The Caribbean, composed of the Caribbean Sea and the many islands surrounding it, is one of the most popular destinations for an excellent beach holiday. Located southeast of North America's mainland and north of South America, the region is a favorite tourist spot due to its accessibility. With the good weather all throughout the year, plus its more than 700 islands, the Caribbean offers a perfect avenue for explorations and adventurous travels. Here is a list of the ten best beaches you should include in your trip itinerary if you happen to visit the magnificent Caribbean.
Shoal Bay, Anguilla
In the East lies one of the most famous beaches of the Caribbean: the Shoal Bay Anguilla Beach. The two-mile stretch of pearl white sand and turquoise water attracts tourists like no other Anguilla beach. It is the busiest beach in the area with its line of posh restaurants and cozy beach bars but is also ideal for some relaxation, as the beach is divided into two parts. The Lower Shoal Bay is said to be the quieter end of Shoal Bay. Away from the cluster of bars and diners, and of the beach's busyness, this part of Shoal Bay is perfect for peaceful walks, sightseeing, and of course, a dip in the water. Chairs and umbrellas are available for the convenience and enjoyment of visitors. Reaching the Tropical Sunset, where you can have a relaxing lunch, marks your entrance to the busier part of Shoal Bay: the Upper Shoal Bay. Aside from the many restaurants, including the well-known Uncle Ernie's and Gwen's Reggae Grill, this area is also scattered with charming Anguilla villas and beautiful cottages you can choose from should you wish to extend your visit. And remember to take in the stunning sunset over the bay before the day ends to complete your Shoal Bay experience.
Pink Sands, The Bahamas
Harbour Island in the Bahamas is well-known for its pink-sand beaches. The pink hue is due to the presence of microscopic shelled animals called Foraminifera on the shores of the island. One of Harbour Island's loveliest beaches, and probably one of world's loveliest too, is the Pink Sands Beach. With its expanse of pink sand, its gentle waters and warm climate, the beach is definitely a destination. Admire its natural beauty while enjoying its pristine water by swimming or snorkeling. There are also luxurious hotels and unique resorts to stop nearby.
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Another spectacular beach awaits beach bums in Grand Cayman. Considered one of the best beaches in the world, Seven Mile Beach, although it only measures almost five and a half miles, is a renowned public beach where people can stroll, play volleyball and even parasail freely. Scuba divers and snorkelers also frequent this beach for its magnificent reefs such as the Cemetery Reef. There are also world-class hotels along its stretch, one of which is the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
Sun Bay, Puerto Rico
Another great beach with picture-perfect views nestles in Puerto Rico. Located in Vieques, the beach has access to the astounding vistas of Punta Negra, the tallest mountain on the island, Mount Pirata, and two remarkable cays, Cayo Afuera and Cayo de Tierra. Sun Bay, a one-mile long extent of coral sand and coconut palm trees, is a picturesque tropical setting perfect for an island getaway. There are camping grounds available with barbeque facilities for a whole island experience.
Trunk Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands
St. John is the smallest but considered the prettiest among the U.S. Virgin Islands. Its alluring beaches captivate many travelers from around the globe. One of the most popular of these beaches is Trunk Bay. Being part of the Virgin Islands National Park, it is one of St. John's most preserved attractions. Aside from sunbathing and swimming, the pristine water of Trunk Bay offers a 225 yard underwater trail of reefs where a variety of marine life can be encountered.
Cane Garden Bay, British Virgin Islands
Boaters and water sports enthusiasts will have a grand time visiting Cane Garden Bay on the north shores of Tortola, the British Virgin Islands' capital island. This long and curved beach is renowned for the numerous boats anchoring on its shores. The beach also serves as a great venue for water sports such as windsurfing and sailing. Both locals and tourists enjoy the festive ambience of the beach due to its bars, restaurants and the myriad of activities going on, keeping the area alive and busy.
Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos
Along the north-east coast of Providenciales, one of Turks and Caicos many islands, sprawls one of the world's best beaches. With its crystal clear water, sapphire waters and white soft sand, Grace Bay Beach is no wonder a favorite beach destination. The 12-mile stretch also serves as a platform for different water sports such as parasailing and windsurfing. Provo's national treasure Jojo, the friendly resident dolphin, makes your snorkeling and swimming experience in Grace Bay Beach one of a kind.
Varadero, Cuba
Another paradise for beachgoers is situated in the province of Matanzas in Cuba. One of the Caribbean's largest resort areas, the town of Varadero welcomes more than a million visitors yearly. Aside from its natural attractions, the beach offers facilities for deep-sea fishing, scuba diving and yachting. Varadero is also home to a number of private hotels and Cuba’s only full golf course.
Crane Beach, Barbados
Crane Beach is another top-rated beach located in Barbados. Though secluded, this stretch of white sand is world-famous. Its azure waters, the line of palm trees and the sight of jagged cliffs in contrast to the luxurious hotel are fascinating. Its powerful waves make the beach a favored spot for boogie boarding and body surfing.
Eagle Beach, Aruba
One of the most amazing beaches in Aruba is Eagle Beach. The soft white sand, its pristine waters and the facilities it offers make this an ideal spot for family camping. There are also hotels and resorts nearby if camping out is not your thing. Paddle surfing, jet skiing and diving are some of the activities you might want to engage in. A unique experience of watching turtle hatchlings awaits visitors too. |
