10 Startlingly Beautiful Photos of the Caribbean Islands

The Caribbean can be a strange, mystical place. You might think that intensely beautiful photos of beaches and jungles can only be taken in “more exotic” countries like, say, Bora Bora or Bali. (But really, what exactly qualifies an island as “exotic”?) Nevertheless, the Caribbean islands offer spectacular insta-worthy shots that can certainly compete with the ones taken in the South Pacific.

There’s no need to save up for a trip to far-flung Fiji when there are some incredibly breathtaking sights to see right here in the Caribbean. Take a look at some of these shockingly awesome photos to see what we mean…

1. Volcanic peaks

No, this isn’t a snapshot of a yoga retreat in Sri Lanka. Those distinctive peaks in the background belong to Saint Lucia, a Caribbean country. They’re called the Pitons, and when seen up close, they look totally unreal. You can find these volcanic mountains on the southwest corner of the island.

2. Cacti on a Caribbean cliff

Take a good, hard look at the edge of this cliff in Curacao, and you’ll see a cluster of cacti. What are they doing in a Caribbean country, you might ask? That’s just one of the mysteries of this magically diverse region of the world.

3. Could the water look any clearer?

Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos — Photo credit: Bored Panda

This picture was snapped at Grace Bay Beach in Turks & Caicos, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. In addition, users of the website “Trip Advisor” ranked Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, as the number one beach in the entire world! And that’s no surprise, considering the fact that not only does Grace Bay excel in cleanliness and sand quality, but it also has uncommon turquoise-colored water.

4. A snapshot from a dream…

Photo Credits: Amanda Clement/ Getty Images

This picture looks like something you’d dream up while getting some shut-eye, but you can see it while wide awake in Anguilla. It’s a birds-eye view of Sandy Ground Beach, a popular tourist spot. It’s also Anguilla’s main harbor. Lined by restaurants like Johnno’s Beach Stop, Elvis’ Beach Bar and The Pumphouse, there’s always something going on at Sandy Ground. You can relax to some jazz tunes on Sundays at Johnno’s, or get your groove on at Elvis’ Beach Bar.

5. Where in the world is this?

where is Belize — What exactly are we looking at here?

If you guessed that this strange ocean sight lies in Pacific or Indian waters, you’d be way off. This intensely blue ocean circle ringed by coral reefs is located right here in the Caribbean Sea. Often called the Belize Blue Hole or the Great Blue Hole, this incredible natural wonder is actually a giant marine sinkhole. You can take a helicopter, airplane, or hot-air balloon tour to see it from above, or take a diving trip into its depths. Or, you can snorkel around the shallower coral-filled waters that surround it. It’s one of the many amazing sites that make Belize a must-visit location.

6. NOT photoshopped

A plane flying extremely low over a beach? It looks like this picture could be doctored, but it’s not. And if you head over to Maho beach on the Caribbean island of St. Martin, you can see a similar site for yourself. Located in close proximity to Princess Juliana International Airport, this tourist hot-spot is great for insta-ready shots. However, Maho Beach isn’t so good for relaxation. With planes approaching and landing constantly, it’s definitely one of the planet’s noisiest beaches.

7. A sunset view

This aerial view of Aruba at sunset is just one reason why the tiny island country is popular with tourists who want the best paradise experience. The island is known for its relaxed vibe and luxury accomodations. Once you visit, you’ll enjoy it so much that you’ll just have to go back. In fact, this country’s nickname is “One Happy Island”.

8. Set Sail

No, this isn’t a painting. It’s an actual photo taken by Jason and Nikki Wynn, sailing enthusiasts who have spent a great deal of time in the Bahamas. In fact, they live a sailing lifestyle, which allows them to take these kinds of shots on a daily basis. With over 700 islands and 2,000 cayes to explore, the Bahamas offers limitless excitement and adventure.

9. Is that ice?

These waves are so clear, they almost look like an ice sculpture. But no, they are the warm free-flowing crystal waters that surround the luxurious island of St. Barths. This tiny country is a bit hit with celebrities, due to the large quantity of secluded beaches and hidden luxury villas. Also known as St. Barthelemy, St. Barth, or St. Barts, this paradise-on-earth is the perfect place to spend your next quiet, peaceful vacation.

10. A Pink Ocean?

What you’re looking at here is actually the Caribbean Sea on the left, and the pink Cargill salt pans on the right, located on the beautiful island of Bonaire. Although perhaps it’s one of the lesser-known Caribbean islands, Bonaire is one of the most unique. Not only does it stand out because of photos like this one, but it’s also replete with reefs and marine life that have earned it the title of “diver’s paradise”.

Believe it or not, it IS everyday that you can get photos of the Caribbean like these. The Caribbean has practically perpetual good weather, and the scenery naturally lends itself to great photography. However, there’s nothing like seeing these amazing sights with your own eyes, instead of through a camera’s lens. Here are some other articles you may enjoy in order to help you choose the Caribbean island that’s right for you!