Most Caribbean destinations boast stunning beaches with pure white sand and warm, clear water. Some are dotted with coconut palms while others have a backdrop of craggy cliffs. You can sunbathe, photograph the panoramic landscape, collect shells, or enjoy the crystal waters.
Caribbean island beaches are a truly distinct pleasure, particularly if you keep in mind the following:
Swimming is usually safe, but be aware of strong rip currents which are also referred to with the misnomer undertow.
Since only a few beaches have lifeguards, avoid swimming alone.
Sunscreen is a must in the sun-soaked Caribbean.
Be sure to drink plenty of fluids when sunning.
Most islands have at least one truly public beach with public access and public facilities, but beach facilities and access points associated with individual beach resorts are for resort guests only.
Brochure pictures may not always be accurate. As the price of the accommodation drops at a resort, so may the quality of the beach associated with the resort.
There are some Caribbean beaches where nudity is welcome, and other places where topless bathing is not permitted.
Part of the fun of visiting the Caribbean is exploring the region and stumbling upon a hidden gem or discovering your own special places that you'll want to visit again and again. To that end, you may want to find a beach that's off the beaten path or less well-known. The list of beaches in the Caribbean is seemingly endless, but the following recommendations will get you started on your journey of island discovery:
Antigua
The locals here say there is a beach for every day of the year. Two of the best known are Half Moon Bay and Dickenson Bay. Half Moon Bay gets its name from its crescent moon shape. It is part of a national park so there are plenty of outdoor activities for families including snorkeling and wind surfing. Dickenson Bay is also kid-friendly. Equipment for water sports is available for rental at both places.
Aruba
Aruba's Palm Beach is one that travel publications consistently name one of the 12 best beaches in the world for superior swimming and sailing conditions. Because of this, Palm Beach is the epicenter of Aruba's tourist industry. Crowds are to be expected, especially in the winter months.
Bahamas
People have flocked to this hot spot for years, largely because of its exciting beaches. Paradise Island (Nassau), once called Hog Island, has been developed into a major tourist area. You'll find a wide variety of shops, restaurants, water sport equipment rental facilities, and even a casino on the island. Arawak Cay and Adelaide Village are Nassau's more secluded alternatives. They're dotted with quaint, pastel-colored shacks and huts where the local artisans sell all manner of wares.
Barbados
The government of Barbados has mandated that all beaches provide public access, so you can sample the island's entire coastline if you wish. On the west coast of the island, also called the Gold Coast, you'll find spectacular white-sand beaches with calm, turquoise waters, top-notch snorkeling, and rental shops offering water skis and motor boats.
Cancun, Mexico
This never-ending Caribbbean coastline is mostly occupied by major resorts and hotels, but there are several public access points to the beach because it is technically government-owned. Most major hotels employ lifeguards for their corners of the beach. The shore facing the Bahia Mujeres on the windward side of the island is considered best for swimming because of calmer waters.
Guadeloupe
The beaches here are covered with white sand punctuated by rich colors like ocher and honey. You'll occasionally see black volcanic sand as well. Topless sunbathing is considered acceptable at most beaches on the island; with Pointe Tarare being the region's most well-known nude beach. Most public beaches in Guadeloupe have limited facilities.
Jamaica
The beaches of Jamaica are beautiful, but less conducive to family outings; at the Seven Mile Beach of Negril, you may even encounter nude sunbathers. The area offers numerous restaurants, water sports rental facilities, and other vendors.
Puerto Rico
Inviting Luquillo Beach is very popular with the locals (expect more crowds on the weekends) and public facilities are excellent here: you'll find campsites, lifeguards, parking lots and rest rooms. Rustic beach shacks are perfect for a picnic lunch. You can lounge beneath a shady coconut palm tree or try your hand at one of numerous water sports offerings.
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Trunk Bay is a favorite Caribbean cruise ship destination. Snorkelers also flock to this great diving spot because of the one-of-a-kind Underwater Snorkeling Trail. Here there is a 675 foot trail marked by 15 underwater plaques that describe the surrounding sea life. Trunk Bay has ample facilities including telephones, picnic spots, lockers for valuables storage, rest rooms, parking areas, and souvenir and snack shops. This gorgeous beach is an ideal place to snap postcard-quality photographs, and lifeguards are on duty, so swimming is safe. There is an admission fee of $4(USD) per person. Watch out for pickpockets! After a day at Trunk Bay, consider renting a Jeep and making your way to the more private Salt Pond Bay, St. John.
St. Thomas, U.S.Virgin Islands
Heart-shaped Magens Bay is consistently rated one of the world's top ten beaches. The public facilities are extensive at this family-friendly beach where you can bask in the calm waters or enjoy a scenic hike along the beach. Expect an admission fee of $4(USD) per person. Sapphire Beach of St. Thomas affords magnificent views of St. John and the British Virgin Islands across the Caribbean Sea; you'll also find plenty of water sports rental equipment there.
