Beaches To Put Your Feet in the Sand

Most Caribbean destinations boast stunning beaches with pure white sand and warm, clear water. Some are dotted with coconut palms while others have a backdrop of craggy cliffs. You can sunbathe, photograph the panoramic landscape, collect shells, or enjoy the crystal waters. Part of the fun of visiting the Caribbean is exploring the region and stumbling upon a hidden gem or discovering your own special places that you'll want to visit again and again. To that end, you may want to find a beach that's off the beaten path or less well-known. The following articles will introduce some of Island and Resorts favorites.

Mexico - Putting Your Feet in the Sand

Mexico's Top Ten Beach Destinations
Mexico has a multitude of beach destinations, some which were Mexican towns which gradually gained popularity as tourist destinations and others which were conceived as resort towns from the outset. These popular Mexico beach destinations offer powdery sand and crystalline water along with an abundance of tourist amenities and attractions.

If you'd rather spend your beach vacation somewhere that's just as gorgeous but not so crowded, you may prefer to visit one of Mexico's less well-known beach destinations: Mexico's Secret Beaches.

1. Cancun
For sheer variety of resorts, nightlife, shopping and activities, Cancun can't be beat. It's also got beautiful beaches (especially since the 2009/2010 beach reconstruction project). Some may avoid it because of its reputation as a party destination and spring break-type revelry, but families will also find plenty of options here.

2. Playa del Carmen
Located just south of Cancun, Playa del Carmen has in recent years undergone a transformation from fishing village with hippie appeal to lively cosmopolitan city. "Playa" offers an array of diversions and accommodations which range from laid-back to sophisticated.

3. Puerto Vallarta
First brought to the attention of the world in the 1960s by Hollywood stars Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Puerto Vallarta maintains a strong appeal among vacationers. The city's choice location on the picturesque Bahia de Banderas as well as its cobblestone streets, white-walled houses, wrought-iron balconies and red-tiled roofs give the city its signature look. This is one of Mexico's top dining destinations, with a reputation for great restaurants, from high-end gourmet restaurants to low cost eateries.

4. Los Cabos
Located on the southern tip of Baja California Sur where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, Los Cabos is made up of the two distinct cities of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, and the twenty-mile corridor between the two. This is a favorite get-away of Hollywood stars and celebrities who enjoy the gorgeous landscape and ultra-luxurious resorts. Only a few of Los Cabos' beaches are suitable for swimming, but there are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained, such as whale watching, sport fishing, and golfing.
5. Tulum
Arguably Mexico's most beautiful beach is located in the heart of the Riviera Maya. Tulum is made up of a stunning archeological site, a hotel zone and the town of Tulum. Accommodations in Tulum range from rustic cabanas to hip boutique hotels and grand all-inclusives, and it's an excellent destination for those interested in taking part in eco-adventures.

6. Mazatlan
Mazatlán is a well-established tourist destination on Mexico's Pacific coast that maintains its Mexican traditions and atmosphere. Here visitors can experience an authentic mix of culture and history within a modern destination. Known worldwide as a sport fishing destination, visitors can also enjoy surfing, horseback riding, mountain biking, bird watching and golf in Mazatlan, as well as sunning and swimming along its 16 miles of golden beaches.

7. Cozumel
An island off of the Riviera Maya that is just 30 miles long and 10 miles wide, Cozumel is Mexico's premier diving destination, as well as Mexico's most visited port of call by cruise ships. The warm, clear, turquoise waters and abundance of coral reefs and sea life attract divers from around the world. This Caribbean island also has several nature preserves: the Cozumel Reefs National Park, Chankanaab Park and Lagoon and Punta Sur Ecological Reserve.

8. Huatulco
Huatulco is a beach destination on Mexico's Pacific coast in the state of Oaxaca with nine bays and 36 beaches, many of which are protected as part of the Bahias de Huatulco National Park. Most of the beaches have calm blue-green waters. Tangolunda Bay is where travelers will find top-of-the-line resorts such as Las Brisas Huatulco, and one of the best golf courses on the Pacific Coast. Its biodiversity and pristine landscapes make Huatulco a superb place to observe flora and fauna both on land and in the sea.

9. Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
The resort town of Ixtapa in the state of Guerrero was founded in the early 1970s by FONATUR (the National Fund for Tourism Development). Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa's sister city, is located only four miles to the south and retains the feel of a small fishing town. These twin destinations share a beautiful setting, with the crashing waves of the Pacific to the west and the Sierra Madre mountain chain to the east, but Ixtapa has a modern vibe whereas Zihuatanejo has an old-Mexico feel to it. Some of the more popular activities in this area include scuba diving, surfing, and deep sea fishing.

10. Acapulco
Acapulco was Mexico's foremost beach destination from the 1950s until it was surpassed by Cancun in the 1980s. It remains one of Mexico's most popular resort areas and a favorite destination of spring breakers. With non-stop nightlife, great shopping centers and restaurants, this vibrant port city is bustling 24 hours a day.
By Suzanne Barbezat, About.com Guide

Photo Kristin Kane

Secluded North Eleuthera Beaches

How about an excursion by boat or taxi to three fabulous North Eleuthera Bahama beaches at the northern most side of Eleuthera?

Then decide whether these beaches are to your taste. No, there are no beach bars, no music. Just pure, untouched nature. And very powdery, white sand...

Where Are They?
The beaches are easily reached by car from anywhere on Eleuthera island...

... or from Harbour Island in the Bahamas, the oldest and most charming Bahamian settlement just off the coast of Eleuthera.

You could get to Harbour Island by the modern Fast Ferry from Nassau within two hours. Then there's an exciting boat ride from Harbour Island which will take less than an hour to the two beautiful North Eleuthera Bahama beaches.

What Are They Like?
These beaches have barely been touched by tourism, even thought the famous Preacher's Cave is right behind one of them, Tay Bay beach.

The two North Eleuthera Bahama beaches are facing a reef called Devil's Backbone which caused several ship wrecks at the northern most side of Eleuthera.
Are you thinking of diving? Your boat guide will bring you to the "devilish" spots where deep down you will find the wrecked ships.

How To Get There
When you are in Dunmore Town on Harbour Island try to find a boat owner by questioning cab or water taxi drivers. They will be able to tell you who is running his own boat to nearby Spanish Wells. He could drop you off at one of the beaches.

If you are more comfortable traveling on the road, you could take a taxi as if you were going to North Eleuthera airport.
Ask the driver to continue on to Tay Bay and Ben Bay. These are only about a 20 minutes drive from the disembarkation point where you arrived on Eleuthera, coming from Harbour Island by water taxi.
Ben Bay beach is 8 miles from North Eleuthera airport. This little known, horseshoe-shaped gem, has nice shading and is great for snorkeling, swimming and picnicking.
Of all the North Eleuthera Bahama beaches, Ben Bay is the most perfect one. The narrow opening to the bay provides a lot of protection for the beach. And even when the Atlantic is rough, the water in the bay stays calm. Swimming here is great. The water is clear and calm and the bottom is sandy and even.

Be sure to bring your snorkel gear along. You can stay inside the bay and snorkel the rocky areas that protect Ben Bay beach.

Tay Bay beach is 9.5 miles from North Eleuthera airport. This North Eleuthera Bahama beach is next to Preacher's Cave where the first settlers on Eleuthera took shelter. Quite an interesting site.
Tay Bay is beach paradise in its purest form and the larger photo will show you why.

Upper Cove beach is 13 miles from North Eleuthera airport. This sandy cove is right by the main road, a mile before you reach Pierre's Dive Shop in the settlement a mile south-west from this beach. The Current settlement is located at the north-western most tip of Eleuthera.

Driving slowly, you'll see the short beach access path to the beach quite easily.

Your next stop and the last one on your trip to the south-western part of Eleuthera should be at the end of the road past the settlement on the lower left side of the map at the top.

This is where divers enjoy the thrill of shooting the Current Cut, a narrow opening between Eleuthera island and Current island which produces a forceful tidal current.

And now enjoy your day on one of the pristine North Eleuthera Bahamas beaches. And don't forget to bring along at least one pint of drinking water per person as there are no restaurants on the way.

courtesy of Discover-eleuthera-bahamas.com

Best Beaches on St. Barths

For a small island, St. Barths has a wide variety of beaches, all of which are open to the public and all of which are lined with beautiful white sand. Here you'll find the typical Caribbean resort beaches with their hotels, restaurants and watersports centers, but also some hidden strands inhabited mostly by locals -- or nobody at all. St. Barths also is one of the Caribbean's most popular destinations for topless and nude sunbathing, so even if you're not prepared to show it all, be prepared to see it all.

Shell Beach
Shell Beach is unique on St. Barths because it's the only major beach located "in town," in this case in the heart of the capital city of Gustavia. The beach has calm waters and is a welcome respite after a day spent in the shops and boutiques in town. For a little adventure, there's the opportunity to do some cliff-diving, and the Do Brazil restaurant -- co-owned by tennis legend Yannick Noah -- offers reasonably priced (for St. Barths, anyway) lunch, dinner, and cocktails by the sea..
Grand Cul de Sac
Protected by a coral reef, this beach has the calmest waters on St. Barths and thus is quite popular with families. The water remains shallow for quite a way out into the lagoon, while is also a mecca for windsurfers, kiteboarders, and sailboaters. The beach is lined with hotels and restaurants, as well as water-sports outfitters, so you'll never be lacking for something to see, do, eat or drink here.

St Jean Beach
This is the most popular beach in St. Barths, thanks to its convenient location and plethora of beachfront hotels, restaurants, and other activities. Like all of St. Barths' beaches it has white sand, and the calm waters make for good snorkeling. The Eden Rock resort, built on a rocky prominence, splits the beach in two. Lay back and watch the occasional plane take off and land at the island's nearby airport..

Flamands Beach
IF you like to bodysurf or boogie-board, Flamands Beach is a great choice because of its rolling (but rarely hazardous) surf. The Hotel Ile de France and La Langouste restaurant are located on Flamands, which is one of the largest beaches on St. Barths and offers plenty of shady palm trees..

Gouveneur Beach
The beach at Gouveneur Bay has brilliant cobalt waters that are ideal for snorkeling or swimming, a fine stretch of white sand, and relatively few visitors. The beach has great views of Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Kitts, and is another popular spot for nude sunbathing..

Saline Beach
The path leading to Saline Beach is short but can be a bit tricky; however, it is well worthwhile especially if you enjoy nude sunbathing (head to the left of the path for the unofficial naturist section of the beach). There's no services or shade on the beach, however, so even if you leave your swimsuit at home be sure to bring your own food, drinks, umbrellas and chairs. Windier and a bit rougher than some other St. Barths beaches, so be careful if you swim on this unprotected beach..

Colombier Beach
Colombier Beach tends to be one of St. Barths' most deserted stretches of sand because it can only be reached by boat from Gustavia or via a half-hour hike from Flamands Beach. Also known as Rockefeller Beach, Colombier is worlds away from the island's bustling capital, with calm waters, good snorkeling, and privacy aplenty. It does lack services, however, so bring plenty of drinks, snacks, and other beach supplies if you plan to spend the day. Locals often camp overnight here, as well..

By Robert Curley, About.com

Top Cayman Islands Beaches

Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman is not only the most popular beach on Grand Cayman Island but also one of the most famous beaches in the Caribbean. However, it's far from your only choice for surf, sun and sand when visiting the three main Cayman Islands -- Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac -- and every beach in the Caymans is open to the public.
Seven Mile Beach is the Cayman Islands' premier beach resort district and one of the most beautiful and beloved beaches in all of the Caribbean. Actually more like 5.6 miles long, the beach is lined with luxury resorts, restaurants and shops and dotted with beach bars and water-sports centers offering snorkeling, kayaking, and parasailing rentals. The beach, on the west coast of Grand Cayman, also is a magnet for a variety of beach sports, particularly volleyball.
Overall, Seven Mile Beach fairly bustles with activity, which cannot be said of most Cayman Islands beaches. The surf is calm and there are some small reefs that are good for snorkeling.
Cayman Kai, Grand Cayman
Cayman Kai, a quiet 400-acres on Grand Cayman's north coast, offers many of the same amenities and recreational opportunities as Seven Mile Beach but without the big crowds. Lined with palm trees and blessed with the Cayman Islands white coral sand, Cayman Kai has more than six miles of beaches for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, beach volleyball, sailing, and more. The Kaibo Beach Bar and Grill can provides the food and drinks for those who don't bring their own; all told, Cayman Kai has three restaurants plus tennis courts, a dive shop, and a grocery store.
Rum Point, Grand Cayman
Rum Point, which sits on the north coast of Grand Cayman and offers views of Cuba, is a lively beach shaded by palm trees and a popular spot for beach and water sports (Red Sail Sports has a shop on the beach here). The Wreck Bar is one of the most famous beach bars in the Cayman Islands, in part because it's the place where the frozen mudslide was invented. There used to be a ferry from Seven Mile Beach to Rum Point but it was shut down after the area was smashed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, and still has not resumed operations. That leaves a 50-minute drive as your only option to get here from the main resort area. Still, there are plenty of nearby hotels, restaurants, bars and facilities for an enjoyable day at the beach.

Sandy Point, Little Cayman

Sandy Point offers a nice compromise between the hubbub of Seven Mile Beach and more isolated stretches of sand where you're on your own as far as food, drinks, and other supplies. Located on the east coast of Little Cayman, Sandy Point, a.k.a. Point of Sand, is close enough to the town of West End to stay in touch from civilization but still isolated enough to feel like a discovery. Also popular with daytrippers from Cayman Brac.
Smith Cove
Smith Cove is usually a quiet alternative to Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman, with full facilities and great snorkeling in a protected cove on the South Sound. However, it occasionally gets busy when cruise ships arrive at the nearby cruise port.

Owen Island, Little Cayman
Located just a few hundred yards off of South Town on Little Cayman, 11-acre Owen Island is a picnicker and beachlover's paradise and offers a low-key desert-island experience for visitors who swim, row, or kayak across the waters of Bloody Bay. If you're looking for a deserted strip of sand where you can play castaways with your significant other, but still be back at your hotel in time for dinner, Owen Island is your destination.
By Robert Curley, About.com

Tulum Ruins Beach - The Mayan Riviera

One of the most stunning vistas in the region can be enjoyed at the site of the Mayan ruins called "Tulum". After hiking through the jungle and walking through the ancient stone buildings of the walled city, one is suddenly struck by the vision of the shocking blue ocean against the backdrop of the ruins and cliffs. It will literally take your breath away. After descending the steep staircase, you find yourself standing on powder soft sand at the base of a wall of rock, with el Castillo (the castle) overhead and the playful waves of the Caribbean at your feet. It's the perfect place to connect with nature and history.
Tulum is a popular day trip from all parts of the region, often combined with a visit to the nearby eco-park, Xcaret, to enjoy encounters with the flora and fauna of the jungle and sea. The nearby town of Tulum is known for its rustic palapa-roofed hotels and charming restaurants, and there are a few sprawling luxury resorts in the outlying area.

Tulum is located about 120 kilometers or 75 miles south of Cancun airport, about a 90 minute drive on the main highway.

From Kelly McLaughlin, for About.com