Are Caribbean Beaches Public?

The short answer is yes, the majority of beaches in the Caribbean are public. The general rule might vary slightly depending on the island, but for the most part, Caribbean beaches are public up to the average high watermark line. 

Many hotels have beaches that are often thought to be private. This is likely because the beach is land-locked by privately owned land. When your hotel is located on a beach with no public beach access, the only way non-guests can access the beach is from the water.

If your hotel is located on one of the more popular beaches, there’s plenty of opportunities for getting your private beach fix. There are thousands of small cays and out islands offshore of many of the Caribbean’s larger islands. Your Caribbean Journey travel advisor will arrange a day tour complete with private boat charter and gourmet beach picnic. 

If you want to ensure that you will spend your vacation on a private beach, you’ll have to book a private island or stay at a private island resort. Another option would be a luxury villa rental vacation because many are located on very private beaches, in oceanfront residential neighborhoods, with limited public access. 

I love a private beach experience as much as you do, but I agree that all beaches in the Caribbean should be public. One of the perks of working with an experienced travel company is that we know how to make your private beach dreams come true. Contact us if you’d like to see what we can put together for your next island vacation.