12 Must-Visit Beaches in the Caribbean for Your Bucket List
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Take a vacation in the Caribbean; beautiful beaches are pretty much a dead cert. But if you want to find the most breathtaking of all, you need this guide. Here are the best coastal stretches on a dozen islands so you can decide which belongs on your bucket list.
Eagle Beach, Aruba
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Aruba’s Eagle Beach is distinctive due to its iconic Fofoti trees dotted across the pristine white sand. This beach provides great photo opportunities, plenty of shade thanks to the trees, and even sea turtle nesting in season. You can also sample various water sports at Eagle Beach.
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Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas
The color of the sand at this beach in the Bahamas must be seen to be believed. Coming from crushed shells, the three-mile stretch is also a popular sunset spot. You can find this beach on the eastern side of Harbour Island. There are bars at the upscale resorts, and you can also swim, kayak, or ride a horse at Pink Sands Beach.
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Maho Beach, St. Martin
No keen – or even casual – plane spotter can possibly miss Maho Beach in St. Martin. It’s known for low-flying planes as they approach or depart from the island’s airport. Seeing the aircraft at such close quarters is a thrill, and there’s also a crescent of soft, golden sand to relax on while you watch.
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Shoal Bay, Anguilla
Shoal Bay in Anguilla offers picture-perfect white sands, cyan waters, and a range of water sports. Collecting shells, swimming in the ocean, and simply kicking back are all popular pastimes here. If you get lucky, you might even spot a pod of dolphins frolicking around in the ocean.
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Bathsheba Beach, Barbados
Breathtaking Bathsheba Beach in Barbados stands out because of its giant boulders. Dotting the shoreline, they provide the perfect contrast to the pink-gold sands and cerulean waters. This beautiful beach is also a favored surfing destination.
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Trunk Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands
Located in St. John’s, Trunk Bay offers a self-guided snorkeling trail to discover the rich marine life here. It’s the island’s most photographed and popular beach. Lapped by azure water, the white sandy bay is also incredibly picturesque.
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Varadero Beach, Cuba
You can do as little or as much as you like at Varadero Beach in Cuba. Sit back, unwind on the powdery white sand, or try watersports. There are also places to pick up a cocktail made from Cuban rum, plus a beach volleyball net here.
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Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
Grace Bay offers a pristine sweep of bone-white sand and some of the cleanest water in the Caribbean. But the real draw is the offshore reef around a mile from land, which is one of the largest in the world. You can also try water sports at Grace Bay, and the calm, protected waters are perfect for families with children.
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Cockleshell Bay, St. Kitts and Nevis
Cockleshell Bay offers the quintessential Caribbean beach experience, complete with conch fritters and colorful cocktails. The beach is the most southerly on St. Kitts and also offers water taxi services to Nevis. Whether you sunbathe while taking in the views or snorkel to discover underwater life, this is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
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Grand Anse Beach, Grenada
Peaceful, sun-drenched Grand Anse Beach in Grenada is perfect for an idyllic Caribbean escape. If you’re visiting the Spice Island, don’t miss this two-mile stretch of golden sand and turquoise water. Plenty of palm trees provide shade and some pleasant low-rise hotels nearby.
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Ffryes Beach, Antigua
Ffryes Beach in Antigua is one of the Leeward Islands’ best beaches, yet is easy to reach from the Antiguan capital. It’s popular for water sports, and while skimming over the ocean’s surface, you can also enjoy magnificent views. Whether you laze on the sand or get active, the fertile green hills provide an amazing backdrop.
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Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Previously awarded the title of Caribbean’s Best Beach, Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman offers a long, curving sweep of pristine white sand. The crystal clear water makes it the perfect playground for snorkelers and scuba divers. Sports like parasailing and paddle boarding are also popular.
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