25 Perfect Caribbean Beaches to Add to Your Summer Bucket List

By: - June 20th, 2025
antigua long bay

There’s nothing like a Caribbean beach in summer. The crowds thin out, the winds relax, and the islands start breathing in a different way. The beaches you thought you knew feel new again— stretches of sand once packed with winter crowds now stretch wide open, waiting just for you. It’s the time when the Caribbean reveals its quieter soul. The colors turn richer in the summer light. The turquoise looks deeper. The sunsets linger longer.

And even the rum seems to taste a little sweeter. Hotel rates drop. Locals linger. And if you’re lucky, you might find yourself floating in a warm sea with no one else in sight. This is the season for barefoot discoveries—for long, slow swims and naps under almond trees. Whether you’re jetting in for a long weekend, hopping between islands, or revisiting your favorite spot with fresh eyes, this is the time to do it. These 25 beaches aren’t just beautiful—they each carry a mood, a moment, a reason to return.

Here’s where to go—and what it feels like when you get there.

caribbean beaches summer
Long Bay Beach in Antigua.

Long Bay, Antigua and Barbuda
A deep stretch of blinding white sand flanked by palms and kissed by Atlantic surf—Long Bay is made for long walks and slow swims. This is the wild side of Antigua, where the breezes come strong and the horizon feels endless. The water is clear and crisp, with just enough movement to keep things interesting. You’ll find locals wading in the shallows, small fishing boats drifting beyond the reef, and the quiet hum of the island all around you. There are no distractions here—just sand, sea, and the feeling that you’ve arrived somewhere that still remembers how to slow down. (Oh, and a great all-inclusive resort just for adults, too). 

About the author

Guy Britton is the managing editor of Caribbean Journal. With more than four decades of experience traveling the Caribbean, he is one of the world's foremost experts covering the region.
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