The 10 Best Beaches in the Caribbean for 2019

The Caribbean is one of the most beautiful areas in the world, and it’s highly accessible by airplane or boat. With such clean, clear water and soft, white sand, the Caribbean has some of the best beaches in the entire world. It’s no wonder that so many vacationers choose the Caribbean as their number 1 getaway location! Nevertheless, there are so many great beaches, so choosing which ones to visit can get a bit tricky! So, in order to make things a little easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best Caribbean beaches in 2019:

1. Grace Bay Beach, Turks & Caicos

Having already won first place on TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards list for the best beaches in the world, Grace Bay Beach is sure to win a place in your heart, too. Photos of its sandy shores and sparkling waters look almost too good to not be photoshopped– but we promise they aren’t!

Measuring 12 miles long, Grace Bay Beach can’t be beat for its elegance and cleanliness. It features tranquil, warm water that is perfect for relaxing floating or swimming. It’s also family-friendly and an ideal place for practicing most water sports. To find this amazing beach, you’ll need to plan a trip to the island of Providenciales in the country of Turks & Caicos.

2. Darkwood Beach, Antigua

The mysterious feel of the name of this beach in Antigua is spot-on– while there, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from another world. It’s a world in which noisy shops and high-rise hotels don’t exist– it’s just you, the waves, and the sand.

Darkwood Beach is a secluded escape from reality– only a few scattered umbrellas, beach chairs, and some restroom facilities will remind you that humanity still lives nearby.

Although, there’s one interesting exception– a water park floats offshore for the kids. That will make them want to go back! As for you, your favorite part will probably be the spectacular views. And the occasional whale sighting, since some of these majestic creatures have been seen swimming not too far off shore.

Darkwood Beach, Antigua. (Photo Credit: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority)

3. Cas Abao Beach, Curacao

Cas Abao Beach is one of Curacao’s best kept secrets. This hidden treasure in Banda Abou is seldom crowded, but perfectly populated with colorful tropical fish. So, grab your snorkeling gear and head to the Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao!

4. Eagle Beach, Aruba

Eagle Beach is the perfect place to take a sunset snap of the shadowy, twisting trees that hover over the tranquil waters of the Caribbean Sea. Located in Oranjestad, Aruba, this popular beach has been a longtime favorite with locals and travelers alike. It is also known for being home to colorful parakeets and sea turtles.

5. Maho Beach, St. John

This quiet beach on St. John in the US Virgin Islands is one of the best places in the Caribbean to find great snorkeling right off the beach. If you go, you’ll also have the amazing opportunity to swim with friendly sea turtles.

Keep in mind that the beach is one of the furthest away from the city of Cruz Bay, but we think our marine friend in the photo below would tell you that it’s definitely worth the trip.

A traveler snaps a shot with a turtle, in this picture shared at TripAdvisor.com

6. Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia

Reaching this beach is a bit difficult, because it’s largely monopolized by the Jade Mountain Resort. However, it’s possible to get there by water taxi. You won’t soon forget the imposing jagged peaks that loom in the background, and the stunning contrast of the forest green landscape with the turquoise and deep-blue waters.

Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia (Photo Credit: TripAdvisor)

7. The Baths (Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands)

Giant boulders, also known as batholiths, form a breathtaking grotto in which swimmers can relax in calm waters. However, there is much more to do there than just swim. You can spend the entire day exploring the rocks, tunnels, and caves. Snorkeling in the reef near the boulders is normally excellent. You’ll find the Baths on the island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands.

The Baths. Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands. (Photo Credit: Shutterstock)

8. Coco Plum Beach, Great Exuma, the Bahamas

This Bahamian beach is said to be the best on the island of Great Exuma. That’s saying a lot, because all of the beaches on Great Exuma are fabulous (you can even find friendly swimming pigs on one). It has shallow water even at high tide, and is more secluded and private than most beaches on the island.

Although it features few amenities, Coco Plum Beach has two sets of swings built right into the water. Now that’s an instagram-worthy photo if we ever saw one.

Coco Plum Beach, Great Exuma. (Photo Credit: TripAdvisor)

9. Cupecoy Bay Beach, Sint Maarten

With a rocky coast and mysterious caves, Cupecoy Bay is the perfect beach for explorers and lovers. It’s one of the most unique beaches in the Caribbean– but beware– it’s also clothing-optional!

Go ahead and bring your snorkeling gear, as this beach is home to many colorful sea creatures, like tropical fish and sea urchins. However, be aware that you may need water shoes for comfort while traversing the rocks.

A tiny cove at Cupecoy Bay Beach. (Source: TripAdvisor)

10. Shoal Bay, Anguilla

The island country of Anguilla has at least 33 incredible beaches, and Shoal Bay is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. You won’t be able to resist sinking your toes into the white sand you’ll find there. There are nearly two miles of that powdery goodness– and you might have almost all of it to yourself.

Another why Shoal Bay makes our list is because of its incredible snorkeling! You’ll want to spend the entire day swimming through schools of tropical fish, which can be clearly seen in the extremely clear water. It also offers incredible sunset views and soft sand– the perfect combination for a lovely walk on the beach with your significant other or friend.