Five Great Caribbean Beaches

Sandals Negril on Seven Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica. (Marian Krueger)

Perhaps the calendar says it’s Spring, but if you’re like me, you’re probably wondering if the warm weather is ever going to happen.  In the meantime, why not take a vacation to somewhere warm and relax on a beach.  Here is a short list of a few great Caribbean beaches you might want to visit this Spring.

1. Seven Mile Beach – Negril, Jamaica: If you’re looking for a pristine white sand beach, look no further!  The longest beach in Jamaica, Seven Mile Beach, it’s sheltered by one of the Caribbean’s great reefs so you have tranquil waters and no high tides.  Best of all, expect spectacular sunrises and sunsets like you’ve never seen before.

How to get there: Fly to Montego Bay and take the 1 – 1 ½ hour ride from the airport to Negril.  There are plenty of hotels and resorts, from small budget hotels to sprawling resorts to choose from, but they all offer the amazing benefits of Seven Mile Beach.

Tips:

• Consider a beachfront resort if you can.  Crossing Norman Manley Boulevard can add more stress to your vacation than most people probably want.

• Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen.  Despite the great breeze from the water, this is a place where you can burn quickly.

2. Pink Sands Beach – Harbour Island, Bahamas: If you thought pink sand beaches were only found on Bermuda, think again.  Not particularly easy to get to, this only adds to the charm and exclusivity of the island.   Despite the island’s small size of only 3½ miles long and 1½ miles wide, once you’ve been to its 3 mile long pink sand beach, you may not want to go anywhere else.

How to get there: Fly from Nassau into North Eleuthera Airport and take a water taxi over to Harbour Island.

Tips:

• This small island offers visitors a chance to get away and relax.  Don’t expect to line up a complete schedule full of activities during your stay here.  Instead, plan on relaxing, swimming, horseback riding, snorkeling, and more relaxing.

3. Trunk Bay – St. John in the US Virgin Islands:  Maybe the ideal beach would be one that combines white sand beaches with crystal clear waters and an abundance of snorkeling opportunities.  If that sounds like your kind of a beach, then make your way to Trunk Bay in St. John.   Open from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, admission is only $4 per person (children under 16 are free).

How to get there:  Whether visiting St. John during a vacation or a cruise, arriving on St. John is simple.  Take the ferry from St. Thomas and cabs are waiting there for you.  Cab drivers can drive you directly to Trunk Bay or the smaller, more intimate, and less touristy, Cinnamon Bay nearby.

Tips:

• Find out before your visit to Trunk Bay how many cruise ships are in port in St. Thomas.  The more ships, the more likely it will be crowded that day at Trunk Bay unless you can arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

• Don’t forget to pack your snorkel equipment!

4. Orient Beach – St. Martin: This two mile stretch of white sand beach on the French side of the island is well known for this clothing optional beach.  Although the southern end of the beach near Club Orient is known for nude sunbathers, you might encounter them at any point along the beach.  Plenty of opportunities on this beach for water sports, food, beverages, and fun.

How to get there: Fly into Philipsburg, St. Maarten and enjoy your visit to this wonderful island that is one half Dutch and one half French.  If you’re on a cruise ship, take a cab from the cruise port or a cab from your resort.  If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a car and drive around this tiny island.

Tips:

• If the thought of seeing nude sunbathers in all shapes and sizes isn’t your idea of a great beach, consider visiting Dawn Beach on the Dutch side of the island.
• Be prepared for crowds on days when cruise ships are in port.

5. Seven Mile Beach – George Town, Grand Cayman: Strangely enough, only 5 ½ miles long, this long crescent coral-sand beach is one of the best in the Caribbean.  The island’s luxury resort hotels are located on this section of beach.  You can enjoy a day or snorkeling, parasailing, or picnicking on the beach.  There are a few beach bars and restaurants, a playground, restrooms, and showers.

How to get there: Whether flying into Georgetown or arriving by cruise ship into Georgetown, you’re only a short distance from Seven Mile Beach.  You can take he public bus or a cab to the beach, as taxis are readily available throughout the island.

Tips:

• The beach is a public beach so even if you’re not staying at one of the top resorts, you can still walk the length of beach without issue.

• Since the water is shallow, this is a great place for first times to become accustomed to trying out snorkeling.

Are you ready now to shed your winter coat and head to the beach?  I say it’s time to pack your sunscreen and swimsuit and head out before Mother Nature stops your vacation plans.