The 8 Caribbean Islands With The Bluest & Prettiest Water!
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The Caribbean is known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, but some islands stand out from the rest with their particularly striking and mesmerizing shades of blue.
So let us take you on a virtual trip to the tropical paradises of the Caribbean, where the sun shines bright and the sand is white.
Using our extensive knowledge of the region, we’ve put together a list of what we believe are the eight Caribbean islands that boast the bluest and prettiest water in the region, all so you can plan your next beach vacation easily.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by the breathtaking beauty of the Caribbean!
TOP EIGHT ISLANDS WITH THE BLUEST & PRETTIEST WATER IN THE CARIBBEAN
- Bonaire
- Anguilla
- Turks and Caicos
- Saint Lucia
- St. John
- Caye Caulker
- Jost Van Dyke
- The Caymans
1. Bonaire (Netherlands Antilles)
This small island in the southern Caribbean boasts some of the most gorgeous underwater landscapes in the world.
Largely untouched, Bonaire paints the perfect picture of a serene escape from the city, with swaying palm trees, white sandy beaches, and mesmerizing turquoise waters.
While Bonaire may seem like a dry and desert-like landscape, it is another world altogether under its sparkling blue waters.
The island is surrounded by stunning coral reefs and gorgeous turqouise waters that are protected by the Bonaire National Marine Park. Teeming with an incredible and colorful variety of marine life, ranging from sharks and tropical fish to green turtles, the reefs are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Water sports enthusiasts will also find a laid-back and peaceful vibe to the island.
The island is surrounded by miles of shorelines, dotted with some of the best beaches in the Caribbean – some that are even home to flamingos!
Bonaire’s charming villages and towns, with many shops and markets, will also add a nice local touch to your beach vacation.
For a more off-the-beaten-path getaway, the island of Klein Bonaire nearby is a worthy side trip. Located just off the coast of Bonaire, a mere boat ride away, this small island is a real sight to behold.
With a white sand beach and bright blue waves lapping at the shore, Klein Bonaire is a perfect location for snorkeling, diving, picnicking. and of course incredible photos.
The Best Beaches In Bonaire
Shallow blue waters, steady trade winds, and sunshine make the quiet Sorobon Beach a popular spot for windsurfing and kite surfing.
The unique Pink Beach gets its color from tiny pieces of pink coral shells mixed with the sand.
Another excellent spot for windsurfing and kite surfing can be found at Lac Bay Beach.
Take a lesson in kite surfing, or go for a long stroll along the shoreline at Atlantis Beach.
Go for some plane spotting and catch airplanes flying low over the sea at the beautiful Te Amo Beach near Bonaire airport.
Walk down limestone stairs to get to the turquoise waters of the Beach of 1000 Steps. Don’t worry, there are only around 70 steps!
Playa Chikitu and Playa Frans are beaches with turquoise waters and peaceful vibes.
The Best Hotels & Resorts In Bonaire
With breathtaking views of that famous Bonaire water, and right beside a white sand beach and swaying palm trees, it’s hard to find a better place to stay than Harbour Village Beach Resort.
The service is exceptional, and the terrace, bar, and outdoor pool are all set in stunning surroundings. See photos and rates here!
2. Anguilla
To put it in just a few words, Anguilla is simply breathtaking.
This tiny island in the Caribbean is packed with over thirty beautiful beaches, boasting silky-soft, sugar-white sands and electric blue waters. The luscious shores offer a picture-perfect escape from reality, with plenty of activities and great photo opportunities.
Anguilla is untouched and less commercialized than many other islands in the region, which makes it even better for a relaxed and authentic holiday getaway.
The beauty of the island is clear–it is a tropical paradise, an idyllic beach destination with palm trees and gorgeous blue sea.
Anguilla is also home to many coral reefs, which makes its underwater landscape ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling expeditions.
The island has several luxury resorts too. Properties like the Four Seasons Anguilla have a wide range of accommodation types for different budgets, with excellent dining options and plenty of activities.
The Best Beaches In Anguilla
At Shoal Bay East Beach you will find the typical tropical island vibe, with bright white sand and a striking mix of turquoise and deep blue colored waters. This popular beach is one of the best in Anguilla.
The photogenic and secluded Barnes Bay Beach is another white sand beach with the prettiest blue waters. Several upscale hotels can be found along this beach, making it ideal for a romantic getaway.
Take a day trip by boat to the picture-perfect beach of Little Bay, where the clear azure water sets beautifully against white sand and craggy cliffs.
Sink your toes into the soft sugar-white sands of Rendevous Bay Beach and stroll along the coconut palm-lined shoreline with luminous blue water. The panoramic views of the neighboring St. Martin Island are stunning from here!
Relax and nap on the soft, rosy-hued sands of Meads Bay Beach. The vibrant blue of Anguilla’s surrounding waters makes you want to come back again and again.
Bright sands and even brighter blue waters make Maundays Bay Beach a local favorite. Deemed one of the poshest beaches in Anguilla, its waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Hidden gems like Crocus Bay Beach and Captain’s Bay Beach make the trip and effort to reach them all worthwhile. Swim, snorkel or kayak in the alluring waters, or lounge on beach chairs and soak up the sun.
Savannah Bay Beach is a marvel, and a lovely spot to indulge in swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
The Best Hotels & Resorts In Anguilla
Turtle’s Nest Beach Resort in Anguilla is well worth looking into. The private villas at this resort sit on a gorgeous stretch of beach and it’s easily one of the most beautiful accommodation options around, and for a reasonable price too. See photos and rates here.
Another option is the five-star Cap Juluca which is a chic beachfront resort set on a white sand beach. It’s known on Anguilla for being one of the most luxurious accommodation options, and while it is pricey, you can expect celebrity treatment. See photos and rates here.
3. Turks & Caicos
Picture the perfect beach paradise: sparkling white sand beaches with striking blue waters that lap up the shore, as palm trees gently sway with the wind in the background. Yep, you’re on the Turks and Caicos.
This archipelago of 40 small islands and cays southeast of the Bahamas is often called the Caribbean’s best-kept secret.
With the third-largest coral reef system in the world, it is little surprise that the Turks and Caicos are a treat for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
The scene under the water is mesmerizing, where you can snorkel among schools of vibrant and colorful fish, and other varieties of marine life.
But what’s amazing is that you can see that sealife without even getting into the water and just by looking over the edge of the boat. The waters may be in exquisite blue hues, but they are super clear too.
While there is everything for beach bums and water sports enthusiasts here, the Turks and Caicos’ are also home to a thriving cultural scene, where you can enjoy live music, festivals and explore local galleries and museums.
Providenciales, fondly known as Provo, is the main island and a hub of cocktail bars, restaurants, and luxury escapades.
The Best Beaches In Turks & Caicos
Grace Bay Beach is a long, white-sand (read: blindingly white sand) beach, widely considered to be one of the best in the world.
A popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, Turtle Cove Beach is also known for its abundant sea turtle population.
For a quiet, secluded, and more relaxing experience, head over to Long Bay Beach.
A charming, crescent-shaped beach with calm blue waters and excellent snorkeling opportunities, Sapodilla Bay Beach is also perfect for beach volleyball.
Enjoy some stunning scenery along the turquoise lagoon of Chalk Sound Beach and have a go at kayaking and paddle-boarding.
The Best Hotels And Resorts In Turks & Caicos
The classy studios at Villa del Mar, which is located just a stone’s throw away from the beach in Grace Bay are worth the price you pay alone. But couple that with the outdoor pool, hot tub, and the fact you’re close to whole bunch of restaurants and you can see why we think this is a fantastic choice on the islands. See photos and rates!
You can’t get more luxurious than The Palms Turks and Caicos which sits right on the beach at Grace Bay. The beach, facilities and world class service are fantastic, but the real star of the show is the huge outside infinity pool with sea views. See photos and rates!
4. St Lucia
Photographers and Instagrammers will absolutely love St. Lucia. This gorgeous island nation in the Eastern Caribbean is known for its mountainous landscape and stunning shorelines.
The island is home to pristine white-sand beaches, surrounded by the deep blue waters. These waters are teeming with abundant marine life, including colorful fish, dolphins, and sea turtles. St. Lucia also has a number of marine reserves that help conserve the island’s coral reefs.
This island destination also has a plethora of click-worthy landscapes and scenery. The signature green peaks of the volcanic Pitons make an iconic backdrop in your vacation photos, and Jalhousie Beach, a stretch of white sand in the center of the Pitons, is a beautiful place to photograph.
Visitors can also head to Marigot Bay. Filled with sailboats and moored yachts against the blue sea, the bay is one of the most photographic vistas on St Lucia.
From sunbathing on the beautiful white sands against the turquoise sea to hikes through the inland jungle and thundering waterfalls, St. Lucia is full of stunning places to photograph.
The Best Beaches In St. Lucia
With its shallow waters, Reduit Beach is a popular beach and a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Marigot Bay is a sheltered, crescent-shaped bay on the western side of St. Lucia that is a popular spot for boating, kayaking, and snorkeling.
Lush vegetation and rolling hills surround the stunning black sand beach of Anse Chastanet, which offers breathtaking views of the nearby Pitons.
Check out stunning views of the mountains while sunbathing and swimming at Jalhousie Beach.
Snorkeling enthusiasts and expert divers can head to Sugar Beach for a great experience.
The striking and clear blue waters and golden sands of Paradise Beach make for the perfect vacation photo.
The Best Hotels & Resorts In St. Lucia
Situated in Frigate Bay just a few minutes walk from the beach, Royal St. Kitts Hotel is a great option for families on a budget. You’ll have access to a big outdoor swimming pool, lovely views across the bay, and be close to many amenities like shops and restaurants. See photos and rates!
Set on Banana Beach in Christophe Harbour, the five-star Park Hyatt St Kitts is the place to stay on the island if you’re looking for exceptional service, celebrity treatment and world-class facilities.
While direct access to the beach is a big draw, the main event has to be the rooftop pool which has stunning view across the water to the island of Nevis. What a place to have you evening cocktail. See photos and rates!
5. St. John (U.S. Virgin Islands)
St. John offers the best of everything for a beach lover, avid water sports enthusiast, and even any passionate wildlife explorers out there.
One of the three islands that make up the British Virgin Islands, St. John is the smallest and the least developed. And it’s a blessing. With two-thirds of it preserved as the Virgin Islands National Park, St. John is a must-visit wonder of nature with a stunning and pristine coastline.
St. John is accessible mainly by ferry which operates from the nearby St. Thomas Island. Typical white sand beaches dot the shores surrounded by eye-catching azure waters.
Snorkeling at St. John is one of the best in the Caribbean too. The water is so clear that you don’t have to swim far to see all amazing marine life.
While adventure lovers and eco-travelers can have their fill at the Virgin Islands National Park.
St. John has quite a few beaches that are off the beaten track. Francis Bay is a quiet, remote beach that is worth the trek to reach it. And Hansen Bay is a great fun spot for families, with opportunities for snorkeling and kayaking.
The Best Beaches In St. John
Trunk Bay Beach is the most-photographed beach with sugar-white sand, clear blue waters, thriving coral reefs, and well-maintained facilities.
Cinnamon Bay has a large and sheltered beach surrounded by lush vegetation. It is a popular spot for camping and picnicking.
Pristine white sand, bluest waters, and dramatic cliffs make Hawksnest Bay a stunning beach with breathtaking views.
Snorkel with green sea turtles at the beautiful Maho Beach.
Take a dip into the glistening blue waters of Salt Pond Bay Beach and indulge in swimming or snorkeling, or just sunbathing.
Spend a day at the idyllic Honeymoon Beach where sailboats and catamarans line the horizon.
Start on some great hiking trails from Lameshur Beach.
The Best Hotels & Resorts In St. John
Situated on Great Cruz Bay with its own private 400 m white-sand beach, The Westin St. John Resort is a real taste of luxury in the USVI.
The service is world class, and the outdoor pool is gorgeous, yet despite all the amenities and fantastic location and views, it’s not as expensive as you may think. See photos and rates!
6. Caye Caulker (Belize)
While the country of Belize is lined with a golden sand coastline and clear blue water, the small island of Caye Caulker near the mainland is the real deal.
Located just a short ferry ride from Belize City, Caye Caulker is the perfect tropical getaway in the Caribbean.
The island is made of limestone coral and is surrounded by the second-largest coral reef system in the world, the Belize Barrier Reef. The electric blue waters are hence home to an abundant variety of marine life and vibrant coral reefs.
Caye Caulker is also a relatively low-cost destination that offers the best of both worlds–a relaxing, laid-back beach vacation and an outdoor adventure with thrilling water sports. And there are plenty of scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities in the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve near the Belize Reef.
Budget backpackers and scuba divers can be found along the beaches and under the waters on this island, enjoying the beautiful underwater landscapes, warm sea breeze, and tasty fresh lobster.
Among other things, eco-tourists can do manatee tours from the island where they can observe these friendly creatures under the shallow waters.
Another thing to do is explore Caye Caulker on land. Just rent a bike, ride the sandy roads and discover the island’s fishing villages and obscure beach spots.
The most interesting beach of Caye Caulker is The Split. Getting its name from a hurricane incident that split the island apart, the beach is popular for its live music, concerts, and party scenes.
The Best Beaches In Caye Caulker
The Split is a narrow channel of water separating Caye Caulker into two parts. It is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, with clear blue waters and a laid-back atmosphere.
The secluded Koko King Beach is the ideal place to watch some stunning sunsets.
Front Street Beach is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing and is surrounded by restaurants and bars, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a drink.
For stunning views of the reef and turquoise waters, head over to Blue Hole Beach, where you can also explore plenty of coral and marine life.
Party lovers will love the Palapa Beach Bar with its lively atmosphere, delicious cocktails, and live music.
Couples will find a romantic escape at Sunset Beach as they watch the sun go down in stunning colors over the horizon.
For a quiet, laid-back, and lazy time, visitors will find the Lazy Lizard Beach and the Iguana Beach the most suitable.
The Best Hotels & Resorts In Caye Caulker
Featuring an outdoor pool and a hot tub, Seaside Villas is one of the top choices on Caye Caulker. With free WiFi throughout and good amenities in the rooms, this is a popular choice and is a few steps from the beach. See photos and rates!
Colinda Cabanas is another good option on Caye Caulker. The hotel offers complimentary bicycles, snorkeling gear, and kayaks, and they have their own swimming pier, perfect for a cooling afternoon dip. See photos and rates!
7. Jost Van Dyke (British Virgin Islands)
Jost Van Dyke is one of the smallest of the British Virgin Islands, yet it packs an abundance of charm, history and a lot of fun.
The island’s stunning turquoise waters attract visitors along with its laid-back, relaxed atmosphere. But it’s also known as a fun party spot when the sun goes down too.
Islands like Jost Van Dyke are no strangers to water sports enthusiasts either. The island’s coral reefs and striking blue waters are home to some amazing marine life, and make for some exciting snorkeling and diving expeditions.
And when on Jost Van Dyke you must not miss a hike to the Bubbly Pool, a natural “hot tub” style swimming hole.
Besides the standard affair of water adventures and sunbathing on the many beautiful beaches, Jost Van Dyke also offers a bustling nightlife and culture scene. Several bars and restaurants dot the beaches that are popular with tourists and locals alike.
The Best Beaches In Jost Van Dyke
Crystal-clear turquoise waters surround the stunning white sand beach of White Bay, which is popular for swimming and sunbathing.
Great Harbor Beach is well-known among tourists who are looking for a relaxing and peaceful escape from busy city life.
For a quiet and serene getaway, Little Harbour is perfect.
The popular Foxy Taboo Beach is known for its turquoise waters and stunning scenery.
Soggy Dollar Beach is a lively and popular beach with live music, entertainment, and the famous Soggy Dollar Bar.
If you’re looking for a picturesque and secluded beach, head over to Sandy Cay, which has a beautiful beach and great spots for photography.
Little Jost Van Dyke has a great beach bar.
Best Hotels & Resorts In Jost Van Dyke
The Hideout, located a stone’s throw from White Bay, has gorgeous sea views and is the perfect place to wind down and relax.
With a private pool on your terrace that looks directly out onto the beach, this is one of those hotels you’ll never forget. See photos and rates!
8. Cayman Islands
Turquoise waters, bone-white sand beaches, and coconut palms – that’s the Cayman Islands in a nutshell.
A group of three islands in the western Caribbean, the Cayman Islands, are a favorite destination for beach lovers.
But one of the main things that makes the Caymans special is the color and clarity of its water: it is crystal-clear and a stunning shade of blue. The abundance of marine life and coral reefs around the islands makes it exceptional for snorkeling and scuba diving too.
The Caymans are also home to the award-winning Seven Mile Beach. Located on Grand Cayman, this beach is considered to be the ultimate beach destination, with its coral sands and sparkling blue waters. Many restaurants and beach bars dot the shoreline, adding to its appeal.
The Best Beaches In The Cayman Islands
Rum Point is a well-maintained beach with shady trees, hammocks, and picnic tables. The white sand beach and clear waters are ideal for snorkeling.
Have some fun while soaking up the sun at the iconic Seven Mile Beach.
With a beautiful lagoon and stunning views of the sea, Cayman Kai is a secluded beach perfect for swimming and other water sports.
For those seeking a peaceful and relaxing escape, Spotts Beach is a secluded beach with calm waters and sunny weather, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Indulge in activities such as kayaking, fishing, diving, and snorkeling at the Brac Reef Beach on Cayman Brac Island.
Smith Barcadere Beach with its white sands and blue waters is perfect for photo ops and snorkeling.
Bask in the sun or cool off in the water, Point of Sand is a nice secluded beach on Little Cayman.
Water sports enthusiasts will have a great time at Owen Island Beach.
Vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life make Blood Bay Beach an ideal snorkeling and diving spot.
The Best Hotels & Resorts In The Cayman Islands
It’s hard to find a hotel near the beach on a Cayman Islands ‘budget’ price point, but the Hampton By Hilton is just that. You’ll be just a 2-minute walk from Seven Mile Beach, have access to a lovely pool, as well as fantastic facilities. See photos and rates!
The word ‘luxury’ and the Cayman Islands go hand in hand, and what better way to experience the best the islands have to offer than staying at the five-star Ritz-Carlton.
With tennis courts, swimming pools, direct beach access and some exceptional sea views, it’ll be hard to drag yourself away from this resort. But as the hotel is situated not only on Grand Cayman, but also on Seven Mile Beach, you’ll be right in the heart of the action. See photos and rates!
