Best Beaches in the Caribbean

Everyone dreams about a vacation in the Caribbean. Many are lucky enough to experience it. A region with over 700 islands, the Caribbean is a tropical paradise, rich in history, culture, flora, and fauna. 

Although clubbed together, the many countries and dependencies that form the Caribbean have distinct personalities. Consequently, they present holidaymakers with countless exploratory opportunities, unlike anywhere else in the world.

Of course, no vacation in the Caribbean is complete without time spent on the beach. Whether it is for sunbathing, watersports, snorkelling, or capturing the vibe of the island, beach life in the Caribbean is everything.

Therefore, it’s worth choosing an island for your holiday based on its beaches. While most islands offer plenty of tanning possibilities, the best beaches in the Caribbean tend to be novel in their disposition. 

As you’ll read below, some beaches in the Caribbean are idyllic spots for a relaxed afternoon under the sun. While others are so iconic that people travel from across the world just to spend a few hours on these gorgeous strips of sands bordering the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Pig Beach, Exuma, Bahamas

A trip to an uninhabited island in the Caribbean can often be very rewarding. Big Major Cay in the Exuma island group of the Bahamas has recently gained much fame, primarily through social media, for a rather peculiar reason. Although uninhabited by humans, on its sandy coastline resides a family of pigs, that weirdly enough, draws in hordes of tourists every year. 

Reachable only by boat, Pig Beach is amongst the most famous beaches in the Caribbean. Travelers arriving at the beach can swim with the four-legged animals and feed them for the time being. 

When planning your trip to Pig Beach, get there early in the morning. That’s when the pigs are hungry and the most active. 

Also, when booking a tour to Pig Beach, make sure it includes a stop at Compass Cay, a beautiful spot in the sea where you can swim with nurse sharks.        

Maho Beach, St Maarten

The best beaches in the Caribbean are often strands that have gained notoriety in media for being exclusive for one reason or another. Maho Beach in St Maarten is no different. 

At first glance, this sandy beach is like many others you will encounter on the dual island ruled by the Dutch and the French. But if you wait a while, a sense of thrill and excitement soon engulfs everyone lounging on the sand. 

You see, Maho Beach is right at the end of Princess Juliana International Airport’s runway. And so, when planes land, they fly only a few feet above the heads of all the beachgoers sunbathing here. The hint of danger, the thrill, and the full blast of air on your face is quite the experience and oh-so-Instagrammable. 

When waiting for planes to arrive at Maho Beach, enjoy a drink at the Sunset Beach Bar. They have a surfboard sign with all the arrivals listed, so you don’t miss out on any landings.  

Eagle Beach, Aruba

Palm Beach is the first name to pop up when thinking of Aruba. It is undoubtedly among the most renowned beaches in the Caribbean. However, that also makes it too commercial and crowded. Thus, head to Eagle Beach for an equally convenient yet quieter beach experience. 

Eagle Beach is a lengthy stretch of powdery white sand that juxtaposes the stunning blues of the Caribbean Sea. Stand anywhere on the strip, and you’ll be able to see an array of shades reflected in the water that is as inviting as it is clear.

Even though there is no shoreline in Aruba as wide as Eagle Beach, it only has low-rise resorts that are a lot less flashy than the retreats on Palm Beach. 

Furthermore, Eagle Beach is home to the world-famous fofoti trees, the much-photographed flora that stays forever bent and pointing towards the southeasterly direction.

Mahogany Beach, Jamaica

An urban cove with a difference, Mahogany Beach is a true-blue hidden gem worth a few hours of your time while vacationing in Ocho Rios. Not too far from the city center or the cruise terminal, the beach is small and typically known only to locals or regular island visitors. 

The charm of Mahogany Beach is in its energetic vibe. While mornings are quiet, the place is buzzing with music, limbo performers, and dancers by the afternoon. The beach has a small handicraft shop, bar, and restaurant. You can rent umbrellas and loungers and partake in watersports here at low prices. All the establishments, however, only accept cash. 

Mahogany Beach is ideal for families. The water is calm, great for a snorkel, and stays shallow enough for kids to splash around safely. Similarly, the sand is soft and kept clean. 

Mahogany Beach isn’t a place where you will experience much tranquillity. However, its vibrant and colorful temperament will undoubtedly leave you in high spirits.      

Gouverneur Beach, St Barts

There is no shortage of secluded beaches in the Caribbean. You’ll find intimate nooks and corners around most islands. Some are occasionally easy to reach, while most require a hike or dirt road drive. 

Gouverneur Beach in St Barts stands out for being a long and open stretch that grants ample space for beachgoers to lie down and enjoy the sun. Its location in the south of the island isn’t difficult to reach, but you still need to take a 45-minute drive away from the main towns. 

Moreover, the beach nestles in a drop-dead-gorgeous setting. Backed by thick vegetation, hills protect it on both sides, giving Gouverneur Beach an away-from-the-world feel. A reason why it is a favorite with celebrities visiting the island. Add to that the invigorating sea at your foot, and there is no doubt why it is among the best beaches in the Caribbean.    

Now, you might wonder how Gouverneur Beach continues to stay under the tourist radar. The reasons are simple. There are no trees close to the water to give you shade, so remember to bring your own chairs and umbrellas. Neither are there any restaurants. Only a few beach shacks provide the basic food and drinks. 

Furthermore, due to the beach’s remote site, it is more or less entirely clothing optional. Technically, there is a designated area for it, but no one bothers to check. 

Still need another reason to visit Gouverneur Beach? Don’t tell anyone, but legend has it that pirate Monbars buried his treasure here. It remains undiscovered to this day.

Photo credit to https://stbarth.com/