It’s no secret that most travelers visit the Caribbean because of its stunning beaches, and idyllic postcard-like settings are not hard to find at all. There is an attractive stretch of sand everywhere you look.
However, when it comes to planning your getaway to this exotic paradise and picking the best destination, it might not be as easy.
To make outlining your itinerary as effortless as possible, we have rounded up the 7 most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean to visit this year. No matter what your preferences are, you can’t go wrong with any of our choices.
Grote Knip Beach, Curaçao
Curaçao boasts many splendid beaches. However, a lot of them are often quite busy and touristy. Not Grote Knip though. At this beach, you won’t find the western type of beach bars or fancy sun beds. Instead, you can emerge fully in the authentic Caribbean experience. Along with locals, who also often relax at Grote Knip.
Its water is bright blue, and the swimming conditions are just fantastic. You can also drift for snorkeling to the nearby coral reefs. What’s more, the beach is surrounded by rocky cliffs from which you can dive into the water. Of yours, only if you dare to (but be careful).
Even though Grote Knip is more secluded than other beaches and doesn’t feature many facilities, don’t worry that you will be left hungry. Local vendors often visit the beach and offer Curaçaoan treats and refreshing coconut water.
Eagle Beach, Aruba
Aruba is a charmer. Its beaches? Out of this world. Eagle Beach is simply a must. Not only because it’s often ranked among the best beaches in the world but it also has plenty of activities to offer to its visitors.
Apart from tanning by the iconic Divi Divi trees, chilling, and swimming, you can enjoy kayaking, sailing, and other watersports. Thanks to the clear water and rich marine life, it’s also perfect for snorkeling.
What’s more, Eagle Beach is a nesting and hatching point for sea turtles. Come at night and you might be a witness to this natural spectacle.
Surprisingly, even though it‘s a popular spot to visit, it doesn’t get as crowded as other beaches on the island. Therefore, it’s a go-to for those looking to spend their holiday in peace.
Bávaro Beach, Dominican Republic
If you’re looking for a truly indulging holiday destination where you can just relax and let anyone else take care of everything, Bávaro Beach is the spot.
It’s nestled in the famous Punta Cana and stretches over 30 miles of shore, which is lined with 5-star hotels and resorts.
Get lost in the powdery sand while strolling down the beach and forget about your everyday problems. If you like to spend your time a bit more actively, you can engage in snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, jet skiing, or take a boat tour.
Another thing you can do at Bávaro Beach is golfing. There are plenty of spectacular golf courses around Punta Cana with even better ocean views.
Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres
For those searching to enjoy the Yucatan Peninsula with fewer crowds and loud parties, consider visiting Isla Mujeres. This splendid island is set just off the shores of Cancun and offers amazing beaches.
Playa Norte is particularly renowned for its calm and shallow water, which makes it a perfect place with families with small children and inexperienced swimmers.
However, swimming isn’t the only thing you can do there. You can grab a drink at one of the bars, rent a sun lounger and relax, play beach volleyball, snorkel, kayak, or take a boat tour to Tortugranja – a cute turtle farm.
If you’re staying in Cancun, you can take a day trip there – it’s easily reachable by ferry. On the other hand, if you feel like spending more than a day on the island, there are various accommodation options right at Playa Norte.
Playa Varadero, Cuba
With more than 13 miles of soft sand, turquoise water, and an idyllic tropical setting, visiting Varadero is simply to die for.
Bask in the sun, snorkel, dive, or swim with dolphins, there is plenty to do. On top of that, you will have a chance to meet and chat with locals – they love their tourists here and are very friendly.
But it’s not just the beach and its people that make this place special. Don’t skip a visit to the town itself. It boasts interesting museums, shops, dance shows, and a dolphinarium.
Vacationing at Playa Varadero is truly a magical experience. And if you’re planning to spend more than a day there, the shore is full of all-inclusive resorts to choose from.
They all have great facilities, including fine dining options, water sports rentals, and entertainment. And compared to other paradise-like destinations, they’re still relatively affordable.
Pinel Island, Saint Martin
Set just a stone’s throw away from the North shore of the French side of Saint Martin, Pinel Island is a true oasis on Earth.
It boasts white sand beaches, pristine water, and a secluded atmosphere. There is also lush natural beauty just waiting to be explored.
Several hiking trails will take you through it. Pinel isn’t very hilly, so the hikes are easy. Yet, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the ocean and the surrounding landscapes.
Then, you can wind down in one of the two island restaurants serving Caribbean specialties, freshly caught seafood, and fantastic drinks. Day drinking is allowed in this case.
Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos
A list of the best beaches in the Caribbean wouldn’t be complete without Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos. It offers everything you’d expect from a tropical beach destination, including pristine water, a wide stretch of powdery white sand, and exclusive resorts with panoramic views of the ocean. What makes it truly unique, though, is the exquisite coral reefs.
You can easily snorkel off to the Bight Reef, the most popular as well as accessible snorkeling spot in Grace Bay. It boasts vibrant corals, fish, turtles, stingrays, lobsters, and much more. Other reefs are worth exploring too, but as they sit a bit further from the shore, you need to take a cruise boat.
Grace Bay Beach is also renowned for breathtaking sunsets. The best spot to watch it is from a deck of one of the beach restaurants. You can also take a sunset cruise – it‘s actually one of the top things you can do there.
