The 13 Most Breathtaking Sea Stacks in the World

1. Old Harry Rocks

In southern England off the Coast of Dorset sits the Old Harry Rocks. These consist of two chalk stacks that many use to mark the end of the eastern portion of the Jurassic Coast. Chalk makes up these sea stacks, as one can likely guess from the name.

You can see some flints in them as well. Like other sea stacks around the world, Old Harry Rocks are always changing. The sea tide constantly makes these rocks smaller. Hundreds of years ago you could easily walk right out to the stacks from the mainland. 

There are kayaking tours around the rocks that both locals and visitors can enjoy. Viewing the 250-foot marvel from the water’s surface will truly take your breath away.

2. Lange Anna

One of the most popular landmarks within German territory is Lange Anna. Right off the coast of Heligoland in the North Sea, these sea stacks were created from one wave strike after another. 

There are also tight peninsulas and unexplored caves in the region. The stack was part of an arch that met with the mainland. In May of 1860, it collapsed leaving what we now know as Lange Anna. 

These natural towers consist of red rock and stand over 150 feet in the air. While tourists visit the area to see this beautiful piece of nature, seabirds also frequent the rock for a respite after a long flight. 

3. Parus Rock

One of the more unique sea stacks on our list is Parus Rock in Russia. It also goes by the names Sail Rock and Skala Parus. This peculiar work of nature is strangely thin in comparison to other sea stacks around the world. 

With that in mind, it’s just over 3 feet thick, 83 feet high, and 67 feet long. Geological forces created this sandstone monolith years ago. In 1971, it was declared a natural monument. Some state that this sea stack looks like a quadrangular sail as it sits perpendicular to the coastline.

4. Kicker Rock

If you’re looking for sea stacks that have a thriving population of hammerhead sharks around them, look no further than Kicker Rock. Located in the water near the coast of the Galapagos Islands, this is one of the most popular snorkeling and general tourist destinations in the area. 

This stunning piece of nature stretches nearly 500 feet out of the ocean! It consists of the remains of a volcanic vertical tuff. The only way to get up close to this sea stack is with a local guide.

5. Bako Sea Stack

It is hard to beat the unique structure of the Bako sea stacks in Malaysia. Bako National Park’s most famous sight is the sea stack in the center of Pandan Kecil’s lovely beach. These sea stacks look like the head of a cobra emerging from the water’s edge. 

They almost appear as small islands towering over the water.

Unfortunately, this sea stack collapsed in February 2024.

6. Haystack Rock

Located right off Cannon Beach, less than two hours west of Portland is Haystack Rock. This iconic piece of nature has appeared in several feature films including The Goonies and Twilight. 

This massive sea stack towers over 230 feet from the water’s surface. When the tide is low enough, you can almost walk directly to the rock. People have climbed Haystack Rock only to be stuck there once the high tide comes in. 

The state protects Haystack Rock in an effort to help conserve the natural environment of the birds and marine life that call it home.

7. Ko Tapu

With an altitude of 66 feet, it’s no wonder Ko Tapu is a major tourist attraction. Also known as Nail Island, this sea stack received its 15 minutes of fame in the 1974 James Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun. The water and weather have destroyed the lowest portion of the rock formation, which is much thinner than the upper half.

8. Old Man of Hoy

In the Scottish Orkney Islands, the Old Man of Hoy is a 449-foot sea stack located on the western shore of the island of Hoy. Among England’s tallest stacks, it is made of old red sandstone. 

It is not shown on maps published between 1600 and 1750, indicating that it was formed sometime after 1750 as a result of hydraulic action eroding a cliff. Old Man of Hoy was first climbed in 1966 and is now one of the most famous climbing destinations in the U.K.

9. The Twelve Apostles

The world’s largest piles of limestone are the Twelve Apostles in Australia. The Pinnacles and the Sow and Pigs were the initial names for the stacks. Though the structure never had more than nine stacks, the name Twelve Apostles was officially used. 

They came to be thanks to wind, wave, and rain erosion. The stacks are located in Victoria, AU, along the breathtaking Great Ocean Road. There are only eight apostles, despite the scriptural term “Twelve Apostles.” Most recently, a 164-foot-tall apostle structure fell into the ocean. 

10. Ball’s Pyramid

Though some say Ball’s Pyramid in Australia is an island, it surely resembles a sea stack. Interestingly, this massive rock is the remnant of a huge volcano. Ball’s Rock protrudes 1,843 feet out of the Pacific. It’s one of the few remaining above-ground pieces of Zealandia, the once-lost and newly discovered underwater continent. This sea stack is roughly half a mile long and 980 feet wide.

11. Sea Stack at Torre Sant’Andrea

The natural and pure symbol of this alluring and untamed place is represented by the Faraglioni, carved by the weather and the deft touch of nature herself. The granite cliffs that make up the Faraglioni of Sant’Andrea resemble enormous columns with striking and evocative shapes. 

The glorious “Arch of Lovers” is a natural wonder that was inspired by the strength of creation and has long been associated with romantic and archaic tales. It is stated that a person’s bond with their significant other becomes irreversible when they swim under this sea stack arch together.

12. Dun Briste

Although it stands strong on its own now, Dun Bristle was once part of the mainland of Ireland. This sea stack towers 150 feet over the water’s surface. Although there are numerous myths surrounding the formation of the natural wonder, it is generally agreed upon that in 1393, extremely choppy seas caused an arch connected to the rock to collapse.

13. Risin og Kellingin

In the Faroe Islands, near the town of Eiði, are two sea stacks that go by the name Risin og Kellingin. The name Risin og Kellingin, which translates to “The Giant and the Witch,” has its roots in an ancient folktale. 

Standing with both feet apart, the witch (Kellingin) is the 223-foot pointy stack closer to land, while the giant (Risin) is the 233-foot stack farther from the coast.