Two Islands, Two Countries

Al
Al
Nov 7 · 3 min read

Is it possible to rank the world’s best beaches? Even though some web sites would easily rank the best one, it is known that each traveller has their own preference. Now, what does the West Canada coast have in common with Brazilian shores? Maybe nothing, but we can contrast these two places to appreciate their unique features. In Florianopolis, an island in the South of Brazil, there is a lovely beach named Jurere. Equally beautiful, Vancouver Island hosts a shore called Willows Beach in Oak Bay. The two destinations are completely different in their seawater and sand; however astonishing in their own ways.

On the left, Jurere beach. On the right, Willows beach.
On the left, Jurere beach. On the right, Willows beach.
On the left, Jurere beach. On the right, Willows beach.

Firstly, Brazil is bathed by the Atlantic Ocean while Western Canada is bordered by the Pacific Ocean. Reid Jr. (1953) comparing, states that the South Atlantic is denser and saltier than the North Pacific. Thereby, Bueti (2011) concludes that Pacific surface waters result in higher temperatures because of its light water layer. Yet, the waves on Jurere Beach are bigger and roll more smoothly; this is perfect for surfing. In contrast, the tides near Victoria are calm enough for someone to kayak or to practice stand-up paddleboarding.

The Willows’ sand is darker and stonier than Jureres’. It is not unusual to find rocks and even logs on BC’s beaches, whilst it is not common on Brazilian beaches. And because the sandbank is large enough, people enjoy playing games on it, such as soccer or volleyball. Another game played is called Frescobol, an intense paddle ball game with a controversial origin — Rondinelli claims that this sport originated in Brazil on the beaches of Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro; even though it is crazy-popular in Israel, where it is called Matkot.

In spite of the differences between Jurere and Willows Beach, each place is singular. Jurere is well known for its crowds of beautiful people who frequent this place, wearing the famous tiny bikinis and swimsuits. Whereas Willows beach has a panoramic view of the Olympic Mountains — a huge mountain range located in Washington State in the U.S. One can get a tan while admiring an outstanding view of the white-capped mountains.

Overall, both beaches, in their own way, afford unique beauty, either by the ocean or by the shore which offers opportunities to practice all kinds of sports or even only to relax. No matter where you are; Jurere Beach in Florianopolis, Brazil is as worthwhile as Willows Beach in Victoria, Canada. These are great places to behold the landscape and enjoy their attractions.

Work cited

Reid Jr., Joseph L. “On the temperature, salinity, and density differences between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans in the upper kilometre” (pp. 265–275). Science Direct, March 1961, accessed 24 June 2018.

Bueti, Michael. “Why is the Atlantic Ocean colder than the Pacific?”. Quora, January 2, 2011, accessed 23 June 2018.

RONDINELLI, Paula. “Frescobol”. Brasil Escola. Accessed 23 June 2018.

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