The Caribbean is idolized worldwide for its abundance of pristine beaches, warm seas, temperate weather and diverse landscapes. Visited by solo travelers, couples and families alike, the beaches of the Caribbean each have their own unique atmosphere and offerings. From popular tourist stops to remote romantic spots that can only be reached on foot, Caribbean travelers are sure to find dreamy beaches regardless of their destination. Paired with the laid-back culture of the islands and the friendly atmosphere, it's no wonder that the beaches of the Caribbean are some of the world's most famous tourist attractions.
White Bay, British Virgin Islands
White Bay is located on Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. One of the best 10 beaches on the island, White Bay is a trendy tourist area that sports upscale bars and restaurants. Guests often travel from other parts of the island just to catch a drink at the Soggy Dollar Bar.
The beach at White Bay is pristine with sugary white sand and light turquoise waters. Snorkelers at White Bay enjoy seeing the coral reef that surrounds the island. The tall palm trees that surround White Bay provide guests with plenty of natural shade.
Darkwood Beach, Antigua
Entirely devoid of buildings or other manmade structures, Darkwood Beach is one of Antigua's untouched gems. The beach sits on the western coast of Antigua between Turner Beach and Coco Beach. Since the beach lacks amenities, it is a good idea to come prepared with an umbrella, some food and water.
Nearby attractions include the Casino at Jolly Beach, the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, the Jolly Harbour Golf Course and Greencastle Hill Park. For accommodations, tourists can head to the popular tourist town of Jolly Harbour. Visitors can easily reach Darkwood Beach from Valley Road, which connects to most of the main attractions in the area.
Gouverneur Beach, St Barths
Gouverneur Beach, also known as Anse du Gouverneur, is a long, unspoiled beach that lacks buildings or tourism infrastructure. In order to reach it, visitors have to drive along the island's main road toward Lurin Hill. At the top of Lurin Hill, travelers can get an amazing view of Gouverneur Bay and St. Barth's as a whole.
Gouverneur Beach is unique because it is owned by an individual, but French law dictates that beaches cannot be private land, so the beach is open to the public. All guests are asked to keep the beach as pristine as possible. There is a small parking lot and some shady spots that are perfect for relaxing with a nice view.
Sainte Anne Beach, Guadeloupe
Sainte Anne Beach is located on the stunning Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. Named after the mother of King Louis XIV, the town of Saint Anne has a rich history as a shipment port for rum, sugar and other goods. Sainte Anne Beach is ideal for swimming and beachcombing. The shallow waters are safe for children and trees that line the beach provide plenty of natural shade.
For entertainment, visitors can see the the Museum Lethière, the Edgar Clerc Archeological Museum or the Doncel Distillery. Guests can also dine on fresh seafood throughout Sainte Anne since the town is home to a busy fishing industry.
Cahuita Beach, Costa Rica
Cahuita Beach is located near a lively village with 4,000 residents. Famous for its beautiful views, natural surroundings and Creole culture, Cahuita is easy to reach Puerto Limon and Highway 36. Cahuita transformed from a forgotten little town to a prime tourist destination over the course of 30 years.
The white sand beach within Cahuita National Park is considered one of the best beaches in the area thanks to its vibrant coral reefs and excellent diving conditions. Nearby, Playa Negra attracts crowds because of its unique black sand and calm waters. Both beaches are easy to reach from Cahuita town.
Englishman's Bay, Tobago
Known as Tobago's hidden gem, Englishman's Bay is tucked between the villages of Castara and Parlatuvier. Englishman's Bay is easy to reach from the main highway, but traveling down the rugged dirt road that lets out to this remote haven can be a bit of a challenge.
At the beach, visitors will find smooth khaki-colored sands and an inviting aquamarine sea. There is a restaurant, a bar and some vendors near the entrance to the beach, but for the most part, travelers will find that they have the entire area to themselves. Englishman's Bay was recently named by the Travel Channel as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
Grace Bay is known for having the most beautiful beaches in all of Turks and Caicos. Its most recognizable beach is Providenciales, or Provo, a white-sand beach rimmed by shockingly bright turquoise waters. The tourist-friendly area around the beach contains plenty of upscale resorts, restaurants, shops and entertainment venues.
Chalk Sound is another popular destination in the area. This large lake is filled with clear water and a handful of little cays. Other breathtaking beach areas, including Sapodilla Bay, Discovery Bay, Turtle Tail and Copper Jack are situated nearby. All of these beautiful spots are easy to reach from Turks and Caicos' main tourist areas.
Grand Anse, Grenada
Grand Anse is one of 45 beaches on Grenada, a popular but tranquil Caribbean island. The two-mile-long beach is just a short drive from the island's capital city. Surrounded by resorts, hotels, apartments and family-run inns, there are plenty accommodations options for travelers who want to stay close to this gem of a beach.
Grand Anse is ideal for sunbathing, beachcombing, swimming, snorkeling, diving, parasailing, windsurfing and all sorts of of other beachside activities. The beach is also close to Bianca-C, a sunken Italian cruise liner that draws divers from all around the world. Although Grenada is typically frequented by couples and honeymooners, the resorts along Grand Anse offer plenty of space and organized activities for young guests.
Half Moon Bay Beach, Antigua
Covered in pink sand and surrounded by turquoise waters, Half Moon Bay Beach is a prime destination for beach lovers. The bay is situated on the southeastern coast of Antigua. The beach isn't considered the busiest spot on Antigua, but it does get plenty of visitors.
Even during peak season, guests can find ample space for sunbathing and beachcombing. There are plenty of spots for getting food and drinks around the beach, and visitors can also buy snorkeling gear from little seaside shops. The city of Freetown is just a five minute drive away.
Los Roques, Venezuela
Located off the coast of Venezuela, Los Roques is a geographically and culturally diverse national park area in the Caribbean Sea. The Los Roques archipelago contains more than 300 islands and cays. Its crowning jewel is a multi-colored coral reef that draws divers and snorkelers from all across the globe.
Los Roques is also famous for its white sand beaches and its peaceful seas. Surfers, windsurfers and parasailors can often be seen practicing their craft along the coast. The park is tourist-friendly; visitors will find plenty of options for accommodations, dining, entertainment and relaxation.
Orient Beach, St Martin
Orient Beach is a clothing-optional beach on the exotic Caribbean island of St. Maarten. Known as one of the busiest and most developed beaches on the island, Orient Beach draws crowds of visitors from all over the world.
Although nude sunbathers spend most of their time near Club Orient, the naturist resort on the south end of beach, clothing is optional throughout the entire area. There are bars, restaurants and shops located directly on the beach, and visitors can easily rent jet skis or join a sailing trip with nearby tour providers. Paragliding is also a favorite past time among Orient Beach visitors.
Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas
Pink Sands Beach is located on Harbour Island, a tranquil tourist destination in the Bahamas. As one of the nation's most popular areas, Pink Sands Beach sees plenty of visitors each year. The pink sand that coats the three-mile-long beach is made up of tiny coral pieces, broken shells and minuscule fragments of calcium carbonate.
The sand gets its distinctive pink hue from microscopic shelled animals called Foraminifera. In addition to its unique sand, Pink Sands Beach is known for its excellent diving conditions. It is the site of the Current Cut Dive, which allows a scuba diver to drift along the 2/3-mile-stretch between Eleuthera and Current Island within 10 minutes.
Pinneys Beach, Nevis, Caribbean
Pinneys Beach is known for its golden sands and calm waters. The beach gained popularity among travelers after Four Seasons built a resort in the area. Sitting in the shadow of Mt. Nevis, the four-mile-long beach is surrounded by exciting attractions. For guests who want to relax , Pinneys Beach features plenty of beach bars and restaurants.
Visitors can also stroll through the local botanical gardens, which are filled with lagoons, waterfalls, birds and flowers. There is spacious golf course in the area as well as an extensive network of hiking trails that lead through the jungle. Guests can also check out Charlestown, the birthplace of America's founding father Alexander Hamilton.
Placencia, Belize
Located in a lively part of Southern Belize, the Placencia Peninsula is a prime destination for beach lovers and watersports enthusiasts. Placencia Lagoon is divided into two parts by a local airstrip. The southern part of the lagoon features restaurants, shops, guesthouses, a bus station, and other tourist infrastructure, while the northern part of the island is occupied by several upscale resorts.
The historically significant village of Seine Bight is also located on the northern side of the Placencia Peninsula. In total, sixteen miles of pristine beaches are spread throughout the area.
Playa Paraiso, Cuba
Playa Paraiso, also known as Paradise Beach, is celebrated for its powdery white sand and glittering blue seas. In 2015 the beach was crowned as the third most beautiful beach in the world by TripAdvisor users. Located five kilometers from the hotel zone of Cayo Largo, Playa Paraiso is popular among families because of its calm waters and fun atmosphere.
The beach is well-developed with umbrella and chair rental services, beachside cafes and bars. The east side of Playa Paraiso attracts nature enthusiasts because of its proximity to Playa Mal Tiempo. For watersports guests often travel to Playa Sirena, which is just 20 minutes away on foot.
Reduit Beach, St. Lucia
Reduit Beach is a popular haven for watersports enthusiasts and vacationers The popular beach is located on the western side of Gros Islet. Easily accessible from the Castries-Gros Islet Highway, Reduit Beach is known as one of the busiest beaches on the island.
There is a large yacht marina nearby for visitors who want to tour other islands, and there are hotels across from the beach for guests who would like to stay close by. Amenities at Reduit Beach include a restaurant, a snack bar and picnic facilities. For more dining and shopping options, beachgoers can make a quick trip to Rodney Bay.
Eagle Beach, Aruba for Couples
Eagle Beach is celebrated as one of Aruba's most stunning beaches. At different times of the year the wide stretch of soft white sand is a haven for loggerhead, leatherback, hawksbill and green sea turtles. Their fragile nests are flagged with prominent red and white markers.
Eagle Beach contains plenty of shady spots as well as parking and amenities for all visitors. There are several hotels nearby as well as camping areas for guests who want to spend the night. Lastly, Eagle Beach is home to two famous fofoti trees that frequently appear in tourism brochures for Aruba.
Sandy Spit, British Virgin Islands
Renowned for its sugary white sand, Sandy Spit is a small island located south of Green Cay. The entire outer edge of the island is a wide beach while the interior is a cluster of rich vegetation. The remote island is a fantastic spot for scuba diving and snorkeling because of its clear waters and colorful reef.
Generally, the sea around the island is calm, but at times large waves pose issues for swimmers. Sandy Spit is easily accessible from Green Cay. When the tide conditions are right, you can catch a glimpse of the coral bridge that spans the distance between the two islands.
Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
Seven Mile Beach has consistently been featured among the list of the world's best beaches. Situated on the western side of Grand Cayman island, the beach is the most popular place for tourists in the area. Seven Mile Beach is lined with upscale resorts, fine restaurants, beach bars and other attractions.
Water enthusiasts will find tour providers who offer paragliding trips, snorkeling excursions and boat/wave runner rides. The beach has plenty of shady areas that are perfect for picnics and relaxation. Seven Mile Beach is also close to some of Cayman's most popular attractions, including Stingray City and the Cayman Turtle Farm.
Shoal Bay, Anguilla, Caribbean
Famous for its idyllic setting, Shoal Bay boasts a two-mile-long beach coated in soft, white sand and fringed by towering palm trees. The beach is easy to reach from Shoal Bay Village. Thanks to its peaceful waters, Shoal Bay is the ultimate spot for a variety of watersports, including swimming, kayaking and snorkeling.
Visitors can also explore the bay in a glass bottom boat to catch glimpses of colorful fish and coral reefs. For guests who want to relax on land, there are umbrellas and beach chairs for rent as well as restaurants and bars with seating areas. There are plenty of accommodation options in the area for people who want to stay overnight.
The Baths, British Virgin Islands
The Baths National Park in the British Virgin Islands is recognized worldwide as a geological wonder. The beautiful shoreline in the seven-acre park is studded with massive granite boulders. In some areas, the boulders form hidden sea coves that teem with life.
Two of the main attractions within the park are Devil's Bay and Spring Bay. Spring Bay is home to an incredibly pristine beach, and Devil's Bay, another beautiful spot, is reached by climbing ladders and scaling boulders. Park visitors enjoy swimming in the warm waters that surround the island and climbing on the granite monoliths that dot the coastline.
Cayo Coco, Cuba
As Cuba opens its doors for tourism, the country's beautiful beaches are becoming hot spots for visitors from all around the world. Cayo Coco is part of the Jardines del Rey archipelago, which runs along the northern edge of the island. More than 80 percent of Cayo Coco is covered in greenery, but the island is renowned for its white sand beaches.
More than 200 species of birds and 30,000 flamingos call Cayo Coco home. From this island visitors can easily reach Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Paredon Grando an d Cayo Cruz. The Cuban government is currently working on an expansion plan to make the entire archipelago more accessible and comfortable for tourists.
