They’re exotic, mysterious reminders of the Caribbean’s volcanic past (and some of its volcanic present). No, they’re not the traditional beaches one thinks of when it comes to the Caribbean, but the region’s black-sand beaches are full of their own unique charms. From Dominica to St Kitts, Grenada to Guadeloupe, there are fascinating black-sand beaches across the Caribbean worth a visit, whether you’re looking to snorkel, lay back and relax or simply explore. Is black sand the new black? Check out our favourites for this year.
Number One Beach — Dominica
Getting here involves a 10 to 15-minute hike down a rocky path from the ring road on Dominica’s northern coast. But there’s a reason this was one of the filming locations for Pirates of the Caribbean — it’s spectacular.
Plage de Salée à Bananier — Guadeloupe
This stretch of glistening black sand is located on the mountainous, volcanic island of Basse-Terre. It’s also a major destination for surfers.
Rosalie Bay Beach — Dominica
Dominica is the region’s de facto capital of black-sand beaches, and this one is located at the intersection of the Rosalie Bay River. It has a remote, mysterious quality, and some terrific vistas of the Atlantic coast.
Black Point Beach — St Vincent and the Grenadines
Black Point Beach on the Windward coast of St Vincent is also home to a historic park containing the “Black Point Tunnel,” a 360-foot tunnel used centuries ago for sugar transport. (this was another Pirates of the Caribbean location).
Anse Chastanet Beach — St Lucia
Set in front of the Anse Chastanet resort, this might be the region’s most luxurious black sand beach. It’s also great for snorkeling and diving.
Saint Pierre — Martinique
This is one of the most historic black-sand beaches in the Caribbean. It was in 1902 that the eruption of Mont Pelee destroyed the city of Saint-Pierre, at the time considered the “Little Paris of the Caribbean.”
Purple Turtle Beach — Dominica
One of the more popular beaches in Dominica, Purple Turtle Beach is located on the bay of Portsmouth.
Pump Bay — St Kitts
Pump Bay is near the famous Brimstone Hill historic park, and has developed into a nice destination for snorkeling.
Black Bay — Grenada
You might not think of Grenada when it comes to black-sand beaches, but the Spice Isle has quite a few of them, including Black Bay, which, like the aforementioned Number One Beach, involves something of a hike to access.
Woodlands Beach — Montserrat
Montserrat’s volcanic history is a tragic one, due to the 1995 eruption of the Soufriere Hills volcano that destroyed much of the island and drove much of its population away. But today the tiny island has a number of marvelous black-sand beaches, including Woodlands.