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Caribbean

6 Underrated Caribbean Beaches You Need to Visit!

woman on secluded beach
Written by Chris Osburn

Dreaming of getting away from it all for a carefree Caribbean beach break? You’re not alone! Who doesn’t like the idea of powdery white sand beaches, turquoise waters and glowing orange and pink sunsets melting away to star-filled nights?

The Caribbean is the perfect destination for anyone looking for cheap flight deals and loves having seaside fun in the sun. Fortunately, it’s still possible to visit the region without contending for space for your beach towel and to feel like you have the whole sea to yourself.

Here’s our look at a few amazing hidden gems across the Caribbean to help you steer clear of the maddening crowds and enjoy a quiet, chilled out vacation in paradise.

Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico

Culebra is a small island about 20-miles northeast of Puerto Rico and is accessible by ferry. Arguably the best reason to take the scenic ferry ride to Culebra (and maybe even stay there a few days) is to make your way to Flamenco Beach. Culebra is made up of mostly protected wildlife refuge and Flamenco Beach. The beach is nestled snug in a sheltered horseshoe bay and is in the heart of all the glorious nature Culebra has to offer. Here, the sand is white and the waters are shallow but, if you’re interested in taking the plunge, there are amazing dive sites nearby.

Playa Negra, Vieques, Puerto Rico

Playa Negra, Vieques, Puerto Rico

Playa Negra, aka Black Sand Beach, is located on Puerto Rico’s tiny island of Vieques just off the main island’s eastern coast. Extremely unusual for the Caribbean (and not all that common anywhere else), Playa Negra is a black sand beach. The sand’s color is from the runoff of extinct volcano, Monte Pirata, which sat at the highest peak on Vieques. Reaching this remote beach requires a bit of walking, but for sun seekers in search of seaside solitude, a trip to Playa Negra could be a perfect way to spend a day.

Ready for some sun, sand, and relaxation? Grab cheap flight deals to the Caribbean! 

Hopkins, Belize

Hopkins, Belize

If it’s an easygoing idyll by the sea that you’re after, make your way to the coastal village of Hopkins in the tiny Caribbean nation of Belize. About 100 miles south of Belize City, Hopkins is a cultural hub for Central America’s Afro-indigenous community who are happy to share their traditions with visitors. Hopkins is also a brilliant base for anyone who loves diving and snorkeling, visiting Mayan ruins, exploring rainforest to swim beneath waterfalls, and of course, relaxing.

Klein Curacao, Curacao

sunset on a beach in Curacao

The tiny, uninhabited island of Klein Curacao about 15 miles off the coast of considerably larger Curacao offers just over one square mile of reef diving, turtle spotting, and not much else! For a splendid day trip excursion across crystal clear Caribbean waters, book your boat to Klein Curacao and leave your worries far behind.

RELATED: Which Caribbean Island Should You Retire to? Find out now! 

Manzanillo Beach, Colombia

Colombia’s Isla de Providencia is renown among a select few of those in the know for its beautiful beaches. The most beauteous on the island? It’s Playa Manzanillo by far! Also known as Manchineel Bay, this stretch of sand is home to swaying palms and a swinging little reggae bar – perfect for lazy days lounging in the breeze and hot nights rocking to classic Caribbean rhythms.

No Name Beach, Bonaire

No Name Beach, Bonaire

Shh! Don’t spread the word too loudly about No Name Beach! It’s an uninhabited little swath of sand with BBQ grills for picnics and a coral reef for drift snorkeling about a mile off the coast of Bonaire on teensy Klein Bonaire. Once you’ve experienced the laidback wonders of this tropical locality, you’ll agree with the locals that it’s too good to name with a beauty beyond description!

Got a favorite secret beach you don’t mind sharing with our readers? We’d love to hear from you about where you go to get away from it all

About the author

Chris Osburn

Chris Osburn is a freelance writer, photographer, consultant, and curator and the driving force behind the long running and award winning blog, tikichris.com. Originally from the American Deep South, Chris has lived and worked all over the world and has called London home since 2001.

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