Beach lover? Yeah, me too. As a drone pilot, I’ve flown my drone all over the Caribbean because those aerial views are to die for! These are some of my favorite Caribbean drone photos I’ve taken, and each of these will make you want to pack a bag and book that trip!
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While there’s so many islands to choose from when planning a trip to the Caribbean, I’ve flown my drone at over a dozen islands and these are my favorite photos. From stunning beaches to unique landscapes, I really think these breathtaking photos will make you want to book a trip!
👉Real quick: my favorite drone to fly when traveling is the DJI Mini 4 Pro. It’s lightweight and takes amazing photos and videos!
Flying a drone in the Caribbean
First, let’s address a few things about capturing these aerial views:
- I’ve been flying drones since 2018 and the rules are getting more strict over time. More people are getting into flying drones, which means more places are restricting them. Even some of the photos in this article are no longer available to fly a drone. 🥲 Always fly responsibly: verify you can launch and fly to ensure you’re respectful.
- Each country has different drone laws. Research this before you pack your bags! I had to get a permit to fly a drone in the Bahamas. Don’t just assume you can fly base on what you see online or social media.
- If you’re interested in flying drones, check out this online guide to everything you’ll need to know to fly a drone in the Caribbean and elsewhere.
- Weather can make or break a shot. I highly recommend planning your droning locations early in the trip, so you have time to circle back if your plans have to change.
As a licensed pilot in the US and EU, I could talk for dayyyys here but let’s just get on with the photos, shall we? Check out these drone resources for more info.
Caribbean drone photos you gotta see
It’s hard to choose a favorite spot in the Caribbean. Let’s dive into some breathtaking views, shall we?
1. Icacos island, Puerto Rico
I think I could talk about Puerto Rico all day long, it offers so many great places to fly. This day trip from Fajardo is so spectacular, I’ve done it twice (and flown two different drones over the years!)
The stunning blue contrast with the teal water is so dream-like. It makes you fall in love with these Caribbean drone photos!
This is the best catamaran tour of Icacos Island, which is a full day trip including lunch and snorkeling. Also get the complete Puerto Rico Travel Guide for everything you need to see and do in Puerto Rico!
2. The Bahamas
I mean, where else can you drone from a sandbar? The Bahamas has some pretty amazing beaches.
My husband and I visited Exuma Point Beach during low tide and we were able to walk around a ton, droning and looking for starfish in the water. Such a fun experience!
Note: learn how to get your Bahamas drone permit before you go!
3. Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman Island is a special place. The island has a lot to offer, with a plethora of things to do in Grand Cayman to a diverse culinary scene.
I honestly feel like I swooned over Rum Point, and I think you will too. It’s a fabulous place to fly, but quite busy!
4. Turks and Caicos (a favorite on this list of best Caribbean drone photos)
An island chain I’ve been to over and over again, I fell in love with Turks and Caicos in 2019 and keep returning! The stunning teal water seems to change dramatically with the sunlight, so prepare yourself.
I’ve visited the same beach day after day and it looks different every time!
This beach is Leeward Beach, on the island of Providenciales. There aren’t amenities at this beach, and it’s pretty isolated, which means it’s typically more empty – great for flying drones!
5. St Croix
Okay, if you want lush hillsides and sleepy beaches, visit St Croix in the US Virgin Islands. St. Croix is larger than the other US Virgin Islands, which helps you fly more places if you don’t have your Part 107 license.
Jack Beach was my favorite spot on the island, and one of the best beaches in St Croix, because it was so isolated, so it was fun to visit and fun to capture via drone!
6. Aruba
I took my first drone (DJI Mavic Air) with me to Aruba many years ago, and these white sand beaches are calling me back. Even though I visited 26 beaches in Aruba (you read that right!), I found Divi Beach to be my favorite.
Aruba is a popular destination though, so to drone without people in your shots get out early, or be patient for the scene to clear out as people walk by.
7. Puerto Rico
With incredible landscapes, Puerto Rico is really fun to capture from up above! You’ll have to get LAANC approval to fly near San Juan, but much of the rest of the mainland is drone-friendly. In addition, the other islands are gorgeous too!
Playa Valencia Tega is a popular beach for locals located about 30 minutes from Old San Juan. Palm-tree lined, it’s a photographer’s dream!
8. Grand Cayman
While there are so many gorgeous, white sand beaches in the Caribbean perfect for droning, this shot was taken at Barefoot Beach in Grand Cayman. The steps basically pour right into shallow water, and it was a fun spot to take photos.
With the reef system right off the shore, the water is so many shades of blue and green, it’s a fun way to capture the Cayman Islands!
9. Turks and Caicos (again)
Okay, I have to say this is another favorite of my photos of Turks and Caicos. All the beaches here aren’t combed to perfection like you’ll see on some other Caribbean islands. Instead, you’ll find soft under toe beaches or even conch shells!
Anyway, this top-down shot is another reason I fell in love with Turks and Caicos so many years ago!
10. St Croix (again)
Alright so you’ll see St. Croix a few times in this article. Because how can you not fall in love with these Caribbean drone photos when you see shots like this??
Mermaid Beach in St. Croix is a busy spot but with the palm trees and cove, it’s a stunning spot to fly your drone in the Caribbean!
Caribbean drone photography: more beautiful pictures to inspire you to visit and fly here
Gah! Can you even believe all these landscapes?! Let’s keep going for more stunning photos.
11. Jamaica
At the time of publication, the drone laws in Jamaica are pretty loose so it makes a great destination for capturing aerial footage. This is one of my favorite Caribbean drone photos because the boat just seems so perfect sitting near the palm tree-lined shore in Negril.
I’ve been to Jamaica a few times, and I think it’s a beautiful island!
12. Vieques, Puerto Rico
One of the Caribbean’s hidden gems is Vieques, Puerto Rico. A short flight or ferry ride from mainland Puerto Rico, there are so many things to do on Vieques, including visiting the Black Sand Beach. This beautiful beach makes a gorgeous place to fly your drone in the Caribbean!
Just a note, it’s near a restricted flight zone so be aware where you’re flying to stay in free airspace!
👉Still planning your Puerto Rico vacation? Get the complete Puerto Rico Travel Guide for everything you need to see and do in Puerto Rico!
13. Exumas, Bahamas (one of my very favorite spots for drone shots)
The Exumas are a set of islands that are way less crowded than other parts of The Bahamas. I loved Pretty Molly Beach because there wasn’t another soul in sight during my time there.
And the fun, W shaped coast was really beautiful to fly a drone!
14. Turks and Caicos (again)
Have I mentioned how much I love flying here? I mean, this water is absolutely gorgeous.
Turks and Caicos is by far one of my favorite destinations for Caribbean drone photos.
15. Grand Cayman (again)
Here’s the thing: Grand Cayman is known for its 7 Mile Beach. And it IS gorgeous!
Fine white sand and stunning teal water are breathtaking, especially from above. However, it’s not easy to fly here. A large portion of the beach is protected by the airport or the governor’s residence.
It’s worth it once you find a great place to fly. Grand Cayman from the air is so beautiful!
16. St Croix (again)
Monks Bath Beach is a hidden gem in St Criox. A tiny beach on the northern side of the island, this is the perfect spot for flying a drone!
I hope you find an empty beach like I did to have fun with this shoreline. It’s truly a drone photographer’s dream!
17. Culebra, Puerto Rico
Back to Puerto Rico! A short plane ride from mainland Puerto Rico is this tiny island of Culebra. Known for Flamenco Beach (this is truly amazing), I chose to add this to the best places for Caribbean drone photos list because of Zoni Beach.
This multi-colored beach is truly stunning! And because of the extreme popularity of Flamenco Beach, Zoni Beach is way lesser known and rarely visited. My husband and I had the place to ourselves during our time in Culebra!
18. Nassau, Bahamas
Quite the scene change from the previous Bahamas drone photos, Nassau is a busy city, especially when numerous cruise ships are in the port. If you’re looking for busy beach shots, head over to Junkanoo Beach.
A popular spot for day tourists or those staying in nearby hotels, this is a busy beach spot so you’ll really capture the essence of Nassau!
19. St Croix (too good not to include)
I know, I know. Just when you think you’ve seen enough of St. Croix, I drop this bomb on you.
I’m telling you, this island is fullllll of stunning beaches. Grapetree Beach is sort of off the beaten path for tourists, which makes it a great place to fly your drone!
20. Turks & Caicos (last time, promise)
Because this island chain has so much to offer, I had to include this last photo. A perfect snorkeling destination, Smiths’ Reef is a beautiful spot to fly your drone! You can really get a lot of definition of the reef system in the water, depending on lighting conditions.
Caribbean drone photography – that’s a wrap!
Seriously are you ready to pack your bags (and maybe a travel drone?) and head to the Caribbean? Which island will you choose first?
As one of my favorite places to visit and fly a drone, and you can easily see why!
Additional drone resources:
Learn to fly a drone course: Elevate Your Photos: Beginner’s Guide to Drones!
Study guide for your FAA Part 107 drone license test
Related content you might like:
Best Travel Drones: Easy to Pack, Mini Drones that Take AMAZING Photos
Can You Fly Drones in Other Countries? Steps to Find Out International Drone Laws
Drone Preflight Checklist: Essential Actions You’ll Need Before Every Flight
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