Best beaches in the Caribbean: Exploring 14 islands

Aerial drone view of a beautiful Caribbean tropical island featuring white sandy beaches, turquoise water, lush palm trees and people enjoying the serene shoreline.

Soak up the sun on a stunning Caribbean island, surrounded by turquoise waters and swaying palm trees.

Picture this: sprawling out on pristine white sand as the turquoise waves wash over your feet, as you finally get some much-needed R&R. That picture-perfect paradise awaits you on a Caribbean beach. There are countless stretches of powdery sand and jaw-dropping views where you can sip a piña colada and soak in some rays — the trick is picking out which beaches are must-see spots. After all, the Caribbean is home to thousands of islands, and each one has anywhere from a dozen to hundreds of beaches.  

To help you narrow your choices, these are 14 of the best beaches in the Caribbean — all on different islands to help you map out your Caribbean beach itinerary.

Table of contents

1. Trunk Bay, St. John

Scenic view of Trunk Bay, St. John, featuring turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, lush greenery and small offshore islands under a bright blue sky.
Explore the crystal-clear waters and pristine white sands of Trunk Bay, St. John — perfect for snorkeling or soaking up the Caribbean sun.

Trunk Bay is one of the most photographed beaches in the Caribbean and one of the 7 Cruise Wonders of the World — and for good reason! It’s nearly a quarter mile of chalk-white sand, turquoise waters and swaying palm trees with rainbows of colorful fish surrounding the underwater reef. As soon as you step on this beach, you’ll see why it’s world-famous and protected within the Virgin Islands National Park. 

See this jaw-dropping beach with a Princess excursion that will take you from St. Thomas to the azure waters of St. John, so you can enjoy the afternoon on this unforgettable beach.

2. Magens Bay, St. Thomas

Aerial view of Magen's Bay Beach on St. Thomas, featuring turquoise waters, white sandy shoreline and lush green hillsides lined with palm trees.
Stroll along the pristine white sands of Magen's Bay Beach on St. Thomas, perfect for swimming and relaxing in tropical tranquility.

At almost a mile in length, Magens Bay is the most recognizable and most photographed beach on St. Thomas. Feel the world-famous soft sand between your toes and wade out into the shallows because even the ocean floor here is pillow-soft. See the entire bay stretch out beneath you when you visit with Princess and stop at Drake’s Seat. Legend has it that Sir Francis Drake climbed to this very vantage point to view his fleet — and today, you can see the picturesque water and stretches of white sand.

3. Maho Beach, St. Maarten

A jet airplane flying low over Maho Beach in St. Maarten, with people swimming and standing on the sandy shore beneath a bright blue sky.
Experience the thrill of watching low-flying airplanes soar just overhead as they land near Maho Beach in St. Maarten.

Feel the salty sea breeze on your skin and the rush of wind as a plane lands directly overhead. That’s right — Maho Beach is world-famous for its proximity to an airport runway and that’s part of what has turned it into a bucket list destination. On top of that, it has dazzling azure waters and pristine white sand that makes for a relaxing day at the beach in between plane landings. 

Check this beach off the list with Princess and explore the nearby towns of Philipsburg and Marigot. Both cities exude European charm and colorful architecture with stunning beach views.

4. Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman

Aerial view of Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach, featuring turquoise waters, coral reefs and a stretch of white sandy shoreline bordered by lush greenery and buildings.
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach, where white sands meet vibrant coral reefs in crystal-clear waters.

The name of this beach says it all: it’s nearly 7 miles long of snow-white beach and cerulean waves. Plenty of space to stretch out and relax, and nearly every stretch of the beach is equally stunning, so you can’t go wrong. See this beach on a Princess excursion and stop in at all of the best spots on Grand Cayman — including the infamous “Hell” post office where you can send your snail mail and have it postmarked from hell.

5. Kenepa Beach, Curacao

Kenepa Grandi Beach in Willemstad, Curaçao, featuring crystal-clear turquoise waters, a white sandy shoreline with umbrellas and lounge chairs, surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs.
Bask in the Caribbean sun at Kenepa Grandi Beach in Willemstad, Curaçao, where turquoise waters and soft sands create a tropical paradise.

Manta rays, sea turtles and coral reefs, oh my! Discover the vibrant underwater world that’s world-famous as a scuba diving and snorkeling paradise where you can spot eels, angelfish, Blue Tangs and octopus. The beach itself is protected between two outcropping rocks, so the water’s calm — perfect for a warm day out on the sand. It’s one of Princess’s top rated Southern Caribbean beach destinations.

6. Eagle Beach, Aruba

Aerial view of Eagle Beach in Aruba featuring turquoise waters, white sandy shores lined with thatched cabanas, vibrant resorts in the background and people enjoying water activities like swimming and jet skiing.
Lounge under thatched cabanas or take a thrilling jet ski ride along the crystal-clear waters of Eagle Beach in Aruba.

Eagle Beach is home to the legendary fofoti trees that always point to the sea — one of the iconic sites on Aruba. It’s also the widest beach on the island with plenty of chalky sand and cerulean crystal-clear waters: a recipe for the perfect Caribbean beach day. There’s also the wildlife: four species of sea turtles nest in Aruba, and most of their nests are on Eagle Beach. If you’re there in the spring, local families camp out on the beach to celebrate Easter week.

7. Governor’s Beach, Turks and Caicos

Crystal-clear turquoise waves gently rolling onto the sandy shoreline of Governor's Beach on Grand Turk under a blue sky with light clouds.
Feel the gentle waves lapping at the pristine shores of Governor's Beach on Grand Turk, perfect for relaxation and tranquility.

The satin-soft sand on this beach is made from crushed coral and broken-down shells, so depending on how new the top coat of sand is, Governor’s Beach often has a peach hue. It’s made from the colorful parrotfish that eat the coral from the nearby reef and excrete it as sand — see it happen in real-time by snorkeling. Or stretch out on the peach sand and catch some rays next to the clear waters. Visit this serene spot with a Princess excursion, and you can also see the governor’s mansion that the beach is named after.

8. Little Fryes Beach, Antigua

Caribbean beach scene featuring soft white sand, clear turquoise waters and a distant green hillside under a deep blue sky dotted with scattered white clouds.
Bask in the sun and enjoy a tranquil walk along the Caribbean shore in Antigua.

Antigua has a beach for every day of the year (365 in total!), but this one stands out from the crowd. It has clear shallow waters with long stretches of clean white sand, and it’s often one of the less populated beaches on the island. It’s the perfect place to set up your chair, sit under the coconut trees and sip a cool drink. Want to explore more? Hop over to the neighboring Ffryes Beach for more views and a few more miles of sand to relax on.

9. Pinney’s Beach, St. Kitts and Nevis

Sandy beach at Pinney’s Beach, Saint Kitts and Nevis, lined with blue umbrellas and lounge chairs. The turquoise ocean stretches to the horizon, with swimmers enjoying the water and distant islands visible under a partly cloudy blue sky.
Relax under vibrant blue umbrellas and enjoy the picturesque views of Pinney’s Beach in Nevis.

Saffron-colored sands, pelicans diving and four miles of paradise — that’s what you’ll find at Pinney’s Beach. It’s a spot you might recognize because it’s a common spot for photographers because of its deep blue waters and rich, warm sand. The beach is open 24/7, so come and stay awhile! On a Princess excursion to this beach, you’ll also get to snorkel in a cove on St. Kitts where you can spot sea fans, barrel sponges and black coral.

10. Brownes Beach, Barbados

 Aerial view of Carlisle Bay with Brownes Beach, central Bridgetown and the Cruise Port Terminal in the background.
Explore Brownes Beach and discover the bustling city of Bridgetown, Barbados.

Underneath these pristine waters are six shipwrecks, making it a snorkeler’s paradise. The crystal clear waters are perfect for an afternoon swim with small and gentle waves, and lifeguards are on-duty to keep beach-goers safe. So sit back, relax and enjoy this tropical paradise. Stop in at this beach and two other great spots on Barbados with this Princess excursion.

第 11 条VIVO Beach, Puerto Rico

View of a private beach at VIVO Beach, Puerto Rico.
Unwind in style at the exclusive private beach club at VIVO Beach, Puerto Rico.

Tired of the crowds? Visit this private beach club with Princess where you can have the day to relax on a beach at the the most exciting beach front entertainment complex in the Caribbean. VIVO Beach has warm golden sand, turquoise water and blue skies for miles. Relax in a lounge chair and order a tropical drink or a round of shrimp appetizers for the whole family. Splash in the sea or freshwater pools, and don’t forget your sunscreen!

第 12 条Doctor’s Cave, Jamaica

Scenic view of Doctor's Cave Beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica, featuring peach sand, turquoise waters and a backdrop of lush greenery under a sunny blue sky.
Swim in the crystal-clear waters and relax on the famous beach at Doctor’s Cave in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

The turquoise waters here aren’t just beautiful; legend has it that they have therapeutic qualities. But it isn’t just the healing waters that have been drawing crowds for 100 years. Doctor’s Cave Beach is also one of the most beautiful beaches in the area with pristine white sand and clear azure waters. People have wanted to take in the natural beauty of this beach for hundreds of years, but it used to only be accessible through a cave owned by a doctor until 1906 when it opened to the public.

Visit this must-see beach with Princess — and pitstop to swim with dolphins! 

13. Lac Bay, Bonaire

A single wild pink flamingo standing in shallow water surrounded by mangroves in Lac Bay, Bonaire, with a tranquil tropical backdrop under a sunny sky.
Spot a solitary wild pink flamingo amidst the serene mangrove forest of Lac Bay, Bonaire.

Lac Bay is home to three distinct species of mangrove tree and one of the Caribbean’s best-preserved mangrove forests. The stunning tropical waters are home to queen conchs, rays, seahorses and lobsters — and in the mangrove wetlands you can spot pink flamingos wading in the watering holes. There’s no better way to see all of this than a kayak trip with Princess

If windsurfing is on your bucket list, Lac Bay is a must-visit spot. It is world-renowned for its windsurfing conditions with limited boat traffic, shallow waters and steady trade winds — there’s never a better time to try the sport!

第 14 条Bávaro Beach, Dominican Republic

Aerial view of Bavaro Beach in the Dominican Republic, featuring white sand, turquoise waters and lush palm trees lining the shore.
Escape to paradise with a tropical beach getaway at Bavaro Beach in the Dominican Republic.

If you love a sunset beach stroll, there’s no better place to visit than Bávaro Beach. It’s nearly 30 miles long, so you can walk on pillowy white sand as far as the eye can see. The beach is lined with shops and restaurants where you can try the local specialties, including la bandera — a dish designed to look like the country’s flag. Bávaro Beach is also a hotspot for water sports and yacht parties because of the calm and clear waters.

Make the most of your Caribbean vacation

A large white cruise ship approaching a lush tropical island with several sailboats anchored in the turquoise bay below.
The Ruby Princess ship glides through crystal-clear Caribbean waters toward a verdant island paradise.

Ready to spend your days on warm, soft Caribbean sand? It’s time to book your dream vacation to the Caribbean. With unbeatable island excursions and a wide array of premier destinations, there’s no better way to see all your dream beaches than with Princess. Plan your Caribbean vacation!

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