topless beaches
 

Can you go topless on any of the beaches in the Turks & Caicos?

Hmm.. not sure!

I'm European and we go topless at any available opportunity :-D

I went topless at Idle Awhile but not at the Jamaica Inn, both are in Jamaica but it's what acceptable to the other visitors that matters.

We visited Coral Gardens in T&C and walked up and down Grace bay - we saw no topless bathers on the beach.

T&C has lots of islands are you thinking of visiting Provo?

It is against the law to go topless in Turks and Caicos.

It is illegal for toplessness on many islands, and though I've never been to T&C, I believe Blamona. That being said, if you just want to sunbathe topless, I've seen it done discreetly in several locations where it is supposedly illegal.

I would personally feel uncomfortable being topless in any host country where it was frowned upon in public, but there are always secluded stretches of beach where you would have relative privacy for sunbathing topless. There are several tour operators in Provo that can take you out to a cay for a private picnic--this would be a great opportunity for to be topless without giving offense to any locals.

We noticed topless at Club Med, but not elsewhere on Grace Bay; also okay at isolated beaches like Malcolm Road.

it is my understanding, as well, that it is illegal in t&c. as such i am suspicious that club med must follow this law as it does the other laws of the country.
it is possible to find deserted sections of beach on provo. and i have read a couple trip reports here of ppl who were dropped off on a secluded cay only to have ppl walk up on them from another drop off point on the cay.
jamaica has the hedonism resorts. you will find topless on st.martin, curacao, st.barth's, st.kitts, and on dominican republic - so perhaps if this is your criteria you might select another island.

Virginia is misinformed. St. Kitts (and Nevis) does not permit topless. Wholesome, family beaches and a conservative resident population throughout most of Caribbean islands frown on the practice. Stay in a private villa or stay home.
Cheers, Richard.

No, Richard, Virginia is not misinformed.

This topic always amuses me, and brings out the 50's schoolteacher in so many people. Tsk tsk tsk (visualize shaking finger in your face at the prospect of toplessness). @-)

Fact: Topless sunbathing is illegal on many Caribbean islands.

Fact: Topless sunbathing is perfectly legal and acceptable on many Caribbean islands.

As the OP is attempting to do, the proper thing is to find out the norm on the island he/she is thinking of going to.

Very simply, as some of the other posters have stated, it is extremely easy on almost all of the islands to find stretches of beach or resorts that permit (or even encourage) toplessness or nudity.

Anyone with a modicum of manners knows that it would be rude to sunbathe topless in an area where it's not acceptable, or on a beach that families and locals frequent (unless it's one of the islands like St Martin where that is the norm).

When we were on Provo, we spent two entire days on Malcolm's Beach - which was (think not any more) an extremely secluded beach down a long road. The whole time we were there, we saw six other people. All of the ladies were topless. I have no problem at all with keeping a top on if it's not permitted.

(Funny alya, I also went topless at Idle Awhile but not Jamaica Inn.)

What about showing respect for the laws of the country your visiting?
There are plenty of islands known for it, why do it where you are not suppose too?

I don't know where Diana (or Virginia) gets her fountain of bad information or her disrespect for island laws...illegal is illegal! With that attitude its small wonder some travellers/nationalities create difficulties for the rest of us "legitimate" tourists and travellers. You may think that you are above the law but its usually the graciousness of island residents that have kept you out of jail or from being heavily fined. Cheers, Richard.

Richard, you can dismount any time you want to from your high horse. (It's hard to talk to you when you're all the way up there.)

I can assure you that I am just as "legitimate" a traveler as you or anyone else on this board, and I imagine that were we to compare the scope of our Caribbean travels, that might be an indicator of where I am getting my info.

I'll also assure you (and blamona since she is obviously concerned as well) that I am more than knowledgeable about island customs and behaviors.

I don't care to be judged, thank you very much.

Diana is right about the need to show good judgment and proper manners in these cases. But I have to agree with Richard that it is respectful to obey the laws of the country where you are visiting when it comes to topless bathing. In some islands, such as St. Barths, it is perfectly legal to go topless on many beaches. However, many Caribbean islands, including St. Kitts and Nevis, specifically prohibit topless bsthing.

This is not a case of imposing 1950s values. Rather, it's a simple matter obeying the law and respecting the local culture. When you are a guest in another's home, you obey their rules even if you don't agree with the values that led them to make these rules. It should be the same thing when you visit another country.

We show respect for the citizens of that country by obeying the laws that they chose to govern their lives. To do otherwise is bad manners. If topless bathing is important to you, then travel to an island where it's lawful.

thank you richard - this was a civil discussion until you entered it. perhaps your youth and inexperience explain this unnecessary rudeness.
disrespect for island laws. buddy i don't know where you get off. try reading my post. at no point did i suggest that i have ever been topless anywhere,anytime . nor did i suggest that the op or anyone else do this in turks and caicos. in fact i suggested that they consider an alternate island. and i might add that noone anywhere has ever had to "keep me out of jail or from being fined" for anything!!!
try not to preach. "gracious" people don't appreciate it.
thank you now i will pretend it is friday, have a libation, and think of statia.

You're welcome, most knowledgeable one...Snort! And speaking of high horses...giddy-up! Cheers, Richard.

Laby, you are, of course, correct.

I have been to Nevis (and St Kitts) several times. The only time I was topless was the time we rented a walled villa in the Montpelier area.

I have also been to another 30-40 Caribbean islands, and have only gone topless on three of them - Provo, TCI on the previously-mentioned deserted beach, Isla Mujeres, Mexico (common to go topless) and Negril, Jamaica - ditto.

We just returned from 3 weeks on Grenada and in the Grenadines, and I managed to keep my top on the entire time. ;>

Richard, great comeback. You're so clever.

It's funny to me how the topic of toplessness invokes all kinds of responses, most of which are couched in terms of legality.

It's true that female toplessness is illegal on most islands with heritage of British imperialism. It's also true that despite that, I've seen toplessness on a few of those islands. I think most of the time the women were Europeans accustomed to that state of undress and perfectly ignorant of local law or custom that frowns on it.

LOTS of things are unlawful that many of us do cheerfully. Driving above the speed limit, for example. Ganja is also unlawful, even in Jamaica, and yet people don't jump on posters inquiring how to obtain it.

I personally do not advocate anything that might offend local sensibilities. I would no more remove my top on a beach where others might see me (assuming it's frowned upon) than I would walk into the Southern Baptist COnvention and proclaim my agnosticism to the rooftops. But there are certainly places on every island that are secluded enough that if a woman desperately wants to go topless she can do so without giving offense to anybody because nobody else is around, whether locals or other tourists. It is about judgment and manners and respect.

Why on earth viceroy was implying that Diana was disrespectful of local custom is beyond me. If anything, he should have addressed the comment to me, as I was tacitly saying that it can be done discreetly, away from other eyes.

I agree with ejcrowe that illegality does not automatically translate into being offensive to local sensibilities. And I think we can all agree that it's boorish (to say the least) to knowingly disregard local customs. So if there are places on certain no-topless islands where the local custom tolerates toplessness, then it's silly for non-locals to object. But if you're going to go topless on an island that prohibits it, you want to be sure that the locals really do accept it on that beach. Because, after all, the locals' silence may not be tacit approval - it could be simple embarrassment on their part.

Ahhh...the ole "topless" thread.

Always a winner....and very entertaining.

Amazing how everyone is always drawn to the boob...LOL!!

My thoughts: It isn't illegal unless the authorites see you doing it (and catch you). It's also impossible to offend someone if they don't see you. Discretion is the key. I'm all for respecting others and their values, but simple things such as this seem quite harmless if done in a secluded area. The folks who are horribly offended by a boob need to take a pill.

God I love this topic!! Brings a smile every time.....

"The folks who are horribly offended by a boob need to take a pill."

=D>

ScottB, You are so right. It's just no big deal...

No one is advocating choosing to blatantly ignore (although I have seen it done on St Lucia by a woman who refused to comply with the resort's clearly-outlined "no toplessness" rule) the local custom or laws. I've never seen toplessness on any beach with locals and children unless it was one where that is acceptable and common.

I have never in all of my life heard of any tourist getting busted for going topless, and the laws are in place (but not enforced) to keep people from letting it all hang out on all of the beaches.

The "holier-than-thou" preachers on here most likely have broken the law recently - glass of wine with dinner and then drive home? 5 mph over the speed limit as ej pointed out?

imho, they should make those "banana slings" that some men choose to wear illegal too, but it's their choice to don them... :-]

ScottB's sensible post about leaving it to the secluded beach makes me think about how few truly secluded beaches I've actually gone to in the Caribbean. I know they're there, it doesn't take all that much effort to get there, and yet, I never seem to make it there. My loss for sure.

Laby, I am a "secluded beach" connoisseur! :D

Next time you want to head out, let us know where you are going, and I (or someone else) can help you.

Almost all of the beaches on all of the islands are public, so they nearly all have one or more.

Most are accessible by car, but a few can only be reached by a short hike after parking, or by water (dinghy or water taxi).

You just have to promise not to tell anyone else! ;)

Diana, mum's the word. This will just be between you, me, and our other internet friends. Can you recommend a secluded beach on Nevis? That's where we're heading next October. Of course, from your words and my good intentions to actually getting my lazy behind into action may be another matter.

Yes, Lover's Beach on Nevis is a very nice one.

It's on the north side of the airport near Hurricane Hill.

In October, you'll likely be the only ones there. Really pretty.

Scott, that was a great way of putting it.

Anyone here remember when John Ashcroft spent $8000 of taxpayers' money to purchase a large velvet curtain to drape over the statue of Blindfolded Justice because of her bare breast? That amused and annoyed me in equal parts.

Ah, Lover's Beach. Hard to beat that name for romance. Thank you so much for the suggestion. It will remain our secret.

Diana, I was just going to suggest Lovers' Beach. It's a beauty, isn't it?

Though I was surprised to see it, there was a woman at the far end of the beach at Nisbet who was sunbathing topless on her chair. Same thing with Smuggler's Cove on Tortola--a couple of German women were sunbathing topless near us at the far end of the beach. Though still public, they were all clearly being as discreet as possible.

What annoys me is that Antigua has a clothing optional beach for folks to go to, but I see toplessness at Long Bay almost every visit. This is a beach populated more by locals than tourists and it really gets to me.

$8,000 to outfit Blindfolded Justice?? My Lord. Why didn't they just buy one of those $10 "I'm with Stupid" t-shirts and throw it over her judicial head. I'll bet she would have looked a lot smarter in that.

Laby, you just gave me a real belly laugh. Thank you!

As the statue in question was much larger than life it would've been difficult to obtain said t-shirt in a sufficient size, but what a laugh that would be!

We saw several topless women on Negril beach, but there was one heterosexual couple that sunbathed completely nude every day, and they were just a couple of hotels down from CLP. You really couldn't "miss" them. I know Hedonism is obviously clothing optional, but this was right on the main beach. Not too often do I see a guy strutting his "stuff" unless it's my husband.

Diana:

Are there secluded beaches in Turks & Caicos or Anguila?

dwm, Provo used to have one of the very best. It's called Malcolm's Beach, and there was a French movie company that filmed a "Survivor"-type series there and left the palm thatch huts. They were great for shade.

It is at the end of a nasty (thus the inaccessibility) road that required a 4 wheel drive vehicle with an intrepid driver.

It is my understanding that this area is now being developed.

On Anguilla, we went in October and had a rental car. We were literally the ONLY people on almost all of the beaches we went to. Going to the Caribbean in off-season can mean that some normally-populated beaches are deserted.

On many islands, a rental car, a cooler and a beach umbrella mean you can simply drive around and stop at a spot which catches your fancy. Nearly all of the islands' beaches are all public - no such thing as "private" (except for a handful of private islands.

ej, I agree with you about people going topless on the beach where locals and their families frequent. People need to be educated about how/where to do it if they are going to...

brendandg, I'd be afraid he'd burn his "nether regions." At a B&B we frequent in Key West, there was a fellow that beat me up to the sun deck to tan nude (him, not me) every morning. I used to finish my breakfast and tell my husband I was headed up to the deck for the "weenie roast." :>

Will be traveling to Bequia in January. Are there any secluded beaches to go topless?

Good one Diana, weenie roast. LMAO. Also thought the "banana sling" comment was hilarious. I am in no way sheltered, have been a nurse for many years and nudity doesn't bother me. I don't want my DH's "nether regions" burned either.

Still waiting for the rest of your Grenadines trip report, can we come with you on your next vacation? Think we are very much alike! I say that based on your posts which I have been reading for some time. We like any island experience that is not the ordinary. We hate anything that is too much like the US. Love that Caribbean vibe and plenty of cocktails to go with it. We tend to indulge while in the ilons. Loved your last comments that you posted about your travels to the Grenadines. Pleny of rum to keep you happy. We work hard for our vacations, but I am more obsessed than DH.

Hi Nextel. Unfortunately, we did not make it to Bequia during our trip. (Next time!)

If you start a thread about Bequia, maybe Vinceygirl or curiousx - who both know a lot about the SVG region - will give you some tips.

Here is a website I found to give you some idea of the beaches on the island. (It has a section just on the beaches. Seems most are pretty quiet and low key.)

http://www.bequiasweet.com/

Looks great! :)

brenandg,

Yes, I agree we have also become Caribbean-obsessed. I am lucky in that my DH is as crazy about it as I am. He plans to grow dreads when we retire to an island to live. @-)

The people, the culture, the beauty - amazing isn't it? I think we are like you in that we really work just to support our Caribbean travel "habit."

So many people I know just don't "get it." They think we are in a rut because we go so much. They're like, "why don't you go to Europe or somewhere else?" I've been to Europe once - may go back some day...

Of course, I can go to France on Martinique or St Barts, England on Barbados, Spain on Puerto Rico, the Netherlands on St Maarten, Scotland on Carriacou, etc. etc. - all with a rum punch in my hand, the sun on my shoulders, and a funky, irie vibe!

Happy travels!

Laby, we were on Lover's Beach in Nevis in October. We were not alone. Just a word of warning!

Thank you, Diana, I will.

Joan, thanks for the warning (although there's about as much chance of me going topless on a beach as pigs flying). Lover's Beach will definitely get a looksee from us. If nothing else, I have to see a beach that would inspire this name.

Diana, I was surprised to read that Carriacou has a Scottish heritage. Maybe you could tell us more about that in the continuation of your trip report. Consider yourself nudged. :D

Gotta say I agree so completely with Emily's statement:

"It is about judgment and manners and respect."

I'm reminded of our trip to Barbados, which was the quintessential British conservative island at the time. Think Dover Beach with no "beach boys".

One Sunday morning we were having breakfast at the resort open air restaurant right at the water at about 8 AM. (This is a restaurant that was heavily patronized by locals before and after church on Sundays.) As we were dining, a couple came and settled onto their towels and chair about 20 feet in front of the restaurant.They were the only people on a stretch of beach about 1/2 mile long, so there were lots and lots of places to go that would have been a lot more discreet. The lady then proceeded to make a huge display of removing the top of her bathing suit, stretching and posing for an extended period of time while doing so. (I regret to say that DH dumped his sugar on the table instead of into his coffee during this spell - LOL). It took the security guards at the resort about 3 minutes to scoot down and tactfully suggest to the pair that she should either get clothed or move elewhere.

On the other hand, later the same day, a lady spent some time sunbathing completely nude at the same resort on a much more crowded beach. However, she positioned her chair well away from others and very, very discreetly removed her suit and put it back on to go into the water or walk the beach. We only noticed her at all because we were "noodling" in the waves and I happened to spot the pale double moons from the water and watched to see what would happen after the AM experience. The security contingent passed by her several times and never once said a word to her.

Diana,
Just to clarify, I think I may have contradicted myself a little in saying that we don't like islands that are too much like the US and the next place we are going is STJ. That said, we plan on at least 2 day trips to the BVI's and have read so many positive things about STJ that I have to check it out. The island hopping bit sounds like fun to us. I like the sound of "funky" Cruz Bay and the fact that the island is 2/3 national park. I saw a great picture of a donkey sticking his nose in a car window looking for a snack. You will never find us in Aruba, Cancun etc. We did a day trip to The Grenadines from STL last year and loved it. What a beautiful region!! I hope you are getting busy finishing your trip report.