With soft, white powdery beaches, warm gentle waves, and turquoise emerald waters, sun-seekers are spoiled for choice with the Caribbean’s top vacation destinations. Whether it’s an action-packed beach with an abundance of water activities or a quiet, more secluded spot, these beaches provide a perfect backdrop for a day of sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. Tropical and luxurious vibes abound – these are some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
Trunk Bay, St. John
Why Come Here: A postcard-perfect landscape with access to world-class snorkeling.
One of the best beaches in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Trunk Bay on St. John is the most serene beach in the Caribbean. Made famous for its impressive 650 feet of underwater snorkeling trails, Trunk Bay is a part of a National Park. Considered the mecca of Caribbean beaches, the natural beauty of this area is a sight for the eyes. Swimming and lounging are top activities at Trunk Bay, with even the kids able to join the fun in the warm, calm waters.
Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla
Why Come Here: Soft white sands and a scenic shoreline for strolling.
Anguilla has over 33 stunning beaches, but none are as postcard-worthy as Rendezvous Bay. Crescent-shaped and 2 miles long, this pristine and quiet slice of shoreline are perfect for relaxation or a long stroll. With calm waters to make the most novice swimmer comfortable, in addition to its famous soft white sand, it’s easy to see how this beach is a favorite with beachgoers.
White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
Why Come Here: Bright blue waters and a famous beachside bar.
Consistently voted the best beach in the Caribbean, White Bay is located on Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. The highlight of this beach area is the popular Soggy Dollar Bar, where visitors have to hop out of their boat and swim to shore to order the famous Painkiller drink. Add a long stretch of white sand, an unspoiled snorkeling reef, and a charming island ambiance and it is clear that White Bay has found the winning combination for an island paradise.
Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
Why Come Here: A serene beach setting with easy access to activities nearby.
Known for its picturesque water and sand combination, Grace Bay takes the cake. Located in Provo’s north shore, the water is clear blue, the sand is white, and even with the addition of luxury hotels and villa rentals, Grace Bay maintains its unspoiled natural beauty. Swim in its shallow snorkeling trails for a peek of the reef covered in aquatic life, visit the nearby shops, restaurants, and golf courses, or simply relax on the 12 miles of ivory-white sands. Call this beach home during your vacation by planning your stay at one of the top luxury hotels nearby. Perfect for families and couples alike, you’ll have prime access to the shore and be pampered with lavish on-site amenities.
Magens Bay, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Why Come Here: Warm, gentle waters for swimming and families with kids.
A public beach made up of 65 acres, Magens Bay is celebrated for its breathtaking beauty. Magens Bay and its surrounding areas are photogenic, to say the least, as it is nestled in a deep cove lined with lush landscape and panoramic views. Here visitors will find warm, calm waters that are perfect for water activities like paddleboarding and kayaking where even the littlest ones can participate in its shallow waters.
Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
Why Come Here: Endless water activities at this slice of tropical paradise.
Just one of the reasons that the Cayman Islands are paradise, Seven Mile Beach is considered the ultimate paradise getaway with gorgeous clear waters. Walking along the beach, visitors will find luxury resorts, hotels, villas, as well as top restaurants. Beach activities abound, activities such as snorkeling, parasailing, and wave runners are popular. For a beachfront bar experience, head to Calico Jacks, the Cayman Island’s iconic beach bar on the north end where locals, celebrities, and visitors like to unwind and enjoy a libation or two.
Playa Rincon, Dominican Republic
Why Come Here: A palm forest backdrop and emerald waters that will melt your stress away.
Picture perfect and award-winning, Playa Rincon in the Dominican Republic is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Visitors will be hard-pressed to find another beach that is as uninterrupted and secluded. Hidden from the rest of the peninsula, this five-mile stretch of sand is away from the resorts and hotels, large enough for beachgoers to claim their spot. In addition to its backdrop of a lush palm forest, Playa Rincon’s turquoise clear waters and manageable waves for swimming.
Anse Chastanet, Saint Lucia
Why Come Here: Luxury beach resorts and a renowned snorkeling destination.
Considered one of the best beaches in the southwest corner of Saint Lucia, Anse Chastanet provides visitors with a sense of seclusion. With an unspoiled coral reef and sea wall filled with diverse aquatic life, it comes to no one’s surprise that Anse Chastanet has some of the best snorkeling opportunities in the Caribbean. Soak in the views of the forested hillsides and towering palms, or indulge at one of the many restaurants and bars nearby.
Baie de St. Jean, St. Barts
Why Come Here: Pristine white sand beach with easy access to boutiques and bars.
Short for Saint-Barthélemy, St. Barts is known for hosting the most elite crowds. With uncrowded white-sand beaches and a nearby strip filled with colorful boutiques and beach bars, it is easy to see why Baie de St-Jean is one of the most beloved beaches on the island. Providing a French vibe with gingerbread-style cottages, this charming beach is perfect for water activities such as windsurfing and snorkeling.
Cockleshell Bay Beach, Saint Kitts
Why Come Here: Get away from it all while basking in the sunshine at this remote beach.
Located on the southeastern tip of the peninsula and adjacent to Banana Bay, Cockleshell Bay Beach in Saint Kitts is known for calm, clear waters and a quiet ambiance. Sitting on the beach, visitors will have panoramic views of powder-white sand in addition to lush vegetation and rolling hills. Perfect for sunbathing or swimming, relaxation is the #1 activity in this secluded spot.
Eagle Beach, Aruba
Why Come Here: Classic Caribbean beach views and a long list of water-based activities.
Considered one of the most beautiful beaches on Aruba, Eagle Beach is also the widest. Known for soft white sands and pristine Caribbean views, this beach offers ample opportunities to enjoy its sparkling waters on a range of motorized water sports. The beach is also home to Fofoti trees, popular with photography and nature enthusiasts alike to use as a backdrop for the postcard-worthy views as well as a collection of luxury beachfront resorts.
Baie Longue (Long Bay Beach), Saint Martin
Why Come Here: Off-the-grid beach setting with a secluded setting.
Boasting an impressive 43 miles of coastline and pristine beaches, St. Martin is pure bliss. The longest and most private beach of the bunch is Baie Longue, also known as Long Bay Beach, located in the heart of the Western side of the island. In what feels like a dream, sun-seekers will find that this massive beach has a quiet setting mixed with turquoise waters and white sands, with only the sounds of gentle lapping waves to soak in.
