Article by Theresa Storm.
What could be more fun — and more Caribbean — than leaving an island’s shoreline for a floating venue on the crystal clear sea to imbibe in tropical drinks or a casual barefoot meal? Nothing.
So throw on your bathing suit and flip-flops, grab your beach hat and sunscreen, and head out to sea to enjoy lunch, dinner or drinks at one of these floating Caribbean bars and restaurants.
Saint Martin: Balaou Floating Restaurant
Where the sea becomes your dining room! Photo courtesy of Balaou Floating Restaurant, Grand Case, Saint Martin; photo courtesy of the Saint Martin Tourism Office.
In the heart of Saint Martin’s Grand-Case Bay, you’ll see a dozen orange, blue and white inflatable floating “table pods” anchored around a restaurant/bar barge aptly named Balaou Floating Restaurant.
While you bob serenely atop the azure ocean, Balaou invites you to savour a symphony of Caribbean flavours. All menu items are single-handed, including shareable tapas and Bokit sandwiches made with a deep-fried dough pocket originating from the French-Caribbean archipelago of Guadeloupe. Its crunchy exterior and pillowy interior is stuffed with fillings like fresh from the sea lobster or crispy chicken. A variety of pizzas round out the menu (try the Savoyard topped with sour cream, grated mozzarella, French reblochon cheese, bacon, onion and potatoes, or the daily dessert pizza).
Of course Balaou’s bartenders concoct delicious fruity tropical cocktails to enjoy as the D.J. spins Caribbean tunes and you cool off with the occasional swim.
Open every day from 11 a.m. until sunset — it’s a great spot from which to watch the sun sink — you can get there by paddling a kayak or standup paddle board, by boat or jet ski, or call Balaou for a pick up from the dock. Make a reservation to dine between 11 and 3.
St. Vincent and The Grenadines: Coconut Bar
Just a quick walk off shore to the Coconut Bar…what a great place to have a cool one, and watch the boats floating by…photo courtesy of the St. Vincent and The Grenadines Tourism Authority
At the Young Island Resort in St. Vincent and The Grenadines, you won’t find the swim-up bar in the swimming pool. Rather, to reach its Coconut Bar, you swim a short ways offshore and climb aboard a floating platform to claim a stool at the tiny bamboo bar.
There, while chatting with the friendly bartender and other guests, sip-on Caribbean drinks and specialty rums and liquors. Make sure to try the bar’s signature Coconut Delight, which is served in a fresh coconut plucked from the palm just for your drink.
The British Virgin Islands: Willy T
A Caribbean institution since 1987 — Willy T, the beloved floating bar & restaurant in the crystal clear waters of the British Virgin Islands; photo courtesy of Willy T.
In the British Virgin Islands, Willy T, a floating pirate-themed bar and grill moored off The Bight at Norman Island, offers lively party vibes right on the water. It is named for William Thornton, a British-American physician, inventor and architect who was born in the BVI’s in 1759 and gained fame as the architect of the U.S. Capitol Building.
Open for lunch from 12 until 3 p.m. and for dinner from 6:30 to 9 p.m., the pub-style menu features local faves like Anegada conch fritters served with tangy mayo sauce, succulent Caribbean BBQ chicken wings with creamy blue cheese, and the signature Honey Stung Chicken, a crispy Caribbean-style fried chicken. Top it off with a slice of tangy key lime pie.
A variety of official Willy T pirate merchandise is also available.
Aruba: Aqua Donut
Life is better in a donut — Aqua Donut by Octopus, Aruba’s most unique floating experience! Photo courtesy of Octopus Aruba.
For a truly unique family-friendly experience on the water, rent Aruba’s first Private Donut Island, a round, fibreglass motor-powered floating lounge, from Octopus Aruba. The Donut has a center table (that doubles as a drink cooler), cup holders and a shade umbrella.
You’ll be whisked to the donut by private speedboat. With an easy-to-operate electric engine, after a quick orientation on how to navigate the waters safely, you can captain the vessel yourself (a license is not required) or ask for an Octopus Aruba crew member to take the helm so you and your party of up to nine can, well, party and relax! Drop anchor if you want to take a refreshing dip or snorkel (gear included). Another option is to stay moored and just enjoy the floating donut platform.
The package includes drinks, light snacks and Bluetooth speakers to play your favourite playlist. Octopus Aruba also offers catered food and drink packages or bring your own picnic. A romantic private brunch at sea, for two, and a dinner sunset cruise is also offered.
Nevis: Overseaz Floating Bar
Anchored in paradise – Overseaz Floating Bar, Nevis’ best kept secret on the water. Photo courtesy of Overseaz Floating Bar.
In January 2026, Nevis’s first-ever floating bar opened offshore at Pinneys Beach. Hang out on Overseaz’s wooden platform (with benches and some shade), enjoy the views, sip a drink or two — maybe try the Tourist Trap, dance to lively tunes, or take a quick dip. Overseaz is also a nice spot to watch the sunset.
The boat ride from the beach on Nevis to the bar is $5EC. From St. Kitts, Paradise Sun Charters operates a round-trip water taxi service from Reggae Beach. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. until after sunset.
Article and photography Theresa Storm.
A four-month-long solo island-hopping adventure through the Caribbean 28 years ago ignited Theresa’s passion for the tropics, culture, nature and trying new adventures.
Back home in Calgary, her increasingly restless, itchy feet soon led to a career writing about travel worldwide. She loves escaping winter for warmer climes, especially to the Caribbean, which has long felt like her real home.
As an award-winning travel writer and photographer, she’s penned scores of articles for magazines, newspapers and e-zines, and contributed to books including Caribbean Escapes and the first edition of DK Eyewitness Caribbean.
Her articles and photographs have been published in magazines including Bon Vivant, Extraordinary Experiences and Vacations (Ensemble Travel Group), Wanderlust (U.K.), Avenue Calgary, WestJet (WestJet Airline’s in-flight), Morning Calm (Korean Air’s in-flight), LUXE Magazine Canada, AAA publications, Cruise & Travel Lifestyles, Dreamscapes and Today’s Parent.
She is a two-time winner of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Canadian Travel Writer of the Year award and twice won CTO’s best photograph with a feature article and best online feature. She also was honoured with the Travel Media Association of Canada’s excellence in Caribbean travel writing award.
