You might be thinking of or are planning to go to a nude beach for the first time ever – congrats on making the first big step!

But… you have so many questions about the whole experience – and no-one to ask!

You want to know what to take, how to behave, how to avoid embarrassing situations – which can be made 10 times worse when you’re stark-bollock naked – and whether the rumours about nudist beaches are actually true.

Here’s some information from a seasoned nudist, which will hopefully answer some of your burning questions and reassure you that going to a nude beach really isn’t a biggie.

1. What’s it really like at a nude beach

A lot of people think that nudist beaches are worlds way from regular “textile” beaches. Honestly though, a beach is a beach, and the only main difference is the glaringly obvious: everyone is naked.

Expect to see bodies of all shapes, sizes and ages walking around, and no, not all of them are oldies or hot Playboy bunnies. This isn’t a scene from Baywatch either, so don’t go with too high expectations. Everyone is just there, in all their glory, in their own natural body.

Also, if you’re going with the thought or expectation of being stared at, you might want to rule that one out too – most people on a nude beach are regulars and have seen many penises and vaginas before. Yours is nothing new to them.

Prepare to feel a little uncomfortable taking all your clothes off at first – and this is completely normal, after all, you don’t walk into the office and strip naked so the feeling will be a completely new and sometimes scary one to face. Have no fear though, once you’ve made the leap, everything from then on will be much easier!

2. What’s the difference between nude and clothing-optional beaches?

Clothing-optional beaches, as the name suggests, are beaches where being nude is permitted, but not necessary. You can keep your bathing suit on – or a part of it – and there’s no obligation to get naked straight away, though it is generally expected that the clothes will come of eventually.

Some nudie beaches, however, will require you to take all your clothes off once you arrive. There’s a very good reason for this too! This is so as not to get any “tourists” or thrill-seekers stopping by to ogle at nude beachgoers hoping to get a glimpse of some titty.

These beaches are for social nudists and budding naturists who want to feel completely at ease as everyone is “on their level”; wonderfully butt-naked.

3. Are nude beaches as nice as regular beaches?

A lot of people imagine that because nudist beaches aren’t listed in the Top 10 beaches in the area – probably due to the added factor of nudism – that they aren’t as beautiful as regular beaches. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Nude beaches are usually even more scenic and jaw-dropping than regular beaches. This is because nudist beaches are often hidden away in little coves or bays, a little further from “textile” beaches.

These coves are often characterized by calmer waters, softer sand and less wind due to their sheltered location between cliffs and high rocks. There’s also less litter on nudist beaches, as they aren’t overcrowded as “textile” beaches, and because a lot of nudists are aware of the rare and sacredness of their beach and want to protect is as best as they can.

So, if you’re looking for a real hidden gem or an uncrowded beach, consider losing your clothes and embracing the nude life.

4. What should I take to the nudist beach?

I’d recommend packing just like you’d pack for a regular day at the beach. Bring the essentials like plenty of water, a towel (suuuuper important at a nudist beach) and sunscreen. You definitely don’t want to miss the last one, getting sunburnt is no fun at a regular beach, but just imagine your crown jewels glowing red – ouch!

For a full and extensive list of what to take – and some interesting reasons why – check out the “What to Bring to a Nude Beach” blog post I wrote last week.

5. Can I take my camera?

The short answer is yes – but be careful with this one.

You can snap shots of anything you like as long as you avoid getting other people in the photo without their consent. Some people – especially families with children, can get offended if you’re out waving a camera about, so just be careful and discreet, and make sure to get people’s permission before snapping a pic.

Nobody wants to live in constant fear of their naked butt ending up trending on Twitter or Instagram!

6. Can I take my kids?

Yes. Most nudist places will be child and family-friendly. You might want to check this first and do some research just to make sure though!

A lot of nudist and clothing-optional beaches will have whole families with little kids running around – and this is completely normal.

So, if the beach is family-friendly, by all means, take your kids, take your partners, and have a full-on family nude day out!

7. Aren’t there lots of creepy people at nudist beaches?

One of society’s favorite myths about nudist beaches is that there are creepers hiding behind rocks, just waiting to catch a glimpse of your bare derrière.

However, the people that come to nudist beaches do so to feel the freedom and liberation that clothes just can’t offer. They’re so used to seeing others naked that another newbie butt isn’t anything of interest – unless you’ve got a huge ass tattoo of a unicorn or something, then they might stare.

When it comes to outsiders, any weirdos or “tourists” who just come for the novelty of seeing a nude beach are quickly recognized and usually leave as soon as they arrive and realize how out of place they are.

All in all, no creeps or weirdos likely.

8. Should I shave before going?

This one totally depends on you and how you feel most comfortable. You’ll see all kinds of bodies at the nudist beach, from fully shaven to a full-blown bush. It really doesn’t matter. Bodies are bodies.

As long as you’re happy and comfortable, you’re free to choose if you want to shave or go au-naturel.

9. I’m a bit shy, can I keep my swimsuit on?

This depends on whether you’ve chosen a nudist beach or a clothing-optional beach.

Nudist beaches require you to get naked, but clothing-optional beaches allow you to stay clothed for a while and undress at your own pace.

Don’t worry though, once you realize that most or all people are naked, you’ll feel like the one that’s out of place, and you’ll actually want to take your swimsuit off and join in the party!

10. Is PDA allowed?

PDA, or public displays of affection are allowed… As long as it doesn’t stretch past making-out, yes.

However, any form of sexual activity or touching is a strict no-no on most* nudist beaches.

Just because you’re in the nude and everything is on show doesn’t mean that sexual activity is permitted – or that it’s legal in fact.

As a general rule of thumb: don’t do anything on a nudist beach that you wouldn’t do clothed in public, or in front of your family.

*Some nude beaches or resorts may have areas or events allocated just for this, but these are few and far between, so if this is what you’re looking for, do your research accordingly!

For the record: Haulover Beach is NOT one of those beaches. If you do something inappropriate you WILL get arrested.

11. What if I get an erection?

This is quite a common fear that prevents men from going and enjoying the nudist life. But there is a solution for this too – and it’s so simple.

Simply bring and carry a towel with you wherever you go. This is a classic nudist trick to avoid unexpected or unexplained awkward moments that could be incredibly embarrassing.

12. Can I go to the nudist beach if I’m a single female?

You’ll have to make a judgment-call on this one.

While there are single male and female nudists, some women feel uncomfortable going on their own, and choose to take a friend or partner with them.

If you do choose to fly solo but are still a bit worried, you can always choose to lay your towel near a family with children, or near a nudist beach regular that can offer you some advice or company if you need it. Nudist beach regulars are pretty easy to spot – look for the guys or gals with no tan lines!

13. Where can I find a nudist beach near me?

Depending on which country you’re in, there’s quite a lot of information about nudist places and naturist resorts available on the internet.

There are some useful sites that you can check out right away and find your nearest nudist locale:

You can also just type in “nudist beach” followed by wherever you live or are planning to visit to get the most up-to-date results on the best nudist spots in town!

14. I’ve never tried nudism before – will I look out of place on a nudist beach?

Only if you don’t take your clothes off. Let’s be real for a moment, not all nudists go around on the beach flaunting the fact that they’re butt-naked – that’s more like exhibitionism and is not to be confused with nudism and naturism.

You’ll only look out of place on a nudist beach if you decide to keep your clothes on – something which may not even be allowed on a completely nude beach. So regardless of whether you’ve tried nudism before or not, there’s no way to discriminate against newbies, and no-one would want to do that anyway.

The only thing I’d recommend is that you get comfortable first with your own naked body before taking it outside and getting cold feet. Strip off at home and spend the day, or the weekend in the nude, and you’ll have a good foundation to go off of.

15. Nudism and naturism – what’s the difference?

These two terms are used interchangeably in the nudist community. This is because nudism and naturism revolve around the same concept; the love of being naked.

The slight difference is that nudism is more focused on the love of being naked, whereas naturism takes more into account the mental, physical and spiritual side of being naked.

According to The International Naturist Federation, naturism is described as “A way of life in harmony with nature characterized by the practice of communal nudity, with the intention of encouraging self-respect, respect for others and for the environment.”

16. Are there any special rules to follow at the nudist beach?

When it comes to rules and nudist beach etiquette, there are a few simple “rules” put in place for everyone’s safety, wellbeing and comfort. After all, when you think about it, any place without rules – especially a nudist beach – could easily become a disaster.

No sexual activity or excessive PDA

No exhibitionism or lewd activity

Always carry a towel with you to sit on

No taking photos without others’ permission

No staring, gawking or making inappropriate comments

Respect others’ personal space

Get dressed before leaving the beach

17. What do I do if I’m on my period?

Women menstruating is a natural occurrence and one of the facts of life. If you’re comfortable with a tampon, this might be the best way to handle the situation; you can always tuck the string away and go fully nude.

If you’re more at ease with a sanitary pad, you can always wear panties or bikini bottoms and maybe choose a clothing-optional beach rather than a completely nudist beach.

Do whatever feels most natural and comfortable to you, and I guarantee no-one will notice or care. Nudism is the natural way of life and menstruating is just a part of it.

Do you have any more burning questions about nudism or nudist beaches? Leave a comment down below and watch this space for more FAQs as they come!