5 Extraordinary Beaches in the Caribbean

1. Anse Chastanet - St. Lucia

With its breathtaking mountains, picturesque landscapes, and verdant rainforests, St. Lucia is a top choice for many cruise travelers. The island boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, including a range of black sand coastlines like Anse Chastanet Beach.

Anse Chastanet is situated on the southwest coast of St. Lucia. Though it's about an hour and a half from the cruise terminal, the journey is well worth it. Its seclusion adds to its charm, ensuring that you won’t encounter large crowds at this stunning beach. Plus, Anse Chastanet is home to some of the finest snorkeling on the island, thanks to its natural offshore reef.

2. Crane Beach - Barbados

Along the shores of Barbados, there lies a renowned pink-sand beach celebrated for its breathtaking beauty. Crane Beach has been recognized as one of the world’s top beaches by both CNN Travel and Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. 

Crane Beach is a beloved destination for honeymooners, thanks to its tranquil tropical scenery and charming pink sands. This beach also offers great conditions for boogie boarding due to the strong waves. Several sheltered coastal coves nearby are ideal for swimming, but if you decide to venture further out, be aware that the waves can be quite powerful, so strong swimming skills are necessary.

3. Pink Beach - Bonaire

Pink Beach, situated in Bonaire, boasts a stunning rosy hue that captivates visitors near the cruise port. This vibrant pink shade is derived from tiny organisms known as foraminifera, while the sandy shore comprises a blend of shells and coral. Be sure to bring your camera, as the picturesque scenery provides a perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy photographs. With its crystal-clear waters, Pink Beach is a snorkeling paradise.

Hampstead Beach, popularly referred to as Number One Beach, Dominica.

Fans of Pirates of the Caribbean may find this beach familiar. Hampstead Beach, or "Number One Beach," is a stunning reminder of the Caribbean's intriguing volcanic heritage.  

This beach is slightly off the beaten track. It's about an hour and a half from the Dominica port, requiring a 10 to 15-minute hike to reach it. However, the effort to get to Number One Beach is absolutely worthwhile. It's no surprise that parts of "Dead Man’s Chest" from Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed here. Surrounded by white mangroves, coconut trees, and wild almond, the scenery is truly breathtaking.

Laguna Grande Beach, San Juan

If you're departing from San Juan, consider arriving a day early to explore the Laguna Grande Nature Reserve in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Here, you’ll discover one of the most enchanting beaches in the world. By day, it appears as a typical sandy paradise, but at night, the shoreline glimmers with a mesmerizing blue light. This extraordinary phenomenon is an experience everyone should witness at least once.

The stunning bioluminescence is produced by microalgae known as phytoplankton, which emit a neon blue glow when agitated by movement in the water. You'll witness luminous blue swirls that dance with the waves. Kayak tours from San Juan to Fajardo are available, or you can opt to rent a car for the 45-minute drive to the nature preserve. There are also guided beach walking tours offered.

Which of these beaches would you like to explore? Share your thoughts in the comments!