The Caribbean is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, each with its own unique charm and appeal. The turquoise-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and tropical weather make the Caribbean a popular destination for beachgoers. In this post, we highlight the 10 must-visit beaches in the Caribbean. But first, let’s have a look at the various regions of the Caribbean and which islands are in which region. The breakdown of these regions is not perfect as you will read, but we hope it does provide a generalized overview.
Caribbean Regions
Numerous islands, islets, and cays make up the Caribbean, each with its own unique history, culture, and geography. Here is a brief overview of the islands in each region of the Caribbean.
Greater Antilles
The larger islands of Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico refer to the Greater Antilles subregion.
Lesser Antilles
The Lesser Antilles is a subregion of the Caribbean that includes the smaller islands stretching from the Virgin Islands in the north to Trinidad and Tobago in the south. We can further divide the Lesser Antilles into two groups:
Windward Islands
The Windward Islands include the islands of Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Martinique. For the purposes of this post, Trinidad and Tobago are grouped with the windward islands. Some people may also consider them to be geographically considered part of the southern Caribbean.
Leeward Islands
The Leeward Islands include the Virgin Islands, Anguilla, St. Martin, St. Barts, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, and St. Kitts and Nevis.
Bahamas
The Bahamas is a group of islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, east of the Florida coast. Interestingly, the Bahamas is not technically a part of the Caribbean Sea. But, we consider it a Caribbean destination due to its proximity and cultural similarities.
Turks and Caicos
The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory located southeast of the Bahamas.
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands are also a British Overseas Territory but located in the western Caribbean Sea.
Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao (ABC Islands)
These three islands are located off the coast of Venezuela and are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Sometimes people refer to the ABCs as the Dutch Caribbean.
Barbados
Barbados is situated to the east of the Windward Islands. Some may consider Barbados to also be part of the Lesser Antilles.
The Caribbean is a large, diverse area consisting of many islands. Each one is different than another. And each island has its own must-visit beaches. The hard part is deciding where to go or where to start! We have narrowed down the list to 10, only as a place to begin!
10 Must-Visit Beaches in the Caribbean
Seven Mile Beach, Jamaica
This is one of the most famous must-visit beaches in the Caribbean. Seven Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica, is one of the most famous beaches in the Caribbean. Fortunately, we don’t have to worry about pirates anymore, which is what made it famous initially. Now visitors go for the soft sand and calm waters.
There are several sections to this beach, each with its own vibe. You will find the western end of the beach quieter and more secluded, while the eastern end is livelier and more crowded. But, overall, this is one of the most laid-back areas of Jamaica. And, don’t miss the sunsets!
Eagle Beach, Aruba
Like many beaches in the Caribbean, Eagle Beach, on the island of Aruba, is known for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. The beach is wide and spacious, providing plenty of room for visitors to spread out and enjoy the sun.
Eagle Beach is also home to several species of sea turtles, which come ashore to nest between the months of March and September. Visitors can witness these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat by joining a guided tour or simply keeping a respectful distance.
In addition to swimming and sunbathing, visitors to Eagle Beach can also enjoy snorkeling, windsurfing, and parasailing. The beach is also home to several bars and restaurants, serving delicious Caribbean cuisine and tropical cocktails.
Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos
Grace Bay Beach is located on the island of Providenciales and is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft white sand. It is considered one of the most beautiful must-visit beaches in the Caribbean and the world. It has won numerous awards, including being recently named by TripAdvisor as the #1 beach in the world.
The beach is over 12 miles long and offers plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, and other water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding. A barrier reef protects Grace Bay Beach which keeps the water calm and shallow. The coral reefs just off the beach are also home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins.
Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas
Pink Sands Beach is located on Harbour Island. True to its name, the sand is pink. This happens when particles of coral mix with the white sand. The beach is about 3 miles long and while it’s not as calm as Grace Bay Beach, the gentle waves and picturesque sunsets are sure to please everyone. The destination is popular with beach lovers, honeymooners, and those looking for a quiet and relaxing vacation.
Palm trees and other vegetation provide plenty of shade for visitors. There are also a few small beachfront hotels, restaurants, and bars along the beach, offering visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the views.
Trunk Bay Beach, US Virgin Islands
Trunk Bay Beach is located on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Visitors often consider it to be one of the most picturesque beaches in the world. The sand is soft and white, the water is warm, and then there is a stunning coral reef.
Trunk Bay Beach is part of the Virgin Islands National Park where visitors can explore an underwater trail that takes them through a colorful coral reef. You will see a variety of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and stingrays.
In addition to swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, you can also hike a nature trail. The trail takes visitors through a lush forest to a scenic lookout point, offering stunning views of the beach and surrounding islands.
Facilities at Trunk Bay Beach include showers, restrooms, and a snack bar, making it a great place for a day trip from St. Thomas. Arrive early to avoid the crowds during peak season and rent a beach chair. You can also rent snorkel gear if you don’t have your own.
Magens Bay Beach, St. Thomas
We may be a tad partial but believe this is definitely one of the must-visit beaches in the Caribbean. Oh, gosh, this is such a beautiful beach! Magens Bay Beach in St. Thomas is about a mile long. It has calm waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming, paddle boarding, and other activities. The beach is also popular with snorkelers, who come to explore the nearby coral reefs and see tropical fish, sea turtles, and stingrays.
One of the unique features of Magens Bay is its horseshoe shape, which helps to protect the beach from strong currents and waves. It’s not surprising to see a few motor yachts and sailboats in the harbor.
Facilities at Magens Bay include restrooms, showers, and changing rooms. There’s also a small snack bar and a gift shop selling souvenirs and beach gear. Visitors can rent beach chairs and umbrellas, or they can bring their own.
Magens Bay Beach is part of a larger park, which includes hiking trails, picnic areas, and a botanical garden.
Cane Garden Bay Beach, British Virgin Islands
Cane Garden Bay Beach is located on the island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and is known for its palm trees, soft white sand, and crystal-clear waters. About a mile long, this beach offers space to stretch out, relax, and enjoy the sun, sea, and sand. The beach is also popular with water sports enthusiasts, who want to kayak, paddleboard, and snorkel.
Palm trees and plenty of shaded areas line the beach, thanks to the many thatched umbrellas and beach chairs that dot the shoreline. There are several beachfront restaurants and bars that serve local cuisine and tropical drinks, making it a popular spot for both visitors and locals.
The beach includes restrooms, showers, and changing rooms. You may also see a few vendors selling souvenirs and beach gear.
Half Moon Bay Beach, Antigua
Half Moon Bay Beach is located on the eastern shore (Atlantic side) of Antigua in Saint Philip Parish. This crescent-shaped beach is about a mile long and is surrounded by lush green hills and cliffs. It offers visitors plenty of seclusion for escaping the crowds.
The waves can be quite strong at Half Moon Bay Beach, which makes it an excellent location for bodysurfing and boogie boarding. If you are looking for calmer waters, visit Jolly Beach, located on the western side of Antigua.
Facilities at Half Moon Bay Beach are limited. There is a small parking area and a few vendors selling snacks and drinks. There are no restrooms or changing rooms on the beach.
Anse Chastanet Beach, St. Lucia
Anse Chastanet Beach, on the island of St. Lucia, is a beautiful stretch of sand known for its stunning views of the Pitons. The famous Pitons are two volcanic peaks rising side by side. The area is considered a natural UNESCO World Heritage site. The views of the Pitons from Anse Chastanet Beach make it one of the most photographic spots in the Caribbean.
This beach is also home to a marine reserve, where visitors can see a variety of sea life, making the area perfect for snorkeling and diving.
You will find several high-end resorts nearby, including the Anse Chastanet Resort. In addition to the resorts, you will find a range of options for dining and bars. This is a public beach with free access and free parking. Visitors can use the nearby restroom facilities, and visit the hotel’s restaurant, dive shop, and bar.
Grand Anse Beach, Grenada
Many people consider this two-mile stretch of beach to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Located on the island of Grenada, Grand Anse Beach is easily accessible from St. George’s by water taxi, regular taxi, or public minivan.
This popular beach attracts a large number of tourists each year, including many that arrive in port by cruise ship. On these days, in particular, the beach can be a hub of activity. Still, Grand Anse is able to maintain its natural beauty and surroundings.
You will find plenty of restaurants, bars, and sunbed rentals along the beach. Recent visitors have reported aggressive sales pitches by local vendors. As in other places within the Caribbean and beyond, your best bet is to politely but firmly say “No thank you” and keep walking.
Conclusion
What is provided in this post about the must-visit beaches in the Caribbean is simply the tip of the iceberg. Many beautiful beaches stretch across the Caribbean, each with its own unique charm and appeal. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an active vacation, we know there is a beach in the Caribbean that is perfect for you.
If you do plan to visit the Caribbean soon, make sure to read our post on travel mistakes to the Caribbean and how to avoid them!
Of course, we think one of the best ways to see the various beaches is by sailboat. The Moorings is our company to use for sailboat rentals in the Caribbean. If you need advice locating the perfect Caribbean beach or planning a getaway, let us know. We are happy to help you plan your next visit to the Caribbean!
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