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.
Bathsheba Beach, Barbados
We thought we’d add in something a little bit different. This one’s a curveball because it’s not your classic calm-and-clear beach. Instead, Bathsheba is rugged, wild, and totally unforgettable.
Set on Barbados’ Atlantic side, it’s filled with dramatic cliffs, boulders that look like they tumbled from the sky, and crashing waves. It’s especially popular with surfers, but, even if you’re not going for a ride, you’ll be mesmerized by those that do.
The best way to describe Bathsheba is moody. Misty air will swirl all around you, and there are fewer crowds than the West Coast. It’s the kind of place where you can bring a picnic, sit on the rocks, and just watch the ocean flex its muscles. You can also walk the shoreline, explore the tide pools, and pop into the tiny cafés in town for a cold Banks beer or flying fish sandwich.
Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
Jost Van Dyke is a small island that knows how to party. But, don’t worry, daytime here is all about blissful moments in the sun. We love White Bay, in particular. It’s a long arc of soft sand, with boats anchored offshore and beach bars lined up like a dream.
You’ll definitely want to order a Painkiller (the island’s famous rum cocktail) from the Soggy Dollar Bar, where the drink was invented. Between sips, this is very much a “lay in the sun and swim in clear blue water” kind of place.
You can wade into the gentle waves, snorkel around the edges of the bay, or just people-watch from a hammock. White Bay feels a bit like summer camp for grown-ups. The soundtrack here is laughter with a soft sip of reggae floating through the air.
Playa Kenepa Grandi, Curaçao
Like Bathsheba Beach, Curaçao tends to fly under the radar. Yet, it has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, none more jaw-dropping than Kenepa Grandi. Curaçao is tucked away on the west side and, when you get there, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden lagoon. The water is shockingly blue; the cliffs offer perfect views; and the beach itself is a golden patch of paradise.
Snorkeling here is superb, especially near the rocky edges. You can rent a lounger, grab a cold drink from the snack bar, and spend all day alternating between reading your book and jumping in the water. If you can find it, there’s also a cliffside viewpoint where you’ll want to take a hundred photos even before walking down to the sand.
Sandy Island, Grenada
Ready for some castaway vibes? Sandy Island is a tiny little sandbar off the coast of Carriacou. It’s only accessible by boat, which, in and of itself, makes the journey extra special. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a ribbon of white sand surrounded by clear turquoise water and not much else. And that’s exactly the point.
Bring everything you need for the day: snacks, water, sunscreen. Then, all you have to do is embrace the slow, simple rhythm of island time. The sand is soft enough for a serious afternoon nap. And, when you’re ready to explore a little, you can snorkel around the reef that rings the island. All in all, Sandy Island is one of those rare places where you feel totally off-grid but still entirely safe and content.
Cockleshell Bay, St. Kitts
Cockleshell Bay exists to deliver the calm, clear water you want for a classic beach day. But, what makes it special is the view. From the sand, you can look out and see neighboring Nevis just across the channel, rising like a green mountain in the sea. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and never too crowded.
There are some lovely beach bars like Reggae Beach Bar and Spice Mill. There, you’ll find cold drinks, grilled seafood, and a deliciously lazy vibe. You can rent a chair, paddleboard around the bay, or just let the gentle waves lap at your feet while you decide whether to have a second rum punch (to which, the answer is always yes).
Playa Fronton, Dominican Republic
Let’s end with one of the most dramatic beaches in the Caribbean. Playa Fronton is only accessible by boat or a rugged hike from Las Galeras. But, the reward is pure, untouched beauty. Towering cliffs frame the beach; the jungle comes right down to the sand; and the water is pure Caribbean perfection.
Because it’s so remote, it rarely has more than a few people at a time. So, it’s a great spot to snorkel, swim, or just lie back and marvel at the wild setting. Pack a picnic, bring sturdy shoes if you’re hiking in, and make a day of it. We can guarantee you’ll feel like you’re in your own, private National Geographic spread.
We don’t have to end here, friends! If you’re enjoying the moment, here are 15 more of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean.
Prepare for Some Unforgettable Days
And there we have it – ten Caribbean destinations where beach days aren’t just good, they’re unforgettable. Whether you’re ready for the wild waves of Barbados or the laid back breezes of Jost Van Dyke, there’s a beach chair with your name on it.
With island time still on your mind, come take a look at our library of destination guides. It’s filled with articles on the Caribbean – including some lovely cruises you might like to consider.
However you get there, and whichever island you choose, we hope it’s filled with slow, smooth days that stay with you forever.