Caribbean Destinations for Unbeatable Beach Days
Have you been dreaming about sugary-soft sand, water in every hue of blue, and sunshine that feels like a warm hug lately? Us, too.
How about a few beach days that are more about bliss and less about tourists? We’ve cooked up ten Caribbean hotspots that will absolutely spoil you. Some are lesser-known gems, but all are worth packing your flip-flops for.
Shoal Bay, Anguilla
Shoal Bay just might ruin all other beaches for you. With pale pinkish-white sand and gin-clear water that barely ripples, it’s a stock photo come to life.
Best of all, it’s not overly commercialized, so it’s easy to find a quiet patch to spread your towel out and melt into the sun.
The snorkeling here is top-tier, especially around the coral reefs just offshore. You can bring your own gear or rent some from one of the beach shacks nearby. After that, grab some lunch, barefoot, at one of the casual restaurants right on the sand.
Uncle Ernie’s has a cult following for a reason. It’s the kind of place where you can have a grilled snapper sandwich with your toes still in the sand. And, if you’re lucky, you might catch some live music as the sun starts to set.
Treasure Beach, Jamaica
If you want to feel like you’ve discovered your own little corner of Jamaica, Treasure Beach is for you. This isn’t your all-inclusive type of hotspot. It’s laid-back, local, and a little wild.
Think small fishing villages, dramatic stretches of black sand intertwined with glistening patches of gold, and the kind of quiet you didn’t know you needed.
You can spend your day beach-hopping between coves, sipping fresh coconut water, and chatting with the friendly locals who always seem to have time to talk.
When hunger hits, there are any number of seaside cafés that are happy to serve up some spicy jerk chicken or steamed fish.
Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
Of course, Grace Bay is no secret. But, sometimes, a place is popular for a reason, and this corner of heaven is worth visiting, even if you have to share it with others.
The sand is the closest you’ll ever get to powdered sugar, and the turquoise water is so clear, it doesn’t look real. Grace Bay is impossibly gorgeous, and you’ll feel like you’re floating in a swimming pool made by Mother Nature herself.
What makes a beach day here unbeatable is how easy everything is. Want to paddleboard or try a Hobie Cat? Done. Want to sip cocktails at a beachfront bar and do absolutely nothing? Also done.
Here, you’ll enjoy that perfect balance between luxury and low-key, with resorts that spill right onto the sand, but still have plenty of space for you to stake out a perfectly peaceful spot.
Isla de Culebra, Puerto Rico
If you’re up for a bit of an adventure in order to reach Caribbean paradise, Culebra is it. This island feels like a well-kept secret because you have to take a short flight or ferry ride from mainland Puerto Rico.
Flamenco Beach is the star of the show; it’s regularly voted one of the world’s best, and earns the title every single day.
It’s shaped in a flawless crescent shape, with bright white sand and peaceful waters perfect for swimming and carrying your cares away. There’s even an old, graffiti-covered tank left from military testing days, now a quirky photo op.
Be sure to pack some snacks or grab some local eats from the kiosks right in the sand. And, since Culebra is protected as a wildlife refuge, keep an eye out for the sea turtles while you’re snorkeling.