Article by Karen Burshtein.
For fans of genuine island vibes, few things beat enjoying live music at a Caribbean beach bar. Picture a charming, colourful outdoor spot—often crafted from driftwood—where fantastic live tunes flow as freely as the tropical drinks.
Take a look, and a listen, at these five Caribbean beach bars with great live music:
ANGUILLA
Full of authentic, uplifting rhythm
Legendary Anguillian musician Bankie Banx performing at his iconic beach bar, The Dune Preserve, where music, sea, and island soul come together.
Anguilla has some mighty fine white sand beaches, some swank hotels and great fresh caught seafood. But it’s the island’s music you might remember most. Tiny Anguilla pushes above its weight in talented music acts.
The island’s biggest music star, Bankie Banx, who, with his gruff, honey-smooth folky-reggae voice, sounds like Dylan meets Bob Marley, performs at Dune Preserve, the bar he owns on Rendezvous Bay. CNN called it the best beach bar in the world and Justin Bieber has hung out there. Banx usually plays on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights. He also hosts the beloved Moonsplash Reggae Festival at the bar.
Banx’s son, Omari Banks, is the heir apparent to the island’s music scene. You can hear his reggae sounds, including his fabulous “No Point to Prove” at da’Vida Beach Bar on Wednesdays and on Fridays at his dad’s Dune Preserve bar.
What to Order:
At the Dune Preserve: The signature Duneshine Ginger Rum Punch
At da’Vida Beach Bar: Their must-try Rum Punch
JAMAICA
Feel the infectious reggae beat at the heart of Jamaica
Sunset vibes and tropical drinks at Dougie’s Bar, the heart of Jake’s Treasure Beach, Jamaica; photo courtesy of Jake’s.
I’ve collected a ton of great Caribbean memories but one of my all time favourites is watching the sunset at Jake’s Treasure Beach, a hotel located on the south shore of Jamaica, while listening to reggae tunes. The Henzell family, who created and own Jakes, helped bring reggae to the world through father Perry Henzell’s movie ‘The Harder They Come’. Jakes is located a two-hour ride from Montego Bay airport on Frenchman’s Bay. But what it lacks in easy access it more than makes up for in barefoot luxe atmosphere.
Jake’s is a total vibe and a big part of that vibe comes from the onsite outdoor bar. Dougie’s is a small, red-painted hut with stools in front and great music playing on the sound system. It opens at 10 am and more than one guest has whiled away the day there playing dominoes and hanging with the fisherman. Others gather in the evening for a beer and subdued chatter about the day. Everything comes to a standstill as the sun begins to set as people pay respect to the beautiful sight. And, though Jake’s doesn’t have live music as a rule, someone usually picks up a guitar and starts strumming while others drum and sing. It’s like the chillest gathering of friends. And, if you’re there on February 6, (Bob Marley’s birthday) it’s even more special. Many people plan their trip to Jake’s around this date.
What to Order: Red Star Beer
BARBADOS
Barbados moves to vibrant calypso music and more
Live tunes, laughter with friends, and island vibes all around; photo courtesy of Surfer’s Bay Resort.
Once you’ve snapped a picture of yourself in front of Rihanna’s childhood home (now a feature on most tours of Barbados’ capital, Bridgetown) you can schedule your next music-related activity. For that, head to Surfer’s Bay on Silver Sands Beach to hear some great live Caribbean sounds.
Surfer’s Bay has a prime location right on the water which just adds to the allure of its live sets. These take place especially on Sundays where there’s also a bonfire. It’s a great mix of chill vibes, great music, ocean views and of course the famously spectacular Barbadian sunset.
If you’re looking for something a little formal, join the stylish crowd at Jeremy’s in Holetown. This lively but intimate piano bar is known for its great live performances focusing on local talent and its talented baristas who make exquisite and delicious cocktails. Depending what’s on the music schedule drinks may be included in the ticket price
What to Order:
Surfer’s Bay: Fresh coconut water.
Jeremy’s: Let the expert baristas craft a cocktail for you.
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
Feel the island vibes through its music
Savour fresh seafood, island breezes, and live music at the iconic da Conch Shack in Turks and Caicos Islands; photo courtesy of da Conch Shack
The Turks and Caicos Islands are known for their beautiful white sand beaches and many shipwrecks. An area called The Blue Hills, so named as the hills appear blue when viewed from beyond the barrier reef, has some great snorkeling opportunities in the tranquil and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
When it comes to après-snorkeling head to da Conch Shack Restaurant and Rum Bar. This place has all the vibes, fresh seafood and great music. Throughout the week there are different live acts as well as some DJ sets. Wednesday is party night: ‘We Funk Junkanoo’ Band goes down from early evening to midnight. But equally good are Saturday and Sunday afternoons, when da Conch Shack presents live music to go with sunny days.
Settle in at the restaurant, watch horseback riders gallop along the beach and enjoy lunch of the freshest and tastiest seafood, fish and conch harvested steps away, all while listening to island tunes. It’s as great a way to spend a weekend day as we can think of.
What to order: Rum Punch or locally brewed Turk’s Head beer.
ST. MAARTEN
Experience the lively and diverse rhythms that define St. Maarten’s music scene
Chill by the turquoise waters at Buccaneer Beach Bar, where tropical drinks, live music, and laid-back island vibes meet; photo courtesy of St. Maarten Tourism Bureau
Buccaneer Beach Bar is a locally loved favourite overlooking Kim Sha Beach on the Dutch side of the island. Buccaneer is laid back and full of Caribbean charm. Yes they have classic rock and acoustic offerings but if you come for Reggae Nights you will get the whole Caribbean atmosphere, magnificent sunsets included.
Reggae Nights take place on weekends when you can hear the likes of Percy Rankin and the Bunfire Band. Enjoy a fresh caught lobster or a plate of tacos and a great frozen cocktail as you soak in the vibe. Just want a drink and to hang out? Perch upon a stool at the tiki-style bar and enjoy the company of regulars. It feels like everyone’s favourite beach bar on St. Maarten.
What to drink: A cocktail made with local specialty Guavaberry Rum
Article by Karen Burshtein. Karen Burshtein is an award-winning Toronto-based travel and culture writer with a love of history, saltwater and open water swimming.
She was born in Winnipeg, Canada and writes about all aspects of Canadian culture and history. She also travels the world where she likes to seek out the untold, the unconventional, and the quirky.
