Best Caribbean Beaches
You visit Canada for undisturbed nature and friendly locals, and Europe for its history and rich cuisine. But the Caribbean is where you vacation for impeccable beaches. Nearly every edge of the more than 7,000 islands, reefs and cays is idyllic. But these 11 destinations have the beaches that earned the region its outstanding reputation.
It's hard to top Grand Cayman's Seven Mile Beach: Its cream-like sand and 80-degrees-Fahrenheit water are nothing short of spectacular, plus you'll have restaurants, a playground and changing rooms nearby. You can even bring your dog with you. There are other enviable banks along the Cayman Islands, but why bother when this one's so good?
Read on: Top Things to Do in Cayman Islands»
Why go: Anguilla's sterling-hued sand is the stuff of legend. For the best batch, head to Shoal Bay East, where you'll find magnificent views plus some choice eateries and rental kiosks for parasailing and snorkeling. This island has approximately 32 sandy strands to sample. Some also blare a terrific soundtrack: Visit Rendezvous Bay to hear some outstanding live reggae.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Anguilla»
Why go: Grace Bay, located on the Caicos isle of Providenciales, is one of those "do-everything" beaches, complete with crystalline water, flour-colored sand, a colorful coral reef, and a variety of restaurants. If you can't secure an umbrella at gorgeous Grace, Governor's Beach and Pillory Beach make great alternatives.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Turks & Caicos»
Why go: Folded along the southeast pocket of Barbados is a stretch of celebrated beaches: The "Gold" or "Platinum" coast is so gorgeous that the island's poshest hotels have all jockeyed for spots there. But there are other glorious Bajan shores to bathe along, like Foul Bay or Bottom Bay. And if you want to surf, visit the Soup Bowl waves of Bathsheba Beach in the east.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Barbados»
Why go: St. Barthélemy is an expensive mistress, but her greatest allures – her beaches – are all free. There are 22 dazzling options ranging from the sublime (like Baie de St-Jean) to the risqué (Anse de Grande Saline). Some of the loveliest waterfronts will require a little effort to visit: Case in point, the cacti-lined hike down to Anse a Colombier.
Read on: Top Things to Do in St. Barts»
Why go: When you have more than 360 beaches on one little isle, chances are you'll have several to brag about. Antigua's northwest coast boasts the calm waters of the four secluded Hawksbills. Then there's Half Moon Bay, where windsurfing and snorkeling are all the rage, while family-friendly Dickenson Bay is the ideal spot for a glass-bottom boat tour.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Antigua»
Why go: If you vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands, folks are going to ask if you visited Magens Bay. And truly, St. Thomas' most famous shore and its crumbly sands are too beautiful for words. But it also entices far too many tourists to delight the bonafide beachcomber. To avoid the crowds, sail to the quieter island of St. John, home to the bewitching Trunk Bay.
Why go: Choices, choices. These British isles have comely shores to hike on (The Baths), sleep on (Smuggler's Cove), eat on (Cane Garden Bay) and party on (Jost Van Dyke's Great Harbour during Old Year's Night). And we can personally vouch for the sand, resembling the color of oatmeal and the texture of powder.
Why go: If you like having some company along the shore, there's no island better than Aruba for making friends. Start out swimming in the calm, translucent waves of Palm Beach, then head a little ways south to Eagle Beach and attempt some jet-skiing, paddle surfing or a dive to the Pedernales Wreck. There will be plenty of amiable, like-minded vacationers around to offer some pointers.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Aruba»
Why go: At many of the shores of St. Martin-St. Maarten, all you need are sunglasses and a smile -- ravishing Orient Bay and Cupecoy Beach are popular with nude sunbathers. Other beaches provide different spectacles. You can watch planes land at windy Maho Bay, or attend a bonfire party along Friar's Bay.
Why go: Bermuda is like the forgotten stepchild of the Caribbean. Maybe it's because it's so far away from its sisters, and because it's actually a subtropical -- not tropical -- island. But who can resist a pink beach? Make sure to vacation between May and September so that you can not only appreciate the coral shading of Horseshoe Bay and Elbow Beach's sands, but also to swim in the warmest water.
Read on: Top Things to Do in Bermuda»
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