The idyllic sand beaches and fantastic rock formations on the Marieta Islands are a perfect example of happy chance that can sometimes occur when nature and technology work together.

Located off the west coast of Mexico near Nayarit, the Marieta Islands were formed by volcanic activity and were later used by the Mexican government for military weapons testing, reported the Daily Mail. The bombs carved chunks out of the rocky landscape, creating caves and revealing hidden beaches.

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After an uproar by the international community and led by Jacques Cousteau, the Mexican government turned the islands into a national park, giving them protection from fishing, hunting and human activity, says Travelust.

Today the activities around the island are still limited to snorkeling, kayaking and nature tours. The tour company Vallarta Adventures offers regular trips out to the Marieta Islands to snorkel and enjoy the marine life that has flourished in the absence of humans.

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Bondi Beach, Australia. (Credit: Gray Malin)