Calm waters
Baby Beach in Maui, Hawaii: Scoring the top spot for the calmest beach in the world is the aptly named Baby Beach in Maui, with 27.82% of its reviews mentioning calm waters. An offshore reef protects this lagoon along the western shore of the Hawaiian island. “Baby Beach is an ideal beach for families with toddlers,” Betts said. “Since the waters are so calm and shallow, it provides the perfect opportunity for children to splash around in the ocean.”
Ten Bay Beach in Eleuthera, Bahamas: With turquoise waters and a shallow sandy bottom, Ten Bay Beach in the Bahamas earned the spot for second-calmest beach in North America. The wide stretch of beach is beloved by families with little ones who want to frolic in the gentle waters. At low tide, people at the beach can walk far into the ocean and wander along exposed sandbars.
Browne’s Beach in Bridgetown, Barbados: This renowned half-mile expanse of white sand stands as one of Barbados’ top beaches, drawing crowds with its tranquil, crystal-clear waters. In more than 20% of the beach’s TripAdvisor reviews, beachgoers highlighted its calm waters. Browne’s Beach is celebrated for its natural beauty and historical significance, boasting landmarks like the Barbados Yacht Club and the Barbados Cruising Club in its vicinity.
Bloody Bay in Negril, Jamaica: Jamaica’s Bloody Bay was where whalers would butcher their catch in the 19th century. The beach is quite different now: It’s a popular place for tourists to relax and a quieter beach than the nearby iconic Seven Mile Beach. The bay is protected by a reef, which makes it a calm yet vibrant place for snorkeling.
Morne Rouge in Grenada: A local favorite, Morne Rouge is a popular spot for beach enthusiasts to spend the day. Visitors can rent loungers and umbrellas and patronize the numerous beach bars along the sand or just post up under the fringe of trees that offer a shady respite. According to almost 19% of TripAdvisor reviews, the waters are notably calm and shallow.
Playa Las Ballenas in Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic: Sitting on the western tip of the Dominican Republic, Playa Las Ballenas is a picturesque beach named after three rocky islets that resemble humpback whales. Renowned for its wide stretch of sand, the beach has ample room for visitors to spread out and enjoy the sun, and its tranquil waters invite swimmers of all abilities.
Carlisle Bay in Bridgetown, Barbados: A natural harbor, Carlisle Bay is a 10-minute walk from the center of Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Children and families can splash in the beach’s gentle waters, and the more adventurous can snorkel or dive out to the bay’s six shipwrecks or catch a glimpse of a passing turtle.
Mauna Kea Beach on Hawaii Island, Hawaii: Fronting the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Hawaii Island, Mauna Kea Beach is ideal for visitors to peacefully enjoy the Pacific Ocean. With its calm and clear conditions, according to 14% of its TripAdvisor reviews, it’s an ideal destination for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Also known as Kaunaoa Beach, the bay is protected from strong currents and waves by an offshore reef.
Playa Biesanz in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica: After a short hike through the jungle, visitors will reach the hidden Playa Biesanz. Though the beach itself is small, its soft golden sands and clear waters provide the perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling.
Playa La Entrega in Oaxaca, Mexico: Situated along the Oaxacan coastline in a protected bay, Playa La Entrega offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure. Translating to “the delivery” in English, the beach was once a delivery point for goods during colonial times. It’s a popular place to snorkel along coral reefs teeming with marine life, reefs that also help reduce any rough wave energy. Visitors can rent snorkel gear or buy fresh fruit from local vendors.