This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. If you need to flag this entry as abusive, send us an email.
(Photo: U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism)
No passport? No problem! These world-class beaches in exotic locales don't require anything more complicated than a flight to get there and enjoy.
Hailed by many as the world's best beach for its brilliant white sand and crescent shape, Playa Flamenco is located on Culebra Island, just east of Puerto Rico proper.
And as a commonwealth, not only can you get to Flamenco Beach sans passport, it's fine to arrive empty-handed altogether. Beachside kiosks rent the essentials for the perfect beach day, no matter if it entails snorkeling, sunbathing, camping, or lounging with a piña colada in hand.
The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has more than 140 land masses surrounding it, though only Puerto Rico itself, Vieques, and Culebra are inhabited. There are no permanent residences or tourism infrastructure on Mona Island and its two most picturesque beaches, Playa de Pajaros and Playa Sardinera, but visitors (and camping) are welcome—though they're limited to 100 at time. Playa Uveros, Playa Mujeres, and Playa Brava, on the southern side of the seven mile-wide island, are also must-visits. Cave explorations yield petroglyph secrets from Mona Islands' pre-Columbian Taino residents.
Known the world over as one of the beaches that should be on your bucket list, St. John's Trunk Bay isn't only postcard-perfect but also a trailblazer—it's near one of the first snorkeling trails in the Caribbean. The 225-yard snorkel trail leads you through one dive site to the next, identifying sea life throughout the swim.
Advertisement
The island of St. John has no airport, so getting to its scenic beaches requires taking a ferry from its larger sister island, St. Thomas. While this extra effort may be an inconvenience, it's also a blessing for anyone who prefers a more peaceful island life.
Often called one of the most beautiful beaches on Earth, Magens Bay is surrounded by lush mountains that meet the sand and its multi-hued blue waters. This St. Thomas beach—a family favorite for its lifeguards and affordability from the East Coast—runs a mile long between two land masses, which keep mondo waves at bay.
(Photo: U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism)
Part of the Buck Island Reef National Monument, the silky white shores of Turtle Beach make for perfect sunning. But it's what's underneath the water that's the true draw: The snorkeling off the shores of Turtle Beach is considered some of the best in the Caribbean. Buck Island is an islet off St. Croix, so you'll have to kayak or charter a boat to get to the uninhabited Buck Island.
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
