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.