Sun, sand, and sea – these are the first few words that come to mind when planning a vacation. The Caribbean is not short on these. Adorned with clear blue waters, gentle waves, white (sometimes pink) powdery sands, and a picturesque background are some of the adjectives to describe the Caribbean's beautiful beaches.
And whether you prefer the calm and quiet or want an action-packed adventure through water-based activities, these bodies of water provide for both. Snorkeling, swimming, or just sunbathing in the Caribbean offers it all. Offering a luxurious and tropical ambiance, here are the seven best beaches in the Caribbean ranked.
Updated by Gabriel Kirellos, December 7th, 2021: The Caribbean is home to marvelous beaches boasting turquoise waters, rustling palms, and radiant sands. This list was updated to include more mesmerizing and beautiful beaches worth visiting in the Caribbean, such as Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos and Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman.
9 Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
Horseshoe Bay is one of Bermuda's pink sand beaches, and it is ranked among the most beautiful seaside havens in the world. Crushed corals, shells, and calcium carbonate provide the pastel pinky sand of the beach's shores. Soft sand is met by crystal blue waves that mesmerize and pull in thousands of beachgoers every year to this 34-km island.
Aside from the jaw-dropping beauty of Horseshoe Bay Beach, their lifeguards, facilities, and rental shops for beach equipment make this beach among the top shores in all Bermuda.
8 Harrismith Beach, Barbados
Located in the Parish of St. Philip, Barbados, lies a hidden gem – the Harrismith Beach. This remote place is the perfect spot to visit for those who want to role-play a castaway stranded on an island. Even if it is close to Bottom Bay, this sandy heaven has been excluded from the resort world of the more famous beaches.
To gain access to Harrismith Beach, you must go up the carved stone steps of a cliff overlooking the sea. The cliff-top remains of an ancient plantation house provide an additional romantic ambiance to the place. Below the cliff, you can enjoy searching for seashells, having a picnic, or relaxing while reading a book. Since the area is secluded, there is no available lifeguard.
7 Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands - a collection of small islands with their own unique structure and island feel. Considered one of the biggest of the collection, Virgin Gorda is a famous tourist attraction that highlights unspoiled beaches, classy resorts, and great sailing experiences.
Adding to the fame of Virgin Gorda is a one-of-a-kind national park called the Baths. Located on the island's southwest coast, it boasts sugary sand beaches with towering granite boulders, some of them expanding up to 40 feet in diameter.
Packing a snorkel, water shoes, and a camera (make sure it's waterproof) is necessary for you to be able to enjoy the numerous grottos and caves resulting from these crooked boulders.
6 Nassau, Bahamas
While the beaches of Nassau are lovely, what tourists come back for year after year is the excellent cliff diving sites located above its sandy shores that are as high as 100 feet. You can also visit the Blue Hole, a natural hole spanning 100 feet across and reaching 200 feet deep home to schools of fish.
In addition, the Piece of Cake and Trinity caves, two of the most famous caves on the island, have openings that are big enough for people to swim across and are a haven for giant lobsters. Shipwrecks are also not scarce at Nassau. If you are up for some underwater escapades, look for the reefs surrounding the island and marvel at the sight of these sunken beauties.
5 Palominos Island, Puerto Rico
Lying across the northeastern side of Puerto Rico is a 100-acre wide private beach called Palominos Island. Book your stay at the El Conquistador Resort and Golden Door Spa to enjoy this exclusive, alluring island that many dream of.
Lucky patrons are treated to an 8-minute swift catamaran ride to Palominos Island for an entire day of water activities like riding wave runners, windsurfing, or snorkeling. If you want to channel the introvert in you, spending the day in a hammock, watching the waves, and drinking tequila will also do.
4 Crane Beach, Barbados
Believe it or not, this gem of the West Indies is essentially a coral island. As the description suggests, the sands are composed of pulverized coral, which makes the beach floor gentle on your un-sandaled feet. Make your way past the coast, and coral reefs lure scuba divers and snorkelers because of the exotic profile of marine life it displays.
Crane Beach is famous for its magnificent waves, attracting both body surfers and surfers alike. Be warned that the beach's waters are not that forgiving and can only be conquered by strong swimmers.
3 Eagle Beach, Aruba
Aruba has its fair share of the tourism pie thanks to its all-year-round picturesque weather, still waters, and stretches of pristine shores. Eagle Beach is ranked among the prettiest of the island beaches, offering powdery sands and gentle waves ideal for swimming.
Eagle Beach is considered a little quieter compared to other Aruba beaches, and the best part is people get to swim there for free, along with all the beaches on Aruba.
Book your accommodations at the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort just on the other side of the street from the water. Enjoy quick and unlimited access to the beach and other nearby establishments.
2 Grace Bay, Turks And Caicos
The Turks and Caicos Islands are a must-visit in the Caribbean. What's more important is to see the marvelous Grace Bay, which lies on the island of Providenciales. People enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters and witnessing tropical fish, stingrays, and turtles in the Princess Alexandra Marine Park. Moreover, there are several luxury hotels and exclusive resorts located on the shoreline of Grace Bay.
1 Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
People go to Seven Mile Beach in the Cayman Islands to witness the beautiful coconut palms and casuarinas standing alongside the marvelous bone-white sand and turquoise waters. Moreover, the beach is considered one of the best for swimming in the Caribbean, thanks to its squeaky sand and clear waters. Additionally, people can find the most fabulous hotels and resorts next to Seven Mile Beach.