The Rebel Chick

  • Food
  • Recipe Index
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • About
  • Home
  • Parenting
  • Shopping
  • Style
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Beauty
  • Entertainment
  • Shopping
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipe Index
    • Lifestyle
    • Travel
    • Beauty
    • Entertainment
    • Shopping
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    • 5 $35 And Under Mother's Day Wellness Gift Ideas
      5 $35 And Under Mother's Day Wellness Gift Ideas
    • sedona rockface
      Where to Travel in May 2025
    • Educational Travel Destinations for Families
      Educational Travel Destinations for Families
    • 10 Favorite Red White and Blue Recipes for Summer
      10 Favorite Red White and Blue Recipes for Summer
    • Barbecue Chicken Flatbread
      Barbecue Chicken Flatbread
    • 3 Cheese Macaroni and Cheese
      3 Cheese Macaroni and Cheese
    • Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole topped with melted cheese
      Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole
    • Mediterranean Flatbread
      Mediterranean Flatbread
    • The Best Gifts for Pet Lovers for National Pet Parents Day
    • two hikers throwing their walking sticks into the air in front of mountains
      Why Hiking Is the Perfect Stress Relief Getaway
    • Organic Body Care being used on hands
      5 Everyday Rituals Made Better with Organic Body Care
    • What Healthy People Do Differently and How to Make It Work for You
    Home » Travel

    The Best Beaches of the Caribbean

    Published: Apr 17, 2015 · Modified: Nov 2, 2024 by Jennifer · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    21419 shares

    Although I live in Miami, some of my favorite beaches are found in the Caribbean. Some are easily accessible by a short plane ride and sit in front of posh hotels. Some are free, public beaches with plenty of parking.

    Other beaches are only accessible by cruise line. I had three things in mind when compiling my "The Best Beaches of the Caribbean" list: the beauty of the location, the activities available and, of course...the quality of the sand and water!

    The Best Beaches of the Caribbean

    The Best Beaches of the Caribbean
    #SponsoredbyCarnival

    Knip Beach, Curacao

    Playa Kenepa Grandi in Curacao, or "Big Knip Beach," is one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen (in the Caribbean and beyond).


     

    Nestled in the east end hills of the Netherland Antilles, this tiny but bustling island is the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling!

    The Best Beaches of the Caribbean - Big Knipp Beach in Curacao

    I caught my first glimpse of Big Knip when my cruise on the Carnival Freedom stopped in the port in 2014, and I've been obsessed with it ever since! 

    We're talking the ideal beach: white, smooth sand, crystal clear water, and a quiet atmosphere that's perfect for relaxation. There's a nearby reef that is a great spot for snorkeling, but it is quite a swim and should only be attempted by very strong swimmers.

    Don't worry, there are plenty of spots to snorkel right around the beach itself!

    The Best Beaches of the Caribbean

    Check out these other travel related posts that I have shared over the years that are just perfect for your next vacation. They are all places that I have visited over the years, either with family, friends, or even solo!

    I think you will love them all! Of course, this is just a small selection of the travel destinations that I adore, but we have LOTS and lots of travel articles on the blog that are perfect for your summer celebrations – just type “travel” or “Caribbean” into the search bar on the right hand side of the screen and they will pop up for you!


     

    • 7 Reasons Why You Should Go Snorkeling in Curacao 
    • Exploring the Other Side of the Caribbean 
    • Top 5 Beaches in the Dominican Republic
    • 5 Reasons to Visit Punta Cana
    • the beautiful beaches of Curacao
    • Things to Do in Miami Before and After You Cruise 

    Those gorgeous tiki huts you see? They're free! But be warned – they're also first come, first serve, and the beach is very popular with the locals. So visit early for a better chance to snag one for yourself!

    The Best Beaches of the Caribbean - Big Knipp Beach in Curacao

    Maracas Bay Beach, Trinidad 

    Guys, this beach is one of the most serene beaches you'll ever come across. It's tucked away in the tiny fishing village of Maracas Bay.

    You MIGHT pass 20 houses on your way there. We arrived on a rainy day, and after we parked our car and made our way down to the beach, what I found kind of took my breath away.

    The Best Beaches of the Caribbean - Maracas Bay Beach in Trinidad

    Despite the rain, people were on the beach, splashing in the waves and lying on the sand. Maracas Bay is in a mountainous area, and when the fog rolls in you think you've died and gone to heaven!

    The Best Beaches of the Caribbean - Maracas Bay Beach in Trinidad

    Bring some cash along, because you'll find the famous "Shark and Bake" (a fried shark sandwich exclusive to Trinidad, and the very best are said to be found in Maracas Bay!) stands, and very inexpensive turquoise jewelry right across the street. 

    I love to buy jewelry when I visit the Caribbean. You'll often find that you can get precious stones, like turquoise, at much less expensive rates than you can here in the states.

    LOOKING FOR MORE CARIBBEAN TRAVEL-RELATED ARTICLES?

    • Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Jamaica 
    • See a Different Side of Punta Cana with a Zipline Tour
    • El San Juan Resort and Casino in Puerto Rico
    • The Lap of Luxury at the St Kitts Marriott Resort and Casino

    Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

    Why do I love Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas so very much?

    This is why:

    The Best Beaches of the Caribbean - Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas

    Beaches are like snowflakes – no two are the same. Like Big Knip, some of the best beaches of the Caribbean offer picturesque views, white sandy beaches, or waters teeming with tropical fish. Others offer a surreal sense of isolation and escapism. Half Moon Cay has it all!

    Half Moon Cay is unlike any other beach I've been to. Not only does it have some of the most beautiful water in the Bahamas (so clear that you don't even need to wear a snorkeling mask to see the school of fish swimming between your legs, and the softest white sandy beaches on Earth), but it's only accessible by Carnival Cruise Lines.

    Whenever I am at this particular port of call, I feel like a member of an exclusive beach-going club.

    The Best Beaches of the Caribbean - Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas

    Cancun, Mexico

    Why not enjoy some of the most pristine beaches in the world while on vacation in Mexico?

    Just make sure to arrange a rental with Cancun Car Rental, so that you can go explore the nearby beaches.

    The Best Beaches of the Caribbean

    You will enjoy a dizzying array of silver sands to choose from during your stay, with options ranging from free public beaches in Playa Del Carmen to private excursions to Isla Contoy!

    You can also rent the Moana Catamaran in Cancun for an amazing experience out on the water!

    The Best Beaches of the Caribbean

    While the popular beaches of the Maya Riviera are certainly worth a look, never forget that there are other areas of the coastline that are decidedly more secluded.

    These can include Half-Moon Bay, Playa del Carmen and the private getaway island of Isla Mujeres (Island of the Women).

    3 Must-do Things In Cancun, Mexico

    Needham's Point Beach, Barbados 

    Every beach in Barbados is lovely, including the Crane Beach, which has been voted one of the best beaches in the world in years past. But I've visited the Crane twice, and both times I was disappointed to find the pink sand beach entirely covered in kelp (which did not make for a very nice beach-going experience). So my pick in Barbados is Needham's Point Beach.

    Needham's Point Beach is a free, public beach that is easily accessible in Georgetown, Barbados. If you're visiting on a cruise, it's the perfect place to spend an afternoon while you're in port.

    The Best Beaches of the Caribbean - Needham's Point Beach in Barbados

    The water is warm, the waves are perfect for surfing, and the sand is so soft that you'll want to take your sandals off and never wear them again!

    The Best Beaches of the Caribbean - Needham's Point Beach in Barbados

    That's right, there is surfing in Barbados! You can sign up for lessons right there on the beach, or bring along a boogie board and ride the waves without instruction.

    The water is shallow so far out that you can take the kids splashing in the surf without worrying about it being too deep. This is always nice when traveling with the little ones!

    While you're there, try a Bajan fish cake! You can't get any more authentic than fresh Bajan fish cakes right on the beach!

    The Best Beaches of the Caribbean

    Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 

    I've been to a few different areas of the Dominican Republic, and each time I step foot on a new beach there, I silently wish that I could live there year-round. Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana stretches for miles, offering soft sand and gorgeous blue-green water perfect for splashing, or gazing into...

    I tell you, the sound of the waves crashing and gently rolling onto the shoreline is enough to put you into a hypnotic state!

    The Best Beaches of the Caribbean - Punta Cana in Dominican Republic

    One of the things I love about the beaches in Punta Cana is they're perfect for lovers or families.

    There are water sports available, and body surfing is definitely an option.

    The water rolls gently onto the shore after the break and creates a very relaxed shoreline, perfect for children to build sand castles in!

    The Best Beaches of the Caribbean - Punta Cana in Dominican Republic

    Bayahibe Beach, Dominican Republic

    Sometimes we want to just lie on a beautiful beach and relax, and that's what I really look for in the best beaches of the Caribbean.

    But sometimes, just sometimes, you want an energy-charged, super fun beach experience. And that's exactly what you'll find on Bayahibe Beach in the Dominican Republic.

    The Best Beaches of the Caribbean

    Of course, you'll find a beautiful beach, but it's everything else that sets Bayahibe Beach apart: the plethora of lounge chairs, the palm trees providing ample shade, waiters serving up tropical cocktails right on the sand, and maybe even a roasted pig buffet for lunch!

    Bayahibe Beach, Dominican Republic

    The beach offers mild waters perfect for a leisurely swim, but there are water sports available as well...if you can drag yourself away from the free fresh coconut drinks!

    The Best Beaches of the Caribbean

    Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos

    If you've never been to Turks and Caicos...you are missing out! Some of the best snorkeling excursions I've done has been in Turks and Caicos, however, you don't need to wander far to have the time of your life!

    The Best Beaches of the Caribbean - Grand Turk, Turk and Caicos

    In the cruise port at Turks and Caicos, you'll find a beautiful beach, and also lots of fun shopping at the port, including a Duty Free store and shops where you can buy local crafts, jewelry and clothing!

    The Best Beaches of the Caribbean - Grand Turk, Turk and Caicos

    If you are looking for a little break from the beach (which I don't understand, but I'm sure happens to some people), you can always step off the beach and hang out in the port center where there is an awesome free pool, grab a bite to eat or a cocktail, or check out the surfing simulator!

    The Best Beaches of the Caribbean

    Now I realize that this list of the best beaches of the Caribbean is completely subjective...so tell me, what's your favorite beach?

    The Best Beaches of the Caribbean

    This post was created for Away We Go with Carnival, the destination for getting in the getaway state of mind. Head on over.

    More CHECK OUT OUR CATALOG ON TRAVEL ON THE REBEL CHICK!

    • Discover the Best of Italy: Top Attractions and Must-Do Experiences
      Discover the Best of Italy: Top Attractions and Must-Do Experiences
    • person reading a magazine on a flight
      Tips for Staying Entertained on a Long Flight
    • alaska northern lights
      What to Do in Anchorage Besides the Usual Tourist Stuff
    • Escape to Paradise: Why You Should Visit the British Virgin Islands
      Escape to Paradise: Why You Should Visit the British Virgin Islands
    21419 shares

    About Jennifer

    Jennifer, AKA "The Rebel Chick," is a 40-something Gen Xer who strives to help her readers live their best lives possible with easy recipes, travel inspiration and lifestyle tips!

    Comments

    1. Rebecca Orr says

      April 17, 2015 at 10:15 am

      Wow! Gorgeous photos of even more stunning beaches Jenn! I need to get to at least one of them before I die!

    2. Melissa Roy says

      April 17, 2015 at 2:15 pm

      This makes me feel like we need to get traveling again! I'm in South Florida as well and in the three years we've been here we've yet to make it to any of the nearby Caribbean islands, add it to the list...

    3. Christi says

      April 17, 2015 at 3:21 pm

      WOW! I've never been to the Caribbean, but this sure makes me want to go. Those beaches are absolutely gorgeous!

    4. Tammi @ My Organized Chaos says

      April 17, 2015 at 6:16 pm

      Oh wow, such beautiful photos. I agree with so many {including Turks!} and have quite a few of these on my must-visit list! I'm a sucker for a beautiful beach!

    5. Lisa says

      April 17, 2015 at 6:26 pm

      Some friends went to Punta Cana and loved it! For me though, it would have to be Half Moon Cay. That place looks amazingly beautiful!

    6. Vera Sweeney says

      April 17, 2015 at 7:30 pm

      I think any beach in the Caribbean would be the best beach!!! All your pictures are amazing!

    7. Dee Mauser says

      April 17, 2015 at 7:52 pm

      Oh, all of those are super beautiful and look very inviting. I've never been to any of those but any would be heavenly.

    8. Ann BAcciaglia says

      April 17, 2015 at 8:52 pm

      I love going to the ocean and it is one of my favourite places to visit. I would love to go and visit each of the beaches in your post. They are all so gorgeous.

    9. Chelley @ AisForAdelaide says

      April 17, 2015 at 10:23 pm

      Wow- just wow! We are so in need of a vacation- these beaches look amazing!!

    10. Shauna says

      April 17, 2015 at 10:33 pm

      I would love to go to any of those beaches. They sound and look fabulous. Thanks for sharing this list.

    11. lisa says

      April 17, 2015 at 11:10 pm

      These pictures are amazing. I would love to visit them all!

    12. Mama to 5 BLessings says

      April 18, 2015 at 10:09 am

      What amazing beaches! I love the sign wanting to stay forever - I agree with views like that I would never want to leave!

    13. Sara says

      April 18, 2015 at 10:51 am

      All of these look insane but that water in Barbados is something else! Great post.

    14. Sanjana @ Green Global Travel says

      May 11, 2015 at 4:35 pm

      Great pictures! Love how blue the water looks in Knip Beach!

    15. Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says

      May 13, 2015 at 2:10 pm

      Those all sound lovely! I am partial to Orient Beach in St. Maartin! Love it there.

    16. Jeannette says

      May 13, 2015 at 4:31 pm

      Oh man! Just take me there now! I love the beach and these truly look like stunning destinations!

    17. Crystal says

      May 13, 2015 at 5:54 pm

      Are you kidding me with that pure white sand? Ahhhhh! It's so pretty! I would love to visit each of these beaches myself sometime soon.

    18. Michelle says

      May 13, 2015 at 6:17 pm

      These all look like great beaches to relax at with your gorgeous photos! I've been wanting to take a beach vacation since I haven't been on one in years and your photos are making me want to book one right now.

    19. Elizabeth @ Being MVP says

      May 13, 2015 at 8:49 pm

      Wow that looks so beautiful! I really want to go visit some day.

    20. Liz Mays says

      May 13, 2015 at 8:51 pm

      I'm missing out on so much! I'd love to go to Knip Beach in Curacao.

    21. Sara P. (@SensiblySara) says

      May 13, 2015 at 10:44 pm

      I haven't been to any of those beaches, but BOY do I want to!! I am not a fan of sand between my toes, but I'll endure it for those views.

    22. jasmine says

      May 14, 2015 at 9:17 pm

      Wow! All of those beaches look gorgeous! My dream is to head to one of the dominican republic beaches

    23. Avry says

      May 15, 2015 at 11:39 am

      That sign is all too correct! I wish I could be there forever. Your photos are amazing - so beautiful. What I would give to be basking on one of those beaches right now.

    24. Rebecca Blackwell says

      August 27, 2015 at 5:23 pm

      NatGeo says the 2nd most beautiful beach in the world is Trunk Bay in St. John, USVI. I have been there twice. There is nothing on the beach but a lifeguard stand. Signs under the water (on rocks) tell you about the fish you see and natural formations. Facilities are in the woods behind the beach. The no.1 beach is in Austalia.

    25. roys says

      August 27, 2015 at 9:07 pm

      None in jamaica?

    26. Jenn says

      August 28, 2015 at 10:13 am

      I have only been to a few places in Jamaica, and they weren't that gorgeous...I hope I can check out other sides of the island so that I can update my post! Which is your favorite beach in Jamaica?

    27. Ali Dawkins says

      August 29, 2015 at 8:06 am

      Absolutely beautiful!! You should certainly visit the beautiful beaches of Anguilla! All beaches are Public and free! Of all their beaces my favorite are Sandy Ground, Meads Bay and Cove Bay! Waters are beautiful and calm! The island is so tiny and still very simple, un-americanized! There's almost no tourism so you almost feel like you have your own private beach! While at Meads Bay be sure to eat at Blanchards Beach Shack- Food is delicious and amazing sunsets!! While at Cove Bay make sure to eat at Smokey's on the Cove - also great food right on the beach!!!

    28. Jenn says

      August 30, 2015 at 8:56 pm

      I am going to have to check out Anguilla! Thank you so much for the recommendation!

    29. Elisa says

      September 27, 2015 at 8:01 pm

      Flamenco beach in Culebra Puerto Rico is spectacular! Great pics!

    30. Yaneth says

      March 22, 2017 at 12:34 am

      YOU MUST visit Bay Island in Honduras small but the 2nd largest coral reef of the world is cheap and beautiful visit this place share it on Google you'll like! I promise

    Hi, I'm Jennifer! I'm a Miami native and I love sharing easy dinner recipes, baking recipes, travel ideas and general Miami Lifestyle fun! Follow along for inspiration on how to make the most of your life!

    More about me →

    Recent Popular Recipes

    • Applesauce Coffee Cake
    • close up of Carrot and Zucchini Muffins in a white bowl
    • Easter Cheese Ball
    • White Chocolate Easter Bark

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Services
    • Media Kit

    The Rebel Chick is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, Share-a-Sale, Commission Junction, Rakuten and LinkShare; affiliate advertising programs designed to allow me to earn advertising fees by advertising these affiliate links.