No two beaches are alike — and we're grateful for that. Some have dramatic scenery with massive waves that are perfect for surfing and boogie boarding, while others have calm waters that seem like your stepping into a bathtub. The latter ones are particularly helpful for beginner snorkelers or young children just learning to swim.
But if you're looking for a beach with quiet waters, how do you know which ones are truly the calmest? In other words, beaches that won't dupe you by looking calm one minute and then having roaring white caps the next.
Experts at HawaiianIslands.com analyzed millions of Tripadvisor reviews of the top 500 beaches in the U.S. and the top 100 beaches in each country around the world to find which beaches travelers mentioned had the quietest waters. Here are the top five.
5. Morne Rouge
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Location: Grenada
Percentage of reviews that mention "calm waters": 18.95%
Best time to visit: January to June
* Note: The review data comes from a January 2024 report released by HawaiianIslands.com.
What Makes Morne Rouge Beach So Quiet
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The half-mile crescent that makes up Grenada's Morne Beach creates an idyllic cove that makes its waters especially calm for swimmers. It's also significantly less crowded than Grand Anse Beach to the south. On some days, you may even have the beach to yourself.
Its gentle waves and almost-perfect visibility make it an excellent spot for beginning snorkelers who can expect to sea colorful fish alongside starfish and sea urchins.
4. Bloody Bay
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Location: Negril, Jamaica
Percentage of reviews that mention "calm waters": 20.48%
Best time to visit: December to March
What Makes Bloody Bay Beach So Quiet
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With a name like Bloody Bay, you better believe that this place has a history. In fact, it was a departure point for British naval forces during the War of 1812 between Britain and the U.S. But it actually got its name from the whalers who would butcher their catches on the bay's shores in the late 19th century.
Don't let its name deceive you, though. Still a fishing community, this part of Jamaica offers the best of both worlds: a relaxing beach setting at Bloody Bay with vibrant nightlife nearby in Negril. Better yet, it's a snorkeler's paradise, and some of the best sunsets on the island can be found here.
3. Browne’s Beach
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Location: Bridgetown, Barbados
Percentage of reviews that mention "calm waters": 20.5%
Best time to visit: December to June
What Makes Browne's Beach So Quiet
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One of the more lively beaches on this list, Browne's Beach is one of the largest in Barbados. After all, it's located just on the outskirts of the island country's capital city. Crowds aside, this beach has some of the Caribbean's calmest waters, making it particularly popular for swimmers.
The beach overlooks Carlisle Bay, which houses several shipwrecks — a snorkeler's dream. You'll see everything from tropical fish to seahorses. Of course, its soft, white sand also makes it perfect for a stroll along the tranquil waves.
2. Ten Bay Beach
Location: Eleuthera, Bahamas
Percentage of reviews that mention "calm waters": 22.88%
Best time to visit: December to April
What Makes Ten Bay Beach So Quiet
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If you visit this beach during low tide when the sand bars are out, you can walk for several hundred feet before reaching deeper waters. This makes it ideal for families with little kids.
Even though it's one of the Bahamas' most popular beaches, it's still not very crowded, which means you'll have the white-sand beach and turquoise waters practically all to yourself.
1. Baby Beach
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Location: Maui, Hawaii
Percentage of reviews that mention "calm waters": 27.82%
Best time to visit: April to May and September to November
What Makes Baby Beach So Quiet
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Hawaii is known for its strong Pacific Ocean waters, but there are actually several beaches throughout the islands that offer a bit of peace and quiet. Baby Beach (sometimes called Sprecklesville Beach) on Maui is another beach that's recommended for kids since it's protected by an exposed stretch of reef.
Like most Hawaiian beaches, it is also dramatically beautiful, making it just as fun for adults as it is for the little ones.
For more amazing beaches to relax, check out "25 Most Underrated Beaches in the World."