The Caribbean is known for having the best beaches in the world, and it's no surprise why.
Home to miles upon miles of sandy shorelines, warm waters and stunning backdrops, there's a beach for every traveler type—whether you're looking for a relaxing hideaway, buzzing beach bars, or an abundance of water sports.
Here are a dozen Caribbean beaches you simply must visit:
Punta Uva, Costa Rica
Turquoise waters, golden sand and lush palm trees make Costa Rica's Punta Uva a must-visit. Close to the hustle and bustle of Puerto Viejo, its tranquil vibes create the perfect escape after an evening of dining, dancing, and other amazing nightlife activities.
Darkwood Beach, Antigua
Nestled on the southwest coast of Antigua, Darkwood Beach is a local favorite. With its calming, white sand, comfortable rental chairs, and famous rum punch, visitors have a hard time leaving!
Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
Well known for its beauty (it's a perennial on "best" Caribbean beaches lists), this 5.5-mile stretch boasts translucent waters, gorgeous coral sand, and plenty of sunlight.
Shoal Bay, Anguilla
With 33 beaches to choose from along the 16-mile stretch of breathtaking island, Shoal Bay is one of the more popular choices. This must-visit paradise is home to powdery white sand, and dotted with many amazing bars, restaurants and resorts, as well as host to plenty of water sport rentals for adventurous visitors.
The Baths, British Virgin Islands
The Baths is a national park and renowned geological wonder, replete with stunning granite boulders lining the shores and natural sea coves for adventurists to explore. Swim in its clear, blue-green waters, or spend the day hiking and climbing to picture-perfect backdrops such as Devil's Bay—you'll fall in love over and over again.
Englishman's Bay, Tobago
Tucked into the edge of a rainforest, Englishman's Bay is the hidden gem of Tobago. Surrounded by towering palm trees, crystal-clear waters and white sand, this remote beach hasn't been hit by mass tourism yet, so amenities are limited. That's the beauty of it: unplugging and soaking it all in, uninterrupted.
Playa Rincon, Dominican Republic
This remote tropical oasis is undeveloped, and in turn, has a certain charm that well-known beaches just don't possess. Huge palm trees line the shore, and a small restaurant and some food shacks offer plenty of nourishment for swimmers returning from an unforgettable day among the inviting waves.
Colombier Beach, St. Barts
There's something especially exhilarating about visiting beaches that aren't as easily accessible to the public. This extraordinary beauty needs to be hiked to, by way of an old goat path. (Yes, you read that correctly.) After 30 minutes of enjoying its breathtaking natural scenery, you'll arrive at a remote crescent of untouched sand—perfect for those craving exploration and privacy.
Eagle Beach, Aruba
A beach for the entire family, Eagle Beach is buzzing with things to do. Camping and picnics are well-known methods of enjoying this location, with a diversity of food vendors, concession stores, umbrellas and chair rentals, all along the coast.
Half Moon Caye, Belize
It's hard not to fall in love with Half Moon Caye. This crescent-shaped, white sand beach is sprinkled with coconut palm trees and home to a protected turtle-nesting site. The other half hosts a forest and red-footed booby sanctuary. This large, majestic seabird is but one of the many exotic creatures that call Half Moon Caye home. Once you're done sunbathing and swimming in its heavenly blue waters, hike over to an observation tower for even more bird watching.
Sainte Anne Beach, Guadeloupe
Sainte Anne Beach's many trees provide visitors with natural shade after a long morning of bathing amid the warm glow of the Caribbean sun. Its shallow waters offer safe swimming for the kids, and since Sainte Anne is a bustling fishing town, the seafood is simply out of this world!
Grand Anse, Grenada
This 2-mile stretch of white sand beach lures divers from across the globe. As one of the the most picturesque beaches in Grenada, it's easy to get swept away by its gorgeous natural beauty and welcoming, relaxing vibe.
