At the Aruba cruise port in Oranjestad, make time for Eagle Beach. The sand is clean and soft, the water shallow and brilliant with radiant blue color. Catamarans bob just offshore, and the gradient from shore to sea is gentle enough for hours of floating and wading. Pair that with Aruba’s constant breeze and iconic fofoti trees, and this beach earns its place as one of the Caribbean’s most beloved.

Devil’s Bay sits at the end of a rock-strewn path through The Baths, one of the region’s most striking natural formations. If your cruise to Tortola includes an excursion to Virgin Gorda, don’t miss this one. The granite boulders form quiet tide pools and lagoons, with ultra-clear water lapping gently at the edges. It’s a snorkeler’s dream with just enough adventure to feel off the beaten path.

Just a short ride from the Bonaire cruise port and steps from the island’s tiny airport is one of the best Bonaire beaches: Te Amo Beach. Calm, clear waters stretch just beyond a coral shelf teeming with life. Sea turtles are common, and the clarity means you’ll spot them easily, sometimes without even getting your hair wet. Pack snorkel gear or book a guided tour for the full experience.

On Harbour Island, the sand blushes with crushed coral and sunlight, turning the shoreline a soft pink that glows even brighter at sunrise. The water here is calm and unusually clear — ideal for long swims or quiet wading. If your Bahamas cruise includes a stop nearby, book an excursion to this colorful paradise. The shallow gradient and gentle waves create a dreamlike setting you won’t find anywhere else in the Caribbean.

Looking for things to do while in port on your cruise to Belize? A stretch of soft golden sand lined with palm trees and wooden canoes, Hopkins Village Beach is where clear water meets local culture. Skip the crowds and head to this quiet shoreline. The water stays shallow and warm, ideal for a swim after fresh conch fritters from a nearby café.

Few spots in the Caribbean feel this untouched. On your cruise to Martinique, venture north to find a black sand beach wrapped in rainforest and silence. The blue-green water? Crystal-clear and cool, with a dramatic backdrop of jungle cliffs. With no bars, vendors or loud music, it’s just you, the sea and maybe a few curious birds watching from the trees.

This one’s easy to miss — and that’s the point. There are plenty of things to do on your cruise to St. Maarten, and Simpson Bay is part of that exciting itinerary. These waters are just a short drive from the port but worlds away from the buzz of Philipsburg. The beach stretches wide and long (especially as one of the longest beaches on the island), with calm water lapping at the shore and sailboats drifting in the distance. Locals love it. Guests never forget it.

There’s a reason this beach gets ranked again and again — it delivers. The Grand Cayman Islands are home to Seven Mile Beach is just a short drive away, where the sand is pale and soft, the water impossibly clear. It’s perfect for floating, beachcombing or simply claiming a shady spot beneath a palm and staying put.

Looking for things to do in the Grenada port? Start with Grand Anse Beach. It runs for nearly two miles along the island’s southwest coast, backed by sloping green hills and sea almond trees. You can hit up this beach with ease when you book the Spice Garden, Grenada Distillers & Grand Anse Beach excursion with Princess. Gentle waves and still water make it ideal for a long swim or a slow stroll — coconut in hand, sandals forgotten somewhere behind you.

Just west of St. John’s, Ffryes Beach is a quiet spot with soft golden sand and water that shifts from turquoise to deep blue in the span of a few steps. If your cruise to Antigua includes time for a beach break, this one’s a guest favorite. There’s room to stretch out as you enjoy the calm surf and let life’s worries slip away.

Punta Sur blends wild coastline with ancient Mayan history. It’s one of the top stops for guests looking for things to do during cruises to Cozumel. Bring snorkel gear — the reef sits close to shore, and on calm days the visibility is particularly strong. Watch for colorful fish and the shadowy outline of rays gliding over the sea grass.

Just offshore, the ocean floor drops into one of the island’s most famous dive sites: The Wall. That shelf starts only 200 yards from shore, making Cane Bay perfect for strong swimmers and snorkelers. On a cruise to St. Croix, this is where you’ll want to go if you’re chasing reef time and postcard-clear water. You may even spot stingrays or the occasional dolphin.

This one requires a bit of effort — a boat ride or a short hike — but the reward is quiet water, reef patches and far fewer footprints in the sand. Paddleboarding and snorkeling are easy here thanks to the clarity and calm surf. If your cruise to St. Thomas includes time on nearby St. John, Honeymoon Beach is worth the trip.

Protected by green hills on three sides, Magens Bay stays remarkably calm, even on windy days. You can see this beautiful beach on your cruise to St. Thomas with the Best of St. Thomas excursion, where you’ll notice that the water here feels more like a pool than the ocean: shallow, steady and transparent enough to spot tiny fish circling your ankles. There's a paved walking trail through the mangroves nearby, plus beachside vendors serving rum cocktails and grilled fish with a view of anchored sailboats.

Trunk Bay is one of the most photographed beaches in the Caribbean, and it earns every frame. Interested in seeing the world under the water for yourself? Take the St. John Scenic Cruise, Trunk Bay Beach & Snorkel excursion. You’ll travel to Trunk Bay, where the famous underwater snorkeling trail awaits, with coral markers identifying reef species. The water is so clear, it feels like floating over glass. Enjoy over an hour of snorkeling, then return to port via ferry. Gear rentals and beach concessions are available near the entrance.