The Best Caribbean Beaches For 2020: The Ultimate List

We all need a break and a chance to recharge, considering how deeply stressful and painful our world has become. We are in the unique position of opening our eyes to a new world of possibilities and change, and while much of the planet gets back to work, we need to remember to take care of ourselves and get outdoors.

Many regions in the Caribbean are finally reopening to tourists in July and throughout the Summer, while strict health restrictions and testing on arrival will remain.

With the planned ban on European travel for US travelers, the Caribbean will see a surge in tourism throughout the Summer and festive season. Remember to wear a mask when in public, and social distance from other beachgoers throughout your travels so that we can continue to enjoy these magnificent locations.

Included in this list are several destinations like Bermuda, Turks & Caicos, and the Bahamas that are not in the Caribbean but are important destinations in the region for beach lovers like myself. Other islands have been eliminated from the list due to inaccessibility for US travelers.

Anguilla

Shoal Bay

One of the safest islands with zero COVID-19 deaths, tiny Anguilla offers up some of the beach sand I have ever seen. Countless shells cover this two-mile sandy beach with soft, powdery white sand. The area also offers up several great bars, restaurants, and some amazing resorts. Busier than other beaches in the area, but on Anguilla, nothing feels crowded. Runners-up include; Maundays Bay, Meads Bay, Rendezvous Bay, Little Bay, and Savannah Bay.

Antigua

Green Island

Reachable by boat, this white-sand beach is the perfect escape from the crowds. The crystal clear water is ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and with no services available, it is best to bring a picnic. Runners-up include; Darkwood Beach, Turners Beach, Galleon Beach, Carlisle Beach, Green Island, Dickenson Bay, and Ffryes Bay.

Aruba

Eagle Beach

As a frequent visitor to one of my favorite islands, there is truly only one beach that should be on your bucket list. The best part of Eagle Beach is far from the crowds and on one of the widest stretches of white sand near the amazing Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort. Stay away from the crowded hotel corridor area, and escape to this blissfully quiet area with clear, bathtub warm waters where you can float all day.

Bahamas

Cabbage Beach, Paradise Island

Cabbage Beach has a broad stretch of soft sand and in addition to sunning and swimming, you can utilize for-rent water toys or go unerwater to explore Snorkeler’s Cove. The far northwestern end of the beach is more quiet and isolated. Runners-up include; Stocking Island, Exumas with the swimming pigs, Pink Sand Beach, Guana Bay, Tahiti Beach, and Rose Island.

Barbados

Crane Beach

This is the most famous beach in Barbados and is surrounded by cliffs and lots of soft sand. The waves here are perfect for body surfing, and there are quiet coves for swimming. Runners-up include Silver Sands, Bottom Bay, Accra Beach, Bathsheba Beach, Dover Beach, and Mullins Beach.

Belize

Hopkins Bay Beach

Enjoy the feeling of seclusion on your own patch of perfect beach, while being close to all the happenings of the local village. Take a kayak out to see the sunset over Victoria’s Peak, one of Belize’s highest mountains. Runners-up: Ambergris Cay, Silk Cayes, Caye Caulker, and Placencia.

Bermuda

Horseshoe Bay Beach

Not in the Caribbean but a major destination for the yachtie crowd and famous names. The calm water and hidden coves of this stunning pink sand beach are quite crowded during high season, but a walk East will take you to the small sandy cove of Butt Bay. Runners-up include; John Smith’s Bay and Warwick Long Bay.

British Virgin Islands

White Bay Beach, Jost Van Dyke

With one of the beach anchorages for boats, the warm waters invite you to swim ashore and set up space on the sandy beach while sipping the popular Painkiller cocktails sold at the amazing Soggy Dollar Bar. Runners-up include Spring Bay, The Baths, Savannah Bay, Loblolly Beach, and Smugglers Cove.

Cayman Islands

Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman

Located in the most popular beach resort area, the coral sand and calm surf make this perfect for swimming and offers every activity you could ever want from snorkeling to parasailing. Runners-up include Smith Cove, Cayman Kai, Sandy Point, and Owen Island.

Costa Rica

Playa Espadilla, Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio is a small oceanside village located in the national park; the Pacific Ocean retreat is among the most popular destinations in Costa Rica with cool waters and trees full of monkeys. Families enjoy the many activities, from horseback riding to parasailing. Runners up include Playa Conchal, Punta Uva Beach, and Playa Manzanillo.

Curacao

Grote Knip

One of my favorite beaches on the island, the area can get quite crowded on holidays but offers a vast range of activities and crystal clear water for swimming. Runners-up include Cas Abao, Playa Kenepa, Playa Porto Mari, DaaiBooi Bay, and Playa Lagun.

Dominica

Champagne Beach

This beach received its name because of small gas bubbles continuously rising from the volcanic seafloor. A large amount of marine life and underwater cliffs make for perfect snorkeling and diving, however, the volcanic black sand beach itself is quite rocky. The southern end of Dominica is well known for its natural attractions, such as sulfur springs and boiling lakes. Runners-up include Batibou Beach, Toucari Beach, Douglas Bay, and Wavine Cyrique Beach.

Dominican Republic

Cayo Arena

Off the northwestern shore, boats depart to Cayo Arena for the most secluded beach with great diving and snorkeling in its shallow turquoise waters. This tiny sandbank is also the best spot to escape the crowded beaches. Runners-up include Playa Rincon, Bahia De Las Aguilas, and Cabo Rojo.

Grenada

Grand Anse Beach

One of the safest islands with zero COVID-19 deaths, this amazing sheltered beach offers up stunning waters and warm sand. The two miles of white sand offers up hotels and beach bars. For a more secluded experience, walk to the southern end of the beach away from the terminal. Runners-up are La Sagesse and Anse La Roche.

Guadeloupe

Plage de la Perle (Pearl Beach)

This golden beach is located on a bay that is protected by a coral reef and perfect for snorkeling or diving. Runners-up are Grande-Anse Beach, and Datcha Beach.

Guatemala

Playa Blanca

A nice stretch of white sand beach lined with palm trees along the peaceful Caribbean Sea, make this one of the area’s finest beaches. Runner up Montericco, and Livingston Beach.

Honduras

West Bay Beach, Roatan

West Bay is located on the Western tip of Roatan and is positioned a few feet from the coral reef. West Bay is home to top resorts and restaurants and features some of the best diving and swimming areas in Honduras. Runners up, Útila and Guanaja Islands.

Jamaica

Frenchman’s Cove

The lagoon-style beach used to be a secluded beach retreat for celebrities. There is a lazy stream that runs through the beach into the turquoise ocean. Runners-up include Seven Mile Beach, Negril, Laughing Waters, Ocho Rios, and Boston Bay, Port Antonio.

Martinique

Les Salines

Les Salines is one of the brightest and warmest beaches on the island. At the far end of Les Salines is a smaller, secluded gay beach called Petit Anse de Salines. This long stretch of white sand beach is lined with coconut palms for shade with a large salt pond in the back. Runners-up include Anse Ceron, Diamant Beach, and Le Anses-d’Arlet.

Nevis

Pinneys Beach

One of the safest islands with zero COVID-19 deaths, Nevis has one of the most famous beaches of the two islands. The smooth saffron-colored sand and swaying palm trees on the West edge also includes a Four Seasons Resort. Runners-up are Lovers Beach and Nisbet Beach.

Puerto Rico

Flamenco Beach

Located on the island of Culebra, part of the Puerto Rican archipelago, this crescent-shaped bay is surrounded by low, green hills and perfect fine sand. This picture-perfect beach is ieal for families because of its calm waters. Runners up are Palomino Island and Crash Boat Beach.

St. Barth

Flamands Beach

One of the safest islands with zero COVID-19 deaths, St Barth is among my favorite destinations in the world. Located about three miles north of Gustavia, in the northwest part of the island, Flamands is a wide, quiet sandy beach and is perfect for body surfing. The beach is also home to one of my favorite hotels on the island, The Cheval Blanc, as well as the best lobster restaurant on the island. Runners up are Gouverneur, Colombier, Rockefeller Beach, and St. Jean.

Saint Kitts

Cockleshell Bay Beach

Like its neighbor Nevis, Saint Kitts is one of the safest islands with zero COVID-19 deaths. Cockleshell Bay is a secluded stretch of powder-white sand. Over two miles long, it offers a stunning view of neighboring Nevis island. Runner-up is Frigate Bay Majors Bay, and Banana Bay.

St. Lucia

Anse Chastenet

The beach is flanked by the stunning Jade Mountain Resort, which makes public access here difficult. With a sharp dropoff and coral reef, snorkeling is among the best on the island. The natural black sand and deep blue water make this the perfect retreat. Runner-up is Sugar Beach.

St. Maarten

Cupecoy Beach

With 37 beaches that ring the Dutch side of the dual-nation island, the quietest beaches, Cupecoy Beach is a set of three beaches surrounded by limestone cliffs. The beach is also gay-friendly and clothing-optional on the northwest end, Runners up are Long Bay Beach, Mullet Bay Beach, Simpson Bay Beach, Friars Bay Beach and Maho Beach with its famed airplane touchdowns.

Saint Vincent-and-the-Grenadines

Salt Whistle Bay Beach, Mayreau

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has no known active COVID-19 cases or deaths. Escape to this hourglass-shaped island beach overlooks the Tobago Keys for snorkeling and gives you a Robinson Crusoe experience at its best. With clear, turquoise waters and soft sand, you will need a boat to get to this stunning retreat. Runners-up are Friendship Beach, Macaroni Beach, and Princess Margaret Beach.

St. Croix

Sandy Point Beach

Sandy Point is located on the West End of St. Croix and is one of the most beautiful beaches to escape. Its crystal clear blue waters back up to a two-mile-long stretch of white sand beach and the longest beach in the Caribbean. The area is also a National Wildlife Refuge for leatherback sea turtles. Runners-up are Shoys Beach, Coakley Bay Beach, Turtle Beach on Buck Island, and Carambola.

St. John

Trunk Bay

One of the most photographed beaches in the US Virgin Islands, this stretch of beautiful white sand also offers activities like an underwater snorkeling trail. To avoid the cruise ship crowds in high season, walk down the beach to the far end. Runners-up are Maho Bay, Gibney Beach, Oppenheimer Beach, and Cinnamon Bay Beach.

Trinidad-and-Tobago

Blanchisseuse Beach, Trinidad

An hour away from Port of Spain, up the north coast, Blanchisseuse offers perfect water as well as hiking trails through the rainforest, and leatherback sea-turtle spotting. Runners-up include Las Cuevas Bay, Englishman’s Bay Beach, Pigeon Point, and Maracas Bay Beach.

Turks and Caicos

Grace Bay Beach

While not in the Caribbean, this is an extremely popular destination for island hoppers, and one of my personal favorites. The area offers clear blue waters, white sand beaches and a wide variety of luxury hotel and villa rentals. Some of the best-rated hotels in the world are located on Grace Bay. Runners-up are Long Bay Beach and Pigeon Point.

US Virgin Islands

The USVI consist of 4 larger islands: St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island, and some 50 smaller islets and cays. There are many options with a few of my favorites listed above.