Top 10 Beaches in the Caribbean to Visit

There’s nothing quite like a getaway to the beach. Almost every human loves being near the ocean, relaxing under swaying palm trees, listening to the waves, playing in the water, and admiring incredible beach views. We’re drawn to these places where the sea meets the sand, and when we eventually must step away from it again, we’re renewed, refreshed, and reinvigorated.

Fortunately, there are many places worldwide where we can have these experiences, and there are spectacular beaches on almost every continent. However, some of the most beautiful beaches anywhere are in the Caribbean.

Beaches in the Caribbean are a cut above the rest. Calm waters, perfect climates, pleasant vibes, and dedication to preservation make the stunning beaches in this part of the world extra special.

If you’re looking for white sand, sunshine, and breathtaking beaches that will change your life, then the Caribbean is the place to go. Read on to learn about the ten best beaches in the Caribbean – and start daydreaming about your next trip.

TL;DR

Best Beaches in the Caribbean to Visit

1. Te Amo Beach, Bonaire

If you love small, white sand beaches to relax above the waterline but also want incredible snorkeling opportunities below it, don’t miss Te Amo Beach in Bonaire.

This public beach, adjacent to Bonaire’s main airport, contains coral reefs and diverse marine life. The water is clear and shallow, so all you need to do is put on your mask, snorkel, and dive in to see the enchanting world below. The water is calm and safe for kids and beginners.

When you’re done with your undersea adventure, you can relax on this beach under the shade trees and watch planes take off and land – which is a lot more fun than it sounds. If you get hungry or thirsty, there’s usually a food truck parked on site.

2. Shoal Bay, Anguilla

Shoal Bay is the most popular beach on the island of Anguilla, and for good reason – it’s beautiful. This beach ranks among the best beaches in the world on many lists; the contrast of the turquoise waters and the pink sand beach here is striking and memorable, and it’s truly a dream for its two-mile length.

Despite its popularity, you won’t find this beach crowded- plenty of room to spread out. The calm waters at this beach make it a great place for snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and diving.

This beach is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean for walking. As you stroll down this beach, you can enjoy the breeze and salt spray while digging your toes into the sand with every step.

If you get tired on your journey, stop in one of the famous restaurants for an app or cocktail, like Gwen’s Reggae Bar & Grill or Tropical Sunset Restaurant & Bar – they’ll welcome you with open arms and a nice cool drink.

See Related: Most Relaxing Vacation Spots in the World

3. Crane Beach, Barbados

Crane Beach is located on the southeastern Atlantic coast of Barbados. Due to its location, the water at this beach can sometimes be rough, and riptides can develop, so this may not be the best choice of beach for families.

However, it’s spectacularly beautiful, and it is, without a doubt, one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. The eighty-foot cliffs that overlook this beach add so much to the overall aesthetic, which is, in a phrase, Caribbean Paradise.

Powerful waves here offer ample opportunities for body surfing and boogie boarding. If you go or stay late in the day, you can often catch some shade from the cliffs.

If you want to stay on Crane Beach, you might consider booking a room at The Crane Resort & Residences. It’s a beautiful resort hotel that has been serving Anguilla visitors since 1867. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in everything this world-class beach has to offer.

4. Half Moon Bay, Antigua and Barbuda

Half Moon Bay is a beach that is located on the east side of Antigua. If you’re stopping in Antigua on a cruise, it’s quite a distance from the cruise port – it will take you over 40 minutes to get there.

However, that ride may be worth it. It’s also rather far from the island’s main tourist areas, but if you’re actually staying in Antigua, plan to commute to Half Moon Bay and spend a lot of time at this spectacular pink sand beach.

This beach is small and secluded, and when you spend a day on it, you might spend some time daydreaming about what it might be like to be stranded on a deserted island – in a good way. You can rent a beach chair and umbrella here for the day and relax while you watch the pelicans dive for fish.

If you’re so inclined, rock formations on the perimeter are ripe for exploring. The waves are small and peaceful at the shore, but if you want more excitement, there are bigger waves out further.

Although Half Moon Bay was once more of a hidden gem, and now it’s much more popular and somewhat busy, it’s still one of the best beaches in the Caribbean and certainly one you don’t want to miss.

5. Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos

Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos is located on the northeastern coast of the island of Providenciales. This beach is one of the most famous beaches in the Caribbean and is almost always among the beaches listed on lists like this one.

It’s long, beautiful, and offers three miles of powdery white sand and the bluest water you’ve ever seen. You don’t have to worry about rocks, seaweed, or pollution here – you’ll be overwhelmed by Grace Bay Beach’s incredible beauty.

A barrier reef about a mile offshore keeps the waves at this beach minimum, adding to the overall calming vibe. Numerous resorts are along this beach, and if a beach-focused vacation is what you seek, we highly recommend you stay at one of them. You’ll want to be out there on Grace Bay Beach the entire time you’re in Turks and Caicos – without a doubt.

6. Grand Anse Beach, Grenada

Grenada’s Grand Anse Beach is another lovely beach that frequent beach travelers would rank among the very best in the Caribbean. This beach is two miles long and is full of palm, almond, and sea grape trees, with beach bars and resorts in between. The hills of Granada rise behind the beach, offering incredible views from the beach of both land and sea.

This is not only a beautiful beach but a busy one. When you’re bored of lying about, swimming, and relaxing, you can visit a beachfront restaurant, watch locals playing cricket, or visit the Craft and Spice Market on the beach.

However, despite the popularity of this beach, it never feels crowded. There’s plenty of room to spread out, lay back, and enjoy the incredible, mellow Grand Anse Beach vibe.

See Related: Best All-Inclusive Resorts In The World

7. Eagle Beach, Aruba

Eagle Beach in Aruba is the widest beach in this island nation and the most visited. It’s on the island’s northwestern side on the northwestern edge of the main city, Oranjestad.

This beach is long and active yet also quiet and serene at the same time. Dozens of resorts, restaurants, bars, and water sports providers line this beach, so there’s plenty to do – if you ever choose to get up from your beach chair.

One thing that makes Eagle Beach unique is the presence of the protected Fofoti tree. These trees had spiritual significance to the native Arawak people of this area, and they are quite a sight.

They all lean in a southeasterly direction due to how the wind blows, and their curved trunks are reminiscent of ancient bristlecone pines. These trees survive rooted to the sand and are heavily photographed. You’ll certainly want to take some pictures, too.

Further, this beach is a common nesting ground for sea turtles. You’ll surely feel at home with nature while visiting Eagle Beach, but you’ll still be close to so many amenities.

8. Pig Beach, Big Major Cay, Exuma, Bahamas

Who wants to swim with pigs? Pretty much everyone, probably. Pig Beach is particularly famous for this opportunity and is beautiful, too. It’s extremely popular and is visited by over 6 million tourists yearly despite being located on an island just one mile long.

The two dozen or so feral pigs on this island have a life many of us would be jealous of. They relax on the beach, play in the waves, and get their visitors’ attention.

Due to the remoteness of this beach, you’ll have to book a tour or excursion to get there. You’ll likely get to feed them from the boat upon which you arrive, but feeding pigs on the beach is not allowed as it may cause them to become aggressive.

Between pig-watching sessions, you’ll love gazing at the crystal clear waters and relaxing under the many palm trees lining this beach. A trip to Pig Beach in the Bahamas is an adventure that you’ll never forget.

9. Seven Mile Beach, Negril, Jamaica

If a beach full of action and activity is what you seek, then you’ll love Negril Jamaica’s Seven Mile Beach. This beach is seven miles long, and some people walk the whole thing.

It’s a worthwhile undertaking, but it will take you all day. Along the way, you’ll pass dozens of bars, restaurants, shops, hotels, and resorts, and you’ll get to enjoy reggae music coming from these establishments the entire length of your journey.

Seven Mile Beach itself is lovely for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. Best of all, it’s a fantastic place for people-watching.

Locals and visitors provide lots of entertainment all day and into the evenings here. When you spend a few days or a week on Seven Mile Beach in Negril, you’ll truly feel immersed in the best of everything Jamaica offers.

See Related: Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts in Jamaica

10. Trunk Bay, St. John, US Virgin Islands

The most beautiful and idyllic beach I’ve ever visited is Trunk Bay on St. John in the United States Virgin Islands. This white sand beach is everything a beach should be, and once you visit it, you’ll dream about it for the rest of your life. It’s perfect.

St. John is fantastic; this island is 60% national parkland but has plenty of restaurants, hotels, shopping, and activities. The are incredible beaches all around the perimeter of this island, but Trunk Bay is by far the very best.

It’s only a quarter of a mile long, but that’s all you need. The beauty of Trunk Bay is unsurpassed. You can rent snorkeling gear from a stand here and swim the self-guided Underwater Snorkeling Trail near the island in the bay, or simply relax on a towel or rented beach chair and watch the tide come in.

The water is blue. The sky is blue. The trees are green. This is paradise.

There’s an entrance fee here – but it’s worth it. Trunk Bay is worth a pilgrimage. If you haven’t hit up this beach yet, do so as soon as possible.

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