Best beaches in the Caribbean
Many holiday-goers dream of the Caribbean’s tropical landscapes, palm-fringed bays, white sandy beaches, shallow reefs, and laid-back vibes. A sailing holiday in the Caribbean offers a combination of exploring the world’s best tropical beaches and discovering the unknown, with hidden gems throughout the coastlines.
The Caribbean has endless bucket-list-worthy destinations, featuring thousands of beaches, from pink sandy shores, snorkelling hotspots, romantic bays and iconic swimming destinations. With the Caribbean stretching from the southern tip of Florida to Venezuela, choose from many, including The Bahamas, BVI, Antigua, Belize, St Lucia, St Martin, Grenada and Martinique.
With thousands of Caribbean islands and beaches, we’ve compiled a guide to the best ones, perfect for exploring on your Caribbean yacht charter.
Which Caribbean island has the nicest beaches?
The Caribbean is a slice of heaven for beach enthusiasts with its diverse range of islands, from pink sandy shores to white-powdered paradise spots. Due to the diversity across the Caribbean, there’s so much to choose from and something to suit most preferences. From Pink Sandy Beach in the Bahamas or the secluded escape of Grand Anse Beach in Grenada to Sugar Beach in St Lucia, you’ve got many of the best beaches in the Caribbean to consider. Complete with soft sand and radiant sunshine, you’ll have a beach experience like no other.
Each island has its own unique beaches, coves and bays that you’ll fall in love with but the best beach for you will depend on a number of personal factors such as:
- Who you’re travelling with (e.g. families may prefer shallow beaches)
- Whether you want a sociable or private experience
- Do you prefer sandy or pebbled beaches?
- Do you have any access needs?
Which Caribbean island has the clearest water?
The clearest waters in the Caribbean can be found in The Bahamas, BVI, St Lucia, Aruba and the Cayman Islands.
The Caribbean offers a taste of paradise and is renowned for clear waters across many of its islands. With all islands boasting picturesque waters, there’s no need to plan your holiday around specific beaches to experience the true crystal blue the Caribbean has to offer.
Pink Sands Beach, The Bahamas
Paradise is all about pink sandy shores, and the iconic Pink Sands Beach in The Bahamas is renowned as a lush, 3-mile-long stretch of soft sands. The pale-pink hues are from foraminifera, microscopic coral insects whose shells mix with sand to create the pink colour, giving this beach the title of one of the most beautiful pink sand beaches in the world.
You’ll discover this stunning beach on Harbour Island to relax and soak up the views. As a hub for water activities and embracing the serenity, from swimming to horseback riding, it’s no wonder Pink Sand Beach made it on our best beaches in the Caribbean list. Whenever you choose to sail in the Bahamas, don’t forget to hire a kayak and catch the sunshine glimmering on the water as you paddle.
Pink Sand Beach has a relaxing atmosphere for families to enjoy the sands and waters. Whilst couples or groups of travellers who adore watersports can take part in the various water activities.
Start planning your Abacos yacht charter today by taking inspiration from our Bahamas sailing itinerary.
Hopkins Village Beach, Belize
As the cultural capital of the Garifuna people, Hopkins Beach is the heart of authentic experience in Belize. If a laid-back vibe and experiencing culture are your priority, Hopkins Beach is for you. Located 90 miles south of Belize City, Hopkins Beach is one of the best beaches in the country.
Hopkins Beach stretches along the entirety of the town with soft-white sands and warm waters. The attraction of this beach isn’t so much relaxing, it’s meeting locals and trying authentic food. You’re in the hub of a cultural paradise and families and couples can enjoy the thrill of exploration.
Build a quote and book your Belize sailing holiday today. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Sugar Beach, St Lucia
Avid snorkellers and divers will love Sugar Beach in St Lucia. Featuring the island’s most recognisable landmark, the Pitons, it’s a must visit on our list of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Boasting a mountainous backdrop and picture-worthy location, couples alike will adore this beach.
Those seeking privacy and quiet will thrive on Sugar Beach with an adult-only section. As the beach is owned by Sugar Beach Viceroy Resort, there’s a small fee to pay for beach access. Although, it’s worth it for serenity, seclusion and outstanding scenery.
The tranquil escape isn’t only suitable for romantic getaways. With its water activities and underwater world, there’s plenty to do for families. The incredible snorkelling and diving opportunities extend to 1,800 feet below the water’s edge. Think of all the diverse marine life. On land, families and couples have 100 acres of rainforest to explore and the Tet Paul Nature Trail hike. Adventurers can take a beach break to the next level.
Whatever you get up to during your blissful yacht charter, make sure you add Sugar Beach to your St Lucia sailing itinerary.
Grand Anse Beach, Grenada
The secluded Grand Anse Beach is next on our list of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Couples seeking privacy and a taste of adventure will adore the beach’s amenities. Set across two miles, appreciate the beautiful soft white sands, turquoise waters and beachside bars.
This beach in Grenada boasts plenty of activities to keep your adventurous spirit alive. Whether you’re keen to swim in the calm waters or snorkel with diverse marine life, its calm waters mean families with children can enjoy the beach. Whilst, couples can dabble in the adventurous watersports, such as diving or kayaking.
Perfect for honeymooners, the picturesque landscape has almond trees, sea grape trees and coconut palms. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a Winter escape, take a look at our Grenada sailing itinerary and start planning your idyllic adventure today.
Ffryes Beach, Antigua
Experience a laid-back atmosphere and the heart of Antiqua’s beach scene at Ffryes Beach. As a calm destination, we had to add it to our best beaches in the Caribbean list. Enjoy gentle sea breezes with little to no waves in the water, ideal for swimming, relaxing and soaking up the sun with a cocktail on these sands.
There are two beaches next to each other, Ffryes Beach and Little Ffryes Beach, both featuring gorgeous views of Antigua. Little Ffryes is slightly less populated if you’re seeking seclusion and privacy, whereas Ffryes Beach offers a more sociable experience which means they’re somewhere to suit everyone.
Have you fallen in love with the sound of Ffryes Beach? Add it to your Antigua sailing itinerary.
White Bay Beach, British Virgin Islands
White Bay Beach offers what it says on the tin: a beautiful stretch of white sand and gorgeous waters. Nestled in a lush jungle, this beach in the British Virgin Islands offers the perfect escape. Natural beauty and watersport experiences are the biggest attractions on the sands.
Experience the incredible snorkelling reefs for couples and families, whether you’re new to the waters or experts. Despite the somewhat quiet appeal, the beach has a lively atmosphere, especially as day turns to night with beachside bars.
Learn more about the best time to sail around the BVI, plan your BVI sailing itinerary and discover the heart of White Bay Beach.
Simpson Bay Beach, St Martin
Spend a day or two on Simpsons Bay for a taste of tranquillity. Whether you’re on your honeymoon or seeking privacy, Simpson Bay features a long stretch of sand. The St Martin beach has many silent corners for ultimate privacy. You can always find a slice of peace, even during peak periods.
Although quiet for a beach escape in the day, at night the bay comes alive. Simpson’s Bay offers the island’s main nightlife area, with famous restaurants and bars. Experience local flavours and drinks, immersing yourself in the Caribbean culture.
Dreaming of paradise? Build a quote and book your St Martin sailing holiday today.
Anse Couleuvre, Martinique
Last up on our list to the best beaches in the Caribbean, Anse Couleuvre is famous as one of the wildest beaches in Martinique. If your adventurous spirit wants to experience the wilder side of the Caribbean, this beach is for you.
Located in the uninhabited village of Le Prêcheur, Anse Couleuvre is a rare bay with black volcanic sand. Its secluded location means you can reach the beach through the village of Le Prêcheur.
Watersports are gold in Anse Couleuvre as a favourite spot for locals and travellers. Experience surfing, diving, snorkelling and what the best waves have to offer. Tucked away, the peaceful yet diverse oasis of marine life and natural elements is a must-visit.
Families with an adventurous edge or couples who love watersports will thrive on this beach. With few facilities, you’ll need to prepare to visit with food and snorkel gear for a day of exploration. Find the best places to snorkle in Martinique in our handy guide.
The dramatic landscape of cliffs and tropical trees will leave you wowed. Plus, the low-key knowledge of this beach makes it a peaceful escape. Uncover the treasures of Martinique on a relaxing sailing charter. Build a quote and add Anse Couleuvre to your Martinique sailing itinerary today.
Explore the best beaches in the Caribbean with Sunsail
Contact our team today to book a sailing holiday to the Caribbean. Whether planning to sail independently and explore the wonders of St Lucia or relax on a beach in Martinique, our yacht charters cover every type of holiday. We have various yacht bases across the Caribbean to see what paradise holidays are all about, including Antigua, The Bahamas, Belize, BVI, Grenada and St Martin.
Enjoy the freedom of a bareboat charter or enjoy a stress-free experience with a skippered charter, we’re here to help organise your dream sailing holiday.
Contributor
isabelcoltham
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