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 are seemingly endless.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a more laidback mai tai-sipper, here are 10 of the top Caribbean beaches that serve as a perfect slice of paradise for any tropical enthusiast.
Explore these dreamy locations from afar and plan your cruise vacation:
Follow the steps along the rocky pathway down to the sands of Crane Beach in Barbados.
Credit: iStock
1. Crane Beach, Bridgetown, Barbados
Just a short 30-minute trip from Bridgetown, make the trek over some rocky coastline to Crane Beach—believe us, it’s worth every step. The secluded beach is on the smaller side, making it a peaceful place to unwind with your friends and family. But if venturing out is more your style, trails along the coast offer a way to explore and take in the unparalleled views—and added steps if you want a bit of exercise.
Swim beneath the trees at Punta Uva beach in Costa Rica.
Credit: iStock
2. Punta Uva Beach, Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
With rainforest trees extending as far out as to reach the water at Punta Uva beach, you can almost immediately sense tranquility around you, just 45 minutes south of Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. With its secluded white sand beaches, Punta Uva is also known for its butterfly gardens and 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.
Private island destination Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas is only open to Royal Caribbean guests.
Credit: Royal Caribbean
3. Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas
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, infinity pool and more.
You can watch planes fly right over Maho Beach near Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
Credit: iStock
4. Maho Beach, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Maho Beach, just 15 minutes west of Philipsburg, may be the livelier one of these beaches, but it’s definitely still a must-see in St. Maarten. Princess Juliana International Airport’s proximity brings planes, making their final approach, less than 100 feet above the beach. Get ready for some insane pictures, but please watch with caution—many of these planes are massive commercial-size jets, after all.
An iconic Caribbean shoreline makes for a peaceful day at Maracas Bay.
Credit: iStock
5. Maracas Beach, Port of Spain, Trinidad
After a 45-minute drive north of Port of Spain, through the rainforest, you’ll find the classic Caribbean white sand beach lined with palm trees at Maracas Beach, one of Trinidad’s finest spots for sunseekers. Ride a wave or just relax on shore and soak in the views—either way, you’ll experience all the island vibes at this spot.
Palm trees offer ample shade for when things heat up at Pigeon Point on Tobago.
Credit: iStock
6. Pigeon Point, Scarborough, Tobago
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.
These houses’ iconic Caribbean colors create the perfect ambiance at Buccament Bay in St. Vincent.
Credit: Royal Caribbean
7. Buccament Bay, Kingstown, St. Vincent
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, but tiny, beach has crystal-clear water tranquil enough for swimming or snorkeling. Or 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.
Snorkeling and relaxation await at Coco Beach in Bonaire.
Credit: iStock
8. Coco Beach, Kralendijk, Bonaire
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. And 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.
The rocky shores of Champagne Beach in Dominica give way to volcanic reefs offshore.
Credit: Shutterstock
9. Champagne Beach, Roseau, Dominica
Venture past the rocky shores to take a dip or dive underwater off the coast of Champagne Beach. Just 10 minutes south of Roseau, Dominica, there, you may even see thermal gases rising from the seafloor due to its location within a geothermal basin—don’t worry, they’re completely safe for viewing. Snorkeling or scuba diving here is an absolute must, and the unforgettable views that are your surroundings come with the territory.
The deep blue waters of Grand Anse beach in Grenada match the tranquility onshore.
Credit: Shutterstock
10. Grand Anse Beach, St. George’s, Grenada
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. Or you can lay back and watch the sailboats go by as you take in the serene landscape only 10 minutes south of St. George’s, Grenada.
Once you’re ready to make your daydream a reality, you’ll be able to visit these beaches yourself on any number of Royal Caribbean cruises. You can find them all here.
