Beaches in the Caribbean

Location:

White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands

Highlights:

Looking for a mix of natural beauty and vibrant beach culture? White Bay dazzles with powdery white sand, clear turquoise waters, and a buzzing beach bar scene on Jost Van Dyke.

Recommended For:

Social beachgoers, snorkelers, and island explorers.

What we Love:

Coral reef snorkeling, shaded palm groves, and iconic cocktails at the Soggy Dollar Bar.

• Relax on soft sands under the shade of swaying palms.
• Snorkel among vibrant coral reefs just offshore.
• Grab a legendary Painkiller cocktail at the Soggy Dollar Bar.

Cost:

Free public access (no entrance fee).

Best time to visit:

December to April for perfect weather and a lively social vibe.

Local tips:

Arrive early to claim a shaded spot and bring water shoes for easy reef entry. Boat access is common—anchoring offshore is popular among sailors.

Distance:

Around 15 minutes by boat from Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke’s main port.

How to Get to White Bay:

Take a taxi from Great Harbour or arrive by boat and swim ashore. The beach is easily walkable from nearby accommodations and has several popular bars and eateries along the shore.

Location:

Darkwood Beach, Antigua, Caribbean

Highlights:

Looking to escape the crowds and commercial bustle? Darkwood Beach offers a rare, untouched stretch of paradise with no buildings in sight and uninterrupted coastal views on Antigua’s western shore.

Recommended For:

Nature lovers, solitude seekers, and minimalist beachgoers.

What we Love:

Unspoiled landscape, uninterrupted sea views, and a tranquil, natural vibe.

• Pack your own supplies—shade, food, and water are a must here.
• Bask in the serene, crowd-free setting ideal for peaceful reflection or a quiet swim.
• Explore nearby attractions like Greencastle Hill Park and the Jolly Harbour Golf Course after your beach day.

Cost:

Free public access (no entrance fee).

Best time to visit:

December to April for dry weather and gentle breezes.

Local tips:

Come early to claim a shaded spot and bring all essentials—there are no nearby shops or rentals. Perfect for photography and stargazing at dusk.

Distance:

About 25 minutes by car from St. John’s, Antigua’s capital.

How to Get to Darkwood Beach:

Drive along Valley Road on Antigua’s west coast. The beach lies between Turner Beach and Coco Beach, with parking available along the roadside.

Location:

Gouverneur Beach, St. Barthélemy, Caribbean

Highlights:

Craving raw natural beauty and panoramic coastal views? Gouverneur Beach is a secluded, undeveloped treasure framed by green hills and turquoise waters on St. Barth's southern coast.

Recommended For:

Serenity seekers, nature lovers, and photographers.

What we Love:

Pristine sand, dramatic hillside views, and the quiet, undeveloped atmosphere.

• Drive up Lurin Hill for a stunning overlook of Gouverneur Bay and St. Barth’s.
• Relax under shaded spots near the edges of the beach—perfect for a peaceful escape.
• Respect the land: though privately owned, the beach is open to all and should be kept immaculate.

Cost:

Free public access (beaches in St. Barth are legally open to everyone).

Best time to visit:

December to May for dry, sunny days and calm water conditions.

Local tips:

Arrive early—parking is limited and the drive includes some narrow roads. No amenities, so bring everything you need for the day.

Distance:

About 10 minutes by car from Gustavia, the island’s capital.

How to Get to Gouverneur Beach:

Drive from Gustavia toward Lurin Hill. At the summit, enjoy the panoramic view, then follow the road downhill to the small parking area by the beach.

Location:

Sainte Anne Beach, Guadeloupe, Caribbean

Highlights:

Craving a family-friendly escape with shallow turquoise waters? Sainte Anne Beach offers soft sands, shady trees, and calm swimming conditions along Guadeloupe’s southern coast, steeped in colonial history.

Recommended For:

Families with kids, beachcombers, and cultural explorers.

What we Love:

Warm, shallow waters, tree-lined shorelines for natural shade, and easy access to local culture and cuisine.

• Swim safely in the gentle shallows, ideal for kids and beginner swimmers.
• Stroll through the vibrant beachfront market or explore historical gems like the Edgar Clerc Archeological Museum.
• Dine on freshly caught seafood at beachfront restaurants powered by the town's strong fishing tradition.

Cost:

Free public access; no fee to enjoy the beach.

Best time to visit:

December to April for dry, sunny weather and minimal rainfall.

Local tips:

Arrive early for shaded spots beneath the trees. Weekends can be lively with locals and food vendors. Bring cash for local eateries and market stalls.

Distance:

About 30 minutes by car from Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport.

How to Get to Sainte Anne Beach:

From Pointe-à-Pitre, take N4 east toward Sainte-Anne. The beach is located near the town center, with accessible parking and nearby restaurants lining the shoreline.

Romantic Beaches in the Caribbean:

Location:

Cahuita Beach, Limón Province, Costa Rica

Highlights:

Seeking lush jungle backdrops and world-class snorkeling? Cahuita Beach, nestled in a vibrant Afro-Caribbean village, features white sands, coral reefs, and a laid-back vibe that blends nature and culture beautifully.

Recommended For:

Snorkelers, eco-tourists, and culture lovers.

What we Love:

Protected marine life, calm Caribbean waters, and the colorful, Creole-infused atmosphere of the nearby town.

• Snorkel the offshore reef in Cahuita National Park—home to tropical fish and sea turtles.
• Explore Playa Negra for its photogenic black sands and peaceful surf.
• Wander through town to soak up local music, food, and coastal hospitality.

Cost:

Entry to Cahuita National Park is free, but donations are appreciated.

Best time to visit:

March to May or September to October for dry weather and clear snorkeling conditions.

Local tips:

Bring reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and your own snorkeling gear. Early mornings are best for spotting wildlife in the park.

Distance:

About 45 minutes by car from Puerto Limón via Highway 36.

How to Get to Cahuita Beach:

Drive southeast on Highway 36 from Puerto Limón. Turn off at the Cahuita sign and continue into the village. The beach and national park entrance are within walking distance from town.

Location:

Englishman’s Bay, Tobago, Caribbean

Highlights:

Craving seclusion with stunning scenery? Englishman’s Bay is a crescent-shaped treasure hidden between rainforest-covered hills, offering solitude, khaki-colored sands, and aquamarine waters on Tobago’s northern coast.

Recommended For:

Seclusion seekers, nature lovers, and couples looking for a peaceful retreat.

What we Love:

Remote beauty, tranquil swimming, and minimal crowds—just pure Caribbean serenity.

• Drive the winding road off the North Coast highway to uncover this peaceful escape.
• Swim or snorkel in the clear waters, often with the entire bay to yourself.
• Enjoy a casual meal or cold drink at the small beachfront restaurant and bar.

Cost:

Free public access; no entry fee required to enjoy the beach.

Best time to visit:

January to May for dry weather, calm seas, and vibrant greenery.

Local tips:

Access road is unpaved—drive slowly and with caution. Bring cash if you plan to eat or shop at the local vendor stands. Few amenities, so pack beach gear and water.

Distance:

About 1 hour by car from Scarborough, Tobago’s capital.

How to Get to Englishman’s Bay:

From Scarborough, head north via the North Coast Road toward Castara. Look for signs and a small turnoff before Parlatuvier. Follow the bumpy dirt road down to the beach’s small parking area.

Location:

Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, Caribbean

Highlights:

Dreaming of silky white sands and vivid turquoise water? Grace Bay on Providenciales is a world-renowned beach offering postcard-perfect beauty, upscale amenities, and easy access to other breathtaking coastal gems.

Recommended For:

Luxury travelers, beach lovers, and first-time Caribbean visitors.

What we Love:

Powdery sand, crystal-clear shallows, and the perfect balance of tranquility and luxury.

• Stroll along the award-winning Grace Bay shoreline, consistently ranked among the world’s best beaches.
• Explore Chalk Sound, a turquoise lagoon dotted with tiny islets—great for kayaking and paddleboarding.
• Venture to nearby beaches like Sapodilla Bay and Turtle Tail for more secluded coastal experiences.

Cost:

Free public access to all beaches in Turks and Caicos.

Best time to visit:

December to April for sunny skies, warm temps, and calm seas—ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Local tips:

Grace Bay is family-friendly and walkable, but for quieter moments, head to nearby coves like Copper Jack or Discovery Bay. Many resorts offer day passes for access to loungers and beachfront service.

Distance:

About 15 minutes by car from Providenciales International Airport (PLS).

How to Get to Grace Bay:

From the airport, take Leeward Highway east and follow signs toward Grace Bay Road. The beach is accessible via public walkways between resorts and shopping areas.

Family-friendly Beaches in the Caribbean:

Location:

Grand Anse Beach, Grenada, Caribbean

Highlights:

Looking for the perfect blend of activity and relaxation? Grand Anse Beach is Grenada’s most iconic shoreline, stretching two miles with soft sands, gentle waves, and stunning views just minutes from the island’s capital.

Recommended For:

Families, couples, divers, and sunseekers who want convenience and beauty in one place.

What we Love:

Calm, swimmable water, vibrant marine life, and easy access to restaurants, resorts, and dive excursions.

• Swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters or take a dive trip to the famous Bianca-C shipwreck nearby.
• Stay at beachfront hotels or charming family-run inns with ocean views and warm island hospitality.
• Play with options like parasailing, windsurfing, or simply beachcombing along the expansive shoreline.

Cost:

Free public access, with water sports and guided tours available for an additional fee.

Best time to visit:

December to April for dry, sunny days and calm sea conditions perfect for all beach activities.

Local tips:

Visit early in the morning for a peaceful stroll or catch the sunset over the Caribbean Sea. Head to the north end for a quieter experience away from larger resorts.

Distance:

About 10 minutes by car from St. George’s, Grenada’s capital.

How to Get to Grand Anse Beach:

From St. George’s, follow the Maurice Bishop Highway south. Grand Anse is well-signed and has multiple access points through hotel paths or public walkways along the beach.

Location:

Half Moon Bay Beach, Antigua, Caribbean

Highlights:

Searching for unspoiled beauty and blush-colored shores? Half Moon Bay Beach offers pink-hued sand, brilliant turquoise waters, and a quiet, breezy atmosphere along Antigua’s southeastern coast.

Recommended For:

Couples, beachcombers, and snorkelers looking for scenic tranquility away from crowded resorts.

What we Love:

The soft pink sand, sweeping crescent bay, and relaxed charm with just the right amount of amenities.

• Relax on the spacious shoreline—plenty of room for sunbathing even during high season.
• Snorkel near the rocks on calmer days; gear is available from local beach shops.
• Enjoy casual beach bars and local vendors offering food, drinks, and handmade souvenirs.

Cost:

Free public access; rental fees may apply for gear and beach chairs.

Best time to visit:

December to April for dry weather, breezy conditions, and warm ocean temperatures.

Local tips:

The eastern end of the bay tends to be windier—head west for calmer waters and better swimming. Bring cash for local vendors, and pack reef-safe sunscreen.

Distance:

About 5 minutes by car from Freetown; 40–45 minutes from St. John’s.

How to Get to Half Moon Bay Beach:

From Freetown, follow signs southeast along local roads. The beach is well-marked and has a parking area near the main entrance. From St. John’s, take Sir Sydney Walling Highway east and follow directions to Freetown, then continue toward the bay.

Location:

Los Roques National Park, Venezuela, Caribbean Sea

Highlights:

Craving pristine coral reefs and endless islets? Los Roques is a dazzling archipelago of over 300 islands and cays, boasting calm seas, white sand beaches, and one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant marine ecosystems.

Recommended For:

Divers, snorkelers, water sports enthusiasts, and island hoppers.

What we Love:

Expansive coral reefs, uncrowded beaches, and the tranquil, eco-friendly vibe of the entire national park.

• Dive into the archipelago’s multi-colored coral reef, a paradise for marine life and underwater photographers.
• Windsurf or parasail along the shallow, glassy waters—ideal for beginners and pros alike.
• Island-hop by boat to discover secluded cayos, each with its own distinct charm and beauty.

Cost:

National park entry fee applies; boat tours, rentals, and accommodations vary in price.

Best time to visit:

December to April for dry weather and prime snorkeling and diving conditions.

Local tips:

Plan ahead—flights to Gran Roque (main island) are limited and accommodations can fill quickly during peak months. Bring cash, as credit card services can be spotty. Pack reef-safe sunscreen and light protective clothing.

Distance:

Approximately 130 km (81 miles) north of Caracas; about 40 minutes by air from Simón Bolívar International Airport.

How to Get to Los Roques:

Fly from Caracas to Gran Roque, the gateway to the archipelago. From there, take a local boat or charter to explore the surrounding islands and cays within the national park.