The 12 best secret beaches in the Caribbean

1 day ago 3

Whether planning a warm, tropical getaway or simply dreaming about future trips, the Caribbean is a beautiful — and easily accessible — option from many parts of the United States.

However, many others have that idea, and Caribbean beaches can get crowded quickly. Luckily, there are still some secret spots in the Caribbean where you can relax in your own little slice of paradise. Here are 12 of the best beaches in the Caribbean that still fly under most travelers' radar.

Klein Curacao Beach, Curacao

Klein Curacao is a tiny uninhabited island about 6 miles southeast of Curacao known for its white, powdery sand beach and spectacular diving conditions (read: sprawling masses of coral and underwater caves). To get there, you'll need to charter a boat or book a tour with an operator such as Irie Tours (it takes about 1.5 hours to get there, depending on the type of boat you take). Once you explore the 19th-century lighthouse, swim with sea turtles and snorkel around a shipwreck, you'll be asking, "Can I go back?" Want to see the sparkle for yourself? Check out a 24/7 livestream here.

TPG tip: Since there are no hotels on Klein Curacao, stay on the main island at the Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao Resort. Rates start from $196 or 33,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Playa La Vacama, Dominican Republic

You won't have to fight for a beach chair at Playa La Vacama, since this off-the-beaten-path beach is in the northeast corner of the Dominican Republic, an hour's drive from the main tourist destinations in Punta Cana. The last 2.5 miles of road are unpaved, so it's a bit difficult to get to, but that adds to the secluded nature of the sandy spot. Once there, you'll enjoy coconut trees, white sand and turquoise waters with few others in sight.

TPG tip: Let your whole family enjoy the seclusion by booking a stay at the Zoetry Agua Punta Cana, an all-inclusive property an 11-mile drive south of the beach. Rates start at $529 or 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Little Bay Beach, Anguilla

When you have to climb down a rope along a cliff to get there, you know it's a secret beach. And that's precisely the adventure it takes to enjoy the secluded nature of Anguilla's Little Bay Beach. While accessing it may be a harrowing experience, once you get to the white sandy beaches with no crowds, you'll be glad you did. You can also take a chartered boat there, though you'll miss the adrenaline rush.

TPG tip: If you're traveling to Anguilla, there's good news for Hilton loyalists: Zemi Beach House is just a 15-minute drive from Little Bay and part of Hilton's LXR Hotels & Resorts group. Rates start from $571 or 110,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

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No Name Beach, Klein Bonaire

The tiny uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire, located a half-mile off Bonaire, has no buildings and rarely any people. What you will find, however, is a stunning reef, bright blue waters and an unspoiled white-sand beach. No Name Beach is protected by a national park, which means it will never be overrun with hotels and visitors. However, visitors can picnic and use the beach's barbecue grills (you just have to BYO charcoal).

TPG tip: There are no hotels on Klein Bonaire, but Eden Beach Resort is right near a water taxi on the main island, making it a great home base to explore both islands. Rates start from $99 per night.

Half Moon Bay Beach, Antigua

The beach at Antigua's Half Moon Bay tends to be more deserted than others on the island because there's no sign identifying the mile-long stretch of pink and white sand. Once you find it, you're in for a crowd-free euphoria. The beach has something for all sorts of water sports enthusiasts: Windsurfers can head to the center of the bay to take advantage of the waves, while snorkelers can float around the calmer water near the edges.

TPG tip: While we wait for the the One & Only Antigua to open in 2027 on 132 acres near Half Moon Bay, the Escape at Nonsuch Bay is an all-inclusive adults-only resort just a 12-minute drive north of the beach. All-inclusive rates start at $620 per night for double occupancy.

Loblolly Bay Beach, Anegada, British Virgin Islands

You'll almost feel as if you're on a private island on Anegada, the northernmost British Virgin Island, which is accessible by a 45-to-60-minute ferry from Tortola or Virgin Gorda. (You can also charter a private plane or helicopter if you want a speedier option.) Loblolly Bay has a secluded beach on the north side of the island filled with unspoiled white sand. You won't see high-rise hotels or hordes of visitors, just the occasional hammock and umbrella. There are some low-key beach bars and restaurants, but they stay pretty hidden.

TPG tip: There aren't any major hotels on Anegada, but you can rent the recently renovated Loblolly Beach Cottages, mere steps from the beach. Each of the three cottages comes with AC, full kitchen and bathroom and an outdoor shower. Rates start at $225 per night.

Rosalie Bay Beach, Dominica

Located on Dominica's windward eastern shore, Rosalie Bay is prone to waves, and its black-sand beach is often rocky and full of driftwood. However, this beach is one of the prime spots to witness the mesmerizing nesting rituals of hawksbill, leatherback and green turtles from March to October each year. While getting there is a bit of an adventure through the island's mountainous interior, the journey is worth it.

TPG tip: The Rosalie Bay Eco Resort & Spa is located right on the beach and has 28 gingerbread cottages set among the gardens and facing the ocean. Rates start at $170 per night.

Salomon Beach, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Tucked away on the enchanting island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands lies a hidden treasure: Salomon Beach.

A stone's throw away from the bustling Cruz Bay, a mile-long walk through the island's lush vegetation via the Lind Point Trail leads adventurers to this secluded paradise. Whether you take the left or right fork along the trail, both paths converge, revealing a charming sandy nook that stretches for just 25 yards. It's a beach that's often so tranquil and untouched you'd probably find only a handful of fellow sun seekers or, if lucky, have the entire beach to yourself.

TPG tip: The Westin St. John Resort Villas is a great hub to explore this secret spot and will cost around $444 per night (note that Marriott Bonvoy points bookings are currently unavailable at this property).

Playa Escondida, Puerto Rico

Beyond the picturesque Seven Seas Beach lies a secluded sanctuary, Playa Escondida.

Translated as "Hidden Beach," its name says it all. From the far left corner of Seven Seas Beach, a 1-mile trail through the mangroves invites explorers. Wander along this path and choose the right when faced with a fork. Then, at another fork, once again veer right. A short 10-minute trek rewards you with the first secret spot: Playa Colora.

After basking under the sun, retrace your steps to the path, turn right and in about 10 minutes you'll emerge onto Playa Escondida, with its orange-hued sands and the promise of seclusion. Just be careful here. "Swimming in this spot is not encouraged as the area is notorious for its strong currents and rip tides," according to Discover Puerto Rico, the island's tourism board.

TPG tip: The Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico is located in the same northeastern corner of Puerto Rico about a 45-minute drive away from Playa Escondida. Rates start at $240 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Well's Bay Beach, Saba

Located 28 miles southwest of St. Maarten, the Dutch Caribbean island of Saba feels more like a slice of Kauai thanks to its jungle-covered cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea. And guess what? It's got the world's shortest commercial runway (just 1,312 feet!). But that's not its only surprise. In just 5 square miles, you'll find everything from misty forests to golden beaches.

Tucked into the northwestern corner of the island, Well's Bay Beach is where tall cliffs meet a beach that plays peekaboo as tides roll in and out. Sometimes it's there, sometimes it's not. If you're keen to catch it, ask the locals. They know the best times.

TPG tip: There aren't many hotels on Saba, but the charming Juliana's Hotel has 17 unique rooms, suites and cottages with ocean and garden views starting at $162 per night.

Paya Bay Beach, Roatan, Honduras

Set on a bluff on the northern coast of Roatan, Paya Bay Resort offers private access to not one, but two half-moon-shaped beaches — the larger Paya Bay Beach and the smaller Bliss Beach. Even if you're not a guest, the resort sells $95 day passes, which includes lunch and a welcome drink, to up to 30 people per day. With two uncrowded beaches and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef just 100 yards offshore, it's a dream for snorkelers — bring your gear or rent some for a small fee to see the vibrant underwater life. Prefer to stay on land? Lounge on the sand and enjoy the resort's signature au naturel vibe (nudity optional but embraced).

TPG tip: Rates at Paya Bay Resort start from $178 per person, per night. Or book a room at the nearby Camp Bay Lodge Roatan for around $166 per night.

Barbary Beach, Grand Bahama, Bahamas

Barbary Beach in Freeport, Bahamas, is tucked away on Grand Bahama's southwestern shore. It's a serene stretch of powdery white sand bordered by lush casuarina trees and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Getting there feels like a treasure hunt, winding through abandoned roads and parking on what looks like a washed-out path. But once you step through the trees, you're rewarded with pristine beauty and unmatched solitude. On a good day, your only company might be a family of four strolling along the shore. The shallow waters are perfect for wading or a tranquil swim, while the surrounding dunes create a picture-perfect backdrop.

TPG tip: Stay nearby at Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan, an all-inclusive resort within a resort, where rates start at around $349 per night.

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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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