The Caribbean islands are a sub-region of North and South America.
The region consists of over 700 islands between the Gulf of Mexico and the North American mainland.
Some of the most popular include Jamaica, Barbados, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Aruba, and St. Martin.
The total population of the islands is 44.1 million people.
Its population is diverse and is influenced by Latino, African, Indian, Portuguese, Dutch, Spanish, and French cultures.
Languages spoken in the Caribbean include English, Spanish, and French.
The Caribbean is known for its bananas, coffee, citrus fruits, sugar, gypsum, and rum.
When visiting, you can find various terrains from rugged mountains and volcanoes to forests and lakes.
But it is the beautiful beaches that make most people flock to the Caribbean.
The clear blue water and white sand, along with the tropical foliage, coral reef, and sea life all make the Caribbean one of the world’s top tourist destinations.
There are so many great beaches in the Caribbean it’s difficult to narrow them down.
But we’ve scanned travel sites, reviews, and chamber of commerce sites to bring you a list of where to find the 10 best beaches in the Caribbean.
Contents
- 10 Best Beaches In The Caribbean
- 10. Arashi Beach – Noord, Aruba
- 9. Grand Anse Beach – Morne Rouge, Grenada
- 8. Carlisle Beach – Bridgetown, Barbados
- 7. Villa Beach – Kingstown, St. Vincent
- 6. East End Beach – Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
- 5. Cinnamon Bay Beach – St. John, US Virgin Islands
- 4. Pink Sands Beach – Nassau, Bahamas
- 3. Shoal Bay East – Shoal Bay Village, Anguilla
- 2. Mudjin Harbour Beach – Middle Caicos, Caicos
- 1. The Baths Beach – Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
- Frequently Asked Questions
10 Best Beaches In The Caribbean
10. Arashi Beach – Noord, Aruba
Located at the northwestern tip of the island, the laid-back, remote beach is known for its chill vibe.
It’s a great place for families and couples.
The calm, clear waters make it one of the best places in the Caribbean for snorkeling and scuba diving.
There’s just enough wind and waves to make for some really good windsurfing and bodyboarding.
Visitors can also do some sailing and fishing.
The beach is easy to access and has a large parking area.
For adults, a large bar will greet you at the entrance.
There are plenty of huts that sell snacks, drinks, and meals.
You can rent chairs and umbrellas as well.
9. Grand Anse Beach – Morne Rouge, Grenada
Surrounded by stunning lush mountains and rows of almond trees, Grand Anse Beach is not only the main beach in Grenada but also the most popular.
Yet it somehow never seems overcrowded or rowdy.
The calm, clear water makes it good for snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking.
It’s always open and free to access.
Several beach bars and restaurants and chairs and umbrellas are available to rent.
There are also several resorts along the beach for those wanting an extended stay.
8. Carlisle Beach – Bridgetown, Barbados
Nestled on the west coast, this crescent-shaped bay once harbored merchant vessels.
Today, it’s full of catamarans and luxury yachts.
The soft sand is a great place to catch some rays and watch the boats.
Carlisle is one of the best places to go scuba diving due to the 6 shipwrecks offshore that attract a myriad of marine life.
There’s a sea trampoline, jet skis, and other fun water activities.
There’s plenty of parking, restrooms, and showers.
Chairs and umbrellas are available to rent.
Pirate’s Cove bar is right on the beach for all your beverage and snacking needs.
Plenty of restaurants and shops are just a few steps from the area.
7. Villa Beach – Kingstown, St. Vincent
A popular spot for cruise ships to stop for the day, Villa Beach is a beautiful and secluded beach located on the southern coast of Grenada.
The beach has satiny, soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views of the surrounding hills and lush vegetation.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and sailboarding, or take a stroll along the beach and explore the nearby flora and wildlife.
The beach is accessible by car or by a short walk from the nearby parking lot.
There are several restaurants and hotels nearby, making it a great spot for a day trip or a longer stay.
Villa Beach is a hidden gem in Grenada and is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a peaceful and relaxing beach experience.
6. East End Beach – Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Also known as Collier’s Beach, this stretch of sand is tucked away and far from the general public, so it’s an excellent beach for a romantic getaway, or just to get some solitude.
The barrier reef makes for nice, calm waves, so you can swim all day.
There’s a pier for fishing, and restrooms and showers are available.
5. Cinnamon Bay Beach – St. John, US Virgin Islands
This beach lies inside the popular Cinnamon Bay National Park on the north shore of St. John, right next to the historic Cinnamon Bay Plantation.
Trees and bushes line the shore to give you a remote and secluded feel.
The shallow, crystal-clear water, along with seagrass beds and coral reefs make it one of the top spots to snorkel on the island.
The waves are often calm but can be rough at high tides.
Kayaks and sailboards are available to rent, as are chairs and umbrellas.
If you need a break from the beach, you can take a hike on the nature trail, visit the museum, or get a bite to eat in the restaurant.
If you care to stay overnight, campsites are available adjacent to the beach.
4. Pink Sands Beach – Nassau, Bahamas
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience and some awesome photo opportunities, look no further than Pink Sands Beach in Nassau.
It’s a wonder to behold with sand the color of a light-rose.
The color is thanks to the crushed remains of a marine animal called the foraminifera.
The shells get crushed and mixed in with the white sand, creating a delightful color.
The sand is not the only attraction.
Several resorts line the beach; visitors can swim, snorkel, and fish.
The nearby town is an exciting place to visit as well.
3. Shoal Bay East – Shoal Bay Village, Anguilla
Located on the northeast corner of Anguilla, Shoal Bay Beach is consistently rated one of the best beaches, not only in the Caribbean but the world.
With spectacular sunsets, peace, and great views of the open ocean.
Shoal Bay should be on your bucket list.
The beach is open, and free any time of the day or night for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, parasailing, and scuba diving.
You can also just relax and watch the seabirds dive and catch their lunch.
There are plenty of bars and restaurants right on the beach as well.
2. Mudjin Harbour Beach – Middle Caicos, Caicos
Mudjin Harbor is a beautiful beach located on the northeastern coast of Middle Caicos.
The beach is known for its stunning cliffs, turquoise waters, and soft white sand.
Visitors can explore the ancient formations and caves, or simply relax on the beach and take in the breathtaking views.
The beach is accessible by car or boat, and there are several restaurants and accommodations nearby.
Mudjin Harbor is a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling, and hiking, and is a must-visit for anyone wanting an authentic island experience.
1. The Baths Beach – Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
The Baths Beach is a natural wonder, with huge boulders, caverns, and caves.
There are nooks and crannies in a maze-type formation that will lead you to secret rock pools and The Cathedral Room (a small cave with a natural pool.
This beach is great for adventure seekers and amateur athletes.
When you’re done exploring and climbing, you can go for a swim, visit the bar at the end of the beach, or take in the view at The Top of The Baths Restaurant.
To get to this beautiful spot, you must go with a tour group or charter a boat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the waters off Caribbean beaches so blue?
The water looks so blue because the sunlight is scattered by the water molecules.
Many of the deeper, aqua colors are in shallow water where the sunlight is reflected off the sand and reefs near the water’s surface.
Why is the sand not hot on Caribbean beaches?
The sand in the Caribbean is known to not singe your feet no matter what the temperature may be.
This is because the sand has no silica or quartz to store the sun’s heat.
What are the safest beaches in the Caribbean?
The safest beaches include St. Barts, Anguilla, The Cayman Islands, and Martinique.
Which beaches are the most visited in the Caribbean?
The most visited Caribbean beaches are in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, The Bahamas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The Caribbean islands have a diverse population and culture, with stunning beaches and a variety of activities to enjoy.