Beaches in the Americas
This long stretch of white sand is a worthy contender for being the best beach on the south coast, but it is not as drop-dead gorgeous as some of the northern ones. You can choose to lick up the sun at the resort sprawled section where sunbeds and parasols are on offer, or you can wander off to the deserted eastern part if you want a bit of solitude and Robinson Crusoe vibe. The trip from Trinidad through the village of La Boca to Ancón can easily be done by bicycle and it is a pretty journey, particularly the part along the coast.
Playas del Este is the most accessible stretch of beach from Havana. Some locals, and tourists alike, will probably claim that the holiday ghettos of Varadero and Cayo Coco have the best beaches, but Playas del Este isn't any less gorgeous with its white sand and swaying palms. The few resorts that are here are old and ugly, but there are plenty of beach shacks serving food and drinks. The crowd is mostly locals and day trippers from Havana giving the beach scene an "authentic" feel that is lost at the tourist enclaves further east.
Hands down the prettiest beach on Dominica. A crescent shaped bay protected by steep cliffs and mountains covered in rainforest. The long beach has fine sand and is, of course, lined with palms – just the way a paradise beach should be. Apparently, Batibou Beach featured in the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' trilogy starring Johnny Depp. A thatched hut beach bar is – at the moment - the only development in the bay. The only access to Batibou Beach is down a bumpy dirt road only suitable for 4x4.
Cabarete has a real holiday vibe. It's the kite surfing capital of Dominican Republic, but the wide beach and the rough surf is popular with every kind of tourist. The main road in Cabarete is like any other main road in an international holiday destination, lined with beach fashion, pizzerias, scooter rentals, tour agencies, and, of course, hotels.
Las Terranas is probably one of the nicest beach area in Dominican Republic. What once were a small fishing village is now a classy holiday spot with a relax attitude. Besides down at the beach, the town is still very much a local affair and fishermen still come in with the their catch at Las Terranas Beach. To either side, there is a string of other beaches, one starts where the other ends, where luxury holiday homes and boutique hotels take up the beachfront.
Once voted one of the 10 best beached in the Caribbean. Though we don't necessary agree with that, Rincón Beach is certainly pretty, particularly its location. Nested in a crescent shaped, with nearly 3 km of white sand on a backdrop of rows and rows of palms – and without any development for kilometers. You can drive all the way to the beach (if the road is not flooded), and on the way you will get nice panoramic views of it.
A narrow long beach which is lined with small shacks which are either a souvenirs shop, restaurants, or bar. There are lots of shady palms and even more rental sunbeds for mostly Europeans sun seekers. As the beach face the northwest, the water can be rough with choppy waves and strong undercurrent. Sosúa can seem a bit seedy with aging expats and their young local girlfriends, but it attracts a mixed crowd.
The most famous beach on Grenada is Grand Anse Beach, hands down. It’s a long, narrow, and shaded by trees and palms. Each ends has its own vibe, as the southwest end is in front of posh hotels and the northeast lies close to the main road to St. Goerge’s. There are magnificent views over the beach from the road towards Morne Rouge Bay.
Coming over the hill with views over Grand Anse Beach and St. George’s further in the distance, your expectation to Morne Rouge Bay is kind of high. But luckily the bay is equal lovely. A beach stretch the full length at the bottom of the bay, while the lush slopes at the sides are dotted with luxury homes and hotels. The only thorn in the eye is the inflatable playground out in the water, but those things come and go.
The northern shore of O'ahu Island is famous for its world class surfing, particularly during winter, where the waves can reach mammoth proportions. Banzai Pipeline off Ehukai Beach is especially legendary for its perfect barrels, which offers some of the best tube riding in the world. Unfortunately, the monster waves break in shallow water just above a sharp coral reef, which have caused serious injuries and death to many pro surfers (and surf photographers) over the years, making Banzai Pipeline one of the most deadliest waves in the world.