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The Caribbean's Sandy Eye Candy
By : Joanne Curcio-Quiñones
With more than 7,000 islands, not to mention thousands of miles of sun-kissed shores, it’s no wonder the Caribbean has earned the distinction of being the world’s top beach destination. Some beaches are lively waterfront playgrounds, while others are secluded palm-lined hideaways. Some have powdered-sugar white sand and others golden grains, or perhaps even pink. A few have creature comforts such as showers, changing rooms and picnic areas, while others might just have a shock of shade from the palm fronds, and maybe that’s all you need.
But what nearly all Caribbean beaches have in common is their amazing natural beauty and exotic appeal. Of course, the only way to discover your own perfect patch of sand is to do your own research. But with so many beaches and so little time, it can’t hurt to have a little help.
Half Moon Bay, Antigua
Finding it is an adventure in itself, but once you arrive and catch a glimpse of this stunning pink-sand crescent, you’ll know it was well worth the effort. This pristine half moon is considered a prime spot for snorkeling and windsurfing, two water sports that are a treasure to find together on the same beach. Half Moon Bay is on Antigua’s Atlantic side, where there’s an ever-present ocean breeze and waves that can sometimes be a bit feisty. Fortunately for snorkel fans, the surf on one end of the Bay is tamed by a coral reef that creates a calm basin perfect for enjoying its abundant sea life. The beach is almost always quiet, though rarely completely deserted. A bite to eat and a frosty beverage are only a short walk away.
Trunk Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
With its white sand that extends like a blanket into the picturesque sea, it’s hard to imagine that any beach could be more beautiful and enticing than this one. This heart-shaped beach is bordered by plenty of lush tropical vegetation that offers shade and gives it a bright green frame. One of the highlights of Trunk Bay is its underwater snorkeling trail equipped with markers that guide snorkelers along a reef that’s loaded with brightly colored marine life. Even though it receives more visitors than any other beach in St. John, it still remains pristine thanks to the care of the National Parks Service.
Pink Beach, Barbuda
This 8-mile strand of champagne-hued sand is as picture-perfect as it is peaceful. A sprinkling of crushed coral gives this beach its diamond-like shimmer in the sunlight, but what really makes it a precious gem is that you could walk for miles without encountering another human being. Unspoiled is an understatement here and the snorkeling is nothing less than spectacular. Barbuda’s centerpiece beach is just a few miles south of the main village of Codrington, but worlds away from the stress of everyday life. The water that laps the pristine shore is home to a community of reefs that have made it a Caribbean diving mecca.
Sandy Beach, Barbados
If it’s solitude you’re seeking, this is not the beach for you. But if you are looking for creature comforts on a gorgeous swath of sand that leads to a turquoise lagoon, then you are in the right place. This is the ideal spot to wade in calm shallow water that’s so crystal clear you could spot a fish from 40 feet away. This beach is popular with young families who love the safety of its kid-friendly shoreline. Beach chairs and umbrellas are in easy reach, as are places for a relaxed tropical lunch and a tall cold one. Besides the amenities, the beach is also easy to get to: just a stone’s throw away from the town of Worthing.
Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
This 12-mile stretch of ivory sand is nothing short of majestic. Considered among the world’s best beaches, this north coast shoreline peppered with upscale luxury resorts is a favorite among savvy travelers, as well as migrating starfish. This is the perfect beach for doing everything or nothing at all. A reef teeming with life just a couple of miles from the shore makes Grace Bay’s shallow snorkel trails a must. Water-sports enthusiasts can find plenty of rental equipment in the area. Soaking up the sunshine and wading in the waves are the preferred pastimes at this gorgeous beach.
Friars Bay, St. Kitts
Ask anyone in St. Kitts to direct you to the island’s best beach and they are sure to point you toward Friars Bay, a long stretch of sand on the southern coast where you can always count on gin-clear water, gentle surf and plenty of people-watching. There are a handful of beach bars, inexpensive local food and lots of colorful characters to meet. Near-shore reefs at both ends of the Bay make it an underwater enthusiast’s dream, but basking in the shade under a sea grape tree is also popular.
Playa Langosta, Cancun
A tiny beach with big possibilities. This playful Mexican strip of sand is one of Cancun’s top spots for sunning and swimming. The water is serene and swimming areas are clearly marked with ropes and buoys, making it an ideal spot for kids and novice swimmers. There are plenty of beach bars, restaurants and concessions for renting snorkeling equipment. Playa Langosta is a beach for everyone, including spring-breakers, young families staying in the nearby resorts and those on their way to Isla Mujeres.
How To Get There: American Airlines & American Eagle provide service to the Caribbean.
Book your trip today! Visit www.aa.com, call American/American Eagle reservations at 1-800-433-7300, or call your travel agent for more information.
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