The 6 Best Caribbean Islands for Beachside Adventures
Written By: Katie Pittman
With its dazzling beaches, diverse cultures, and laidback lifestyle, the Caribbean is a pristine playground for sun seekers, seafood fanatics, and sailing aficionados. No two islands are alike, so we’ve dug deep to uncover what makes each unique.
At Terracotta, we’re committed to responsible and sustainable travel — that’s why we’re putting tourism-reliant destinations like the Caribbean at the top of our list. Right now, we’re seeing that the challenges of coronavirus are encouraging more local entrepreneurship in the Caribbean, so there’s more to experience than ever, from dining in the homes of local families to finding true seclusion on hidden beaches far from the hustle and bustle.
So sit back, relax, and start daydreaming about our top six Caribbean islands for a luxury tropical getaway.
The British Virgin Islands
Quiet beaches and coves, flora-filled national parks, and incredible bays boasting every imaginable shade of blue.
Once a pirate playground, now prime cruising ground, the British Virgin Islands offers bountiful anchorages, each with its own special magic. Pirate legends, tales of buried treasure, and enticing names like Prickly Pear Island, Beef Island, and Dog Islands make the BVI’s all the more exciting, especially for kids.
Tortola, known for its protected yacht harbors and lush mountainous backdrop, is a great place to learn about the BVI’s history — after a guided island tour, indulge in bold Caribbean rums during a tasting at Callwood Distillery.
To the East, Virgin Gorda’s Gorda Peak National Park is full of lush hiking trails perfect for exploration, especially in the North and Central areas. Over at Devil’s Bay National Park dive into the calm waters and swim among the immense sand-buried boulders of The Baths, without a doubt the best snorkeling site on the island. On North Sound’s shoreline, Savannah Bay also offers prime snorkeling.
Just 15 miles (24 km) north of Virgin Gorda, on the low, flat island of Anegada, discover vast sandy beaches covered in mounds of shiny pink conch shells gathered by indigenous inhabitants over 800 years. Flocks of pink flamingos gather at the inland salt ponds, while endangered rock iguanas roam the wild orchards of the west side. Horseshoe Reef is an excellent diving spot among more than 300 sunken reefs, or if you choose to snorkel, vibrant corals can be easily accessed straight from the shores of Loblolly Beach.
The picturesque island of Jost Van Dyke offers an intimate, laid-back BVI experience. Venture out to the unsullied White Bay Beach, with a protected reef teeming with underwater life and lively beach bars including the infamous Soggy Dollar. At the pretty Diamond Cay, just a 20-minute walk from Long Bay’s infamous little beach bar, Foxy’s, discover the bubbling saltwater pool which at certain tides becomes a natural sea water jacuzzi.
Our other favorites are Norman Island, thought to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s castaway classic, Treasure Island; the Dogs Islands, named when sailors confused the calls of resident seals with the barking of dogs; Necker Island, owned by Sir Richard Branson; Pelican Island, for its trio of cone shaped rock formations called The Indians that rise 30 ft above the water and plunge 36 feet below; and Salt Island, home to the shipwreck of the RMS Rhone, one of the most popular and intriguing dive sites of the British Virgin Islands.
BVI’s rich and diverse cuisine combines European, East Indian and African flavors, among others. On Virgin Gorda, Cocomaya beachfront restaurant serves an elegant and flavorful Asian-inspired menu. Join the yachties for happy hour and settle into a beachside hammock at Saba Rock Resort, or try your hand at water sports at Bitter End Yacht Club and reward yourself with a drink as the sun sets. The hillside Hog Heaven Bar & Grill offers delicious ribs, barbecue pork, and fresh fish against a sweeping backdrop overlooking beautiful islets and cays. Cow Wreck Beach Bar & Grill is the best place to indulge in a perfectly cooked Anegada lobster. For a true pirate-like boat bar experience, visit the legendary Willie T’s, a singular bar on a pirate ship anchored off Norman Island.
Pick your stay
The British Virgin Islands are best explored via a luxury catamaran or private sailing yacht, but if you prefer to keep your feet mostly on the ground, we recommend these exceptional hotels. A leader in sustainable luxury, Rosewood Little Dix Bay offers a secluded natural escape in Virgin Gorda, a perfect base for your explorations; the Batu Villa offers private luxury in its sumptuous main house and four suites nestled among the giant granite rocks of the Baths; and the private oasis of Necker and Moskito Island are two of Richard Branson’s properties that can be rented exclusively for a private island stay.
Set on a pristine private island, Guana Island is the perfect spot for couples seeking humbling wildlife encounters and a picturesque retreat. If you’re looking for serenity and relaxation with a dash of adventure, the beachfront palapas and kitesurfing school at Anegada Beach Club strike an ideal balance.
Know before you go
The world-famous Soggy Dollar on Jost van Dyke really lives up to its name. Set on the south side of the island, the bar is only accessible by boat, and revellers have to swim up to the shore to enjoy the iconic Caribbean beachside cocktail experience. Our tip: order a Painkiller and retreat to the nearest hammock to savor your fruity, rum-based tipple.
Getting there
All flights to the BVIs connect through Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Antigua and St. Maarten.
The U.S. Virgin Islands (St. John)
St. John is a pristine hideaway of rustic charm with hiking trails that drop onto secluded beaches backed by lush forest.
With only 5,000 residents, who share a deep passion to protect the island’s natural beauty, St. John is the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands and retains a strong sense of community. Its lush Virgin Islands National Park, which takes up over two-thirds of the 20 square meter (53 km2) island, offers some of the Caribbean’s most untouched and beautiful hiking trails.
With its talcum-soft sand, Trunk Bay is the most popular beach on the island, and for good reason. The stretch of perfect white sand offers extensive facilities, and is much less crowded in the late afternoon or early morning. Don your mask and flippers and dive into the turquoise waters to experience the underwater snorkel trail, which features submerged signs with information about coral and sea life as you swim by.
Cinnamon Bay and Waterlemon Cay on the north shore, are more secluded snorkeling sites where turtles, spotted eagle rays, and nurse sharks pass on occasion. Haulover Bay, on the eastern end of the island, is another insider snorkeling hotspot and a less-crowded beach experience.
The Reef Bay Trail is a rugged hike through lush forests teeming with birdlife, while Leinster Bay Trail starts at the ruins of the 18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation and promises spectacular ocean views along the way. For a romantic afternoon, charter a boat or hike Lind Point Trail to reach Honeymoon Beach which, as the name suggests, is a secluded sandy haven perfect for couples.
Cuisine on St. John is a delectable mix of West Indian favorites and globally inspired flavors combined with fresh seafood. In and around the main town of Cruz Bay, indulge in delicious fish accompanied by creative cocktails at The Longboard Restaurant; sip on crisp, local craft beer at the Tap Room; or enjoy delicious hazelnut coffee while perusing Caribbean gifts and artwork at the Papaya Bookstore. And if you spot Trinidad Charlie’s homemade hot pepper sauce, don’t miss the chance to bring a bottle home.
Pick your stay
A private villa or vacation home is the best way to stay on St. John, thanks to the longtime island residents who oversee villa management and rental operations.
Know before you go
The spectacular and unspoiled Virgin Islands National Park was created in the 1950s thanks to the work of Laurance S. Rockefeller, who fell in love with St. John during a Caribbean boating trip and decided to help retain its beauty and charm for future generations to enjoy.
Getting there
Fly into sister island St. Thomas and charter a private boat or take a ferry to the island. Once you arrive, rental cars and taxis are the easiest way to get around.
Anguilla
Perfect for any traveler seeking spectacular white-sand beaches and delectable cuisine.
Known for its remarkable dining scene, unique art galleries, and beautiful beaches, Anguilla embodies humble yet elegant luxury. Sail to private islets, like Sandy Island and Sicily Cay, and feast on the fresh catch of the day while splashing in shallow waters to the sounds of live reggae music. Just off Little Bay, snorkel alongside schools of iridescent parrot fish and spectacular coral formations, or ride horseback along Cove Bay’s untouched shores.
Spend a day aboard a private yacht to explore the chic island of St. Barth, or discover Anguilla’s historic limestone caves etched with ancient Amerindian petroglyphs. For a modern art experience, visit Cheddie Richardson’s carving studio, where he creates impressive sculptures from driftwood and other local raw materials.
Anguilla’s delicious flavors are found anywhere from roadside grills to five-star restaurants. Dine at The Strip, a fine collection of food trucks and shacks in the heart of the island’s capital, The Valley. At the 16-foot marooned boat known as Elvis’ Beach Bar, sip on the world’s best rum punch — where freshly ground nutmeg acts as the cherry on top.
Pick your stay
Zemi Beach House offers early morning yoga, indulgent spa treatments, and romantic candle-lit beach dinners on Anguilla’s pristine northern shore; the Belmond Cap Juluca on Maundays Bay is an idyll of barefoot luxury; and ÀNI Villas at Little Bay is perfect for groups with two hillside dwellings offering cliff-top infinity pools and private beach barbecues.
Know before you go
Anguillan natives, who are uniquely proud of their heritage, founded the Anguilla National Trust to preserve their natural and cultural treasures. Don’t miss a visit to The Heritage Museum to learn about Anguilla’s colorful history and chat with passionate curator and island historian, Colville Petty.
Getting there
We recommend flying into St. Maarten’s airport (SXM) followed by a short ferry or private boat transfer. Anguilla Air Services also runs a seven-minute flight from St. Maarten.
Antigua
Antigua’s delicate breeze and calm waters have lured seafarers for centuries, making the island a prime spot for naval history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and skilled sailors.
Perfect for travelers who seek more than just sun and sea, Antigua’s rich culture and fascinating history are not to be overlooked. Established as a base for the British Royal Navy in the 18th century, English Harbour is home to a wealth of colonial history, with the cobblestone lanes and grand maritime remnants of Nelson’s Dockyard at its heart.
Another English tradition, cricket, is alive and well across the island — don’t be surprised to see wickets set up on beaches, street corners, and anywhere else there’s space to bat and bowl. True fans can catch a proper match at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds on North Sound.
At the former sugar plantation of Betty’s Hope, today a major West Indian heritage monument and eco-tourism initiative, learn about the dark history of slavery and colonialism, and how this legacy has influenced the lives of generations of Antiguans.
Follow Figtree Drive to find authentic island life unfolding with roadside stalls selling the renowned black pineapple — considered the sweetest in the world — and locals passing time on clapboard cottage porches. Soar over lush rainforest on a thrilling zipline adventure, or paddle the sparkling seas, calm bays, and mangrove swamps by kayak or stand up paddleboard.
While Antigua’s beaches don’t compare to those of its neighbors, the tiny uninhabited islands on the East Coast are perfect for a relaxing boat tour — as is the island of Montserrat to the southwest, home to black-sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, and a bubbling volcano known as Madam Soufriere.
Antigua is the perfect place to indulge in locally-distilled rum cocktails and freshly caught seafood slathered in creole sauce. For an upscale dining experience, head to Ana’s Beach Restaurant on beautiful Dickenson Bay. Papa Zouk’s, on the other hand, is a charming and characterful spot that serves over 250 rum labels and is known as one of the best fish restaurants on the island. Don’t miss the legendary Sunday celebration at Shirley Heights in English Harbour, where you can indulge in spicy barbecued ribs and ice-cold beer and cocktails before dancing the night away to live reggae and steel pan music.
Pick your stay
Try your hand at a complimentary activity like scuba diving or windsurfing at the intimate and indulgent Curtain Bluff, hide away in a woodlined suite with a private plunge pool at Hermitage Bay, or retreat to the exclusive Jumby Bay Island, just seven minutes by boat from their private dock near Antigua airport.
Know before you go
In the last week of April each year, the whole island is swept up in the excitement of Antigua Sailing Week, which culminates in one of the world’s best regattas.
Getting there
Direct flights are available from Miami and London to Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport.
Barbuda
Undoubtedly the Caribbean’s best kept secret and our favorite island for a secluded beach escape.
Our lead travel designer, Anna Mascaro, spent a week exploring this remote island, and she still talks about the incredible pink and white sand beaches, and pure simplicity of life here. Ideal for up-close encounters with Mother Nature, Barbuda is a wildlife haven with a frigate colony that outnumbers the island’s human population. With its vast areas of mangrove and seagrass tidal banks, the island is also a prime spot for bonefishing. Spend your days angling the shallow waters, combing the beaches for seashells, and feasting on freshly caught lobster at a simple beach shack.
Pick your stay
Barbuda Belle features eight elegant and understated beachfront bungalows and offers picnic lunches, locally-sourced dinners, and endless stretches of footprint-free beaches to stroll. Perfect for families, Barbuda Cottages is a self-catered lodge with a strong commitment to sustainability.
Know before you go
Barbuda was a favorite destination of Princess Diana, and there’s even a beach named after her on the island’s south coast. The famous K Club Hotel, where the princess used to stay, was recently purchased by Robert De Niro — and once renovated will be the perfect place to live out your aristocratic fantasies.
Getting there
Fly to Antigua and hop on a private boat or ferry that will have you wading on Barbuda’s shores in 90 minutes. A 20-minute flight, operated by SVG airlines, is also an option.
St. Barths
A gourmet dining paradise with French colonial heritage and immersive eco experiences.
With picturesque beaches and quaint harbors, vibrant French and Swedish heritage, soaring coastal mountains and world-class seafood dining, St. Barth’s is one of the most sophisticated and exclusive Caribbean islands. While you’ll feel like a true celebrity as you roam the chic towns and pristine shores, there’s so much more to this island than its glitzy image. The beaches are pristine and diverse, from the reef-protected waters of Baie de St Jean and the less-visited Gouverneur Beach to the natural pool of Petit Cul, accessible by a 20-minute hike with breathtaking views. Charter a yacht for a day cruise to hidden gems like Colombier beach, or the uninhabited Fourchue and Tintamenere islands.
St. Barth’s cuisine is a delectable marriage of French and Creole influences. Settled just above the quaint harbor, upscale Bonito serves delicious cocktails and an inventive menu of light bites, such as their renowned truffle ceviche. Perched above Governor’s beach, the quaint Santa Fe Restaurant is the perfect place for freshly caught dover sole, clams, and grilled langouste. Just steps away from Saline beach, Grain de Sel offers flavorful authentic Caribbean cuisine.
Pick your stay
Perfect for honeymooners and couples, Cheval Blanc is the spot for pampered beachfront luxury, while the understated Eden Rock, with a bar and restaurant managed by masterchef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, is ideal for families and couples.
Le Guanahani is a great spot for couples, with beachfront Caribbean-style bungalows and a magical spa hidden among exotic tropical gardens, and the hillside Villa Marie, set atop the famous Flamands Beach is a modern colonial-style boutique hotel perfect for families, honeymooners, and couples.
Know before you go
St. Barth is tiny — just eight square miles (20 m2) — and was formed by a volcanic eruption. “Discovered” by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and named after the explorer’s brother, the island was inhabited as far back as 1000BC by the Ciboney, a group of the indigenous Taíno people with roots in numerous Caribbean islands.
Getting there
The best option is to fly to St. Maarten’s International Airport and hit the skies again with a 15-minute air transfer, or hop on a 45-minute private boat or ferry.
Best time to visit
The Caribbean season to visit starts in late November and is perfect from December to April. June and July are also great months to visit.
Running from June 1 to November 30, the Atlantic hurricane season peaks at the beginning of August through the end of October, with most storm activity happening in mid-September.
The chances of a hurricane or tropical storm taking place on the islands during your visit are very slim, but if anything is forecast, the properties we work with offer a hurricane guarantee so you can simply reschedule your dates.
If you’ve noticed that The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos are not mentioned here, that’s because they’re not actually Caribbean islands! Have a look at our Turks and Caicos vs the Bahamas: Where Should I Go? blog for more information about these spectacular tropical Atlantic archipelagos.
