Best beaches in the Caribbean: Exploring 14 islands

Trunk Bay is one of the most photographed beaches in the Caribbean and one of the 7 Cruise Wonders of the World — and for good reason! It’s nearly a quarter mile of chalk-white sand, turquoise waters and swaying palm trees with rainbows of colorful fish surrounding the underwater reef. As soon as you step on this beach, you’ll see why it’s world-famous and protected within the Virgin Islands National Park. 

See this jaw-dropping beach with a Princess excursion that will take you from St. Thomas to the azure waters of St. John, so you can enjoy the afternoon on this unforgettable beach.

At almost a mile in length, Magens Bay is the most recognizable and most photographed beach on St. Thomas. Feel the world-famous soft sand between your toes and wade out into the shallows because even the ocean floor here is pillow-soft. See the entire bay stretch out beneath you when you visit with Princess and stop at Drake’s Seat. Legend has it that Sir Francis Drake climbed to this very vantage point to view his fleet — and today, you can see the picturesque water and stretches of white sand.

Feel the salty sea breeze on your skin and the rush of wind as a plane lands directly overhead. That’s right — Maho Beach is world-famous for its proximity to an airport runway and that’s part of what has turned it into a bucket list destination. On top of that, it has dazzling azure waters and pristine white sand that makes for a relaxing day at the beach in between plane landings. 

Check this beach off the list with Princess and explore the nearby towns of Philipsburg and Marigot. Both cities exude European charm and colorful architecture with stunning beach views.

The name of this beach says it all: it’s nearly 7 miles long of snow-white beach and cerulean waves. Plenty of space to stretch out and relax, and nearly every stretch of the beach is equally stunning, so you can’t go wrong. See this beach on a Princess excursion and stop in at all of the best spots on Grand Cayman — including the infamous “Hell” post office where you can send your snail mail and have it postmarked from hell.

Manta rays, sea turtles and coral reefs, oh my! Discover the vibrant underwater world that’s world-famous as a scuba diving and snorkeling paradise where you can spot eels, angelfish, Blue Tangs and octopus. The beach itself is protected between two outcropping rocks, so the water’s calm — perfect for a warm day out on the sand. It’s one of Princess’s top rated Southern Caribbean beach destinations.

Eagle Beach is home to the legendary fofoti trees that always point to the sea — one of the iconic sites on Aruba. It’s also the widest beach on the island with plenty of chalky sand and cerulean crystal-clear waters: a recipe for the perfect Caribbean beach day. There’s also the wildlife: four species of sea turtles nest in Aruba, and most of their nests are on Eagle Beach. If you’re there in the spring, local families camp out on the beach to celebrate Easter week.

The satin-soft sand on this beach is made from crushed coral and broken-down shells, so depending on how new the top coat of sand is, Governor’s Beach often has a peach hue. It’s made from the colorful parrotfish that eat the coral from the nearby reef and excrete it as sand — see it happen in real-time by snorkeling. Or stretch out on the peach sand and catch some rays next to the clear waters. Visit this serene spot with a Princess excursion, and you can also see the governor’s mansion that the beach is named after.

Antigua has a beach for every day of the year (365 in total!), but this one stands out from the crowd. It has clear shallow waters with long stretches of clean white sand, and it’s often one of the less populated beaches on the island. It’s the perfect place to set up your chair, sit under the coconut trees and sip a cool drink. Want to explore more? Hop over to the neighboring Ffryes Beach for more views and a few more miles of sand to relax on.

Saffron-colored sands, pelicans diving and four miles of paradise — that’s what you’ll find at Pinney’s Beach. It’s a spot you might recognize because it’s a common spot for photographers because of its deep blue waters and rich, warm sand. The beach is open 24/7, so come and stay awhile! On a Princess excursion to this beach, you’ll also get to snorkel in a cove on St. Kitts where you can spot sea fans, barrel sponges and black coral.

Underneath these pristine waters are six shipwrecks, making it a snorkeler’s paradise. The crystal clear waters are perfect for an afternoon swim with small and gentle waves, and lifeguards are on-duty to keep beach-goers safe. So sit back, relax and enjoy this tropical paradise. Stop in at this beach and two other great spots on Barbados with this Princess excursion.

Tired of the crowds? Visit this private beach club with Princess where you can have the day to relax on a beach at the the most exciting beach front entertainment complex in the Caribbean. VIVO Beach has warm golden sand, turquoise water and blue skies for miles. Relax in a lounge chair and order a tropical drink or a round of shrimp appetizers for the whole family. Splash in the sea or freshwater pools, and don’t forget your sunscreen!

The turquoise waters here aren’t just beautiful; legend has it that they have therapeutic qualities. But it isn’t just the healing waters that have been drawing crowds for 100 years. Doctor’s Cave Beach is also one of the most beautiful beaches in the area with pristine white sand and clear azure waters. People have wanted to take in the natural beauty of this beach for hundreds of years, but it used to only be accessible through a cave owned by a doctor until 1906 when it opened to the public.

Visit this must-see beach with Princess — and pitstop to swim with dolphins! 

Lac Bay is home to three distinct species of mangrove tree and one of the Caribbean’s best-preserved mangrove forests. The stunning tropical waters are home to queen conchs, rays, seahorses and lobsters — and in the mangrove wetlands you can spot pink flamingos wading in the watering holes. There’s no better way to see all of this than a kayak trip with Princess. 

If windsurfing is on your bucket list, Lac Bay is a must-visit spot. It is world-renowned for its windsurfing conditions with limited boat traffic, shallow waters and steady trade winds — there’s never a better time to try the sport!

If you love a sunset beach stroll, there’s no better place to visit than Bávaro Beach. It’s nearly 30 miles long, so you can walk on pillowy white sand as far as the eye can see. The beach is lined with shops and restaurants where you can try the local specialties, including la bandera — a dish designed to look like the country’s flag. Bávaro Beach is also a hotspot for water sports and yacht parties because of the calm and clear waters.

Ready to spend your days on warm, soft Caribbean sand? It’s time to book your dream vacation to the Caribbean. With unbeatable island excursions and a wide array of premier destinations, there’s no better way to see all your dream beaches than with Princess. Plan your Caribbean vacation!