5 caribbean beaches not to miss

If you’re like us, you’re bracing yourself for the last throes of winter. Sure, we’ve had a couple of days where the weather looked promising. But just when we start to think that we’ve turned the corner—BAM!—it’s another bomb cyclone. So, if you’re thinking of planning a long weekend getaway, we’ve got five beaches in the Caribbean, which might inspire you to book that impulsive last-minute getaway.

1. Cabarete's Kite Beach

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Water sports like kite surfing and boarding, windsurfing, and paddle surfing abound at this beach. Whether you’re a pro “kiter” or attending kite boarding lessons on the beach, the atmosphere at Cabarete’s Kite Beach in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic welcomes all. Planet Ware ranked it No. 7 on their list of top-rated beaches in the Dominican Republic. Feel strong eastern Atlantic winds during the day and fall asleep to calm, crashing waves at night. It’s perfect for small groups or solo travelers looking to meet people. While Punta Cana has the softer sand in the D.R., Puerto Plata has the nightlife. And it’s crowded during the day with onlookers mesmerized by the colorful kites in the sky and gnarly waves washing along the clean and crisp coast.

2. Flamenco Beach

Laid-back vacation vibes get better when you’re island-hopping. After imbibing piña coladas, fly or take a ferry boat to Flamenco Beach next. Culebra, a small Spanish Virgin Island off the Northeast coast of Puerto Rico, measures 7 miles by 4 miles. Shallow, vibrant and color-changing waters promote chromotherapy, aka color therapy, for every visitor. It’s a perfect playground for honeymooners and families seeking an off-the-grid experience. In addition to winning the Blue Flag award for contributing to a more sustainable coastal future, it made it on Coastal Living’s Top 10 beaches in the Caribbean list.  And, as we all know, Puerto Rico can really use your tourist dollar, as they continue to recover from Hurricane Maria.

3. Grace Bay Beach

Grace Bay Beach, located in Providenciales along the Northeast coast of Turks and Caicos, is a nature-lover’s paradise. Go parasailing or stroll along 12 miles of sandy shores and you’ll notice that rocks, seaweed and pollution are barely there, just like the waves. Once famous for the third-largest barrier reef, this beach took No. 1 in 2018 and 2016 Travelers’ Choice Awards from TripAdvisor. It’s located in Princess Alexandra Land and Sea National Park where visitors discover a thriving ecosystem filled with bottlenose dolphins, iguanas, turtles, tropical fish and nearly 60 coral species. It’s just a short flight from the east coast of the US, so why not book a vacation, there?

4. Playa Norte

To feel a real bohemian atmosphere next time you’re in Cancun, take a 20-minute ferry ride to Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres. Seafood is sold on every corner of the 5-mile-long island and locals are bicycling or walking everywhere, which creates the ultimate beach vibe. TripAdvisor reviews say relaxing at Playa Norte is No. 1 on the list of things to do in Isla Mujeres. Some say the turquoise sea is as calm as a lake, which makes sense as to why Tortuga Granja (a turtle sanctuary!) is so successful there. Cancun and the Riviera Maya is consistently one of the most affordable destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico, so it’s perfect for a last-minute getaway!

5. Seven Mile Beach

Sunsets in Negril are stunning, but the star attraction is the Seven Mile Beach. Despite the name, it’s closer to 5 miles, but don’t worry about a thing because there’s plenty of space and golden sand for everyone. From snorkeling and scuba diving to cliff jumping or soaking up the hot Jamaican sun, this beach is a Caribbean wonderland. Since it ranked No. 8 in 2018 Travelers’ Choice Awards from TripAdvisor, there’s no doubt that it is truly an “ideal tropical paradise.”

So, that’s our list! Ready to make a plan? Drop us a line—we’ll send you options for beautiful resorts at your dream beach destination—just in time to escape that late season cold weather blast!