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Are you searching for the best beaches in the Caribbean? Then this post is exactly what you need.
As Caribbean nationals, we can say with great pride that the region is home to some of the best beaches in the world.
There are countless stunning white sand beaches and also magnificent pink sand beaches which are rare in the islands.
Due to the volcanic nature of several islands, there are also breathtaking black sand beaches.
In this article, we summarize the best beaches in the Caribbean as well as the islands in which these are located.
So let’s begin!
1. Bavaro Beach, Dominican Republic
Our first recommendation is the longest beach in the Caribbean which is Bavaro Beach. It is a sweeping 30 miles long.
The beach is situated in the Punta Cana which is the most Easternmost province in the country and a popular hotspot for tourists.
Bavaro Beach is loved beautiful scenery which consists of tall palm trees and tropical vegetation.
It also boasts of soft white powdery sand and turquoise waters.
2. Grand Anse Beach, Grenada
Located in the Southern end of the island, Grand Anse Beach is a truly a gem and a must visit while on the island.
This is a stunning two miles stretch of powdery white sand. There are lifeguards stationed on the shore for added security and many almond and grape trees which provides shade.
Camerhogne Park is right next to the beach where there are numerous picnic tables and benches as well as green spaces for children to play if they are tired from the water.
Grenada Craft Centre is located on the right end of the beach near the Catholic Church which is a perfect spot to grab souvenirs.
Grand Anse beach is located in the heart of the tourist belt in Grenada within walking distance to malls, supermarkets, schools, churches, banks, public transportations and restaurants.
3. Grace Bay Beach, Turks & Caicos Islands
Situated in the Northern region on the island of Providenciales, Grace Bay Beach has earned several regional and international awards.
In 2023, Grace Bay Beach was voted as one of the top 25 beaches in the world according to TripAdvisor.
It stretches three miles long and there is a barrier reef located about one mile off shore to keep the beach still and safe.
Grace Bay Beach is part of Princess Alexandra National Park and known for its calm and turquoise waters.
The location is great for snorkeling, jet skiing and a range of other water sporting activities.
4. Magens Bay Beach, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Found on the Northern coast of St Thomas, Magens Beach is one of the most visited beach spots on the island.
The beach is loved for its calm and gentle waves which make it an ideal spot for swimming especially for the elderly and small children.
Magens Bay Beach is part of the Magens Bay Park where visitors can enjoy hiking trails.
Persons can observe various species on birds, flora and fauna. There are sheds with picnic tables and benches which can be reserved for private parties and family gatherings.
Stand up paddle boards and kayaks are available for rent at Yak Shak.
5. Low Bay Beach, Antigua & Barbuda
If you are in search of peace, remoteness and tranquility, Low Bay Beach on the 62 square mile island of Barbuda is an ideal spot to visit.
Low Bay Beach is a lengthy 17 miles stretch of gorgeous pink sand which visitors can only experience by taking a water taxi.
This beach is truly magical and due to the low levels of visitors to Barbuda, it is not uncommon for you to be the only person on the beach.
6. Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
Located in Grand Cayman, Seven Mile Beach which in reality is six miles is a gorgeous stretch of white sand.
Voted as one of the top ten beaches in the world by Trip Advisor in 2020, Seven Mile Beach is loved for its clear blue waters, powdery white sands and coconut trees.
It is located near the capital city where there are so many exciting things to do in Georgetown.
Many high end and luxurious resorts share the shoreline of Seven Mile Beach so there are a range of places to stay.
7. Salt Whistle Bay Beach, St Vincent & the Grenadines
St Vincent is home to 32 small islands and cays known as the Grenadines.
These tiny islands with limited number of inhabitants are home to some of the clearest waters in the Caribbean.
One beach that stands out is Salt Whistle Bay Beach found on the island of Mayreau which is the smallest island with inhabitants.
Salt Whistle Bay Beach is clear with shallow turquoise water which is ideal for novice swimmers and small children.
There is no airport on Mayreau and therefore the best way to access this island is via Union Island or by taking a speed boat from the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique which are dependencies of Grenada.
8. Seven Mile Beach, Jamaica
The most popular beach in Jamaica is the glorious seven mile beach in Negril. It is well loved due to its long 7 mile stretch of white sand and calm waters.
This makes it perfect for families with children as well as a range of water sport activities such as jet skiing, horseback riding, kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving.
There are various amenities such as life guards, security guards, souvenir shops and restaurants in the vicinity.
9. Trunk Bay, St John
Located on the island of St John which is only 19.6 square miles, Trunk Bay Beach is the most photographed beaches among the US Virgin Islands.
The beach is nestled in the Virgin Island National Park which accounts for two third of the island’s landmass.
The water is calm, clear blue with soft powdery white sand. There is an entrance fee of USD$5 per person.
Furthermore, amenities such as food stall, bathrooms and showers are available.
Nevertheless, parking near the beach is quite limited so it may be prudent to visit this location early to secure a good spot.
For snorkeling enthusiasts, there is an underwater trail.
10. Varadero Beach, Cuba
This spot is a breathtaking 13 amazing miles of white sand with turquoise waters that is suitable for swimming, snorkeling and a range of other water sporting activities.
Varadero is about 90 minutes to two hours’ drive from the capital city of Havana. Due to the popularity of this location, there may be crowds.
11. Eagle Beach, Aruba
Situated in the capital city of Oranjestad, Eagle Beach is the widest beach in Aruba.
It is known for its calm waters and white powdery sand. There are shaded areas with parking available. Turtles are fond of nesting on Eagle beach.
Eagle Beach is a popular spot for camping around Easter time in Aruba and was also voted as one of the top 25 beaches in the world in 2023, according to Tripadvisor.
Therefore, if you are visiting the island during this period expect the location to be crowded.
Amenities at this beach include bars, restaurants, bathrooms, watersport gear rental and beach chair rental.
12. Shoal Bay East, Anguilla
One of the most popular and well- loved beach on the island is Shoal Bay East Beach.
This beach is long strip about 2 miles with perfect white sand, palm trees and clear blue waters.
Many resorts and beach bars share the shoreline of Shoal Bay East.
13. Maho Beach, St Maarten
Located near the Princess Juliana International Airport, this place is a must visit for airplane enthusiasts.
Maho Beach is on the bucket list of many individuals as persons gather at this location to experience jet blast.
Also known as Airport Beach, flights landing at the airport fly at a low altitude of 100 feet and as such you can feel the exhaust from the flights as they pass by.
Sand is usually is blowing everywhere when the airplanes go by.
If visiting this location, care must be exercised as several individuals have died from the effect of jet blast hanging onto the fence.
It takes about thirty minutes from the capital city of Philipsburg to the beach by vehicle.
Maho Beach has an excellent spot for snorkeling as there is a coral reef. There are also beach bars available for refreshments.
14. Pink Sand Beach, Bahamas
Located on the outer island of Harbour Island, this three miles strip of soft powdery pink sand is truly magical to behold.
Pink Sand Beach is a perfect location for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and just strolling.
The island is very small but there are a range of accommodation options as well as restaurants to make your stay enjoyable.
The primary mode of transportation used to get around the island is golf carts.
15. Shell Beach, St Barths
This is small quiet beach in the French Overseas territory of St Barths is accessible within walking distance from the capital city of Gustavia.
The distinct feature of this location is its pink sand and that the shoreline is covered with shells.
Gustaf III Airport is only suitable for smaller aircrafts and is known for having an extremely short runaway.
International travelers visiting St Barths generally connect through the Princess Juliana Airport in St Maarten.
16. Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda
Horseshoe Bay Beach is one of the most visited beaches in Bermuda for its spectacular pink sands and clear blue waters.
The location is perfect for a day trip as numerous amenities are available such as water sporting gear, beach chairs and umbrellas, restroom facilities and food stalls.
Horseshoe Bay Beach has garnered its name due to its shape. The large rock boulders near the shore forms an enclosed area which makes this space suitable for small children.
There are other exciting things to do for adventure seekers in the vicinity such as exploring the hidden caves and climbing Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse which is one of the first in the world to be built with cast iron.
17. Crane Beach, Barbados
Located on the Southeast coast of Barbados, Crane beach is cherished for its clear blue water and scenic cliffs.
Access to this site is via Crane Resort or by strolling down a pathway with steps.
Crane Beach is known for having intense waves and is suitable site for surfing and boogie boarding.
The beach also has coastal coves which provide an area with gentle waves ideal for swimming.
Amenities such as beach chairs and umbrellas as well as a small food stall are available for refreshment.
This beach is perfect for a romantic escape, which can include a delightful lunch at the hotel after an enjoyable day on the beach.
18. The Baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
When it comes to beaches, the Baths in Virgin Gorda is in a category all by itself. This is a unique national park on the southwest coast of the island.
This beach has massive boulders which forms sea pools which are a geological wonder.
There is a fee required for access to this beach. The Baths is an ideal location for swimming and snorkeling.
19. Pig Beach, Exuma Island, The Bahamas
One of the famous attractions in the Bahamas is swimming with pigs. Located on Big Major Cay, this experience is only accessible by boat. This island is uninhabited and the pigs are free to roam.
The pigs are generally friendly but care must be taken as with every animal during interaction.
Staniel Cay which is nearby Big Major Cay has a yacht club which is small bar and marina which is great stop for refreshment and socializing with the tiny population that calls this island home.
20. Paradise Beach, Carriacou, Grenada
Located in the community of L’ Esterre Paradise Beach, is a stretch of white sand with turquoise waters.
Voted the Best Caribbean Beach in 2022 by USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice, the beach offers sweeping views of neighboring Sandy Island.
Paradise Beach Club shares the shoreline of Paradise Beach where you can access speedboat facilities to Sandy Island as well as purchase refreshment.
There are also restrooms and changing room facilities available.
21. Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico
This award winning beach is a favorite of both locals and visitors to Puerto Rico. Its calm waters make it ideal for children and activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling.
There are several amenities available at Flamenco Beach such as lifeguards, bathrooms, showers and camping areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Caribbean Beach Has The Clearest Water?
Grace Bay Beach, Turks & Caicos, Grand Anse Beach, Grenada and Trunk Bay, St John are three of the beaches in the Caribbean that has the clearest waters. Furthermore, Bavaro Beach which is the longest beach in the Caribbean located in Punta Cana is also one of the clearest water beaches to visit.
Final Thoughts: Best Beaches In The Caribbean
We trust that this article was valuable if you are searching for the best beaches in the Caribbean.
We believe that you will have magical beach days in any of these countries that you choose.
See More Beaches In The Caribbean Guides:
6 Longest Beaches In The Caribbean (#2 Is Magical)
Best Pink Sand Beaches In The Caribbean (10 Stunning Spots)
Best Turquoise Beaches In The Caribbean (A Complete Guide)