What is the first thing you want to do after you land at an airport in the Caribbean? For many, it’s a pretty simple answer. Make your way, by car or boat, to your sandy chair, cocktail in hand, at a Caribbean beach bar. Because there is something about finding yourself at that rum-covered bar counter, palm trees shaking, waves lapping, faces smiling. It’s just at the core of the Caribbean vacation fantasy, a dream that we all just can’t get out of our heads, a memory we can’t wait to repeat.
Our annual list of the Best Caribbean Beach Bars is a voyage through the current pantheon of toes-in-the-sand watering holes in the region: you’ll find everything from world-famous spots to hidden-away beach bars you may not have ever heard of.
Think of this is 25 different inspirations for the top of your post-airport to-do list.
Maho Crossroads, St John Our number one beach bar in the Caribbean for the second year in the row is this beloved spot on the stunningly beautiful Maho Beach in St John, a zero-footprint pop-up bar that, every day, manages to create the ultimate beach day in the Caribbean, anchored by its Paddle-in Tiki Bar.