231
10 minutes readContent
1. Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Perfect for: Luxury travelers searching for a five-star beach escape.
Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Photo by Mikolaj Niemczewski / Shutterstock
Seven Mile Beach runs along the western side of Grand Cayman and is one of the beaches you’re guaranteed to come across during your vacation planning. Although technically shorter than the seven miles it claims to be, this beach offers crystal clear shallow water, ideal for a quick dip, and has cool coral sand. You don’t have to worry about burning your feet here! If you’re a food lover, plan your visit around the Cayman Cookout, an annual five-day culinary festival held by the Ritz-Carlton that offers mouthwatering delights.
2. Grand Anse Beach, Grenada
Perfect for: Nature-lovers and thrill seekers who want to go scuba diving.
Where to stay: Mount Cinnamon Beach & Wellness Resort
Photo by Iakov Kalinin / Shutterstock
Grand Anse Beach is the definition of “paradise”, nestled in Grenada along two miles of clear azure waters and soft sand. While popular with nature lovers due to its rich marine life, this beach has plenty of bars and nearby restaurants to keep you entertained long after the sun goes down. Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park is nearby and serves as a one-of-a-kind snorkeling dive for travelers interested in ecological conservation.
3. Pig Beach, Big Major Cay, The Bahamas
Perfect for: Returning visitors to the Caribbean looking for a unique experience.
Where to stay: SLS Baha Mar
Photo by BlueOrange Studio / Shutterstock
If you want to fill your travel itinerary with unique underwater experiences and want to do more than just go sunbathing on the sand, the Bahamas is the perfect base for your tropical vacation, especially if you love snorkelling.
There are over 700 islands and cays within the waters of the Bahamas, and it’s easy to arrange a day trip to some of the most popular destinations, including Pig Beach on Big Major Cay. Make sure to bring a waterproof camera to get a picture of you swimming with the pigs.
4. Flamingo Beach, Aruba
Perfect for: Family-friendly vacations with a luxury feel.
Where to stay: Marriott’s Aruba Ocean Club
Photo by fokke baarssen / Shutterstock
Aruba is one of the most family-friendly islands in the Caribbean Sea, with clear waters for snorkeling and private beaches to escape the hustle and bustle of major tourist attractions. There’s no shortage of five-star hotels in Aruba along the sea, and you’ll also find accommodation from familiar chains, like Hilton, Wyndham, and Holiday Inn.
One of the most unique beaches in Aruba is Flamingo Beach, owned by the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. You can get up close with beautiful flamingos for vacation photos you’ll want to show off to all your friends. The good news is that you don’t have to be a hotel guest to gain access to this once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can purchase a day pass for $125 with tickets released weekly.
5. Crane Beach, Barbados
Perfect for: Adult-only trips due to the rougher surf and ideal for sunbathing.
Where to stay: Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados
Photo by Filip Fuxa / Shutterstock
If you’re planning a beach holiday, you probably have Barbados on your shortlist. This beach is famous for its pink sand and clear waters, offering everything you’d want from a tropical paradise, including coconut trees and picturesque cliffs. Pack your snorkeling gear! The beach is surrounded by an offshore reef, giving you better conditions for snorkeling than you’ll find from most other Caribbean beaches.
6. Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Perfect for: Travelers who want water-based sports and activities.
Where to stay: The Palms Turks and Caicos
Photo by jpbarcelos / Shutterstock
Grace Bay in Providenciales, located within Turks and Caicos, is regularly voted as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches – and for good reason! Stretching over several miles, this beach offers everything you’ll need for a beautiful island vacation, from turquoise waters for snorkeling to some of the grandest hotels in Turks and Caicos.
7. Meads Bay Beach, Anguilla
Perfect for: A more relaxed beach vacation for all types of travelers.
Where to stay: Malliouhana Resort Anguilla
Photo by Derson Santana / Shutterstock
Anguilla is a tiny island in the sea that is often overlooked by first-time visitors to the Caribbean. If you’re looking for a quieter vacation away from cruise ships and floods of tourists, consider this small slice of paradise instead. Suitable for all types of travelers, Meads Bay beach is just 20 minutes from the airport, making it the perfect way to beat your jet lag. You can be in the water in less than an hour after your flight!
8. Playa El Cuyo, Yucatan, Mexico
Perfect for: Travelers who want to sunbathe and relax at the beach.
Where to stay: Cucu Hotel – El Cuyo
Photo by gustavo moguel / Shutterstock
If you’re on a budget or don’t get the appeal of an island vacation, Mexico has no shortage of beaches for catching the Caribbean sun and taking a dip in the sea water. Yucatan, on Mexico’s coast, is a more affordable alternative to many of the locations on this list.
Playa El Cuyo is a great option for backpackers and budget-friendly travelers, while giving you a more laid-back atmosphere with quieter beaches that aren’t overrun by your fellow tourists. Want to channel your inner child? Sign up for a kitesurfing lesson to add a touch of fun to your beach itinerary.
9. Brownes Beach, Barbados
Perfect for: A family-friendly destination in Barbados with calm waters.
Where to stay: The Sandpiper
Photo by PeopleImages.com – Yuri A / Shutterstock
Another Barbados recommendation is Brownes Beach, especially if you need a family-friendly option. Situated in Carlisle Bay, this beach is known for its calm waters and snorkeling tours, with most visitors heading down 600 feet from the shore to explore the famous shipwrecks. This beach is one of the largest in Barbados and the perfect place to spend a day, with sun loungers and umbrellas available to rent for added comfort when you’re chilling on the sand.
10. Maho Beach, Sint. Maarten
Perfect for: Airplane spotters who want an unforgettable experience.
Where to stay: JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa
Photo by Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock
Looking for something to do other than snorkeling? Are you an aviation enthusiast who has always dreamed of plane spotting while sunbathing? We’ve found the perfect spot for you! Maho Beach in St. Maarten is a must-visit destination for thrill seekers who want to get as close as possible to planes as they come into land at the nearby Princess Juliana International Airport.
Nicknamed “Airport Beach”it’s a good idea to keep an eye on Flightradar24 if you’d prefer to visit during a quieter flying time. There are plenty of bars and restaurants along the shoreline if you want to soak up the sun and sand without the added drama of a Boeing 737 coming overhead.
11. Devil’s Bay, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Perfect for: Nature lovers searching for calm waters for swimming.
Where to stay: Saba Rock Resort
Photo by Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock
Considered one of the best places in the world to swim and snorkel, Devil’s Bay offers a tranquil escape for travelers who want to spend the day outdoors. This beach offers everything nature lovers could want. The horseshoe-shaped bay is only reachable after a 15-minute hike. It’s close to The Baths and Devil’s Bay National Parks, two popular tourist attractions that are also worth a visit during your trip to the British Virgin Islands.
12. Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, Cozumel
Perfect for: Multi-generational family trips with a balance of nightlife and relaxing beaches.
Where to stay: Cozumel Palace All Inclusive
Photo by quiggyt4 / Shutterstock
Located just off the east coast of Mexico, Cozumel offers something for travelers of all ages, whether you’re going on a group trip and want to snorkel or need a family vacation that works for every generation. Punta Sur Eco Beach Park has postcard-worthy white sand and is located across 1,000 hectares of protected habitat. Book a tour of the Colombia Lagoon to see if you can spot crocodiles or take a trip to the Celarain Lighthouse for a panoramic view.
13. Shoal Bay Beach, Anguilla
Perfect for: Budget travelers searching for a Caribbean escape.
Where to stay: Carimar Beach Club
Photo by pics721 / Shutterstock
If you want the clearest water, sea, and sand that makes it feel as if you’ve arrived in paradise, head to Anguilla! If you’re on a budget but want to feel like you’re splashing out, Shoal Bay Beach gives you the best of both worlds. Although popular with tourists, it offers plenty of space for finding quiet areas, as it’s a 2-mile-long beach with plenty of activities like diving, kayaking, and snorkeling. If you want to indulge in some sunbathing without the crowds, head to the lower portion of the beach, away from the villas and hotels.
14. Anse des Pitons, St Lucia
Perfect for: Couples seeking a relaxed, low-key atmosphere.
Where to stay: Caille Blanc Villa and Hotel – Adults Only
Photo by fokke baarssen / Shutterstock
We’re rounding up our recommendations for the best beaches in the Caribbean with Anse des Pitons in St. Lucia. Also known as Pitons Bay, this beach is one of the most unique on this list as you’ll find it at the bottom of Petit Piton and Gros Piton, twin volcanic mountains.
You’ll get unforgettable views and can take advantage of the clear and calmer waters for more activities, ideal if you’re not a confident swimmer or want to try a new water sport. The sand is some of the whitest you’ll find anywhere and perfect for relaxing on for an afternoon of tanning in the sun.
Book your dream Caribbean beach vacation with ZenHotel
These Caribbean destinations deserve a spot on every travel bucket list, whether you want to go snorkelling, relax in the water, or just run through the sand. Although often perceived as a once-in-a-lifetime trip, the Caribbean is full of islands, islets, and cays to suit every budget and travel itinerary.
At ZenHotels, we’re here to help you curate your dream vacation to a beach on an exotic island, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or as a group. Still looking for options for your next vacation? Explore top destinations on ZenHotels and get more expert-curated travel tips by visiting our blog.
