Are you planning an upcoming getaway and want to ensure you’re near one of the best beaches on the planet? Look no further! We have compiled a list of 25 of the best beaches, all with wonderful resorts in walking distance to ensure you can stay a stone’s throw away from a coastline paradise.
One of the most popular locations bursting with breathtaking beaches is the Caribbean. With various islands to choose from, all with different selling points, you can find the perfect beach for you and your travel buddies depending on your preferences and what you’re looking for.
Whether you’re searching for a fun beach with entertainment on the white sand or on the hunt for an adult-only beach for the ultimate romantic escape, we’ve got you covered. Dive into our list below to discover the magnificent Caribbean sands that await.
1. Choc Beach, St. Lucia
With coconut trees providing naturally shaded areas covering beautiful white havens, Choc Beach is a picturesque and practical location for anyone searching for a beautiful beach.
Situated only 3km from Castries, there are hundreds of hotels close to the beach, with Sandals Halycon Beach Resort offering a secluded segment of the coastline for those seeking intimacy while being close to the action; you really get the best of both worlds!
2. Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos
Part of Princess Alexandra National Park, Grace Bay is an untouched idyllic shore with powder-like sand gracing its surface. Take a dip in the warm, clear Caribbean waters or venture into the off-coast barrier reef to explore the excellent oceanic offerings Turks & Caicos delivers.
Of course, you could take a day trip to Grace Bay and pack exciting water activities such as snorkeling or parasailing into 24 hours. Alternatively, you could base your whole trip around being near this divine coastline by staying at a beloved resort such as Beaches Turks & Caicos.
3. Cable Beach, Bahamas
Cable Beach delivers everything you’d hope for in a Caribbean holiday destination; white sand, aquamarine oceans glimmering in the sun, and exciting activities so you can really get into the holiday spirit.
Spanning nearly four miles, Cable Beach is the longest stretch of sand on the island, making it a hotspot for some of the best restaurants, hotels, and nightlife. Many beach visitors stick around in the evening to enjoy Nassau’s very own craft beer while getting a glimpse of culture.
The Royal Bahamian is a resort perfect for anyone seeking a luxurious getaway next to one of the best beaches on the planet, with private beach spots should you wish for a more intimate coastal experience.
4. Dover Beach, Barbados
Blissful white sand, luscious sea water, and palm trees set the mood for all who visit Dover Beach, delivering everything you could dream of enjoying in Barbados. Immerse yourself in Bajan culture by watching a nighttime show, or spend your day exploring the wonders of the sea on a snorkeling turtle tour.
Favored by tourists for the proximity to restaurants and attractions, you’re never far from civilization. And, should you wish to step out onto the beach every day without any travel, you can stay at Sandals St. Lawrence Gap for a sophisticated holiday that allows you to live it up on the beach from AM to PM.
5. Montego Bay, Tropical Bliss, Jamaica
If loud, busy beaches drive you wild, and you prefer a more intimate setting, Tropical Bliss will be perfect for you. Despite visiting prices being slightly higher than others on our list, the entertainment and activities thrown in when you visit Tropical Bliss will keep you thoroughly enthralled.
Montego Bay is home to many great beaches and some of the best attractions in Jamaica, making it an ideal place to stay if you’re planning a Jamaican visit. However, should you wish to be close to Tropical Bliss and enjoy a private beach setting, Sandals Montego Bay is a beautiful option.
6. Santa Barbara Beach, Curacao
Santa Barbara Beach is the perfect destination for any jet setters looking for an aesthetically pleasing setting away from the busy hustle and bustle of other popular Curacao beaches, such as Mambo Beach
This coastline offers everything quintessentially Caribbean, making it an excellent spot for families, couples, and friends to stay. With many hotels situated along the beach with their own private beach setups, such as Sandals Royal Curacao, you can be confident that you can spend your days soaking up the sun on the sandy shores of the Barbara Strand.
7. Pink Gin Beach, Grenada
Pink Gin Beach could be a captivating option if you fancy visiting a beach slightly more unique than other Caribbean locations. With gorgeous seashells and varying landscapes, there is much to discover on this stretch of sand while not being disturbed by other tourists due to this destination’s quiet and serene nature.
The partly private beach shares its land with the likes of Sandals Grenada, ensuring you can step out onto the shore as the sun sets and rises. The secluded nature of this location offers the perfect getaway for anyone wanting quiet and private time with their loved one.
8. Magazine Beach, Grenada
The next beach along from Pink Gin Beach is Magazine Beach, offering similar scenery while being a bit more amongst the action and activities. A main attraction of this beach is how close it is to the Aquarium restaurant, which many tourists passionately praise for their lunch offerings!
Despite having activities such as snorkeling and live entertainment nearby, Magazine Beach is still relatively quiet, so you won’t struggle to find peace in this area of Grenada.
9. Dickenson Bay, Antigua
If you’re looking for a beach that offers clear, tranquil waters contrasting with a busy, bustling beach, Dickenson Bay will be ideal. Hailed as one of Antigua’s top beach destinations, the Bay offers entertainment, activities, and beautiful sights you can enjoy while soaking up the sun.
And those staying at Sandals Grande Antigua can bask in all the glory of Dickenson Bay in their own private section of the beach. You really get the best of both worlds here, as you have privacy while also being able to immerse yourself in the action when and if you want to.
10. Pigeon Island Beach, St. Lucia
Views don’t get much more surreal than at Pigeon Island Beach. From clear pristine waters to sights out to the islands and surrounding wildlife, looking out from Pigeon Island Beach is a sure way to take your breath away. While relaxing and enjoying these views, you can also liven up your day by taking a day trip out to surrounding areas or having a beachfront picnic.
The Sandals Grande St Lucian resort allows you to step out of your hotel room and onto the beach in no time, perfect for anyone who wants their holiday to be centered around the coast.
11. Emerald Bay, Bahamas
Emerald Bay is the ultimate private, luxurious, and relaxing beach experience. With a mile-long beachfront accessible to guests staying at Sandals Emerald Bay, this beach is perfect for couples and those with the goal of having a peaceful escape from the hecticness of life.
While the beach’s main selling point is its serene and quiet appearance, Emerald Bay offers scuba diving, paddleboarding, kayaking, and other ocean-centered activities that inject fun into your peaceful stay at Emerald Bay.
12. Ocho Rios Bay, Jamaica
There are few beaches on the planet that will keep you occupied for weeks on end, but Ocho Rios Bay has endless opportunities to immerse visitors of all ages and could really make your holiday the trip of a lifetime. While the Bay itself has beautiful white sandy beaches and warm water for relaxed days by the beach, there are countless activities to entertain yourself.
Take Dolphin Cove, for example. Take a ten-minute walk down the coastline, and you can see dolphins and join them for a swim in the sea. Or, enjoy the local eateries for some unforgettable lunchtime treats.
Should you wish to enjoy a more private section of Ocho Rios Bay, you can soak up the sun at Sandals Royal Plantation, tucked well away from the boats and tourists entering the bay.
13. Runaway Beach, Antigua
Merging crystal clear waters with sandy shores and interesting rock features gives the unique and beautiful vision of Antigua’s Runaway Beach. Despite not being as busy as other beaches in the North of Antigua, Runaway Beach offers a quiet and relaxing environment with calm waters to match.
Enjoy Carribean grub and drinks in local bars, or assess exciting activities such as horseback riding if you want to make your trip that bit more enthralling!
14. La Toc Beach, Saint Lucia
La Toc Beach has everything you could imagine at a Carribean beach and more. From attentive staff to pristine waters and graceful sand, you can relax or get involved in exciting activities that elevate your holiday.
There are public areas along this beach, but most of it is occupied by Sandals Regency La Toc, with only guests allowed to access the various restaurants and activities the resort has situated on the coast. When staying at Sandals La Toc, you can expect five-star diamond French cuisine and glamorous ocean front suites for a totally opulent getaway.
15. Negril Seven Mile Beach, Jamaica
Famously once plagued by pirates, the Negril Seven Mile Beach is one of Jamaica’s most iconic shoreside spots where tourists and locals can enjoy a splash in the sea and bask in the sun. With glass-bottom boat tours and clear waters perfect for snorkeling, you can fully immerse yourself in the Caribbean wildlife in various exciting ways when visiting this spot.
As the beach goes on for seven miles, you can explore plenty of great restaurants and nightlife. Staying in a nearby resort such as Sandals Negril gives you more chances to make the most of this stunning area and all it has to offer!
16. Mammee Bay Fisherman Beach, Jamaica
Beaches don’t get much more relaxing than Mammee Bay’s Fisherman Beach, tucked away from the busyness of the bay. Before relaxing, you can live it up in Mammee Bay by pursuing various activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, or checking out the Dunn’s River falls just around the corner in Ocho Rios.
Surrounding this quaint beach are many restaurants and shops booming with excitement, ensuring you can find authentic Jamaican food and entertainment throughout the days and evenings. Of course, you can also stay in Ocho Rios, with many great hotels near Dunn’s River, such as the Sandals Couple Resort.
17. Maxwell Beach, Barbados
Maxwell Beach is one of the best options if you’re looking for a pristine destination to spend a quiet and relaxing afternoon in Barbados. With gentle breezes to keep you at a comfortable temperature while you catch some rays, you can lie on the white sand without worrying about the beach becoming overcrowded or encountering any unwarranted trash.
Maxwell Beach is within walking distance of hundreds of delightful restaurants and shops, ensuring you can find all you need within minutes. Stay in luxury nearby with Sandals Royal Barbados for the ultimate peaceful retreat.
18. Babula Beach, Turks & Caicos
For anyone searching for adventure with dreams of exploring the sea, visiting Babula Beach is a must. Babula consists of clear, serene waters and beautifully preserved sand that makes for a stunning backdrop no matter which time of day you visit.
The best part of this beach is that you are within walking distance of Smith’s Reef, where you can snorkel and see an abundance of coral, fish, turtles, and rays. So, you can explore the Reef in the daytime and return to the quiet shores of Babula to regain your strength and relax before returning to your hotel!
19. Bush Bay, Antigua
If offroading and independent exploring is your thing, you’ll probably love Bush Bay in Antigua. This beauty is totally secluded but is available for public access, so well worth making an effort if you want some private time with your loved ones in paradise! One thing we must add is to pack your walking shoes, as getting to Bush Bay requires walking on some bumpy terrain which standard flip-flops may struggle with.
Although Bush Bay is a quiet and secluded area of Antigua, you aren’t too far from Dickenson Bay. We recommend visiting Bush Bay on a morning after breakfast and returning to the mainland at lunchtime to get back in with the action after a quiet, private morning tucked away.
20. Cocoplum Beach, Bahamas
Cocoplum beach is a site that will genuinely take your breath away. You can walk out in these clear waters for ages while seeing the sand beneath your feet, keeping your eye out for stingrays, shells, and sea life. Tourists and locals recommend visiting the beach during low tide for optimal sea walking levels that allow you to feel at one with nature.
This beach is free from the usual tourist attractions on tropical shores, providing views as mother nature intended! One popular manufactured feature is the swings in the sea, which you can find as you walk along the sand with your toes in the water.
21. Mahogany Beach, Jamaica
If you’re looking for a beach that provides fun no matter what time of day you arrive, Mahogany Beach will be an excellent choice. With party boats arriving and beach bars with beer and drinks available accompanied by buzzing music, this place gets pretty amusing on an evening! Paired with visits from the sweet dogs that live by the beach, you really can’t go wrong with spending an evening here.
22. Vigie Beach, St Lucia
For the ultimate laid-back afternoon with unique plain spotting opportunities, Vigie Beach is the place to be. Graced with golden sand, this beach is a hidden gem and doesn’t get overly busy. Despite its quiet nature, you are close to good restaurants and shops, so you don’t need to worry about being isolated when visiting.
Another significant aspect of this beach is the gorgeous palm trees that grow alongside it, providing shade should the sun be too much for you.
23. Morne Rouge Beach, Grenada
This Grenada gem is encompassed by greenery and inviting trees, making for the perfect location to spend a day due to the incredible shade, sun, and sea provided! The cove is generally quiet, with calm waters to match its idyllic setting that is perfect for younger children and those less confident swimming to enjoy.
Throughout the day, you can enjoy refreshments and food from local restaurants and bars, ensuring you don’t need to travel far to get anything. After spending a day on the sand of Morne Rouge, you can make your way up the surrounding cliffs to watch the sunset over the cove for the view of a lifetime.
24. Miami Beach, Barbados
Loved by surfers and those looking for a seaside thrill, Barbadoses Miami Beach is full of high waves and exhilarating ocean experiences that will make your holiday even more exciting! While only strong and confident swimmers should tackle the waves of Miami Beach, the south side of the beach is a calmer place to enjoy a leisurely swim.
You can easily find restaurants and cafes nearby, too, so whether you want to walk down to the beach after your lunch or fancy an after-dinner sunset on the beach, all options will be viable!
25. Pelican Beach, Turks & Caicos
This magical, private spot is met with blue skies, clear aquamarine oceans, and fluffy white sand for the ultimate relaxing day on the beach. Of course, given the name, there aren’t only humans that visit these picturesque shores! You can spot pelicans crashing over the waves, creating an utterly unique site.
If the pelicans don’t make an appearance when you visit, you can find entertainment in the beautiful display of conches that wash up on the beach, perfect for anyone who loves collecting.
Why are Caribbean Beaches so Popular?
With tens of thousands of beaches across the world, it is impossible to name a single one as the best. Still, our list clearly indicates that you should set your sights on visiting the Caribbean to have a great selection of coastal paradises, whether you choose to stay at one beach or visit multiple throughout your holiday.
The Caribbean offers many of the best beaches on earth due to their luscious natural surroundings with brilliant tropical weather to match. There is an excellent selection of beaches across the Caribbean islands, ensuring you can find one that matches your vibe, or you can change it up and visit a different one each day, depending on where you’re staying!
A way to get the best of both worlds is to stay at a resort with a private beach, so some days you can take it easy and stay in one place. Alternatively, on other days you can venture out onto the island to find other beaches to immerse yourself in Caribbean culture and get a true sense of what it is like on the island you choose.
For example, Grace Bay and Pelican Beach are in close proximity to each other in Turks & Caicos but will provide you with different vibes that make visiting each of them worth a visit.
Sandals Resorts offer many luxurious places to stay along Caribbean coastlines, so they are an excellent option for anyone who’d like to wake up and walk straight out to the sandy shore without traveling or even having to pack a bag. Additionally, staying in a resort, such as Sandals, will usually give you exclusive access to private beaches and exciting activities run by your resort.
Of course, the Caribbean has an excellent range of islands you can visit, all with different selling points that make them unique. Take St. Lucia, for example. This island has pristine beaches matched with botanical gardens and sites such as cathedrals that are rich heritage and can take your breath away.
Across the pond, Jamaica offers many elements popular with tourists. Whether you’re a Bob Marley fan or dying to tuck into the famous Jamaican cuisine, there are plenty of reasons this island is famous! Adding to the exciting culture of Jamaica are its beaches, favored for being both exciting and picturesque; Jamaica offers a little bit of something for everyone.
On the other hand, Turks & Caicos is popular due to its unbelievably clear beaches and relaxing environment, perfect for couples seeking an intimate getaway. However, as with all Caribbean destinations, plenty of wonderful resorts in Turks & Caicos are ideal for families, so you can live it up on the best beaches in the world, no matter the company you share!
The Bahamas offers a relaxing yet exciting destination for those that love nature due to the beautiful snorkeling and beach offerings. Whether you intend to swim with the pigs of Exuma or immerse yourself in the story of Chris Columbus’ first landing, there is plenty to do here, with the beaches being a considerable part of the island’s history.
Barbados is another Caribbean location bursting with excitement and culture, making it a firm hit with those wanting a cultured trip or something more centered around nature. With gorgeous beaches contrasting the area’s fun nightlife and vibrant cuisine, you can spend your days relaxing on the beach and diving into the sea life, with evenings living it up in the island’s sweet spots.
Speaking of vibrancy, few places get as energetic as Curacao. And the beaches are pretty good, too! Particularly favored for their immaculate diving grounds, you can chill out on the sand before heading to the deep blue sea to discover the sea life that awaits.
Grenada is another Caribbean treasure that’ll have you besotted due to its rich, beautiful mountainous landscape basked in sunlight. Dubbed the Spice Isle, you can visit one of the numerous nutmeg plantations or enjoy some of the vibrant buildings should you wish to change it up from your beach visits.
The final destination we covered on our list is Antigua, a beautiful island with boat harbors, white beaches, and fascinating habitats. Discover what’s out at sea with a snorkeling tour, or make the most of the pleasant wind by surfing. On the other hand, you can tuck into sublime cuisines and stay at some of the most romantic resorts in the world!
Frequently Asked Questions
Keen to discover more about the beautiful beaches and best holiday destinations around the world? Visit our OnABeach Blog to extend your knowledge on all things holiday!
What is The Prettiest Beach in The Caribbean?
With so many beaches to choose from, it is hard to choose the prettiest Caribbean beach. However, Grace Bay is a firm favorite due to its powder-like sands, clear waters, and barrier reefs!
What is The Clearest Beach in The Caribbean?
Turks and Caicos have the clearest beaches in the Caribbean. When you step out into the sea, you can see through to the seabed as the crystal clear ocean blanket splashes back and forth for a truly breathtaking view.
Should you Focus Your Holiday Around Beaches?
If you find yourself drawn to beach holidays, there’s no harm in staying in a resort that enables you to center your stay around within walking distance of the shore. From heightening your mood to giving you hundreds of activities, you can’t go wrong with a beach holiday.
About Us
With 40 years of experience helping sunshine searchers find their dream holiday destinations, we are dedicated to providing you with all the essential information you need to plan the holiday of a lifetime. Everyone should have the opportunity to travel, and our guides ensure you have all you need to do so in style.
