The Sunset Beach Bar has reopened after devastating damage by hurricanes in 2017, and jet-spotting patrons have been cleared for landing. Like an unassuming cousin from the country, Eagle Beach has an offhand charm that outshines the swagger of its more famous, more crowded Aruban relative, Palm Beach. Carlisle Bay, Barbados. Theres also a restroom, changing area, and shower area youre free to use once youre on the beach. For another entry, we need to take it back to the magnificent Exumas. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. The beach gets busy, especially during summer, so get there early for fewer crowds. The 25 Best Beach Bars in the Caribbean 2023. Grace Bay Beach is the departure point for catamaran sails, snorkeling tours, day and sunset cruises, and more. Its blue water made calm and quiet thanks to a coral reef breakwater surrounding the park on almost all sides. By: Caribbean Journal Staff - December 30, 2022. Popular Caribbean destinations like Aruba, Jamaica and the Bahamas boast perfect beaches and a plethora of things to do, but the more you research, the more you'll discover the little-known gems and the off-the-beaten-path spots that keep so many people coming back year after year. Any and all options, reviews, comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer. The natural beauty and untouched nature of the beach make it a great place to try your hand at some more adventurous beach activities. There arent too many tourist trap shops or restaurants, but there are a few places where you can grab some food or a souvenir while enjoying your beach day. 22 Best Caribbean Beaches - VacationIdea.com Even better, thanks to small cabanas, intrepid travelers can book stays right on these ebony sands. The water here can be a bit choppy, though. Its a USVI park, so theres a $5 entrance fee, and its very popular with cruise-ship passengers. While both are beautiful, the southern stretch of the coast manages to edge out its northern neighbor. There are 13 sovereign states and numerous other territories, each of which has unique beaches that have the potential to be the setting for an ideal island vacation. Across the Caribbean, theres a beach such as Varadero in Cuba to suit every sunseeker A&J Fotos / Getty Images, These are the 12 best beaches in the Caribbean. Theres also a small snack bar nearby thats open during the day if you need any refreshments. 2. A beach trip to the Caribbean is at the top of many peoples bucket lists. Located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, the island chain of St . If youre visiting, then make sure to scope out a spot early. 1. Sugar Beach (St. Lucia) 3. Tripadvisor. Nearby, youll find several local restaurants and boutique hotels. However, walking through these areas isnt a problem. Theres also an array of small beach bars Sunshines being the most famous for its potent Killer Bee cocktail and gorgeous sunsets at one of the best Caribbean beaches. The British Virgin Islands were hit hard by Hurricane Irma in September 2017, but Virgin Gordas top attraction has been welcoming visitors for months. Just off the coast of quaint Carriacou is a sandbar turned must-stop for sailors. The 22 Best Caribbean Beaches according to local experts are: 1. The 25 most beautiful Caribbean beaches. Aruba. 25 Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean - VacationIdea.com Most of the beach has flat and even terrain, but a few areas are hilly with sand dunes you can climb for a slightly more elevated look at the horizon. You can spend hours hunting around for specimens. If you're lucky, you may even spot turtles nesting or hatching on the shore between March and September. Where to Stay in Guadeloupe If you want your field of vision to go full IMAX, this is the spot. Combine that magical sand with crystal-clear waters wrapped in sumptuous seclusion, and you have a recipe for one of our favorite beaches anywhere on the planet. To explore the Caribbean's best beaches, the legendary restaurants and bars lining them, and the pretty towns nearby, book on to Seabourn's 14-or seven-night Extraordinary Worlds itinerary (December-April 2020-21), responsibly opening up lesser-known corners of the West Indies by partnering with UNESCO. The beach offers great photo ops of Tulums Castillo, too, making it one of the best beaches in Central America. 25 Best Beaches in the Caribbean Our editors, photographers and contributors have landed on literally hundreds of Caribbean beaches, and these 25 rise to the top as our favorites. The best Caribbean beaches rival anything in the world. Some beaches are made for Instagram, and this one on Dutch St. Maarten is one of them. Most tourists prefer to spend their time on one of the more traditional vacation beaches, so youll feel a little more like a local while youre here. Theyre created by foraminifera, microscopic coral insects whose reddish-pink shell mixes with the sand to create a unique pink shoreline that practically shimmers during the sunset. One of the few non-negotiables for being one of our favorite beaches is the water. Near the beach, youll find shopping malls with a decent selection of restaurants where you can grab a reasonably priced lunch. There are low-rise hotels and beach resorts lining the shores, but the beach is mostly quiet. Not only are the planes understandably loud, but it gets crowded here. Stick to the public area, and you can swim and snorkel at will. Since its a little difficult to get to directly, many tourists are dissuaded from visiting. Best Beaches in the Caribbean - Travelers' Choice Awards 25 Best Beaches in the World for 2021: The Official List Resorts are plentiful here and offer guests access to chairs and loungers, as well as a good variety of beach activities, should you tire of swimming and sipping cocktails. To get there, join a small-group tour or take a chartered boat. Shutterstock/rj lerich. The current also isnt very strong. Every destination featured above is also home to a rich culture. Its a secluded beach, so if youre looking for some peace and quiet, this is a pretty ideal spot. Beach facilities are plentiful, with toilets, parking and water-sports rentals all available in the immediate vicinity. Doctors Cave Beach is a private beach area that lets visitors feel like they have a tropical paradise all to themselves. And its worth it, as you sunbathe on a white-sanded shore, paddle in warm waters and order fruity drinks and flavorsome food from the locally owned beach bar. This area has natural palm trees and soft sand thats far enough from the bustle of the resorts and bars to be peaceful while simultaneously being close enough to join the fun if you wish. Newbies can book kitesurf lessons on the beach, or hop on a Jet Ski to rip along the shoreline. Youll want to make sure you look out the window on the journey so you can admire the tropical plants and catch glimpses of the local wildlife. A segment of Grand Caymans famous Seven Mile Beach adjacent to Government House, this peaceful stretch of sand is known for being a family-friendly beach. For those looking to explore, Whale Beach is actually on the islandnamed for the huge sperm whale skeleton that was ashore and was preserved back in 1995. We take your comments very seriously as they really help us to improve the site. Every Nevis sunset is special. Along with collecting a full-body tan, Orient Beach provides all the blessings of a perfect Caribbean beach. Cinnamon Bay Beach, U.S. Virgin Islands, 9. Thanks to that hard work, the beach has the coveted blue-flag status signaling its cleanliness. Whether youre a day-tripper sipping a rum-laced drink at a beach bar or a sun-seeker enjoying a siesta in a rental villa, the soft sand and casual vibe of White Bay Beach on Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands are impossible to resist. Eagle Beach Palm - Eagle Beach, Aruba 10,375 reviews Renowned for its iconic Fofoti trees, this pristine beach beckons a trip. Powder-fine sand, towering palms and calm, cerulean waters: Shoal Bay East in Anguilla has all the required elements for a sublime Caribbean beach break. There is a small fee to access Doctors Cave which is put towards maintaining the sand and the water to keep the area pristine for visitors. But not all of the best Caribbean beaches have white sand. There are hotels nearby, but they dont add much noise or chaos to the beach, especially in the morning and early afternoon hours. 2023 Upgraded Points, LLC. The upscale ambience, beachfront pools, soothing spas and casual beach bars have a vibe thats equally right for romance or family time, placing Grace Bay Beach atop our list of the most beautiful Caribbean beaches. St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This dual-nation island is primarily owned by French St. Martin, so there are two cultures influencing the island. Youre free to explore the areas waters on your own since the current is gentle. Silky white sand, shady palms and warm waters await sunseekers who want a picture-perfect shoreline to explore. This bay is best known for its calm, sheltered waters, perfect for swimming and scuba diving. Just dont forget to venture beyond the sands to immerse yourself in everything else the West Indies have to offer! Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos. The beach is near the Puerto Plata city center, making it easy to get downtown if you need to. The views alone make this area a site worth seeing. Dont let its name dissuade you. Yes, there are just too many world-class beaches to list. This beach is also just 3 miles away from Basseterres downtown area, so youre not too far away from the excitement of the islands capital if you want to join in. Without a doubt, one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, Carlisle Bay is actually split into multiple beaches including Browns Beach, Pebbles Beach and Bayshore. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. There are also sections that are more wild and natural. From the blue water to the lush greenery, the beach offers countless photo opportunities to commemorate your trip. Located in Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, Playa Caracas is one of the more remote beaches in Vieques or really all of Puerto Rico. The Baths at Virgin Gorda is a natural wonder, featuring boulders and caverns that make up a maze that leads to secret rock pools and the famous Cathedral Room, a natural pool inside a small cave. The beach is nice and long for all of those people who love going for walks on the sand. This tiny haven in the middle of the ocean is an idyllic desert island. Rendezvous Beach is the only white sand beach on the volcanically active island of Montserrat. They chose to build their only coastal fortress on a bluff overlooking this intimate Mexican beach. The beach gets its primary name because it falls on the Tropic of Cancer latitude line. Down in the islands, though, it's a different story. Caribbean waters dont have much plankton or algae, which allows the sea to be clear and bright blue. Canouan Island (The Grenadines) 4. Tripadvisor, Explore more Travelers' Choice categories, Cayo Guillermo, Jardines del Rey Archipelago, St Martin / St Maarten, St Martin / St Maarten. This bay is gorgeous, with light sand and bright blue water that matches the sky. Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas, Magens Bay Beach, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, White Bay Beach, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands, The Baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands, Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, A post shared by Mauro Giorgi (@maurogiorggi), This Stunning Residence in Antigua is Always Worth the Splurge, 8 Things We Love About the New Goldwynn Resort in Nassau, 6 Amazing Resorts Where Average Golfers Can Learn a Few New Tricks, Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Wants Guests to Live their Ryder Cup Dreams, Hyatt Enters Montenegro Market with Kotor Bay Resort, All the Gear You Need for a Summer of Extreme Fun in the Sun, Passport Delays Straining International Travel Planning. The beach is public, but some sections are reserved for guests at nearby hotels. Amar was born and raised in England and sadly didnt catch his bout of wanderlust until his early twenties. Address Shoal Bay Beach, Shoal Bay 2640, Anguilla Lie back and soak up the sun or groove to some live music from the beach bars at one the best beaches in Anguilla. 25 Best Things to Do in Antigua and Barbuda. Somehow, though, they're more than a little extra when viewed from the beach at The Four Seasons Nevis. Here, you can sunbathe on the soft white sand, walk along the seemingly endless stretch of beach, and try water activities like diving, snorkeling, sailing, and fishing excursions. There isnt much natural shade, though, especially near the water. People go to Seven Mile Beach in the Cayman Islands to witness the beautiful coconut palms and casuarinas standing alongside the marvelous bone-white sand and turquoise waters. Swimming is allowed, but if youre inexperienced or if youre traveling with kids, it might be a good idea to stay on the sand. Last updated by Patrick Bennett on 05/22/2022. Darkwood is popular among beach-goers who like staying on land and those who love the water. 37 Of The Best Beaches In The Caribbean | Celebrity Cruises Theres also a campground nearby if you plan to spend as much time on the beach as possible. Capital: Basse-Terre *Rankings are from U.S. News and World Report's Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean list for 2023-24. The islands of the Bahamas are home to many strands of brilliant white sand, so what sets this expansive Harbour Island beach its three miles long and 50 to 100 feet wide apart from the competition is its subtle rosy hue. Sure, some beaches can overcome a row of resorts and remain amazing. Its a piece of paradise in Port Antonio. Baradal Beach, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tropic of Cancer Beach, Exuma, The Bahamas. If youre searching for a beach location that will make you feel like youve stepped out of a postcard, Anse du Gouverneur is the place for you. Amenities like restaurants are within walking distance if you need them, but you can also enjoy a secluded day at the beach thats far away from any noise or crowds that might develop. Near the shore, the water is shallow and gentle, and there are no sudden drop-offs to worry about. Sharks can be found in the waters around the Caribbean islands. Just enjoy White Bays great swimming and snorkeling beforehand. But with so many dreamy island coastlines to choose from, which are the best beaches in the Caribbean? Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos. Chances are that youve seen the selfies and videos of people with jumbo jets just feet above their heads. This is one of the most well-known beaches on the island, but it usually doesnt get very crowded. And then there are black sand beaches. However, you dont have to worry about being overwhelmed by a lot of noise and crowds. Just watch out for big waves from June through Novemberit's hurricane season in the Caribbean. But what is here is postcard-perfect sand, gin-clear water, and solitude. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. On an island known as a playground for the rich and famous, this beach on the northwest coast is an inviting hideaway for anyone if you can find it. Located on Tortolain the British Virgin Islands, the beach suffered huge destruction during the 2017 hurricanes, and many of the rickety beach bars sadly never returned. From seductive crescents of dazzling white sand and blue sea backed by lush jungles to sublime slices of reef-fringed shore, you'll find the perfect stretch of sand to live out your tropical dream with our list of the top beaches in the Caribbean. Baby Beach is a hit with travelers, who love it for its warm, shallow waters and gentle waves. Editorial Disclosure:The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. Just a short boat ride from Provo, Pine Cay boasts some of the best sand in the world. The area gets its moniker from its history as a whaling area. Foods influenced by our eclectic ethnic backgrounds are a must-try for anyone visiting, from roti to gungo peas and rice to crayfish and so much more. Live entertainment, free-flowing all-inclusive bars and a few clothing-optional areas make it a care-free party zone. Accessible only by kayak or paddleboard, Owen Island Beach is the perfect place to make your shipwrecked in paradise fantasies come true. Soft, white sand, ridiculously clear, turquoise water and, yes, swimming pigs this beach on uninhabited Big Major Cay, set amid a string of gorgeous and mostly deserted islets and sandbars in the Exumas, has all three. Playa Dorada gets its name from its golden sand that stands out against the clear blue ocean. The first gap year inspired a second which ended up being a 23-country down-the-world trip from Canada to Antarctica. And, if the adorable, four-legged residents (thought to be descendants of long-ago, ship-wrecked cargo) can piggy-paddle their way over for a visit, imagine how calm and relaxing your own swim would be. By signing up you agree to receive communications from Islands and select partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Youll need to rent a canopy or beach umbrella or make do by laying your towel down under the trees at the edge of the sand. Thats because popular Maho Beach is located next to the runway at St. Maartens Princess Juliana International Airport). Keep an eye out for bicycle souvenir kiosks that regularly roll along the beach selling a selection of bongos, sarongs, sun hats and shell jewelry to bartering tourists. Natural beauty blends seamlessly with beach amenities at Playa Varadero. Waderick Wells is easily one of the most magical places you could ever possibly find yourself. Fewer than 1% of Tripadvisors 8 million listings are awarded Best of the Best, signifying the highest level of excellence in travel.Congrats to all of the 2023 winners and a big thanks to the travelers who made it possible. Anse Chastanet Beach is one of the top places to relax while youre in Saint Lucia. The 25 Best Caribbean Beaches to Visit in 2019 See our Advertiser Disclosure for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Eagle Beach. The sand is rich with shells and smooth stones that wash in with the tide. Some beaches are unique, and Jalousie Beach on St. Lucia certainly fits that bill in a few different ways. Planning tip: Like all beaches in St Lucia, Anse Chastanet is a public beach with free access to all, and you dont need to be a resort resident to sunbathe here. Offering two-and-a-half miles of soft white sand, pretty aqua-hued water and plenty of sea grape trees for shade, Grenadas most popular beach is worth a visit, especially if you love to stroll just after sunrise or just before sunset.