An Insider’s Guide to Beaches in the Caribbean
Set sail for the Caribbean’s lovely beaches.
Anyone who’s been to the Caribbean will rave about the beaches… and rightly so! The Caribbean has some of the world’s best beaches, from the white sands of St. Thomas’ Magens Bay to the fun-filled atmosphere of Haiti’s Labadee. Wherever you go in the Caribbean, beautiful beaches await you on your family holiday. As lifelong lovers of the Caribbean, we know a lot about this fantastic part of the world, and so do our staff. We spoke to Bill Downey, Hotel Director of Oasis of the Seas, to get the inside scoop. This is our Insider’s Guide to Beaches in the Caribbean.
What makes Caribbean beaches so great?
“I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and have worked and lived in the Caribbean for the last 13 years, so I know it quite well! The beaches are the best because they have gentle slopes, warm temperatures and shallow waters, which is perfect for families and less experienced swimmers. There aren’t too many rocks or coral, so your feet are safe, and the tides are quite gentle compared to many Pacific beaches, which is good for young children. The Caribbean people are laid back – they live on ‘island time’ – and very cheerful.” Bill Downey
Magens Bay, St. Thomas
Located on the north side of St. Thomas in a well-protected bay, this beautiful white-sand beach stretches as far as the eye can see. The water is incredibly calm and you can often spot turtles and other fish in the shallows. Kayaks, paddleboats and sailboats are available to rent, as are sun loungers, and there’s a nearby snack counter for when hunger strikes. If you want a break from the beach, there’s a coconut grove to explore.
Magens Bay, one of the Caribbean’s most popular beaches.
Which are the most popular beaches?
“Magens Bay in St. Thomas is one of the Caribbean’s most popular beaches. Orient Bay in St. Maarten is a favourite for families, as is the world famous Maho Beach on St. Maarten’s south west coast. Maho Beach is right next to the Princess Juliana International Airport so planes fly right over your head – it’s a real experience. Labadee, our private beach resort in Haiti, is where we deliver a unique Royal Caribbean experience, with fantastic water activities and entertainment. Cozumel in Mexico has lots of great beach resorts, but Playa Mia Beach and Water Park is definitely one of the best.” Bill Downey
Shore Excursion – Tiki Hut Relax And Snorkel
Where: Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Grab your snorkel and explore sunken shipwrecks, an underwater helicopter and a submarine on this three-hour shore excursion in St. Maarten’s Philipsburg. Need a rest? Relax on the floating Tiki platform in the middle of St. Maarten’s pristine waters.
Which shore excursions are families most excited about?
“Families seem to love our dolphin swim shore excursions the most – these sell out really fast so guests should remember to book them well ahead of time. It’s really easy to reserve them online, through the Manage My Booking portal. If they’re undecided, we’ve got experts onboard who can help.” Bill Downey
Labadee Beach, Haiti
Get ready for an adventure at Labadee.
In case you didn’t know, Labadee Beach is our exclusive beach resort in Haiti. Visitors can expect a seemingly endless stretch of white sand, crystal-clear waters and lush green palm trees all around – it’s idyllic! As well as the beautiful beach, Labadee is jam-packed with family-friendly activities that will keep you busy for hours and hours. Soar through the air on the Dragon’s Breath zip line or speed along the 300-foot Dragon’s Splash waterslide, before settling in at one of Nellie’s Beach cabanas.
What are your tips for guests travelling on Caribbean sailings?
“Besides bringing sunscreen and having the correct travel documents, I’d say they should enjoy the different cultures to the fullest and treat the ship like it is its own destination. We have a great variety of entertainment and food venues, so they can have an amazing time onboard as well as on shore.” Bill Downey
Shore Excursion – Dolphin Push, Pull And Swim Experience
Where: George Town, Grand Cayman
Have you ever wanted to swim with dolphins? If the answer is yes, this is the shore excursion for you. During this family-friendly excursion you’ll get to swim alongside amazing dolphins, followed by an exploration of some of the island’s best natural attractions.
Kids will have fun swimming with dolphins.
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