Whether you’re planning a warm tropical getaway or just dreaming of future travels, the Caribbean may be at the top of your list. It’s a beautiful and easily accessible option from many locations across the United States, making it an easy vacation choice. However, finding a secluded beach there is not easy. Caribbean beaches can quickly become crowded with many other travelers having the same vacation idea.
Luckily, the Caribbean still has some secret spots where you can relax in your own little piece of paradise. Here are a dozen of the best beaches in the Caribbean, but still fly under the radar of most travelers.
Klein Curacao Beach — Curacao
Klein Curacao is an uninhabited island located approximately 8 miles southeast of Curacao, known for its white powdery sand beaches and spectacular diving conditions (ie: huge pristine coral reefs and underwater caves). To get there, you’ll need to charter a boat or book a tour with an operator like Irie Tours. (If you choose the latter, it takes about 1 1/2 hours to get there from the Bay of Caracas and costs $120 for a full-day tour.) After seeing the 19th-century lighthouse, swimming with sea turtles, and snorkeling around shipwrecks, you may never want to leave.
Want to see the flash with your own eyes? Check out the 24/7 live stream here.
TPG Tips: Since there are no hotels on the small island of Curacao, you can stay at the Renaissance Curacao Wind Creek Resort in the center of the main island. Rates start at $219 per night, or 29,600 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Related: 8 Great Places to Use Points to Travel to the Caribbean
Playa Lavacama — Dominican Republic
You don’t have to fight for a beach chair at Playa La Vacama, as this secluded beach is located in the northeastern corner of the Dominican Republic, an hour’s drive from the major tourist destination of Punta Cana. The last 2 1/2 miles of road are unpaved, so you’ll need to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle to access; however, this adds to the seclusion of the sand. Once there, you’ll admire coconut trees, white sand beaches, turquoise waters and little else.
TPG Tip: Treat your whole family to seclusion when you book a stay at Zoetry Agua Punta Cana, an all-inclusive hotel located 11 miles south of the beach. Rates start at $529 per night or 70,000 World of Hyatt points.
Little Bay Beach – Anguilla
You know this is a secret beach when you have to climb down a rope on the cliff to reach your destination. This is the adventure to enjoy the secluded nature of Anguilla’s Little Bay Beach. Getting here can be a harrowing experience, but once you get to the crowd-free white sand beaches, you’ll be glad you did. You can also rent a boat here, but you’ll miss out on the adrenaline rush.
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TPG Tips: If you’re traveling to Anguilla, there’s good news for Hilton loyalists: The Zemi Beach House hotel is just 15 minutes’ drive from Little Bay and is part of Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts family. Rates start at $623 per night or 140,000 Hilton Honors points.
RELATED: The 22 Best Caribbean Getaways, From Literary Boutiques to Exclusive Private Island Retreats
Unnamed Beach — Little Bonaire, Bonaire
This uninhabited island, about 1/2 mile off the coast of Bonaire, has no buildings and rarely sees tourists. If you do go, though, you’ll find stunning coral reefs, bright blue waters, and unspoiled white sand beaches. The unnamed beach is protected by a national park, which means it’s never crowded with hotels and tourists. However, visitors can picnic and use the beach’s barbecue grills (although you must bring your own charcoal). To get to the island, take a Caribbean water taxi; the ride takes about 25 minutes and costs $25.
TPG Tips: Although there are no hotels on Little Bonaire, Eden Beach Resort is conveniently located near the main island’s water taxis, making it a great base for exploring both islands. Room rates start at $99 per night.
Half Moon Bay Beach – Antigua
Tucked away in the southeastern corner of the island, the beaches of Antigua’s Half Moon Bay tend to be more deserted than the rest of the island, as there are no signs identifying the mile-long stretch of pink and white sand. Once you find it, you’ll feel a sense of euphoria away from the crowd. The beach is suitable for all types of water sports enthusiasts: windsurfers can head to the center of the bay to take advantage of the waves, while snorkelers can float on the calm waters near the edges.
TPG Tips: We’re waiting for the One&Only Antigua resort to open in 2027 on 132 acres near Half Moon Bay, but in the meantime, you can head to Escape at Nonsuch Bay, an adults-only all-inclusive resort just 12 minutes north of the beach. All-inclusive rates start at $620 per night, double occupancy.
Related: The Best Antigua All-Inclusive Resorts You Should Know About
Torch Bay Beach – Anegada, British Virgin Islands
Anegada almost feels like a private island. It is the northernmost island in the British Virgin Islands and can be reached by ferry from Tortola or Virgin Gorda in 45 to 60 minutes. (If you want a faster option, you can also charter a private plane or helicopter.) Torch 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 tourists, just the occasional hammock and umbrella. There are some low-key beach bars and restaurants here, but they’re very secluded.
TPG Tips: While Anegada doesn’t have any large hotels, you can rent the recently renovated Loblolly Beach Cottages, just steps from the beach. Each of the three cabins has air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom, and an outdoor shower. Room rates start at $275 per night.
Rosalie Bay Beach – Dominica
Due to its location on Dominica’s windward east coast, Rosalie Bay is vulnerable to waves and its black sand beach is often rocky and filled with driftwood. However, every year from March to October, this beach is one of the prime places to witness the mesmerizing nesting rituals of hawksbill, leatherback and green turtles. While traveling through the island’s mountainous interior is a bit of an adventure, the journey is worth it.
TPG Tips: Rosalie Bay Eco Resort & Spa is located right on the beach and has 28 gingerbread cottages set in gardens facing the ocean. Room rates start at $150 per night.
Solomon Beach—St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Just a stone’s throw from bustling Cruz Bay lies a hidden treasure: Solomon Beach. To get there, you’ll need to walk a mile along the Lind Point Trail through the island’s lush vegetation. Whether you take the left or right fork along the trail, the two paths meet to reveal a charming sandy nook that stretches for 25 yards. This is a beach that’s usually so peaceful and unspoilt that you’re likely to spot only a handful of fellow sun-seekers. Or, if you’re lucky, you might have the entire beach to yourself – a true secluded paradise.
TPG Tips: The Westin St. John’s Villas Resort is a great hub for exploring this secret location. Cost is approximately $354 per night. (Please note, this hotel is currently unavailable for booking with Marriott Bonvoy points.)
Escondida Beach—Puerto Rico
On Puerto Rico’s northeastern coast, just an hour’s drive from San Juan and across from the picturesque Seven Seas Beach, lies a secluded sanctuary called Playa Escondida. It translates as “Hidden Beach” and its name says it all.
You need to put in some effort to get the sandy rewards. First, follow a 1-mile trail through the mangroves. When you see the fork in the road, go right. At the next fork, turn right again. Then, a short 10-minute hike will take you to your first secret spot: Playa Colora.
After basking in the sun, return to the trail, turn right, and in about 10 minutes you will arrive at Playa Escondida, with its orange sand and soothing privacy. Be careful here. “Swimming is not encouraged in this location as the area is notorious for strong currents and riptides,” the island’s tourism bureau, Discover Puerto Rico, said.
TPG Tips: The Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico is located in the northeast corner of Puerto Rico, about 45 minutes’ drive from Playa Escondida. Rates start at $297 per night, or 20,000 World of Hyatt points.
Related: The Best Hotels in Puerto Rico — Find Your Accommodation on the Charming Island
Wells Bay Beach – Saba Island
The Dutch Caribbean island of Saba, about 28 miles southwest of St. Maarten, feels like part of Kauai, with its jungle-covered cliffs rising from the sea. It even has the shortest commercial runway in the world (just 1,312 feet). But that’s not the only surprise. In just 5 square miles, you’ll find everything from misty forests to golden beaches.
Well’s Bay Beach is located on the northwest corner of the island, where towering cliffs meet the beach, where the tide is high and low, and the beach here plays hide and seek. Sometimes it’s there, sometimes it’s not. If you want to capture it, ask a local about the best time to visit.
TPG Tips: There aren’t many hotels on Saba, but the charming Juliana’s Hotel has 17 unique rooms, suites and cabins with sea and garden views starting from $238 per night.
Paya Bay Beach – Roatan, Honduras
Paya Bay Resort is located on a cliff on Roatan’s northern coast and offers private access to two half-moon-shaped beaches, the larger Paya Bay Beach and the smaller Bliss Beach. Even if you are not a guest at the resort, the resort sells daily passes for $95 to up to 30 people each day, which include lunch and a welcome drink. There are two secluded beaches and just 100 meters off the coast is the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, a snorkeler’s dream; bring your gear or rent some for a small fee to see the vibrant underwater life. Prefer to stay on land? Lounge on the beach and enjoy the resort’s signature natural atmosphere (nudity is optional but welcome).
TPG Tips: Room rates at Paya Bay Resort start at $178 per person per night. Or, book a room at nearby Camp Bay Lodge Roatan for about $100 a night.
Barbary Beach — Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas
Barbary Beach in Freeport, Bahamas is tucked away on the southwest coast of Grand Bahama Island. It’s a tranquil stretch of pink-white sand beach surrounded by lush casuarina trees and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Getting there felt like a treasure hunt, winding through abandoned roads and parking on what appeared to be a washed-out trail. But once you make your way through the woods, you’re rewarded with raw beauty and unparalleled solitude. When the weather is nice, the only companionship may be a family walk along the beach. The shallow waters are perfect for wading or a peaceful swim, while the surrounding sand dunes create the perfect backdrop.
TPG Tips: Stay at nearby Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan, an all-inclusive resort within a resort, starting at about $349 per night.
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