I’ve Been To 15 Stunning Caribbean Islands With Bright Blue Waters And 3 That Are Simply The Best

Nowhere else have I seen blues this brilliant—like liquid sapphire under the sun. My Caribbean adventures have led me to islands where the water shimmers like glass and the days feel like a dream.

Whether it’s quiet coves where time slows down or vibrant shores that dance with music and color, each place has etched itself into my memory.

But out of all the beauty, three islands stole my heart completely and I’ll reveal those at the end. Ready to dive into the bluest, boldest, most breathtaking corners of the Caribbean? Let’s begin.

1. Aruba

How could I forget Aruba’s playful breeze? The divi-divi trees seem to bow toward the ocean, pointing you to the island’s best-kept secrets. There was a moment I floated in Eagle Beach’s teal water, feeling lighter than air.

It’s rare to see such powdery white sand stretching for miles, paired with water that appears airbrushed. Sunsets here glow like molten gold. Did you know Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt, making it a safe bet year-round?

Locals greet you with mischievous smiles and stories. If you want a place where the air always feels like a gentle hug, Aruba’s it.

2. Anguilla

If you ever want a taste of barefoot luxury, Anguilla spoils you rotten. I once lingered in Shoal Bay for hours, toes buried in sand as soft as sifted flour. The water here glows a pale, almost electric blue.

There aren’t any high-rises or crowded streets, only calm and the hush of gentle waves. Where else can you wade out and still see your toes halfway to the horizon?

I’m told Anguilla’s hidden coves were once pirate haunts. Now, it feels like a hideaway for dreamers. Each sunset feels like a secret you’re lucky enough to witness.

3. St. Lucia

Where the Pitons rise like ancient sentinels, St. Lucia grabbed my heart fast. The colors here are wild: emerald jungles meet sapphire sea, framed by unforgettable volcanic peaks.

It’s the only place I’ve soaked in volcanic mud, letting the earth’s warmth seep into my bones. Locals call the island ‘Helen of the West’ for its beauty, and I couldn’t agree more.

Did you know? St. Lucia’s chocolate is world-famous, thanks to rich volcanic soil. Each visit tastes like adventure and luxury, all at once.

4. Turks and Caicos

It’s hard to believe the water in Turks and Caicos is real—so sheer and turquoise it almost glows. I remember walking the curve of Grace Bay, feeling like I’d wandered into a screensaver.

How does sand get this soft? The island’s coral reefs protect the shores, keeping the water calm and glassy. Snorkeling here, I met more colorful fish than people.

Grace Bay routinely ranks among the world’s best beaches. When I close my eyes, I can still feel the hush of its waves and the warmth of the sand.

5. Exuma, Bahamas

Did you ever imagine swimming alongside pigs? Exuma made that dream come true. The water is so clear it’s like looking through blue crystal.

I once watched stingrays glide by my feet, unfazed by my awe. Each cay feels like a private paradise, and the shifting shades of blue are hypnotic.

Locals say the Exumas are the jewels of the Bahamas. Every visit brings something unexpected—from hidden sandbars to wild iguanas. This place always surprises.

6. Barbados

Are you a fan of surf and rhythm? Barbados pulses with energy, from Soca beats on the wind to cinnamon-sweet rum in your glass. My favorite memory: dancing at Oistins’ fish fry as twilight painted the ocean in indigo.

Where the waves break gentle, I watched turtles bob their heads at Carlisle Bay. The water turns different shades depending on the hour—sometimes turquoise, sometimes deep cobalt.

Barbados has a rich past, blending British and African flavors. The pride in every street festival is contagious. You always leave with a new friend.

7. Antigua

‘Antigua has a beach for every day of the year,’ a taxi driver once told me, and he wasn’t kidding. I tried to count, but lost track after ten. Each one is a different shade of blue.

My personal favorite: Half Moon Bay. The water there is so inviting, it’s impossible not to swim. Where pelicans dive, I floated quietly, thinking about nothing but the warm sun.

Fun fact: Antigua’s harbors once sheltered Nelson’s fleet. Now, they’re havens for sun-chasers and sailors alike. History lingers in the salty breeze.

8. St. Vincent and the Grenadines

When I think of escape, I picture the Grenadines. Once, I sailed into the Tobago Cays, a place so blue it doesn’t seem real.

It’s not just the water—it’s the way the breeze smells faintly of mango and salt, and how every island feels untouched. Snorkeling here showed me turtles that don’t mind company.

Are you a sailor at heart? The Grenadines are your paradise. Secret lagoons and quiet coves wait around every bend. You’ll never forget them.

9. Curaçao

How does an island mix Dutch charm with Caribbean flair? Curaçao pulls it off in style. The moment I saw Willemstad’s rainbow houses reflected in sapphire water, I was hooked.

I once sampled street food from a floating market, watching fisherman haul in the day’s catch. The beaches are calm, and the water’s clarity is unreal.

Curaçao’s coral reefs are a diver’s playground. If you love underwater worlds and bold city colors, this island is a feast for the eyes (and the camera).

10. St. Barts

Where luxury feels effortless, St. Barts steals the spotlight. I once sipped strong coffee at a cafe overlooking Flamands Beach, watching yachts come and go like parade floats.

The water is a pristine blue, and the sand almost sparkles. It’s easy to see why celebrities choose this place to unwind.

Still, you don’t need a fortune to enjoy St. Barts. I found secret coves for swimming and friendly locals eager to share a story. There’s a relaxed glamour in the air.

11. Martinique

Montagne Pelée stands watch over Martinique, lending the island a mysterious edge. The beaches here have a wild beauty that stays with you.

When I waded into Les Salines, the water was so cool and blue it erased every worry. The air carries hints of vanilla and spice from the hills.

Did you know? Martinique is both French and Caribbean, and you taste the blend in every bite of food. The mood is soulful, and every day here feels like a poem.

12. Grenada

With nutmeg on the breeze, Grenada’s Grand Anse Beach lured me in. I remember strolling past spice stalls, the air thick with clove and cinnamon.

Water here has a unique clarity, shifting from deep blue to aquamarine in the sunlight. The island’s reefs are bustling with marine life.

Grenada’s called ‘The Spice Isle’ for a reason. Locals are quick with a smile and an invitation to join a beach cricket match. Days pass slowly, in the best way.

13. St. John, USVI

‘This is paradise,’ I whispered the first time I saw Trunk Bay. The water is so brilliantly blue, it feels unreal.

Most of the island is a protected national park, so the beaches seem untouched and wild. I wandered hiking trails that led to secret coves and panoramic views.

It’s a haven for snorkelers, thanks to the famous underwater trail. If you crave nature and quiet, St. John is pure bliss. I always left with sandy toes and a full heart.

14. Vieques, Puerto Rico

Where wild horses roam, Vieques feels like a storybook brought to life. On my first visit, I watched a herd running along the shore, hooves kicking up sand.

Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay is the highlight—at night, the water glows bright blue with every splash. Daytime brings lazy swims in turquoise coves.

Vieques mixes rugged and magical. The island’s past as a naval base means some beaches are still empty, waiting for adventurers. It’s peaceful and wild, all at once.

15. Guadeloupe

Are you drawn to diversity? Guadeloupe offers a little bit of everything: rainforests, waterfalls, and long stretches of blue sea. I loved exploring Basse-Terre’s wild side, then relaxing in Grand Terre’s calm bays.

Creole culture thrives here. Every meal and melody tells a story. The beaches are some of the most photogenic I’ve seen.

Guadeloupe’s volcanic roots give the landscape drama. You’ll find both adventure and peace, often in a single day. I always leave feeling more alive.

16. The BEST: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

When someone asks about my favorite, Providenciales always comes first. I remember floating in Grace Bay just before sunset—no crowds, only the sound of my own heartbeat.

The water is impossibly clear, and the sand feels like silk. It’s understated luxury, never flashy. Wildlife here feels unbothered by humans—rays and turtles swim close.

Did you know Grace Bay has won ‘Best Beach in the World’ more than once? If I could bottle that peace and take it home, I would every time.

17. The BEST: Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman

Seven Mile Beach is where I go to feel brand new. The stretch of sand seems endless, and the water’s clarity leaves you speechless.

How does every day here feel like a celebration? Locals are quick to share a story, and the sunsets always gather a crowd—everyone pausing to admire the sky.

Seven Mile Beach is a classic for a reason. It’s lively without being loud, and calm without being dull. Did you know it’s often listed among the best beaches on earth?

18. The BEST: Shoal Bay East, Anguilla

Shoal Bay East is the jewel in Anguilla’s crown. I spent a lazy afternoon there, water so blue it seemed to sing in the sun. Couples strolled by, and laughter echoed from nearby bars.

If you want to fall in love with the Caribbean, start here. The sand is powder-fine, and the mood is pure relaxation.

Fun fact: Shoal Bay East is frequently called one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. For me, it’s the best definition of tropical bliss.