9 Best beach bars in the Caribbean
The
Caribbean is the world’s beach bar capital. Here, you have your
pick of blissful beachside experiences, from bumping reggae bars in
Jamaica, to laid-back shacks in the Bahamas.
Looking
for some of the Caribbean’s most incredible beach bars?
With
so many to choose, this list could easily top 30 or more. But we’ve
whittled it down to the 10 best of the best. Bottom line, if you’re
looking for a fun, lively beach bar, you can go wrong with these 10
Caribbean landmarks.
- Rick’s
Café, Negril, Jamaica
Whether
you’re in the mood for rum, or reggae, you’ll find both in
abundance at Rick’s. Yet, this world-famous watering hole isn’t
just a great place for a drink; it’s also a favorite Jamaican
cliff-diving destination. That’s right! You’ll find several
natural platforms that plunge into the waters below, with local
divers putting on a show most days.
If
you go, be sure to order Rick’s Famous Planter’s Punch, the bar’s
secret rum punch recipe. It’s delicious, and after a few, you might
work up the nerve to take the plunge.
- Iggies
Beach Bar and Grill, St. Thomas
A
longtime mainstay on St. Thomas, Iggies is a must-visit spot that’s
tucked into the palms on Bolongo Bay. This might be the liveliest
beach bar in the Caribbean. Here’s why: Every Wednesday, Iggies
hosts a weekly Carnival celebration, with fire walkers, stilted
acrobats, and limbo dancers. But no matter what day you go, you’ll
be treated to live entertainment (as music is featured seven days a
week.)
In
short, it’s the perfect place to take in some Afro-Caribbean music,
while sipping on a fruity drink. A favorite drink is Iggie’s VooDoo
Juice, a mix of five types of rum made nearby in St. Croix.
- Naked
Fisherman, St. Lucia
Tucked
back at the edge of the jungle, in the stunningly beautiful
Smuggler’s Cove, you’ll find the Naked Fisherman. As rumor has
it, fisherman used to sell their catch in the cove (and occasionally,
some would stop in without clothes). And the name stuck.
Today
this tiny beach bar attracts an eclectic group, from locals playing
dominoes, to yachters in for a quick drink. The palm trees provide
the perfect amount of shade, making the beach one of the best spots
on St. Lucia for a cocktail. The Naked Fisherman epitomizes the St.
Lucian vibe.
Just
be sure to try a St. Lucian rum punch. Here, most recipes add more
cinnamon, giving the punch a spicier profile.
- Soggy
Dollar Bar, Jost Van Dyke
In
terms of Caribbean beach bars, there might not be one as legendary as
the Soggy Dollar Bar. Located in the middle of the British Virgin
Islands, the bar is a favorite stop on yacht
charters from Tortola. And for good reason. The Soggy Dollar is
the place to go for a painkiller, which they say was perfected here
in the 1970s.
Not
to mention, the setting couldn’t be more spectacular. Set right on
White Bay Beach, the bar has an incredible view. So be sure to snag a
hammock and lull away an afternoon.
- Sunshine’s,
Nevis
Sunshine’s
might be right next to the Four Seasons, but the vibes couldn’t be
any different. At Sunshine’s, things are laid-back and mellow. And
that’s what makes it so great. You can lounge in the open-air
dining room, order a burger or conch fritters, and while away an
afternoon.
Try
Sunshine’s rum punch when you go, which they call a Killer Bee. The
punch is made with a locally-sourced moonshine, which gives it a bit
of a sting.
- Mr.
X’s Shiggidy Shack, St. Kitts
Although
you’ll find a handful of bustling beach bars on Frigate Bay, the
one you don’t want to miss is Mr. X’s Shiggidy Shack. Here, the
food is a real draw; try the grilled lobster or catch of the day. But
after the sun goes down, the party gets started.
Every
Thursday, Mr. X’s hosts a bonfire, which draws a crowd of tourists,
expats and students, and the music bumps late into the evening. On
Friday and Saturday, visitors are treated to live music, as well.
- Sundowner’s
Beach Bar, Roatan
Roatan,
the tiny island off the coast of Honduras, is known for its quiet,
off-the-beaten-path vibes. And Sundowner’s epitomizes the island’s
laid-back culture. Tucked back in Half Moon Bay Beach, Sundowners
offers plenty of space to spread out on the beachfront and work your
tan.
If
you go, be sure to order a Monkey Lala, a chocolate and pineapple
concoction that’s you’ll want to nurse after a day in the sun.
They say it’s the best Monkey Lala you can find in all of Roatan.
- Da
Conch Shack and Rum Bar, Turks and Caicos
Located
on Providenciales’ bustling Blue Hills Beach, Da Conch Shack is a
must-visit on the island. The bar features ample setting on the
beach, with picnic tables in a grove of palms. That makes it a great
place for lunch or dinner, or for just whiling away an afternoon over
a game of cards.
Here,
you’ll get some of the best conch in the Caribbean (the cracked
conch is a house specialty). Plus, thanks to its location, the bar
offers a respite of the crowds at Seven Mile Beach and other Provo
hotspots.
- Chat
N’ Chill, Stocking Island, Bahamas
More
than 20 years ago, Chat N’ Chill opened as a tiny beach hangout for
yachters in the Exumas. Over the years, it’s grown into a hangout
for more and more visitors. Today, Chat N’ Chill – which is
located on a sandbar near Georgetown – boasts a lively beach bar,
with great food and a causal, friendly vibe.
Be
sure to visit on Sunday, when the bar hosts a pig roast. The
roasts are true Bahamian parties, with island drinks, Carib music,
and dancing.
- Quito’s
Gazebo, Tortola BVI
If
you’re looking for a beach bar with the best live music, consider
Quito’s. The Gazebo has built a reputation for its lively reggae
parties, hosted by musician Quito Rymer. You’ll find the music
blaring from this club most nights, so be sure to bring your dancing
shoes.
Quito’s
is in an incredible location on Cane Garden Bay, and the adjacent
hotel tucks into the lush hills above. Grab a beach chair, and enjoy
the scene as day turns to night.
This
list just scratches the surface; there are so many amazing beach bars
in the Caribbean. Think we missed one? Let us know which of your
favorite bars that you think should be a part of this list.
Published October 3, 2019
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