Sometimes just called stacks, sea stacks are rock formations formed in the ocean, near a coast, by wind and water erosion. They are usually formed from limestone as other types of rock erode in a way that won’t produce a stack. Seabirds often use sea stacks for their nesting grounds and rock climbers love the challenge of climbing the steep sides of sea stacks. Below are 6 incredible sea stacks that you must visit to appreciate.
1. The Twelve Apostles, Victoria, Australia
The Twelve Apostles is a group of sea stacks located in the Port Campbell National Park, Australia. It’s not known why they were named the Twelve Apostles since there were never 12, but currently, there are 8 stacks left after one collapsed in 2005.
2. James Bond Island (Ko Tapu), Phang Nga Bay, Thailand
James Bond Island, also known as Ko Tapu, got its name after being featured in the 1974 James Bond movie, The Man With The Golden Gun. Ko Tapu sits in Phang Nga Bay northeast of Phuket in Ao Phang Nga National Park. This large sea stack is 66 feet tall, 13 feet in diameter at sea level and 26 feet in diameter at the summit.
3. Risin og Kellingin, Faroe Islands
Risin Og Kellingin, or Giant and Witch, are two large sea stacks located off the coast of Eysturoy Island in the Faroe Islands. Risin stands 232 feet tall while Kellingin stands 223 feet tall. If you want to see both of these beautiful sea stacks, you should plan your trip soon. Geologists predict that Kellingin, which currently stands on two legs, will fall within a few decades.
4. Koh Poda Rock, Krabi, Thailand
There is some debate about whether this is an islet or a sea stack. Either way it is still a beautiful site. A plus to visiting this sea stack is that it’s located near a gorgeous tropical island and coral reef, making it a great spot to do some snorkelling or just laze on the beautiful white beach.
5. Ball’s Pyramid, Australia
Located near Lord Howe Island, Ball’s Pyramid is what is left of a volcano that was formed approximately 7 million years ago! At 1,844 feet tall, it is one of the tallest sea stacks in the world. It is named after Henry Lidgbird Ball who discovered it in 1789. Ball’s Pyramid is home to the only known population of Lord Howe Island Stick Insect left in the wild.
6. Hvítserkur, Iceland
Located off the Vatnsnes peninsula of Iceland, Hvitserkur is also known as the “Troll of North-West Iceland” due to local legend that says it’s the remains of a petrified troll. It soars 49 feet into the air and stands on 3 legs that have been reinforced at sea level to prevent further erosion. In the summer the sea stack seems to come alive when the fulmar, a bird species, returns to nest on the rock.
