Travel Channel's Top Ten Caribbean Beaches
 

I watch The Travel Channel a fair amount and have not seen this episode until this weekend. Here is the list. I liked that they picked diverse beaches. Some, like Necker, not affordable to the affordable Negril.

10. Montego Bay (Jamaica)
9. Necker Island (BVI's)
8. Cancun (Mexico)
7. Musha Cay (Bahamas)
6. Englishman's Bay (Tobago)
5. White Bay (Jost Van Dyke, BVI's)
4. Rincon (Puerto Rico)
3. Negril (Jamaica)
2. Tulum (Mexico)
1. Harbour Island (Bahamas)

I'm happy to say that we have been to two of the ten, Negril and White Bay. All of the segments were well done, but loved The White Bay segment. It was so cool to see the White Bay (Soggy Dollar) dog and know her name (Trixie!) and see Seddy and Raquel of One Love. I just need to get out of this snow hell and back to the islands :). May 10th and STJ can't come soon enough!

Where are you staying this year? We go back in August and have rented La Papaya.

Hi Brenda...will have to try and catch that episode, since it has our favorite beach featured!!
I think we have hooked up for a little boat trip over to White Bay this weekend...looking forward to it, no islandhopping trips this year so far.

I think Necker Island is a private island?? Does anyone know if there is a beach that is public, or permits people to moor there for a few hours?? Probably not, but htought I would throw it out there...all girls sailing trip to the BVI's this summer and we are looking to explore more of the "out of the way" places.

Necker is a privately owned island , you will not be allowed ashore unless you are a member of the resorty staff or a registered guest. They take their privacy very seriously.

There's nothing to prevent you from stopping off-shore to snorkel the surrounding reefs (as long as you don't drop anchor on the reef itself). There are no mooring balls that you can use.

What, no Grace Bay, I'm schocked!

THough Necker is privately owned, I believe that all BVI beaches are public up to the high water mark. There have been several lively discussions about this on the BVI forum on traveltalkonline.

pulley, We are staying at Gallow's Point again. Do you have any experience with Cruz Views? I'm looking for some cheaper options which are close to CB. The rates are great there, especially off season when we travel. I could probably (sniff) do without in some areas to get to STJ more often. The reviews that I have read are that is is basic, but construction noise from Sirenusa can be a nuisance.

Jeena,
I'm glad your girls trip is coming together. I remember when it was just a gleam in your eye! Will you be back in the states by May this year? If not, come visit us on STJ. If you get to White Bay, give Trixie's ears a lttle scratch for me. I'm thinking "Dollar", the newest addition is also around :).

Brenda

i'll be on white bay/ Ivans in 14 days !!!! another trip to paradise !!

Brenandg, we stayed at Cruz Views in 2001. Our departure date was 09/11/2001, well you know the rest of the story we were stranded for 4 more days on STJ. We travel off season as well - more trips for the money. We stayed in Unit 1, with another couple, because the bedroom has A/C. It was a very easy walk to town. A little uphill on the way back but not a big deal. The pool was awesome. The water pressure in the shower was lacking but it didn't affect the guys. We used the pool, an outdoor shower at unit 7 (no one was staying there) and the guest showers at Caneel. We left a nice tip for the staff at Caneel.:-) Basic yet comfortable is how I would describe it. We have stayed at Gallows Point before and love opening the french doors looking out to Perkins Cay & St. Thomas. You're killing me brenandg!!!

Thanks pulley. I could make do with low water pressure, but that sounds like "no" water pressure if you had to shower elsewhere. We plan on checking the place out this next visit.

Tess, have fun at Ivan's. Now that is definitely too rustic for me. I know my limitations :).

You will be leaving for STJ on my birthday, Brenda!! I will be headed for home May 11 or 12, they want me as soon as I can get there for my "summer" job!
Yes, this BVI trip has almost been a year in the planning and it is very close! We really have only been to Tortola and JVD, looking forward to Virgin Gorda and any other surprises!
I will have a pain killer for you this weekend!!

I used to watch the travel channel quite faithfully. But I haven't been into their shows lately. Hope they bring back 1000 places to see before you die...ANYHOW, I have seen this beach show about four times now. Along with Mexico beach resorts, and Flordia's top ten beaches over and over...A lot of the places they show are outrageously expensive, and the avarage joe simply can't afford them. I've been to the caribbean several times, although none of these places.I would love to visit Cancun though:)

Afinecompany - I was also shocked to see that Grace Bay didn't make the list. That was my favorite beach and I read this post to see where it would place. I couldn't believe that it didn't make the list at all.

I am surprised none of the beautiful beaches on Anguilla is not mentioned -

Shoal Bay East
Meads Bay
Rendevouz Bay

Necker Island is owned by Richard Branson, the founder and owner of Virgin Atlantic.

Like OT, I'm astounded that Anguilla was shut out. I find Shoal Bay East to be the ultimote beach... a long stretch of great sand, gentle water, VERY close-in coral for snorkeling (rare for a great beach)... sections with restaurants, beach bars and lodging, and a nice stretch with nothing but sand and palm trees.

Was recently in BVI & was told by Dive Master that there are NO private beaches in BVI....including Necker. He says if you have a boat and can get there, they can't keep you from enjoying the beach.

Shariej yes, I also just read the same thing on a sailing info page, any beach is public up to the high water mark.

I'd just like to sail past close enough to say we were there ;)

I'm suprised that Cancun and Tulum made the list with all of the reports of beach erosion. We actually went to Tulum in Sept. '07 and didn't think the beaches there were all that great compared to others we've been to. We'll find out in 2 weeks how Cancun's beaches are holding up.

We saw a similar episode named the 10 Most Romantic Beaches. Many of the beaches around St. Vincent and the Grenadines made the list. DH is very upset that I watched it. More trips to plan for now. :)

Kelly,
I think they picked them for different reasons. Rincon, surfing, Cancun for the party atmosphere, Tulum the ruins, some for beauty and seclusion. I happened to see it on a "Beach Blast" weekend. I hope to catch The Romantic Beach one you mentioned. So you're looking at Barbados and The Grenadine's next? Do you plan on staying on either Grenada or in The Grenadine's or day triping? We will have to catch up on the latest. Are you ever going to let DH go to Alaska :D?

Brenda,

Well, that makes more sense.

As for Alaska, not anytime soon. I about died this winter and we didn't even get as bad as most Eastern states like yours. I've been sick for 5 months. Nov. to March. I can't handle it. However, I'm looking for something for our 10 year anniversay in 2010. Since it's in July maybe then.

We're thinking 8 nights in Barbados with a day trip to the Grenadines and a day trip to Grenada. I know it's not long enough, but all we can do. I'm busting at my part time job to pay for this. :)

We leave in 2 weeks for Cancun. Can not wait. No trips in Sept. for us this year. It's going to be a long wait to November.