15 best Caribbean beaches to add to your bucket list

With its palm-fringed bays, shallow reefs and rustic rum bars, the Caribbean offers some of the world’s best tropical beach breaks.

You’ll find thousands of beaches with clear waters and warm weather on these diverse islands, which extend in a chain from the southern tip of Florida to the northern coast of Venezuela. From St Lucia and St Vincent to Cuba, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and the Bahamas, there are plenty of sandy shores across the tourist-friendly region. But with so many dreamy island coastlines to choose from, which are the best beaches in the Caribbean? Read on to find out.

1. Playa Varadero, Cuba

Cuba’s famous “blue beach” comprises several pristine areas that stretch out over 12.5 miles (20km) along a long peninsula. Silky white sand, shady palms and warm waters await sunseekers who want a picture-perfect shoreline to explore.

Natural beauty blends seamlessly with beach amenities at Playa Varadero. Resorts are plentiful here and offer guests access to chairs and loungers, as well as a good variety of beach activities, should you tire of swimming and sipping cocktails.

Keep an eye out for bicycle souvenir kiosks that regularly roll along the beach selling a selection of bongos, sarongs, sun hats and shell jewelry to bartering tourists.

View across water to the palm-fringed beach of Anse Chastanet and steep rugged slopes of Petit Piton, evening, Soufrière, St Lucia, West Indies, North America — Anse Chastenet in St Lucia is at the foot of the breathtaking Pitons © David C. Tomlinson / Getty Images

2. Anse Chastanet Beach, St Lucia

In the shadow of the towering Pitons (a World Heritage site) lies secluded Anse Chastanet Beach. Bordering 600 tropical acres, this black-sand beach has prime snorkeling and diving opportunities among coral-covered rocks.

Just 10 yards from the water’s edge, the protected house reef is home to over 150 species of fish including moray eels, parrotfish and angelfish. The team at the on-site dive shop can kit you up shoreside and take you on guided scuba and snorkel trips through the colorful corals.

After a big snorkeling session, unwind with a cheeky rum cocktail (or three) from the beach bar and stay for the sunset as the skies blaze with a kaleidoscope of pastel colors.

Planning tip: Like all beaches in St Lucia, Anse Chastanet is a public beach with free access to all, and you don’t need to be a resort resident to sunbathe here. Beach day trippers can arrive by car, taxi or boat and are welcome to use the on-site restaurant, beach bar and dive shop.

3. Playa Los Patos, Dominican Republic

Located on the coastal highway on the Península de Pedernales is the popular pebble beach Playa Los Patos. This pretty swim-and-surf spot also has several shacks selling ice-cold cerveza (beer) and tasty snacks – perfect for post-surf refreshment,

Experienced surfers can take advantage of the consistent and strong swells, which provide long rides along the shore. Be mindful of rocks and rips while riding the fast-breaking waters – they can catch even pro wave riders out.

Planning tip: There’s a natural swim spot near the beach by the Los Patos River, where a wide natural pool has formed, providing for a refreshing dip away from the rocky reefs.

Three women running into the sea seen from behind, Frenchman’s Cove, Port Antonio, Jamaica — Frenchman’s Cove is a piece of paradise in Jamaica © Buena Vista Images / Getty Images

4. Frenchman’s Cove, Jamaica

Clear river waters empty into an unspoiled turquoise bay surrounded by lush gardens and green headlands. It’s a piece of paradise in Port Antonio.

Beloved by celebrities, Frenchman’s Cove is a private enterprise (owned by Garfield Weston), and access to this beach utopia costs around $10 a day. And it’s worth it, as you sunbathe on a white-sanded shore, paddle in warm waters and order fruity drinks and flavorsome food from the locally owned beach bar.

5. Magazine Beach, Grenada

A long stretch of white sand located in island’s southwest, Magazine Beach is a serene snorkel spot in Grenada where you can float above sea fans, damselfish and angelfish.

Sustenance can be found at the southern end of the beach at Aquarium Restaurant. Serving cold Carib beers and fiery jerk dishes, this spot is renowned for the raucous beach BBQ and live music held every Sunday.

Aerial view of pink sand and blue waters of the aptly named Pink Sand Beach. The — Pink Sands Beach is striking at first glance © Sky High Studios / Getty Images / RooM RF

6. Pink Sands Beach, the Bahamas

On Harbour Island, you’ll find one of the most renowned and elegant beaches in the Bahamas. Along this three-mile (5km) sandy stretch, snap-happy tourists flock for pink-sand selfies among luxury accommodations and excellent dining options.

The pale-pink hues under your feet are a quirk of science. They’re created by foraminifera, microscopic coral insects whose reddish-pink shell mixes with the sand to create a unique pink shoreline that practically shimmers during the sunset.

Planning tip: Enjoy a slower pace of island life and rent a bicycle or golf cart to get around car-free Harbour Island.

7. Apple Bay, British Virgin Islands

White-sand Apple Bay is a surfing hotspot where you’ll find some of the best riding waves and swells in the Caribbean. Located on Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, the beach suffered huge destruction during the 2017 hurricanes, and many of the rickety beach bars sadly never returned.

There’s still a selection of beach amenities here, though, including loungers and umbrellas for rent. Nearby, you’ll find several local restaurants and boutique hotels.

Aerial from the Fisherman’s Huts at twilight, Aruba, Caribbean — Aruba’s Fisherman’s Hut Beach offers some of the best windsurfing in the world © Steve Photography / Shutterstock

8. Fisherman’s Hut Beach, Aruba

This white-powder beach is one of the best flat-water windsurfing locations in the world. Also known as Hadicurari, it’s where pro windsurfers and kitesurfers come in Aruba to practice slicing through shallow waters and to compete in the annual windsurfing competition. Newbies can book kitesurf lessons on the beach, or hop on a Jet Ski to rip along the shoreline.

9. Playa Caracas, Puerto Rico

Located in Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, Playa Caracas is one of the more remote beaches in Vieques – or really all of Puerto Rico. Here, you’ll find a wide, white-sand cove framed by small palm trees.

From the left side of the shoreline, you’ll find snorkeling opportunities in crystal-clear waters, where you can explore a sea-fan garden populated by colorful fish. Amenities are limited here, so pack a picnic and plenty of water.

Planning tip: There’s very little shade here, so bring a beach umbrella if possible.

10. Shoal Bay East, Anguilla

Powder-fine sand, towering palms and calm, cerulean waters: Shoal Bay East in Anguilla has all the required elements for a sublime Caribbean beach break.

Swim or snorkel through the shallow waters, keeping an eye out for sea fans and schools of blue tangs as you venture towards the outer reefs. Restaurants, beach bars and hotels line the beach, renting chaise lounges and umbrellas to guests.

Aerial view of Crane Beach with white foam waves crashing on the sand. You can see a hotel on the high green cliffs. — Located on the south coast of Barbados, Crane Beach is one of the island’s most beautiful © Flavio Vallenari / Getty Images

11. Crane Beach, Barbados

Initially a working harbor – the large loading crane still present gives the beach its name – this lush, subtropical idyll is now considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Barbados. While swimming is possible here, the often choppy waters make it a great spot for boogie boarding – so make sure to bring a board and ride the lively waves.

The connected Crane Resort also offers beach chairs and umbrellas to rent, and food and drinks are available to both resort guests and beach day trippers.

12. Governor’s Beach, Grand Cayman

A segment of Grand Cayman’s famous Seven Mile Beach adjacent to Government House, this peaceful stretch of sand is known for being a family-friendly beach. Let the kids roll around on sugar-soft sand, swim or snorkel in marine life-rich waters and eat falling fruit from the sea-grape trees during the summer months. Beach facilities are plentiful, with toilets, parking and water-sports rentals all available in the immediate vicinity.

Planning tip: Hungry? Near the beach, you’ll find shopping malls with a decent selection of restaurants where you can grab a reasonably priced lunch.

13. Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

A jewel of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Virgin Gorda is a blend of nature and man-made masterpiece. BVI’s third largest island, Virgin Gorda, is considered the British territory’s most picturesque place, and rightfully so.

The highlight of Virgin Gorda is exploring The Baths, an awe-inspiring maze of granite boulder formations, where adventurous travelers can wade through rock pools and seawater grottoes. Not to be missed is the Cathedral Room, a natural pool inside a small cave. Like a pot of gold, the final reward at the end of this trek is Devil's Bay, the island’s national park and a dreamy setting for snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing.

Despite the island still being relatively underdeveloped, accommodations abound – from self-catered villas to luxury resorts and hotels – given its major draw to visitors. In Virgin Gorda’s largest settlement, Spanish Town, prepare for incredible cuisine, cultural entertainment, yacht clubs and plenty of shopping.

14. Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos

Regularly topping rankings of the best beaches in the world, Grace Bay Beach is regarded as the prettiest beach in Turks and Caicos. Located on the main island of Providenciales and part of the protected Princess Alexandra National Park, the accessible beach is suitable for families due to its calm, crystal clear waters. An offshore barrier – and the world’s third largest coral reef – safeguards the coast from Atlantic sea swells and is highly-regarded as a prime site for snorkeling and scuba diving. Whether you prefer to stay ashore or head out to sea, the stunning setting is equally fitting for a beach bum day as it is for full and half-day excursions, including sailing, fishing, and catamaran cruises.

After a leisurely day enjoying the powdery-white shoreline, retire to your stay of choice, from luxury boutique properties to one of six all-inclusive resorts. Top accommodations range from the family-friendly Beaches Turks and Caicos to adults-only accommodations at Club Med Turkoise.

15. Ffryes Beach, Antigua

In the Eastern Caribbean, on the west coast of Antigua, lies Ffryes Beach, where bright white sands, turquoise waters, and the contrast of lush green hills awaits. Its location offers a slower pace and the hidden oasis consistently attracts families. Visitors say the beach can get busy, but not overly so, especially on days when cruises dock in Antigua and passengers flock to the beach for the day.

The secluded beach is one of the best places to find seaside restaurants and beach bars, the most famous of which is Dennis Restaurant & Bar. Although there aren’t many on-site activities, beach loungers and chairs are available to rent. If you want a bit of thrill to balance your chill, combine your Ffryes Beach day with a visit to the nearby Fig Tree Drive Rainforest for a zipline canopy tour.

While there are guesthouses in the area, most people find a daytime visit sufficient for enjoying the picturesque environment. Like many Caribbean islands, you can visit Ffryes Beach throughout the year, however, to increase the odds of ideal weather, avoid hurricane season (June to October) if possible.