Stunning sunsets, lush landscapes, and warm-hearted locals are wonderful, but let’s be honest - if you’re like most Caribbean vacationers, it’s the beaches that steal your heart. We get it: before your vacation even begins, you’re already daydreaming about unwinding on a breezy shore, toes sunk into powdery white sand.
Sailing a Western Caribbean cruise? You’re in luck - this region boasts a beach for every kind of sun-seeker. Craving sea-kissed breezes, crystal-clear waters, and soft sands? From Montego Bay to Mexico, here are eight “shore” bets for the ultimate beach escape.
FOR FAMILIES
West Bay Beach, Roatan, Honduras
It's the rare family that won't find beach bliss on this walkable white-sand strand. Busy enough to be interesting, yet never too crowded for comfort, West Bay's broad swath offers changing facilities, shallow water and snorkeling right off the beach (ideal for little waders) and standup paddleboarding, kayaking and parasailing for teenagers and grownups. A string of bars and restaurants dot the palm-fringed shore, so parents can satisfy cranky kids' appetites while they quench their own with una cerveza o dos (a beer or two).
Doctor's Cave, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Of the three strands that fringe MoBay's "Hip Strip," Gloucester Avenue, it's Doctor's Cave that gets our vote for being most family-friendly. Only $6 for a day membership to this private "bathing club" (under-12's are half price), and you and your clan can enjoy a wide sweep of manicured sand and calm, healing Caribbean waters fed by underground streams. There are changing rooms with showers; lifeguards; and beach umbrellas, chairs and floats for rent. Cravings are satisfied by a seaside food court that serves patties, jerk and kid-friendly chicken fingers.
FOR PEACE & QUIET
Smith's Cove, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Seven Mile Beach gets all the attention, but for a more laid-back local scene, head to Smith's Cove. Also known as Smith Barcadere, this chill-out spot on South Sound is only about 10 minutes' drive from Seven Mile Beach but feels a world apart. At Smith's Cove, tiny twin beaches offer warm waters, great snorkeling and absolutely no "scene." Beyond restrooms and a few tables, there are no amenities and very little shade, so bring your own refreshments and sunblock. Your company is likely to consist of in-the-know expats, hotel employees on their day off and a flock of beach-loving chickens.
Reggae Beach, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Beach-lovers are shoulder-to-shoulder on the shores that front Ochi's hotels, but venture 10 minutes' drive east from the pier (toward Oracabessa), and you'll discover a serene spot untrammeled by the sun-seeking hordes. Reggae Beach is a local secret and a popular party venue in the evenings. In the day, however, you'll likely share the quarter-mile strand (which has a beach bar and grill, changing facilities and ample shade) with only a handful of savvy sunbathers. A $9 entry fee deters vendors, so you can enjoy the sun without stress.
FOR FOODIES & PARTIERS
Rum Point, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Often combined on shore excursions with a trip to Stingray City, Rum Point offers a small kid-friendly beach shaded by casuarina trees and studded with sorbet-colored picnic tables. But the big draw there is the Wreck Bar, which dominates the sand and is celebrated as the place where the Mudslide -- that famous vodka- and Kahlua-based cocktail -- was invented in the 1970's. Today the bar serves up as many as 400 of the frosty concoctions a day, and the tropical drink is a must for any self-respecting Caribbean cocktail lover.
Playa Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
It's all about ceviche and cervezas on the sands of Playa's main strip, where a string of lively bars and restaurants threaten to undo all the effort you put into getting that beach-worthy bod. Settle into a chaise in front of any of the restaurants there, and you'll not only enjoy a front-row view of the colorful characters parading the busy strip, but also a seemingly endless array of Mexican and American dishes delivered right to your seat. Still hungry? Avenida Quinta (Fifth Avenue), with its own array of restaurants, is two blocks from the sand.
FOR ACTIVE TYPES
Dunn's River, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Dunn's River Falls is arguably Jamaica's most popular attraction, and almost everyone who's been to Ochi has either climbed (or at least watched other people climb) the famous waterfall. But ascending the 600-foot-high cascade isn't your only active option there. Sure, visit to climb the falls, but make sure you spend some time on the often-overlooked beach at their base (featured in "Dr. No"), where water sports operators offer snorkeling, jet ski rentals, kayaking and glass-bottom boat rides.
To spend your time simply lazing on the sand at this beach club between the Wyndham and Allegro resorts would be missing the point. And the all-inclusive packages there can cost upward of $40 -- a waste of money, at that. Mr. Sancho's offers jet ski and banana boat rentals, horseback riding, ATV tours and an inflatable water park for the kids. Then reward your exertions with an oceanview massage or a nap in a palapa-shaded swinging bed.
Contact us to get the beach off your mind and onto your calendar!
