The Caribbean is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With warm, turquoise waters and soft, white sand, the beaches of the Caribbean are the perfect place to relax under the sun. Here are the top 10 best beaches in the Caribbean:
1. Shoal Bay East, Anguilla
Shoal Bay East is located on the island of Anguilla, which is the northernmost island in the Leeward Islands chain. This 2-mile long beach has sparkling white sand made from coral and crushed seashells. The sea is calm and shallow, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Some features of Shoal Bay East:
- Fine, white sand beach
- Calm, shallow turquoise waters perfect for swimming
- Good snorkeling around the reefs
- Beachside restaurants and bars
Pros:
- Beautiful scenery
- Swimmable beach
- Nearby amenities
Cons:
- Can be crowded during high season
- Limited parking
With its beautiful scenery and easy access to amenities, it's easy to see why Shoal Bay East is considered one of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
2. Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos
Located on the island of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos islands, Grace Bay Beach is routinely ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. The beach stretches for over 7 miles and has powdery white sand and calm, turquoise waters.
Some features of Grace Bay Beach:
- Very long beach with over 7 miles of coastline
- Fine, powdery white sand
- Clear turquoise water ideal for swimming
- Water sports rentals available
- Beachside resorts and restaurants
Pros:
- Beautiful white sand beach
- Swimmable, calm waters
- Great amenities nearby
Cons:
- Can get crowded
- Beach chairs and amenities cost money
With luxurious resorts, delicious dining options, and picture-perfect white sand, Grace Bay Beach has it all.
3. Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
As the name implies, Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman stretches for over 7 miles along the western shore of the island. This long beach has smooth, uninterrupted white sand perfect for strolling or playing in. The waters are calm and ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Some features of Seven Mile Beach:
- Very long beach over 7 miles long
- Wide beach with soft, powdery sand
- Clear, calm waters perfect for swimming
- Beach bars and restaurants nearby
Pros:
- Extremely long beach
- Swimmable clear waters
- Great amenities nearby
Cons:
- Can be crowded in high season
- Beach chairs cost money to rent
With its incredible length and soft sand, Seven Mile Beach lives up to its reputation as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
4. Trunk Bay, St. John, US Virgin Islands
Trunk Bay is located on the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands. It is known for its postcard-perfect beach, underwater snorkeling trail, and protected bay. The beach has silky soft white sand and calm, clear waters perfect for swimming.
Some features of Trunk Bay:
- White sand beach with calm waters
- Underwater snorkeling trail
- Protected bay good for swimming
- Beach facilities, restaurant, and rentals
Pros:
- Beautiful protected beach
- Excellent snorkeling
- Amenities available
Cons:
- Can get crowded
- Entry fee to beach
With its unique underwater snorkeling trail and gorgeous beach, Trunk Bay is one of the gems of the Caribbean.
5. Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico
Located on the small island of Culebra, Puerto Rico, Flamenco Beach is considered among the most beautiful beaches in the world. It has fine white sand and clear, calm waters that create the perfect swimming conditions.
Some features of Flamenco Beach:
- Wide beach with powdery white sand
- Calm, clear waters perfect for swimming
- Snacks and rentals available
- Natural undeveloped beach
Pros:
- Spectacular natural beauty
- Swimmable beach
- Not overcrowded
Cons:
- Limited amenities
- Remote location
For a peaceful beach with truly stunning natural beauty, Flamenco Beach is a top choice in the Caribbean.
6. Whitehaven Beach, Bahamas
On Whitsunday Island in the Bahamas, Whitehaven Beach is known for its 7-mile stretch of pristine white sand. The sand is nearly pure silica, giving it a brilliant white color. The bay is calm and perfect for leisure swimming and snorkeling.
Some features of Whitehaven Beach:
- Very long beach over 7 miles long
- Fine, brilliantly white silica sand
- Calm, clear waters perfect for swimming
- Isolated, undeveloped beach
Pros:
- Breathtakingly beautiful beach
- Soft white sand
- Secluded and uncrowded
Cons:
- No amenities on beach itself
- Accessible only by boat
For travelers seeking a true island paradise beach, Whitehaven in the Bahamas is hard to top with its perfect white sand and turquoise waters.
7. Pink Sand Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas
On the northeast end of Harbour Island in the Bahamas, Pink Sand Beach gets its name from the pink hue of its fine powdered sand. The sand is composed of finely crushed coral that gives it a distinctive pink coloration. The beach has calm, clear waters perfect for leisure swimming and paddleboarding.
Some features of Pink Sand Beach:
- Fine pink sand composed of crushed coral
- Calm, clear waters ideal for swimming
- Water sports rentals available
- Bars and restaurants nearby
Pros:
- Unique pink sand beach
- Beautiful calm waters
- Close amenities
Cons:
- Can get crowded
- More debris in water due to coral
Pink Sand Beach offers a uniquely colorful beachgoing experience in the Caribbean.
8. Magens Bay, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
On the island of St. Thomas, Magens Bay is a breathtaking beach with white sand and vibrant turquoise waters. This heart-shaped bay has calm waters perfect for swimming as well as nearby amenities.
Some features of Magens Bay:
- Heart-shaped bay with white sand
- Calm, turquoise waters ideal for swimming
- Beach facilities, cafe, and chair rentals
- Water sports rentals available
Pros:
- Breathtakingly beautiful beach
- Excellent amenities and facilities
- Swimmable turquoise waters
Cons:
- Can get crowded
- Parking can fill up
Magens Bay offers stunning natural scenery along with plenty of facilities, making it one of the most popular beaches in St. Thomas.
9. Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia
On the western coast of St. Lucia, Anse Chastanet is a 600-foot black sand beach tucked between two volcanic landmarks. The resort beach faces emerald waters ideal for snorkeling along coral reefs or swimming.
Some features of Anse Chastanet:
- Black volcanic sand beach
- Calm, clear waters for snorkeling
- Tropical landscape with views of Pitons
- Resort dining and lounge chairs
Pros:
- Dramatic volcanic scenery
- Great snorkeling reefs
- Luxury resort amenities
Cons:
- Beach is small
- Accessible to resort guests only
For a luxurious and scenic beach getaway, Anse Chastanet offers a distinctive black sand beach set amid lush tropical scenery.
10. Eagle Beach, Aruba
On the southwestern tip of Aruba, wide Eagle Beach is known for its gorgeous white sand and calm, shallow waters. The beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, and beach games all day long. Beachside resorts provide amenities just steps from the sand.
Some features of Eagle Beach:
- Extra wide beach with white coral sand
- Calm, shallow waters perfect for swimming
- Close to resorts and facilities
- Water sports rentals available
Pros:
- Beautiful long beach ideal for activities
- Clear shallow waters perfect for swimming
- Close proximity to amenities
Cons:
- Can get crowded in high season
- Winds can pick up
Eagle Beach is everything you want in a Caribbean beach, with its long stretch of talcum-soft sand and glistening turquoise waters.
Conclusion
With countless islands and beaches to choose from, the clear waters and sandy shores of the Caribbean offer something for every beachgoer. From remote, uninhabited beaches to lively strips lined with amenities, you can't go wrong picking a beach in this tropical paradise. Use this list of the top 10 beaches in the Caribbean to help you decide which piece of paradise to visit on your next island vacation. Just be prepared to never want to leave!
