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10 BEST Caribbean Beaches You’ll Ever Need To Be

Published:

Modified: August 20, 2021

by Sarah Foley

Aerial view of the beach at the cruise center of Grand Turk in the Caribbean.
Photo by Adobe Stock

When one dreams about the perfect beach destination, the Caribbean always springs to mind. How could it not, especially with its powdery white sand and turquoise waters? With that said, choosing among the best Caribbean beaches is understandably tough. 

 

For the uninitiated, however, where is the Caribbean? This tropical vacation destination is a region of the Americas comprised of the Caribbean Sea, islands, and coasts. You’ll find it southeast of the Gulf of Mexico, east of Central America, and north of South America.

 

If you have an insatiable need to fly to the Caribbean, these 10 best beaches will more than satisfy:  

 

1.

Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos 

Vivid blues and turquoise with white sands, Grace Bay Beach, Turks & Caicos. Bright yellow beach umbrellas make a great contrast color

©Photo by Adobe Stock

 

Ranked as the top beach in the entire world, Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos certainly is among the best Caribbean beaches. TripAdvisor users gave this recognition to this stunning white-sand paradise in 2016. Grace Bay is a wide stretch of pristine sand dotted by palm trees and clear waters. The view is gorgeous, and the vibe is incredibly relaxing. No wonder it’s consistently hailed as one of the best beaches in the world. 

 

What To Do And Enjoy 

Another plus point about this paradise is how family-friendly it is. The bay is protected by an offshore reef that blocks possible big waves. This makes Grace Bay ideal for swimming even with kids. Aside from swimming, the kids can engage in boating and fishing. For the more adventurous souls, pick from stand-up paddleboarding, kiteboarding, or scuba diving. 

 

Nightlife in Grace Bay is worth staying up late for. The Infiniti Bar at the Grace Bay Club is perfect to have a drink and enjoy the sunset. The Deck at the Seven Stars Resort, meanwhile, is a laid-back beach bar.  If you want to meet some locals, head to Danny Buoys. 

 

Where To Stay 

Grace Bay Club is a world-renowned resort that offers guests a luxurious stay. This beachfront destination has three main offerings to choose from. They have the Hotel (adults-only section), the Villas Suites (family section), and the Estate (luxe resort). Aside from a luxurious stay, enjoy many watersports activities around the bay. 

 

2.

Shoal Bay, Anguilla 

Panoramic view of the Shoai Bay in Anguilla Island.

©Photo by Adobe Stock

 

Shoal Bay in Anguilla is considered one of the best Caribbean beaches and also in the world. The bay houses a 2-mile pinkish-white sandy beach and turquoise waters. Shoal Bay’s natural beauty makes it one of the best beaches in the world. Aside from its beauty, it’s reassuring to know that Anguilla houses the safest Caribbean islands.

 

You can easily explore the beach on foot. Divided into two parts, the upper and lower parts of the beach are worth exploring. 

 

What To Do And Enjoy

If you’re dreaming about swimming clear water beaches, Shoal Bay won’t disappoint. Aside from swimming, Shoal Bay is a great spot for various water sports such as diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. If you want to explore the island, there are private speed boats for hire. 

 

For some peace and quiet, the lower part of the bay is perfect. Imagine a picnic with an amazing sunset view of the best Caribbean island. 

 

Where To Stay 

For the best experience, check-in at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla. This sandy beach resort promises to wash your stress away. Offering the best views, service, and mouth-watering food, the resort lets you experience the best of Shoal Bay. 

 

3.

The Baths, British Virgin Islands

The The Baths, British Virgin Islands

©Photo by Calyponte from Wikimedia Commons

 

The Baths in the British Virgin Islands is hailed one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Its formations are truly majestic. The huge pile of volcanic boulders forms smaller islands with their own unique island vibe. Meanwhile, enclosed in these smaller islands are startling blue waters like no other. If swimming in clear water beaches is what you have in mind, you’ve come to the best place. 

 

The Baths offer a one-of-a-kind experience; the perfect blend of natural beauty and ultimate relaxation. Also, you’ll be happy to know that it’s located in one of the safest Caribbean islands to visit.

 

What To Do And Enjoy

The huge volcanic rocks gorgeously create pools and caves that are perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Using guided ropes and ladders, you can find your way to another beautiful beach called Devil’s Bay. 

 

Aside from swimming and snorkeling, you can hire a private boat charter. This lets you explore and take in the beauty of the British Virgin Islands. 

 

Where to Stay 

Rosewood Little Dix Bay is a luxurious Caribbean beach resort you simply can’t pass up. Nestled in a 500-acre natural garden, this Caribbean beach resort gives you a stunning background. From clear blue skies, geological formations, and rugged hills, Rosewood Little Dix Bay offers an unparalleled getaway experience.

 

4.

Eagle Beach, Aruba

Eagle Beach, Aruba

©Photo by Göran Ingman from Flickr

 

Having the widest white sand beach in Aruba, Eagle Beach puts its name on top of the best Caribbean beaches list. It teases travelers with its Caribbean ocean views, peaceful vibe, and Divi Divi trees. Staying here allows you to simply have the most relaxing holiday you deserve. 

 

Hailed as one of the best beaches in the world, Eagle Beach is Aruba’s pride. In fact, in 2019, it snagged TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for 3rd Best Beach in the World.

 

What To Do And Enjoy

Sunny Aruba is home to many clear water beaches. However, the best of the bunch is Eagle Beach. Aside from lounging and swimming, you can spend the afternoon on a boat tour. If that’s not enough, rent a WaveRunner to explore the beach on your own. There are also various water sports to enjoy such as snorkeling, parasailing, and water skiing. Aside from exploring the beach, make sure to enjoy other amazing things to do in Aruba

 

The neighborhood is home to many low-rise resorts and beautiful public beaches. You can hop from one beach to another if you intend to stay longer. Don’t forget to enjoy sumptuous local food, too.

 

Aruba is also named as one of the safest Caribbean islands to visit. Now, there’s possibly nothing else to stop you from heading here soon. 

 

Where To Stay

Aruba Marriot Resort & Stellaris Casino tops the list of the best accommodations in Eagle Beach. With the best location, the hotel offers gorgeous ocean views and world-class services.

 

5.

Pink Sands, Harbor Island, Bahamas 

Pink Sands, Harbor Island, Bahamas

©Photo by Mike’s Birds from Flickr

 

When people talk about Bahamas beaches, Pink Sands almost always kills the competition. Hailed as one of the best Caribbean beaches, Pink Sands boasts 3 miles of salmon-colored sand. How can you not fall in love with this stunning natural beauty?

 

The vibe in this sandy beach resort is very laid-back. Even the crowd is always in a relaxed mood  — with a mix of locals and tourists mingling together. Extend that laid-back vibe to its unique resorts and hotels. Choose among high-end and simply charming accommodations for the ultimate relaxing holiday. 

 

What To Do And Enjoy

Considered one of the best beaches in the world, Pink Sands has calm and warm water year-round. This makes swimming and snorkeling perfect anytime you visit. It’s also perfect for families traveling with kids. 

 

You can start your day by simply lounging on the sandy beach resort. Take a trip to the market or fish from a boat. There are various water activities to do in between the sunrise and sunset. From scuba diving, private boat tour to parasailing, Pink Sands in the Bahamas won’t disappoint.  

 

Where To Stay

Wake up in a tropical garden setting at Pink Sands Resort. This world-class Caribbean beach offers quaint ocean cottages that perfectly complement the surrounding pink sand and blue skies. Pink Sands Resort takes you in a lush private space like no other.  

 

6.

Maracas Bay, Trinidad And Tobago

Maracas Bay, Trinidad and Tobago

©Photo by Chris Fitzpatrick from Wikimedia Commons

 

Maracas Bay in Trinidad and Tobago’s pride for many good reasons. The bay is outlined by lush green forests, white sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters. It’s also worth mentioning that the scenic rainforest drive is breathtaking. It’s no wonder why Maracas Bay is one of the best beaches in the world. 

 

What To Do And Enjoy

Maracas Bay, unlike other northern beaches of Trinidad, is protected by a deep bay. This means the beach is safe from ocean surges, which allows for easy swimming and snorkeling any time.  

 

For the more adventurous, engage in various water sports such as scuba diving, paddle boarding, or kite surfing. Boat trips and fishing are always welcome, as well. 

 

After engaging in water sports, enjoy the local food in Maracas Bay. Beachside vendors offer mouth-watering specialties. One of the world’s most famous sandwich shops is Richard’s Bake and Shark. Take a bite from its delicious regional offering, which is a fried dough filled with deep-fried shark meat. 

 

Where To Stay 

With only 32 rooms, expect privacy and intimacy in Maracas Bay Hotel. How can you not enjoy staying in luxurious accommodation with the perfect tropical setting as your backdrop? Aside from a pool, sports buffs will be happy to know that there’s a tennis court for their pleasure.  

 

7.

Crane Beach, Barbados

Crane Beach, Barbados

©Photo by Patdoy from Wikimedia Commons

 

When thinking about the best Caribbean island, Crane Beach in Barbados is hard to beat. The most famous beach in Barbados isn’t just incredibly beautiful but is also one of the safest Caribbean islands. 

 

Crane Beach is hailed as one of the best Caribbean beaches for many great reasons. For one, there are dramatic cliffs surrounding it, giving some of the best views to keep. There’s also abundant subtropical vegetation that heightens the fresh ambiance of the beach. In addition, Crane is home to the softest white sand beach in Barbados. No wonder why Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous named it as among the 10 best beaches in the world.

 

What To Do And Enjoy

While sightseeing and relaxing are excellent ideas when in Crane Beach, there are various exciting activities to do in between. Choose from body surfing or boogie boarding against the playful waves of the beach. For a more relaxed activity, get on a private boat to explore the beauty of Barbados. Don’t forget to take a culinary journey from award-winning restaurants along the beach.   

 

Where To Stay

You can’t say no to a hotel sitting on a cliff, can you? For the best experience in this Caribbean island, stay at The Crane Resort & Residences. The resort promises only the best time for couples, families, and friends who crave for a relaxing holiday.

 

8.

Guardalavaca Beach, Cuba

Guardalavaca Beach, Cuba

©Photo by B C from Flickr

 

Two miles of white sand, crystal blue waters, lush forest — all these make for one of the best beaches in the world. Guardalavaca Beach in Cuba offers thirsty travelers with the best Caribbean island getaway. Whether simply lounging and soaking up the sun or engaging in water sports, Guardalavaca isn’t one to disappoint. 

 

What To Do And Enjoy

Guardalavaca is most known for its water activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and windsurfing, among others. However, others prefer to take it to the sky. For the more adventurous souls, sky diving is popular in Guardalavaca. Enjoy the scenic view of the coastline from above.

 

Swimming is always a great idea as the beach boasts warm waters all year-round. In addition to the gorgeous beach, there are nearby historical and cultural sites to explore. This should give history buffs a lot to be busy about.

 

Where To Stay

Holiday like a king at Hotel Brisas Guardalavaca. Relax from their hot tub and sauna, lounge by the pool, and enjoy a local meal. You might want to sample a cigar in the comfort of your villa for the ultimate Cuban experience. 

 

9.

Playa Rincon, Dominican Republic

Playa Rincon, Dominican Republic

©Photo by Ricky Marin from Flickr

 

Playa Rincon in the Dominican Republic is also among the best Caribbean beaches worth visiting. This paradise boasts about 5 miles of white sand beach and remains secluded. If you prefer a less-crowded destination, Playa Rincon is the best Caribbean island for a relaxing holiday. 

 

What To Do And Enjoy

The stunning and secluded Caribbean beach resort allows you to swim and sunbathe to your heart’s content. You can also enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, or fishing from its clear water beaches. For some sightseeing, hop on an ATV and drive around the rural communities. Don’t forget to grab some local snacks and drinks along the way. 

 

Where To Stay

When in the Dominican Republic, Villa Playa Maria houses the best oceanfront villas. Sitting on half an acre of Rincon’s stunning land, this Caribbean beach resort offers luxury vacation accommodations like no other. 

 

10.

Labadee, Haiti

Labadee, Haiti

©Photo by Ricardo’s Photography from Flickr

 

Labadee is Royal Caribbean’s private resort and is hailed as one of the best Caribbean beaches by many. Among the Haiti beaches, Labadee is packed with various adrenaline-fueled activities. Aside from taking in the beauty of the Caribbean, you won’t have a shortage of fun in this 260-acre resort. 

 

What To Do And Enjoy

Haiti is home to many fun and beautiful beaches, but there’s nothing like the fun Labadee offers. For the thrill-seekers, you can try the zipline ride. This lets you take in the beauty of Labadee 500 feet from the ground. Meanwhile, for more relaxing activities, this best Caribbean island destination has you covered, too.  

 

From parasailing, jet skiing or swimming with the kids at the waterpark, there’s always something for everyone. Aside from water sports, Labadee has five other beautiful beaches boasting white sand and crystal waters to enjoy. 

 

Where To Stay

Barefoot Beach in Labadee offers luxurious cabanas, world-class cuisine, and a number of leisure activities to keep guests entertained. It’s a less-crowded and quieter accommodation, perfectly complementing the private resort.  

 

It’s Time For A Caribbean Holiday!

There’s something very enticing about a Caribbean holiday. It must be the pristine white sand, turquoise waters, or the endless blue skies. But how do you choose among the list of best Caribbean beaches? You’ll be happy to know that depending on your beach state of mind, there’s always one that’s perfect for you. So, plan well, pick the best Caribbean island for you, and enjoy the most relaxing holiday of your life!