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Whether you’re planning a warm, tropical getaway or simply dreaming about future trips, the Caribbean is probably top of mind. It’s a beautiful and accessible option from many parts of the U.S., making it an easy getaway choice. What’s not easy, though, is finding a secluded stretch of beach there. Since many other travelers have the same vacation idea, 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 a dozen 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 8 miles southeast of Curacao, known for its white, powdery sand beach and spectacular diving conditions (read: massive pristine coral reefs and underwater caves). To get there, you’ll need to charter a boat or book a tour with an operator such as Irie Tours. (If you opt for the latter, it’ll take about 1 1/2 hours to get there from Caracas Bay, and it’ll cost $120 for a full-day trip.) After you see the 19th-century lighthouse, swim with sea turtles and snorkel around a shipwreck, you’ll probably never want to leave.
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 centrally located Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao Resort. Rates start from $219 or 29,600 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Related: 8 amazing places to use points for a trip to the Caribbean
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 1/2 miles of road are unpaved, so you’ll need to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle to access it; however, this 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 11 miles south of the beach. Rates start at $529 or 70,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Little Bay Beach — Anguilla
When you have to climb down a rope along a cliff to reach your destination, 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. Accessing it may be a harrowing experience, but once you get to the white sandy beaches with no crowds, you’ll be glad you did. You can also take a chartered boat here, though you’ll miss the adrenaline rush.
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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 is part of Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts group. Rates start from $623 or 140,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Related: The 22 best Caribbean resorts, from boutique literary haunts to exclusive private island escapes
No Name Beach — Klein Bonaire, Bonaire
This tiny, uninhabited island about a 1/2 mile off the coast of Bonaire has no buildings and rarely sees visitors. If you do visit, though, you will find 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 get overrun with hotels and visitors. However, visitors can picnic and use the beach’s barbecue grills (though you have to bring your own charcoal). To reach the island, take a Caribe water taxi; the ride lasts about 25 minutes and costs $25.
TPG tip: Although there are no hotels on Klein Bonaire, the Eden Beach Resort is conveniently located near a water taxi on the main island, making it a great home base for exploring both islands. Rates start from $99 per night.
Half Moon Bay Beach — Antigua
Tucked away on the southeast corner of the island, 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: We are waiting for the One&Only Antigua to open in 2027 on 132 acres near Half Moon Bay, but in the meantime, head to the Escape at Nonsuch Bay, 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.
Related: The best Antigua all-inclusive resorts you should know about
Loblolly Bay Beach — Anegada, British Virgin Islands
Anegada almost feels like a private island. The northernmost British Virgin Island, it 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 offers 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: While there aren’t any major hotels on Anegada, you can rent the recently renovated Loblolly Beach Cottages, which are mere steps from the beach. Each of the three cottages comes with air conditioning, a full kitchen and bathroom, and an outdoor shower. Rates start at $275 per night.
Rosalie Bay Beach — Dominica
Thanks to its location 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 traveling here through the island’s mountainous interior is a bit of an adventure, the journey is worth it.
TPG tip: The Rosalie Bay Eco Resort & Spa is right on the beach and features 28 gingerbread cottages set among the gardens and facing the ocean. Rates start at $150 per night.
Salomon Beach — St. John, US Virgin Islands
A stone’s throw away from the bustling Cruz Bay lies a hidden treasure: Salomon Beach. To reach it, you’ll take a mile-long walk through the island’s lush vegetation via the Lind Point Trail. 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 you’re lucky, you might have the entire beach to yourself — truly a secluded piece of paradise.
TPG tip: The Westin St. John Resort Villas is a great hub from which to explore this secret spot. It costs about $354 per night. (Note that Marriott Bonvoy points bookings are currently unavailable at this property.)
Playa Escondida — Puerto Rico
On Puerto Rico’s northeast coast, just an hour’s drive from San Juan and just beyond the picturesque Seven Seas Beach, lies a secluded sanctuary called Playa Escondida. Translated as “hidden beach,” its name says it all.
You will have to work a bit to get to the sandy reward. First, take the 1-mile trail through the mangroves. When you see a fork in the path, go right. At the next fork, veer right again. Then, 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: Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico is in the same northeastern corner of Puerto Rico, about a 45-minute drive away from Playa Escondida. Rates start at $297 or 20,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Related: The best hotels in Puerto Rico — find your stay on the Island of Enchantment
Well’s Bay Beach — Saba
About 28 miles southwest of St. Maarten, the Dutch Caribbean island of Saba feels like a slice of Kauai thanks to its jungle-covered cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea. It even has 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 about the best time to go.
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 $238 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 to up to 30 people per day, and the passes include lunch and a welcome drink. 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 $100 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 appears to be 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 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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