USA TODAY 10Best
Shoal Bay voted Best Caribbean Beach of 2023
Best Caribbean Beach (2023)
Beach bums and water sports enthusiasts love the Caribbean for the miles of white sand beaches, crystal clear blue waters and colorful creatures and plants living within.
The top 10 winners in the category Best Caribbean Beach are as follows:
- Fortune Beach - Freeport, Bahamas
- Gold Rock Beach - Bahamas
- Grace Bay Beach - Turks and Caicos
- Dickenson Bay - Antigua & Barbuda
- Grand Anse Beach - Grenada
- Tropic of Cancer Beach - Little Exuma, Bahamas
- Salt Whistle Bay - The Grenadines
- Eagle Beach - Aruba
- Paradise Beach - Carriacou
- Shoal Bay - Anguilla
Photo courtesy of Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments, & Aviation
No. 10:
This quiet beach near Freeport got its name from a shipwreck estimated to be worth some $2 million. Since the beach can only be accessed by private transportation, visitors will often have the sand to themselves (and the patrons of Banana Bay restaurant).
Photo courtesy of Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments, & Aviation
No. 9:
Located within the protected Lucayan National Park, Gold Rock Beach comprises a spectacular and secluded stretch of sand known as Grand Bahama’s “welcome mat.” Beach goers can make use of BBQ pits, picnic tables and benches, and at low tide, the sand stretches for yards out to sea.
Photo courtesy of iStock / JoaoBarcelos
No. 8:
On the north side of Providenciales in Turks and Caicos sits three-mile-long Grace Bay, a long stretch of sand lined with excellent resorts and tourist services. The endless (and unbelievably soft) white sand and mesmerizing turquoise water are often rather quiet, as there isn't a cruise ship in sight.
Photo courtesy of Watkins Multimedia for The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
No. 7:
10Best Contributor Ursula Barzey reports, “Popular with locals and tourists, the mile-long white sandy beachfront is lined with hotels, restaurants, and beach bars.” Water sports facilities and concessions are readily available on Dickenson Bay beach, and the calm waters provide an ideal setting for an active day in the seas. Jet skis, kayaks, banana boat rides, and catamaran boat cruises are all easily assessable.
Photo courtesy of Grenada Tourism Authority
No. 6:
Many a visitor to the Caribbean's Spice Island never leave the 2-mile stretch of creamy white sand known as Grand Anse Beach. Located conveniently close to St. George's, the beach has an old Caribbean feel, plenty of room for walking and loads of restaurants, hotels and shops to meet any beach-goer's needs.
Photo courtesy of PJPhoto69 // Getty Images
No. 5:
The longest beach on the island of Exuma in The Bahamas, Tropic of Cancer Beach draws visitors for its pristine white-sand beach and the Tropic of Cancer meridian line – the imaginary line which marks the northern boundary of the tropics. It’s notoriously tricky to find, and with no amenities, it’s not uncommon for the beach to be deserted, so those who find it can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and viewing the colorful fish in the clear waters.
Photo courtesy of EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER // Getty Images
No. 4:
Visitors to Salt Whistle Bay will find mostly calm waters at this beautiful white sand beach. Loved for its Caribbean charm and access to beach bars and restaurants, Salt Whistle Bay is a great spot to spend the day boating, fishing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kitesurfing, or just relaxing with a drink on the beach.
Photo courtesy of iStock / Diego Mariottini
No. 3:
Aruba's widest beach is also one of its most spectacular, thanks to its blindingly white sand, warm Caribbean waters and some of the island's most famous (and photographed) fofoti trees.
Photo courtesy of Pure Grenada
No. 2:
Paradise Beach is considered one of the most popular of Carriacou’s beaches. The green shade trees, white sand, and clear turquoise waters are considered the sights that give Paradise Beach its name. A souvenir shop with handmade crafts and a restaurant and bar are nearby for shopping and dining.
Photo courtesy of Pink Mako/Shoal Bay Villas Anguilla
No. 1:
“Two miles of pristine white sand beach with crystal clear water” is how 10Best Contributor Ursula Barzey describes Shoal Beach, considered by many to be Anguilla’s most famous beach. This two-mile sandy beach is known for its unique, pinkish-tinted white sand and exceptional turquoise water. Restaurants, beach bars, and hotels line the beach, and it is the home of many water sports, including diving, kayaking, and snorkeling.
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
Congratulations to all these winners!
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Chelle Walton
Chelle Koster Walton took her first Caribbean trip... Read More
Chelle Koster Walton took her first Caribbean trip to Jamaica in the 1970s and has been in love with the region ever since. Author of the award-winning Caribbean Ways: A Cultural Guide, she served as contributing editor and contributor for Caribbean Travel & Life magazine for more than 15 years. Two-time winner of the Bahamas Cacique Award for International Writer, Walton is also the author of Explorers Guide: The Bahamas and a guidebook app about Nassau.
Chelle Walton
Chelle Koster Walton took her first Caribbean trip to Jamaica in the 1970s and has been in love with the region ever since. Author of the award-winning Caribbean Ways: A Cultural Guide, she served as contributing editor and contributor for Caribbean Travel & Life magazine for more than 15 years. Two-time winner of the Bahamas Cacique Award for International Writer, Walton is also the author of Explorers Guide: The Bahamas and a guidebook app about Nassau.
Melanie Reffes
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in... Read More
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers the Caribbean for a variety of publications including USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com. A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico. An avid fan of spicy food, Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto.
Melanie Reffes
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers the Caribbean for a variety of publications including USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com. A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico. An avid fan of spicy food, Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto.
Ursula Petula Barzey
Ursula Petula Barzey is a digital marketing... Read More
Ursula Petula Barzey is a digital marketing consultant and founder of the award-winning digital platform and blog Caribbean & Co. Passionate about all things related to the Caribbean, especially Montserrat from which her family hails, she loves traveling the region in search of the best cultural and foodie adventures, places to stay, and live/work opportunities. Established in 2014, Caribbean & Co. has won five travel media awards! Follow Ursula’s adventures via her Caribbean & Co. website and social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Ursula Petula Barzey
Ursula Petula Barzey is a digital marketing consultant and founder of the award-winning digital platform and blog Caribbean & Co. Passionate about all things related to the Caribbean, especially Montserrat from which her family hails, she loves traveling the region in search of the best cultural and foodie adventures, places to stay, and live/work opportunities. Established in 2014, Caribbean & Co. has won five travel media awards! Follow Ursula’s adventures via her Caribbean & Co. website and social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
