How many amazing Caribbean beaches can you name? How many have you actually visited?
The staff at Caribbean Journal has plunged deeper into the world of coastal vacation destinations, recently releasing an enticing "50 Best Caribbean Beaches" list with stunning photos and snippets describing each beach.
Grace Bay Beach took the No. 2 spot in Caribbean Journal's "50 Best Caribbean Beaches" list.Not surprisingly, the list mentions some of the most popular beach sites in major island destinations like the Dominican Republic, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
But you'll also get tipped off to under-the-radar paradises in more remote places and hidden gems that have escaped the limelight for some unknown reason.
Playa Flamenco in Puerto Rico came in at No. 7 on the list.As a preview, here are the top 10 beaches from the list of 50 (links take you to a nearby destination page):
- Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla
- Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos
- Maho Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands
- Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
- Eagle Beach, Aruba
- White Bay, British Virgin Islands
- Playa Flamenco, Puerto Rico
- Valley Church Beach, Antigua
- Playa Bávaro, Dominican Republic
- Maundays Bay, Anguilla
We talked with Alex Britell, Caribbean Journal's founder and editor-in-chief, about the top beaches list.
"Many companies have issued lists of the world's best beaches, but this is the first time such a comprehensive line-up has been put together specifically for the Caribbean," he says.
White Bay Beach in the British Virgin Islands made the top 50 list.Britell says his team chose the beaches based on a range of factors—everything from ease of access and sand color to water quality and tranquility.
And not surprisingly for anyone who loves a good piña colada, whether a beach was home to any beach bars factored in as well.
Also, most of the beaches can be reached fairly conveniently by car or taxi—once you're in the region, that is.
Playa Bávaro in the Dominican Republic. Photo: Theresa BoehlSo did anyone at Caribbean Journal actually travel to these beaches?
"Yes, I've visited about 45 of them, and our editorial team has together visited every one," he assures us.
If you're browsing the list thinking it's probably expensive to travel to and stay at beaches in more exotic, remote locations—think Guadeloupe, Anguilla or Martinique—Britell points out that there are some money-saving options as well.
"We have almost every destination in the Caribbean covered here, but some of the more affordable destinations from a hotel perspective are Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic," he says.
Playa Bávaro in the Dominican Republic. Photo: Theresa BoehlU.S. citizens would need a passport to visit most of the beaches on the list, but there a few beach escapes you can access without that documentation.
"Maho Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands is our top pick for those traveling from the U.S. without a passport," Britell says. "It ranks No. 3 on our list and is an absolute stunner."
Check out Caribbean Journal's full list of best beaches. For helpful guides on various beaches in the Caribbean and throughout the world, check out the BeachDeals beach directory.
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