Crescent-curved bay. Swaying palms. White sand and gentle waves. If there were such thing as a perfect beach, Maracas Bay would be it.
The natural bay is nestled about 30 minutes from the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, an island nation off the coast of Venezuela. The beach's tall, towering palm trees -- set against dramatic rainforest cliffs -- make this Trinidad's most popular strip of sand. The waves are prime for paddling, but diving, surfing and hiking are right at your fingertips, too.
For the truly adventurous, there's also one of the world's most famous sandwich shops: Richard's Bake and Shark. The beachside hut serves up Bake and Shark, a regional dish with a cult-following made from deep-fried shark stuffed into fried dough. Yum, right?
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Shark or no shark, Maracas Bay is a stellar place to relax. Take a look!
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Before You Go
SEYCHELLES100.0OUR FAVORITE: Anse Source d’Argent on La DigueTHE LOOK: Dazzling white sand, huge granite boulders, cerulean water, and swaying palm trees. It would be harder to imagine a more perfect paradise.TOP TIP: Come late in the day to avoid day-trippers, beat the heat, and take a stroll around historic L’Union Estate (home to giant land turtles).
MALDIVES98.5OUR FAVORITE: Your ownTHE LOOK: With over 1,000 small islands in 26 atolls there’s no "best" beach here—they’re all gorgeous, and the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean are home to some of the world’s most colorful tropical marine life.TOP TIP: Pick your island resort wisely—some are so small you might feel too "Crusoe," while others have overwater bungalows so far from land it’s akin to being at sea.
GRENADINES93.9OUR FAVORITE: Saltwhistle Bay, MayreauTHE LOOK: Two perfect strands of sand, one facing a calm bay, the other the Atlantic. It’s the best of both worlds.TOP TIP: Getting here has become easier, with nonstop flights from the U.S. to Barbados and frequent puddle jumpers to the St. Vincent and a handful of Grenadines.
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ANGUILLA90.8OUR FAVORITE: Shoal Bay WestTHE LOOK: A mile of soft sand with views of neighboring St. Martin and the distant, dramatic silhouette of little-visited Saba. Not to be confused with much busier Shoal Bay East.TOP TIP: Watch for the gravel, left-hand turn-off at the end of West End road. Good snorkeling at the very west end of the beach in and around underwater rocks.
BERMUDA89.5OUR FAVORITE: Elbow BeachTHE LOOK: Pink sand, naturally, but quieter than other beaches on this blessed island—though one of the closest to the city of Hamilton.TOP TIP: Best spot to throw down your towel is via the public access path at the end of Tribe Road #4 between the Elbow Beach and Coco Reef resorts.
BORA BORA, FRENCH POLYNESIA89.5OUR FAVORITE: Motu TapuTHE LOOK: A tiny, uninhabited island in the western half of the lagoon from which views across a million shades of blue water are complimented by a full panorama of the main island’s dramatic green mountains.TOP TIP: Arrange for a private boat and picnic (through your resort) a few days in advance—weekends can actually be quieter, when the majority of vacationers are departing the South Seas.
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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS89.0OUR FAVORITE: Sandy Spit & Green Cay (near Tortola)THE LOOK: Miniature islands, encircled by sand with excellent snorkeling and 360-degree views of neighboring islands.TOP TIP: Rent a dinghy in Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke—but only on calm days unless you’re up for a soaking and tricky landing.
TURKS & CAICOS88.7OUR FAVORITE: Long Bay Beach, ProvidencialesTHE LOOK: Surrounded by the world’s third largest barrier reef, all of the beaches here are protected from ocean surges and most are completely waveless. Long Bay is one of the least developed.TOP TIP: Arrange for a private, guided horseback ride on the beach (and into the water) with Provo Ponies—they’ll pick you up and drop you off from your resort.
MOOREA, FRENCH POLYNESIA88.3OUR FAVORITE: TemaeTHE LOOK: Renowned for its jagged mountains and lush, jungle valleys, beaches here are on the smaller side and often attached to single resorts—all but quiet Temae on the northeastern coast.TOP TIP: Hop a taxi to the Sofitel resort and walk the long stretch of beach all the way to and from airport.
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ST. BARTHS87.2OUR FAVORITE: SalinesTHE LOOK: Hidden from a small parking lot overlooking the salt basin, and accessed only up and down a rocky/sandy trail, of all the beautiful beaches on St. Barts this one is by far the most laid-back.v TOP TIP: Bring supplies if you intend to spend the day—but keep an eye on hungry goats looking for your fancy French picnic in the surrounding hills. More on Island Travel:The 12 Top Scenic Islands in the WorldThe Best International Beach ResortsBest U.S. Islands For Beaches