Forbes recently published “The Ultimate List” of the best Caribbean beaches: while it’s certainly a matter of personal choice, we agree with many of the picks. They include:
Eagle Beach, Aruba. Aruba’s widest beach is well-loved for its soft white sand, backed by low-rise resorts. There are shaded areas for picnics and a variety of water sports to enjoy. If you’re there during sea turtle nesting season (March through September), red-and-white markers will alert you to the protected nests. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to watch some tiny hatchlings make their way to the ocean.
White Bay, Jost Van Dyke. The British Virgin Islands have many beaches, and this is one of the best, with a long stretch of white sand and a reef for snorkeling. This beach is dotted with casual bars and restaurants, including the Soggy Dollar, where you can sip a cocktail called “The Painkiller.” You can hop a ferry to Jost Van Dyke from St. Thomas, St. John or Tortola.
Baie Lounge (Long Bay Beach), St. Martin. This island, shared by the Dutch and French, abounds with beaches, including some that are clothing-optional. If you’re looking for a quiet stretch of sand, head for Baie Longue, a dreamy white sand beach lapped by gentle turquoise waves. Note that there are no vendors or water sports rentals here – just peace, beauty, and the company of pelicans.
Pinney’s Beach, Nevis. Named for a plantation family, the smooth, saffron-colored sand of Pinney’s Beach stretches for four miles along the western shore of Nevis. It’s simply picture-perfect. There are some casual beach clubs and bars along the sand, as well as a Four Seasons resort. This beach is a bit rustic, and be forewarned that the water can be murky after it rains.
There are so many more top-notch beaches in the Caribbean – we haven’t even touched on the Western Caribbean and the gorgeous beaches of the Riviera Maya, Belize or Honduras. To learn more and pick a Caribbean cruise itinerary that gives you some beach time, talk with Anita, your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.
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