called El Castillo which sits atop a rocky cliff looking down across the white sand beach and turquoise sea.

Given its tourist draw, there are plenty of hotels, restaurants and bars situated throughout the long narrow stretch of town.

However, some visitors on Tripadvisor do note that prices can be high for amenities such as parking.

Having visited in July 2024, an American tourist left a Tripadvisor review saying the area had both “good and bad” points. They described the beach, however, as a “paradise”.

The reviewer wrote: “It is a paradise. Beach is blue and beautiful. The ruins are a place you can’t miss. Please just avoid the scammers and sellers.” [SIC]

A second holidaymaker from London added: “Tulum beach is stunning, with white sand, palm trees &and turquoise water. No need for beach shoes as the sand is really soft.

“However, the road to the beach is completely lined with hotel after hotel to the point where you cannot see the sea at all.”