The 10 best beaches in the Caribbean

The best beach in the Caribbean is a hotly contested title, but in the right conditions Half Moon Bay might just take it. It’s a pink-sand shore with wild, lush greenery tumbling almost all the way to the sea. The reef sheltering the back of the bay makes for pool-like conditions that are perfect for snorkelling. And when the surf’s up, it doubles as a superb sunbathing and walking destination. The fairly undeveloped beachside gives a real feeling of peace and semi-wilderness, but there are a few beach cafés and some sunbed rental spots too.

The appealingly named The Baths is a magical national park at the southwestern tip of Virgin Gorda. On a white-sand shore, imposing granite boulders blur the boundaries of land and sea, concealing hidden rock pools. This place is a hit with hikers, swimmers and snorkellers, offering impossibly clear shallows. Adventurous souls may like to venture through the boulders to discover their secrets; steps and rope handrails guide you along the route towards sandy Devil’s Bay. Here, you’ll find some loungers and beach umbrellas and a tranquil and sheltered sea for leisurely swimming.

The title of finest beach on Saint Lucia is hotly contested, but Sugar Beach – a petite cove of white sand nestled between jungle-covered cliffs and with an unrivalled view of the Pitons – is a top contender. In fact, it’s one of the best beaches in the Caribbean as a whole. While the beach’s main draw is its postcard-perfect view, which graces the front page of many a St Lucia travel brochure, it’s also a great spot for snorkelling and swimming, with a dive centre to boot. The public beach is accessed through the Viceroy Resort.

The Dominican Republic is awash with enough white-sand shores and swaying palm trees to make anyone’s daydreams come true, but the adventurous among us go weak at the knees for Kite Beach on the island’s north coast. It’s an internationally renowned kite-surfing destination, attracting experienced pros and newbies alike with its friendly atmosphere and handy surf school. The world championships are held at this action-packed spot, but even on an average weekday afternoon, the sky is speckled with colourful kites as athletic silhouettes catch air off the white-topped waves.

The most unique experience in the Bahamas has to be a day trip to one particular isle. This petite, one-mile-long island in the Exumas has some famous residents: friendly swimming pigs. These curious creatures paddle out to boats to be fed and are happy to splash around in the azure water with you. You’ll find excitable piglets and big mama piggies – occasionally a bit boisterous but generally happy to be stroked, tickled behind the ears and photographed. You can also spot rays, turtles and even reef sharks while you’re at it.

You may never see water as clear as Grace Bay Beach, the luxurious lounging spot in Turks and Caicos. It’s backed by a thriving strip with glamorous hotels and bars, so there are plenty of sunbeds and shade. You’ll also find a plethora of watersports and excursions further into the protected area of Princess Alexandra National Park. The soft, silvery sand with turquoise sea lapping at the shore is frankly irresistible. And if you arrive early or stay until sunset, you’re in for a treat with some glorious colours.

The already stunning shoreline of Eagle Beach, Aruba, is made even more scenic by sculptural fofoti trees dotting the sands, just begging for a sunset picture. This beach really has everything you could need or want for a fabulous day out as a family or couple, from the white sand and aquamarine sea to ample restaurants, bars and cafés, and fun watersports opportunities too. If you prefer to avoid the jet-skis, the southern end of the beach is truly tranquil.

Trunk Bay is one of the most-visited and top-rated beaches on St John in the US Virgin Islands – and for good reason. It’s the only beach on the island that charges an entrance fee to help maintain the facilities, of which there are many. There’s a self-guided underwater snorkel trail complete with underwater info boards, snorkel gear rental, loungers, a bar/café, showers, toilets and lifeguards. It’s also highly rated for its accessible paths and ramps, so everyone can enjoy this stunning spot.

When abroad, the best bet is almost always to follow the locals. If you do that in St Kitts, you’ll find yourself on the dreamlike stretch of white sand known as South Friar’s Bay, with an unforgettable backdrop of verdant, rolling hills and seemingly endless sky. The beach is backed by tempting restaurants and bars, from simple, no-frills beach huts to the swanky Carambola Beach Club, where you can snack on classy sushi. The water here is shallow, warm and crystal-clear, and you can rent a jet-ski too.

Mayreau is the smallest of the inhabited Grenadines, home to stunning Salt Whistle Bay, where two stretches of gleaming white sand meet at a palm-covered peninsula. This two-for-the-price-of-one beach has a windward side popular with kite-surfers – you’ll easily spot it based on the leaning palms and the driftwood lining the shore – and a glasslike pool of a leeward side. Try the windy shore to explore your adventurous side with kite-surfing or hiking, and enjoy the sheltered side for its bath-like sea and brilliant marine life, best viewed through a snorkel.