Caribbean Travel: Best Islands for Beach Lovers

The Caribbean is known for some of the best beaches in the world. Island lovers flock to the shores of these popular beaches to find fun, relaxation and seclusion in a tropical destination will warm, shallow waters that are calm and welcoming. These top Caribbean beaches are known to offer everything visitors need all in one place, from access to the sea to high-end resorts, fine dining, local culture and lively bars and entertainment.

World-famous Grace Bay is one of the Caribbean's most pristine beaches. The pristine white sand and turquoise blue waters are protected by a barrier reef, drawing visitors to its calm waters. It is part of the Princess Alexandra National Park and located on the northeast coast of the island of Providenciales.

Seven Mile Beach is a major draw for visitors coming to Grand Cayman. The expansive waterfront is open to the public and surrounded by several popular attractions. Restaurants, resorts and bars line the beach and a number of activities are available for travelers who want to explore the calm waters. Those that want to relax can stroll long expanse of the white-sand beach and enjoy beautiful sunsets.

Flamenco Beach is on the Puerto Rican Isla Culebra. The postcard-perfect beach is known for its white sand, shallow water, swimming areas and diving sites. At the beach, there are several amenities, including lifeguards, camping areas, showers, changing areas and kiosks selling authentic Puerto Rican food. Not to be missed is the iconic tank marooned on the beach.

Punta Cana's famous Bávaro Beach is well-known for its sandy, palm-lined shores lined with high-end resorts, making it an ideal place for travelers to park themselves for some serious R&R. The calm waters make Bavaro an ideal swimming spot and visitors can engage in all kinds of watersports activities.

Located in Oranjestad, Aruba, Eagle Beach is one of the widest beaches on the island. The beach has soft sand, calm waters and a relaxed vibe. Visitors will find water sports available and access resorts and restaurants nearby.

Anse De Sables is an unspoiled stretch of beachfront in St. Lucia. The beach is known as one of the most popular for kitesurfing and windsurfing as it curves slightly into the wind, making Anse De Sables an ideal spot for adrenaline junkies.

Trunk Bay, St. John, is one of the most popular and most photographed beaches in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It offers more than a quarter-mile of white sand shoreline and is located in Virgin Islands National Park. Visitors should bring their snorkel gear (or rent it at the beach) to enjoy a self-guided snorkeling trail as well.

Maho Beach, located on on the Dutch side of the Caribbean island is famous for its proximity to St. Maarten's Princess Juliana International Airport. For visitors looking for a unique thrill, this is the place. The beach is also a 10-minute walk from Mullet Bay and offers an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling and more.

Anguilla's Shoal Bay beach is consistently listed as one of the world's top beaches, unique with its pink-hued white sand juxtaposed against turquoise waters. Visitors will enjoy two miles of sandy beach lined with restaurants, beach bars, hotels and more.

Located on the north end of Saint Thomas, Magens Bay is a vibrant beach with an abundance of activities. Warm water and white sand welcome guests where they can discover native mangrove trees, exotic flowers, colorful birds and more. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, paddle boarding, kayaking and swimming.