Think all Caribbean beaches are the same? Think again. Home to some of the worlds most beautiful and diverse beaches in the world, the Caribbean islands are a feast for the senses. Every shoreline promises a new twist on relaxing in paradiseor cranking up the adventure with world-class water sports.
Weve teamed up with global cruise line Royal Caribbean to highlight seven of the most stunning Caribbean beaches that prove theres a lot more than swaying palm trees, gently lapping waves, and white sandy expanses to tempt nature lovers (although that also sounds pretty great). Kick your relaxation up a notch by exploring these one-of-a-kind beaches on your next Caribbean adventure.
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Great for snorkeling right off the shoreline, Champagne Reef will also wow visitors with its vibrant coral and plentiful sea life. Less crowded than more well-known tourist spots, Champagne Beach also offers great nightlife at waterfront Melvinas Champagne Bar and Restaurant. Order a glass of bubbly or stay for rum punch and steamed fish as you watch the sunset.
Travelers also will want to check out the Bathsheba Pools for a sheltered place to take a dip away from the crashing waves. These shallow sheltered pools are a favorite spot for Bajans to gather for a soak in natures very own whirlpool.
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History buffs will want to check out the Mayan ruin and nearby Celarain Lighthouse at Punta Sur. The Mayan ruin is embedded with conch shells that whistle when the wind blows, while the lighthouse offers a stunning panoramic view of Cozumelif youre willing to climb the 127 steps to see it!
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A short ferry ride will take travelers from the vibrant Antiguan city of St. Johns to its neighboring island, Montserrat, where the typical image of white Caribbean sand evaporates as soon as you step onto the docks. Experience a lesson in chemistry on Woodlands Beach, where the dark basalt sand is the result of past eruptions from the islands volcano. With a backdrop of cliffs surrounding the black sand beach, travelers can cool off with a picnic and have a chance to spot migrating whales.
Grand Cayman may be best known for Seven Mile Beach, a coral-sand beach that stretches as far as the eye can see along the western shore of the island. And while travelers cant go wrong with the snorkeling, sunbathing, and resort amenities located nearby, adventure seekers who want something a little more exciting will want to check out the blowholes on the east end of Grand Cayman. When the trade winds blow, crashing waves are pushed into caverns that send geysers shooting up to 20 feet in the air. These powerful forces of nature are an impressive sight, but onlookers should keep a safe distance and wear sturdy shoes, as the rugged rocks that form the viewing area can be sharp. The blowholes are a perfect spot for taking a memorable photo on Grand Cayman, but swimming should be saved for the much calmer waters of Seven Mile Beach!
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Paradise Beach, just minutes from downtown Nassau in the Bahamas, features some of the clearest waters for diving in the entire Caribbean. With visibility of up to 100 feet, scuba divers rejoice in exploring the waters of this world-renowned island. Here you can dive amongst the remains of several shipwrecks and the Lost Blue Hole, a natural cavern that extends 200 feet deep and is filled with impressive marine life, including nurse sharks, angelfish and manta rays. Divers call the Lost Blue Hole one of the most unique and memorable dive sites in the world.
Paris is for lovers, but so too is Magens Bay Beach with its unique heart-shaped coastline. A hotspot for destination weddings, beach bliss can be found here whether youre with that special someone, friends or family. Beyond the inviting strip of white sand and warm azure water, travelers can also enjoy the nearby nature trail, coconut grove, or the six-acre arboretum, home to trees from four different continents. This Caribbean stunner will cement your lifelong love of St. Thomas.
Why settle for one beach on your next vacation when you can seek out the worlds most unique beaches during the same trip? Make your next tropical adventure one to remember with Royal Caribbean, voted number one for 14 years and counting by Travel Weekly. Visit Royal Caribbean to find the most awe-inspiring destinations and your next unforgettable adventure vacation.
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7 Stunning Beaches That Will Make You Want To Travel To the Caribbean - Huffington Post
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