A well known travel company recently published a list of their favorite beaches in the Caribbean and Bahamas. Unfortunately, many of our favorite beaches, and evidently yours too, were not on their list, so we asked our beach loving readers for their input. The following is a list of the 10 best (or at least favorite) Caribbean/Bahamas beaches of 2018 compiled from the responses of Rum Therapy readers. There are SO many gorgeous beaches in this region that inevitabley there will be some deserving beaches left off any “best of” list, but the following 10 (and the honorable mentions at the end) are definitely worthy of a visit if you love beaches as much as we do!
10. Treasure Cay Beach, Abacos, Bahamas
A 3.5 mile stretch of sugar-soft white sand set against the powdery blue hue of the beautiful Abacos waters. During low tide, a large sandbar emerges towards the eastern edge of the gorgeous beach. Accomodations available. Looking for a beach bar? Coco Beach Bar & Grill sits on the white sand with stunning views of the water.
9. Sandy Spit, BVI
More of a spit of sand than a beach, Sandy Spit and it’s larger neighbor, Sandy Cay, are two small uninhabited islands in the British Virgin Islands. Situated between the island of Tortola and Jost Van Dyke, these two islands have become popular stops for boaters and day excursions. Sandy Cay has a small trail through the middle that will take you to the rougher north side of the island. Both are worthwile of a stop to walk around, enjoy the beautiful sand, sun and scenery. No beach bars here, but you can find B-Line Beach Bar close to Sandy Spit on Little Jost Van Dyke and a number of excellent beach bars not far away on Jost Van Dyke!
8. Tropic of Cancer Beach, Little Exuma, Exuma, Bahamas
Tropic of Cancer Beach (also known as Pelican Beach) is the longest beach (about 1 mile) on island of Little Exuma in the Bahamas. The Tropic of Cancer meridian runs along the beach and is notated onto a step leading down to the beach (good photo op). No ammenities here, so bring some food, water and snorkeling gear. Although the beach is stunning, it’s not the easiest to find and you will most likely have this gorgeous beach to yourself!
7. Orient Beach, St. Maarten
Unfortunately, the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin was hit hard by the hurricanes of 2017 and much of Orient Beach was destroyed (including all the beach bars…). Although we haven’t personally visited again since the hurricanes, there are reports that the beautiful mile+ long beach is recovering and businesses are returning. The Bikini Beach Bar reopened in July and Kontiki is scheduled to open this month.
6. The Baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
One of the most unique Caribbean beaches you will ever see, The Baths on the British Virgin Island of Virgin Gorda is something to explore. Take the trail through the large boulders surrounded by white sand and shallow pools of clear blue water and end up on beautiful Devil’s Bay. Looking for a snack and a drink after exploring? The Poor Man’s Bar sits across from the entrance to the trail – but if you like your rum with a view, don’t miss the Top of the Baths Bar and Restaurant across from the visitor’s center and parking lot. From the Top of the Baths, enjoy sweeping views of the Sir Francis Drake Channel and Tortola, a swimming pool and shops – in addition to delicious fresh food and cold drinks!
5. Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
Jimmy Buffet mentioned this British Virgin Island beauty in his song Mañana – ” I hear it gets better, that’s what they say, as soon as we sail on to Cane Garden Bay.” Located on the northwest side of Tortola, this palm tree fringed bay is a haven for boaters and the long, sandy beach and calm waters are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Showcasing some of the prettiest sunsets we’ve seen, Cane Garden Bay has some dining and beach bar options. Tortola was hit hard by last years hurricanes and even though the rebuilding is ongoing, it’s a great place to relax, unwind and enjoy. Catch a sunset here if you can.
4. Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Actually not quite 7 miles long (but even at 5.5 miles it’s an incredibly long beach!), this stunning expanse of white sand is a beach lover’s paradise. There are several dining options along the beautiful sandy expanse as well as beach bars and shopping and no shortage of water based activities such as snorkeling, jet skiing and parasailing to enjoy!
3. Jolly Beach, Antigua
Located on Antigua’s calm, west coast, Jolly Beach is a mile long white sand beach, fringed by the turqouise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Although it can be very busy when cruise ships are in port, it’s worthwhile to visit for the sheer beauty. Plenty of watersports are available as well as beach umbrellas for rent. Several beach bars and restaurants are just yards away from the beach.
2. Shoal Bay, Anguilla
Ahhh, Shoal Bay. Frequently ranked as one of the top Caribbean beaches, this lovely two mile beach has water so beautiful that it could be described as an “electric blue”. A soft sndy shoreline and normally calm water make this beach a great one to spend the day enjoying the gorgeous sand and water. Several popular beach bars dot the pretty beach such as Gwen’s Reggae Bar & Grill and Uncle Ernie’s.
And the #1 Choice of Rum Therapy Readers?
Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
On the northeast part of Providenciales, the most populated island in the Turks & Caicos chain, lies an amazing stretch of sand and clear, blue water that is usually calm due to a barrier reef about a mile offshore. Frequently listed as one of the top beaches in the world, Grace Bay Beach is truly a beach lovers dream. A variety of hotels, timeshares and villas dot the long beach and there are many options for food, drink and watersports.
As with any “best of” list – not all deserving beaches that received a vote from our readers made the list. Here are the honorable mentions – each one worth a visit too!
White Bay, Jost Van Dyke
Cinnamon Bay, St. John
Pink Sand Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas
Druif Beach, Aruba
Playa Los Tainos, Cuba
Cow Wreck Beach, Anegada
Playa Flamenco, Culebra
Paradise Beach, Carriacou
Bavaro Beach, Dominican Republic
Rendezvous Beach, Anguilla
Coki Beach, St. Thomas
Jack & Issac Beach, St. Croix
Grand Anse, Grenada
Meads Bay, Anguilla
Morne Rouge Beach, Grenada
Little Bay, St. Maarten
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I can totally agree with this updated list! I see a couple of beaches I added earlier, made your honourable mentions!