The 10 Best Caribbean Beach Vacations

If you’re counting down the days until your next well-deserved vacation, there’s no better time than the present to daydream about the mesmerizing beaches Royal Caribbean cruises visit. From Barbados to Grenada, and Bonaire to Perfect Day at CocoCay, the turquoise views and things to do seem endless. For adventure seekers and the more laidback mai tai-sippers, here are the 10 best Caribbean beach vacations that serve as a perfect slice of paradise for any tropical enthusiast.

Explore these dreamy locations from afar and plan your memorable cruise vacation right here.

Key Takeaways

● Caribbean beach destinations like Crane Beach in Barbados and Maho Beach in St. Maarten offer stunning scenery and adventure, particularly in the eastern Caribbean region.

● For the best beach vacations in the Caribbean, consider diverse options ranging from the tranquility of Punta Uva Beach in Costa Rica to exciting, exclusive private island experiences that are perfect for vacations at sea.

● Caribbean beach vacation highlights include unique natural wonders like the geothermal bubbles at Champagne Beach, Dominica, and world-class diving at Coco Beach, Bonaire.

● Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas and Buccament Bay in St. Vincent offer ideal settings for memorable family cruise vacations, providing thrills, relaxation and cultural experiences.

● If planning a cruise for the first time, look for destinations like Maracas Beach in Trinidad or Pigeon Point in Tobago that offer classic island vibes, local culture and relaxed exploration.

● Find the ideal Caribbean beach destination right here for your next beach vacation.

1. Crane Beach, Bridgetown, Barbados: For Stunning Scenery and Romance

Crane Beach is just a 30-minute drive from Bridgetown, and while the path along the rocky coastline takes some effort, the stunning views make it well worth it. The secluded beach is on the smaller side, making it a peaceful place to unwind with your friends and family.

If venturing out is more your style, trails along the coast offer a way to explore and take in the unparalleled views. It’s one of the best ways to add scenic steps if you want a bit of exercise while in Barbados.

2. Punta Uva Beach, Puerto Limon, Costa Rica: For Nature Lovers and Tranquility

Just 45 minutes south of Puerto Limón, Costa Rica, Punta Uva Beach is lined with rainforest trees that stretch all the way to the shore, creating an instant sense of tranquility. With its secluded white sand beaches, Punta Uva is also known for its butterfly gardens and is home to some of Costa Rica’s most exotic butterflies, like the blue morpho. 

When you kick back and relax to the sounds of the chirping birds and the calming crash of waves, you’ll experience the perfect escape for the day after an exciting night on board a Royal Caribbean ship.

3. Perfect Day at Cococay, The Bahamas: For Luxury and Relaxation

Plunge down the tallest waterslide in North America or swim in the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean at Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. After you’ve had your fill of thrills, you can settle in on any of the beaches at Chill Island or have some wings and a Coco Loco or other tasty Caribbean cocktails at Captain Jack’s. 

If privacy is what you’re after, upgrade to Coco Beach Club, complete with private floating cabanas, an exclusive restaurant, an infinity pool and more. There’s also the Royal Beach Club℠ Paradise Island, where the thrills and spills come in many tropical shapes, forms and sizes.

4. Maho Beach, Philipsburg, St. Maarten: For Adventure and Activity

Maho Beach, just 15 minutes west of Philipsburg, may be the livelier of these beaches. It’s definitely still a must-see in St. Maarten. At Princess Juliana International Airport, planes fly less than 100 feet above the beach during their final approach. 

It’s a prime spot for jaw-dropping photos. Pro traveler tip: Stay alert, as many of the aircraft are full-size commercial jets.

5. Maracas Beach, Port of Spain, Trinidad: For Culture and Classic Island Vibes

6. Pigeon Point, Scarborough, Tobago: For Scenery and Relaxed Exploration

Located on a 125-acre nature reserve just 20 minutes west of Scarborough, at Pigeon Point, there’s no shortage of fun (and shade). The palm trees along this stretch of white sand generously hang over the shores, leaving pockets of shade and sun for you to enjoy. 

Another must-see? Tobago’s signature thatch-roof jetty that sprawls out into the open water makes for one of the many great beachside photo ops.

7. Buccament Bay, Kingstown, St. Vincent: For Culture and Laid-Back Fun

Colorful houses line the hills behind Buccament Bay, 15 minutes north of Kingstown, St. Vincent, creating a vibrant backdrop for the beach-goer scene. This iconic, tiny beach has crystal-clear water tranquil enough for swimming or snorkeling.

If “liming” (a Caribbean term for relaxing or hanging out) with a drink in hand is more your speed, it’s a perfect spot to meet new friends.

8. Coco Beach, Kralendijk, Bonaire: For Diving and Marine Life

If you grab some snorkel gear and take a few steps just offshore, you’ll find an array of marine life swimming among the reefs of Coco Beach — just a five-minute drive north of Kralendijk.

Once you’re done taking in the underwater world, you can head back ashore and find yourself a daybed or cabana, order some snacks from the swish double-decker beachfront bar and soak in some vitamin D.

9. Champagne Beach, Roseau, Dominica: For Unique Diving and Nature

Just 10 minutes south of Roseau, Dominica, Champagne Beach offers a unique spot for swimming or snorkeling beyond its rocky shoreline. Located in a geothermal basin, the area is known for streams of warm, bubbly gas rising safely from the seafloor (hence the name). 

Snorkeling or scuba diving here is an absolute must, and the unforgettable views that are your surroundings come with the territory.

10. Grand Anse Beach, St. George’s, Grenada: For Scenery and Relaxation

Grand Anse beach’s waters are a mesmerizing turquoise, bringing all the colorful architecture surrounding this bay to life. Look for and observe from afar the bright red starfish, as well as schools of shrimp, lobster, and fish common to the island’s coastline, as you wade or snorkel just offshore.

You can lie back and watch the sailboats go by as you take in the serene landscape only 10 minutes south of St. George’s, Grenada.

Cruise To The Caribbean For An Unforgettable Beach Vacation

A Caribbean beach vacation offers endless ways to unwind, explore and experience the region’s most stunning coastlines. You may be seeking peaceful hideaways, vibrant cultural hotspots or world-class snorkeling and diving. Each destination brings its own slice of paradise to your cruise itinerary. 

With so many beaches just a short ride from port, it’s easy to soak up the sun, savor local flavors and make unforgettable memories before returning on board. When you’re ready to book a cruise, these shores are waiting.