By Marvin Medina
By Robert Curley
Beautiful beaches are the defining feature of almost every Caribbean island. In my nearly three decades of exploring the region, I’ve experienced its wide-ranging and diverse history, food, culture, and music — all complemented by one constant: On every trip, I head to the beach.
And while there’s no shortage of sublime strands to discover — the two-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda alone boasts of having a beach for every day of the year — these are my picks for the best of the best.
Ffryes Beach
Reportedly named after a family that settled in Antigua in the 17th century, Ffryes Beach stands out among Antigua’s seemingly endless waterside retreats for its soft white sand, clear and gentle waters, and laid-back atmosphere. There are several resorts nearby, but the beach itself is nearly undeveloped, save for a few convenient bars where you can grab lunch and drinks — just the right serving of civilization to go along with a peaceful time on Ffryes Bay. For an even quieter spot, check out Little Ffryes Beach, just to the north.
Check Out These Sandy Stretches, Too:
Dickenson Bay
If you like your beach with a little more action, you’ll find one of the widest strands in Antigua lined with resort hotels that beckon you to pop in for a drink or bite. Be sure to swim out (or take the free boat) to the famous Kon Tiki floating beach bar, known for its rum punch and friendly vibes.
Carlisle Bay Beach
Set on a photogenic horseshoe of south coast shoreline, this spot is peaceful and gorgeous, with easy access from the Old Road village nearby. The protected cove also makes for easy floating and swimming.
Pebbles Beach
Pebbles Beach, overlooking Carlisle Bay (different from Antigua’s Carlisle shoreline), is a can’t-miss spot for its wide sands and family-friendly waters that also offer a calm platform for stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. It’s easy to get active, as watercraft can be rented right on the beach. Even if you just want to float in the clear water, you will see plenty of boating activity at the Barbados Yacht Club. If you come to the beach early (between 5:30 a.m. and 7 a.m.), you can witness grooms leading racehorses from the nearby Garrison Savannah racetrack into the surf for a bath — a truly Barbados-esque experience.
Pebbles Beach is also within walking distance to the Barbados Museum & Historical Society, located in a former 19th-century prison; the George Washington House, where the first president is believed to have stayed for approximately two months in1751; and the historic Needham’s Point Lighthouse, which dates to 1855.
Check Out These Sandy Stretches, Too:
Bathsheba Beach
Located on the island’s rocky, Atlantic-facing east coast, Bathsheba is a prime surfing spot known for its wave-generating “Soup Bowl” offshore break, as well as the dramatic boulders dotting its waters. The churning surf can make swimming a hazard, but there are shallow pools along the shore that allow you to safely take a dip. Don’t miss the authentic Bajan rum bars just off the beach that serve up lively conversation along with Mount Gay cocktails.
Crane Beach
Pink sand contrasts with turquoise waters to make this location on the southeast shore one of Barbados’ most photographed strands. The water, while not as intense as Bathsheba’s, is still better suited to experienced swimmers and anyone who loves bodyboarding.
Playa Bávaro
Playa Bávaro is at the heart of the beach action in Punta Cana. This 30-mile stretch of white sand is home to a parade of beach resorts that offer nearly endless options for dining, drinking, and water sports, as well as attractions such as the SeaQuarium Punta Cana, where you can swim with sharks and stingrays. Despite all the development, Playa Bávaro maintains its natural beauty, and its sheer size means there are plenty of less inhabited stretches to explore. The calm waters also make Playa Bávaro ideal for families.
Check Out These Sandy Stretches, Too:
Playa Juanillo
Accessing this spot in Punta Cana comes with a cost: It’s located within a private property, and non-guests will have to purchase a day pass. For many visitors, though, it’s worth the price of admission to access a meticulously maintained beach lined with towering palm trees and without the vendors that typically roam the Dominican Republic’s public beaches.
Playa Dorada
This is the prime beach resort locale in Puerto Plata, offering plenty of places to eat and drink. But it’s easy enough to swim away from the crowds and immerse yourself in some spectacular snorkeling among coral reefs alive with colorful tropical fish.
Seven Mile Beach
Negril’s Seven Mile Beach is famed for its clear waters, and local fishermen still pull lobsters from the surf to serve at local beach bars and restaurants. Easily accessible water activities include everything from personal watercraft rentals to glass-bottom boat tours, and you can also kayak or charter a boat to visit Booby Cay for snorkeling and picnicking. Nearby attractions include Rick’s Cafe, a boisterous beach bar perched on Negril’s iconic sea cliffs.
Check Out These Sandy Stretches, Too:
Treasure Beach
This string of five bays along Jamaica’s lightly developed southwest coast is intimately connected with its seaside neighborhoods, making it a center for Jamaican “community tourism.” Dining at locally run food stands, drinking at the tumble-down beach bars, and just floating in the surf are a big part of Treasure Beach’s draw — as is watching local fishermen pushing their colorful boats into the bay in search of their daily catch.
Frenchman’s Cove
This compact bay on the island’s eastern side is fed by a cooling natural stream and edged by an impressive white-sand beach. It’s a favorite of solitude-seekers who don’t mind paying an entry fee that’s charged by the resort that owns the surrounding property.
Pinney’s Beach
Three miles long, Pinney’s Beach on Nevis’ west coast is home to Sunshine’s Beach Bar & grill — one of the island’s most famous local beach bars — so it’s easy to enjoy the magnificent sand, surf, and views while sipping some (also magnificent) Killer Bee rum punch. And if your particular stretch of sand gets crowded when cruise ships are in port, it’s easy enough to relocate to a quieter part.
Check Out These Sandy Stretches, Too:
Cockleshell Beach
Located on the south end of St. Kitts, this spot looks directly across the deep channel called The Narrows that separates the island from Nevis. The crescent-shaped, white sand beach is pristine, and there are restaurants and beach bars nearby.
Turtle Beach
On days when Cockleshell Beach fills up with visitors, head to nearby Turtle Beach for snorkeling, scenery, and serenity — the dirt road leading to the beach discourages many day-trippers, but local drivers can easily get you to the shoreline.
Robert Curley writes about travel, food, culture, and health and wellness for publications including Fodor’s, AFAR, Lonely Planet, and AAA. He’s the author of four travel books, including 100 Things to Do in the Caribbean Before You Die.
