caribbean islands travel

The Best Caribbean Islands to Visit in 2024

By Brian Major

I’ve been fortunate to travel widely across the Caribbean over the last 30 years. I’m also a descendant of Caribbean people, so many folks assume I’ve visited every island. Not likely—the Caribbean consists of 28 islands encompassing just over one million square miles. So while I’ve visited most, there are still a handful I’ve yet to encounter. But that’s a good thing. Many know the Caribbean of picture-perfect views —all lush green hillsides, soft beaches, sunny skies, sun loungers, and poolside cocktails. But that’s really just the white-sandy surface of this region, where each island has something distinct to offer. On Dominica , hiking is unmatched, notably its Boiling Lake, a flooded fumarole located in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, where you can traverse across the rim of an active volcano. The best island hopping is in the British Virgin Islands , while Barbados is the action island, where the historic Garrison horse racing takes place year-round.

If you’re looking to soak up some winter sun by a pool lounger and nothing more, then any island in the Caribbean will do—the hotels in St Barth's are amongst some of the best in the world. But if you’re willing to dig a little deeper and venture beyond the resort gates, these are the best islands in the Caribbean.

Which is the best Caribbean island for families?

When little travelers are involved, the ease of a resort jam-packed with activities can take the strain off parents and let everyone enjoy the trip. For this reason, Barbados is the ideal Caribbean island for families, and there’s everything from larger, more affordable resorts to smaller boutique offerings. For intergenerational holidays and trips with slightly older children, consider hiring out a villa— Oliver’s Travels allows customers to filter results by ‘great for kids.’

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Best island for: action

Barbados might just be one of the best all-rounder islands in the Caribbean. Some of the top hotels in the region are found here, as are some of the best beaches, all accessible to the public—there are no private beaches in Barbados. Poolside beverages are spiked with rum, distilled on the island and best learnt about at St. Nicholas Abbey, a plantation house, museum, and rum distillery. Those looking for more diverse action can find it at the heritage railway, the racing car circuit, and the Garrison Savannah, a popular horse race that takes place throughout the year. And then there are the surrounding reefs, where you can swim with turtles, snorkel with seahorses, and spy whales in winter months.

Where to stay: Sandy Lane Hotel is one of the most glamorous hotels on the island complete with a British or American country club vibe—there are three golf courses on the hotel grounds. For something more low-key, Little Good Harbour ’s rooms feel more like private cottages and its fuss-free restaurant, The Fish Post, is beloved as one of the best in Barbados. For more ideas, consult our list of the best all-inclusive resorts on the island .

Best island for: romance

The Caribbean is synonymous with honeymoons but it's St Lucia that tops them all when it comes to serving up romance. You can thank the island’s mountainous landscape for that—it’s all about a room with a view of the 2,000-foot high Piton mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the island’s calling card.

There’s adventure to be found too, like exhilarating zip lines high above the island’s rainforest canopy or mud baths in Sulphur Springs, a geothermically active basin of hot springs and fumaroles within the the dormant Qualibou volcano in Soufrière.

Where to stay: Coconut Bay is the biggest crowd pleaser on the island—all inclusive and catering to couples, families, and even wedding parties. For something more private, Ladera is an eco-lodge where rustic suites have private plunge pools. See our edit of the best resorts in St Lucia for more.

Best island for: beaches

In a region characterized by beautiful beaches , Anguilla has the best in the region. Partly for their mesmerizing ribbon of blue water but also because their powdery white sands invariably host only a handful of other beach-goers. There are 33 beaches in total, and while each one I’ve encountered has been memorable, the standouts to see include Cove Bay, Maundays Bay, Rendezvous Bay, and Shoal Bay.

Anguilla is also a worthy choice for its culinary scene. Refreshingly there are no chain restaurants on the island. Instead, restaurants and eateries tend to be small family-run businesses. If you visit just one, make it Tasty’s, which serves up a stellar coconut-crusted fish and marinated conch salad by Anguillan chef Dale Carty.

Where to stay: The Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club is the newest shiny address on the island, with seven restaurants and bars and a fleet of private jets transporting guests to and from the property. Find more editor-vetted Anguilla hotels here .

British Virgin Islands

Best island for: island hopping

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) territory has few chain restaurants and no large hotels or mass tourism attractions. Instead, you’ll encounter turquoise waters, lush green hillsides, and distinctive cuisine and culture across the four main islands: Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, Tortola, and Virgin Gorda.

Hopping from island to island—whether via public ferry or private catamaran—is the characteristic way to explore the BVI. On my last visit I sailed to Jost Van Dyke’s White Bay, home to casual beachfront eateries serving dangerously delicious rum cocktails and locally caught fish. Another fantastic spot is Willy T’s Floating Bar and Restaurant near Norman Island. Moored offshore, the cargo ship has been converted into an ultra-relaxed eatery.

Where to stay: Located on a broad, secluded calm-water bay on Virgin Gorda, Rosewood Little Dix Bay has 80 villas and suites each staffed with a personal butler. The Reef House is one of three restaurants and features farm-to-fork dining with fresh provisions sourced locally.

María Casbas

Jessica Chapel

Madison Flager

Best island for: diving

The calm waters surrounding Dominica make it one of the best diving spots in the world. The rainbow-colored seascape is best viewed at Champagne Reef, named for its bubbling waters generated by volcanic thermal springs rising from on the ocean floor. The reef also comprises plummeting cliffs, towering volcanic formations and the remains of a 17th-century Spanish shipwreck.

Another highlight is L'Abym, a dive site located on the island’s southern tip and suited to all skill levels due to Soufriere Bay’s gentle current. Underwater wonders are visible from 20 feet below the surface right down to a 1,500-foot maximum depth. An underwater wall extending its entire length gives the site its name.

Where to stay: Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski is the smartest place to stay on the island. All of the classic hallmarks are here—a full service spa, four swimming pools—but it’s the lush grounds, which incorporate Cabrits National Park, that make this spot memorable.

Best island for: natural beauty

Grenada’s 133 archipelagic square miles are laced with waterfalls, hot springs and tropical rainforests across three main islands: Grenada, Petit Martinique, and Carriacou. Ringed by 45 white- and nine black-sand beaches, the hilly isles are dotted with acres of fruit and spice trees.

One-ninth of Grenada’s land mass is dedicated to national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, best seen on a guided hike of Grand Etang Forest Reserve. Sister Island Carriacou is a worthy day trip too, especially for the top-shelf diving and snorkeling.

Where to stay: Few places capture Grenada's understated magic like the Silversands Grenada resort , found at the sleepy end of the two-mile Grand Anse Beach. The biggest draw here is the 330-foot infinity pool, said to be the longest in the Caribbean, which stretches from the hotel’s entrance all the way to the sea.

Puerto Rico

Best island for: history and culture

There’s a distinct energy to Puerto Rico , one that draws upon a fascinating blend of Hispanic, African, American, and Caribbean culture and history. To see it start in colonial San Juan , the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas. Head to the old town where cobblestone streets are lined with colorful Spanish buildings housing trendy bars, boutique shopping and all-night entertainment.

Hundreds of thousands of Africans arrived in Puerto Rico via forced migration in the colonial era. Their contributions to the island’s culture, art, music and cuisine live on today in Loiza, home to Puerto Rico’s largest Black population. You can witness it via the artwork on display at Samuel Lind Studio, or at the Don Rafael Cepeda School of Bomba and Plena which puts on traditional music and dance workshops.

Where to stay: Caribe Hilton is within walking distance of historic Old San Juan and the Condado entertainment district. Designed in tropical modernist style by legendary Puerto Rican firm Toro Ferrer, the grounds incorporate 17 acres of tropical landscaping as well as nine restaurants and an oceanfront pool complex. See our edit of the best hotels in Puerto Rico for more.

St. Kitts and Nevis

Best island for: visiting two islands in one trip

Lush natural beauty and historic attractions are the hallmarks of this twin-island nation. Most travelers visit both islands, as smaller Nevis is a breezy 20-minute ferry ride from larger St. Kitts. Sightseeing on St. Kitts is best done via the scenic train—the only working railway in the Caribbean—which circumnavigates the island on routes that once transported plantation sugar cane. Another highlight is the Brimstone Hill fortress, built of hand-chiseled stones by enslaved Kittitians and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stand among the fort’s ramparts and cannon while taking in panoramic views of neighboring Saba, Statia, St. Maarten, and St. Barths .

Tiny Nevis’ resplendent landscape is overlooked by 3,232-foot high Nevis Peak, located at its center and visible from virtually every point on the island. Mountainside hiking and ATV tours uncover haunting ruins of colonial-era plantations and sugar mills.

Where to stay: Hide away in one of the traditional West Indian–inspired cottages at Belle Mont Farm . As the name suggests, dining here is farm-to-table, serving up freshly foraged organic fruit and vegetables plus seafood plucked straight out of the ocean.

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

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12 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit in 2024

Travel Advice

Updated: December 15, 2023

by Haley Parker

When choosing your next vacation, I’m sure a few things sound as appealing as a wonderful Caribbean holiday. Imagine cocktails, adventure, soft, white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and palm-fringed beaches.

But choosing can be difficult. The whole Caribbean destinations area has more than 7,000 islands, keys, and islets, so I don’t know about you, but choosing the best Caribbean islands sounds like a feat too great for man. 

Narrowing down your options isn’t easy, and that’s where I come in. This is a comprehensive guide to the best islands in the Caribbean , and I promise, there’s an island or romantic vacation for everyone here. 

The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in The Caribbean

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My Bottom Line Up Front: The Best Island in the Caribbean 

Calling the best Caribbean island winner is no easy feat, with thousands of islands to choose from. After much consideration, there can only be one: St. Lucia . 

St. Lucia’ s beauty is epic. There are loads of activities for everyone – whether you visit while on your honeymoon or with your family. You won’t be bored.

My Selection Criteria for the Best Caribbean Islands 

When I decided to look into the best islands in the Caribbean region, I figured a checklist or selection criteria had always worked well for me, so why not trust this process again? 

To choose the best islands in this part of the world, I considered: 

• You, my dear reader. Every person is different – some want a chilled vacation where they laze and tan about on the beach, while others are into shopping, adventure, or cultural experience. My selection of the best Caribbean islands caters to all kinds of people. 
• How to get there. There are multiple flights from various U.S. cities to these islands, and where there are layovers and needing to take a ferry or boat, it’s more than worth it. 
• Where to sleep. Not everyone has the budget to stay in exclusive all-inclusive resorts, so I wanted to ensure there’s an accommodation option for every traveler – wealthy or on a budget. 
• What to do. The islands I chose offer a variety of activities to keep you and your family engaged – all vacation long. 
• The X factor. I also considered some of the lesser-known and smaller Caribbean islands for my guide. These islands offer something extra special in the uniqueness factor, ensuring they are a must-visit. 

12 Best Caribbean Islands 

Looking for the best island(s) to enjoy your vacation or trip? Here are the 12 best Caribbean islands for you! 

St. Lucia 

Best for: Those who love the outdoors 

When it comes to first impressions, St. Lucia easily wins. With the duo Piton Mountains rising out of the Caribbean sea, the beautiful famous beaches, and tropical rainforests, it’s a sight to behold. 

St. Lucia is ideal for honeymooners, couples, or those traveling with kids. It has something for everyone to enjoy. You can just chill at the beach, book a tour, partake in numerous water sports, hike through lush rainforests, or sample the local culture and Caribbean cuisine. 

Where to Go in St. Lucia  

• Soufrière 
• Anse Chastanet beach 
• Reduit Beach 
• Pigeon Island National Park
• Marigot Bay 
• Rodney Bay 

What to Do in St. Lucia

• Hike up Gros Piton or Petit Piton (or #both) 
• Walk the Tet Paul Nature Trail 
• Join the Gros Islet Beach Party every Friday night 
• Drive into a volcano 
• Take a mud bath in the sulfur spring pools 
• Stroll through the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens 
• Book an ATV tour, a rum tour, or a tour of a sugar mill plantation
• Splash for fun at the Splash Island Water Park 

Consider These St. Lucian Accommodation Options 

• Sandals Regency La Toc
• Sandals Grande St. Lucian
• Sandals Halcyon Beach
• Calabash Cove 
• Stonefield Villas Resort 
• Sugar Beach 
• Royalton St. Lucia Resort and Spa

The Cayman Islands

Best for: A chilled or adventure-filled experience 

The Cayman Islands is home to 66,000 friendly locals. They live on any of the three islands that form the Caymans: 

• Grand Cayman – an elegant island 
• Little Cayman – a tranquil island 
• Cayman Brac – an island ideal for the adventurous spirits 

There’s something for everyone in the Cayman Islands. 

It may feel like you never left the U.S. when you vacay on these 102 square miles of islands; you get a South Florida vibe in the Cayman Islands. But it’s more chilled with less traffic. 

Where to Go in the Cayman Islands  

• Georgetown, the capital 
• Starfish Point Beach 
• Black Pearl Skate and Surf Park 
• Locked Inn Cayman 
• Cayman Craft Market 
• Oasis Aqua park 

What to Do in the Cayman Islands

• Visit the colonial forts like St James Castle 
• Explore the museums that chronicle Carib piracy and British maritime history 
• Be amazed at the stingrays, multi-colored iguanas, starfish, and endangered sea turtles 
• Get your tan on at sun-kissed beaches like Seven Mile  
• Attend al fresco parties at the Sunset House or cocktail parties at Billy Bones 
• Go scuba diving, deep diving in Cayman Trench, or snorkeling 

Consider These Cayman Islands Accommodation Options 

• The Residences at the Ritz Carlton 
• Treasure Cove Guest House 
• Holiday Inn Resort, Grand Cayman 

The Dominican Republic 

Best for: Souls that love nature 

If you know a little about the Dominican Republic (not to be confused with Dominica, which is also located in the Caribbean), you’ll know it’s an international golfers hub. However, this Caribbean island offers much more than getting your “tee” on.

The Dominican Republic shares its island with Haiti, so you may want to visit both if you have the time and resources. Choose to get your share of vitamin sea by visiting the beautiful beaches, or check out the colonial towns, mountains, rainforests, mangrove lagoons, and waterfalls. 

Where to Go in the Dominican Republic 

• La Romana for the best beaches and Bayahibe, an off-the-grid fishing village 
• Santo Domingo, the capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site 
• Punta Cana 
• Bavaro Beach and Macao Beach 
• The 3 Eyes National Park (Los Tres Ojos) 
• 27 Charcos (or waterfalls)

What to Do in the Dominican Republic

• Golf (#ofcourse) 
• Try out some water activities – snorkeling, diving, fishing, kayaking, or scuba diving 
• Horseback riding 
• Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the capital
• Immerse yourself in the medieval era at Altos de Chavon
• See the stunning waterfalls (#ElLimon) 

Consider These Dominican Republic Accommodation Options 

• Boca Chica All-Inclusive Beach Resort 
• Calle El Conde (Old Quarter) 
• Hotel Riazor 

Jamaica  

Best for: Reggae fans 

Jamaica is one of the most famous Caribbean islands, and it’s for a good reason too. It’s #home to jerk chicken, reggae, and Bob Morley.  With nightlife and the smells of  jerk chicken , honeymooners kick back on beachside decks and sip Red Stripe to the sunset. Jamaica also offers soft, sandy beaches with pristine waters, delicious food at the local markets (soursop, ackee, and fried breadfruit), all-inclusive resorts, and action-packed activities.

Did you know? Rap music was initially created in Jamaica and became popular in the USA. 

Where to Go in Jamaica 

• Kingston, the capital 
• James Bond Beach 
• Seven Mile Beach 
• Frenchman’s Cove
• Bob Marley Museum  
• Blue Hole 

What to Do in Jamaica

• Hike through the Blue Mountains (where some of the best coffee in the world is sourced) 
• Be in awe of the Negril Cliffs 
• Explore the Ocho Rios jungle  or Seven Mile Beach
• See the birthplace of the legendary Bob Marley at Nine Mile 
• Soak up the rum in the Kingston bars while you enjoy the Rasta off-beat tunes
• Climb Dunn’s River Falls
• Enjoy an ATV ride along the beach

Consider These Jamaican Accommodation Options 

• Sandals Montego Bay
• Sandals Ochi
• Sandals Royal Plantation
• Sandals Royal Caribbean
• Sandals South Coast
• Sandals Negril
• Beaches Negril
• Beaches Ocho Rios
• GoldEye 
• The Half Moon 
• Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay

Turks and Caicos 

Best for : Those who are into water sports and stunning beaches 

The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory consisting of 40-low-lying coral islands on an archipelago. Only eight of these islands and islets are inhabited. 

The Provinciales, the third largest paradise island, is busy with restaurants and cocktail bars, so if peace and quiet are more your scene, escape to the other islands in the archipelago. 

Combine that with the brilliant,  white sand beaches  that stretch for miles and it’s easy to see why its beauty continually captures the world.

Where to Go in Turks and Caicos  

• Cockburn Town, the capital 
• Grace Bay Beach – is considered to be the best in the world for its exceptional white sand and turquoise waters 
• Grand Turk for diving 
• Chalk Sound National Park  

What to Do in Turks and Caicos

• Try deep-fried conch clams 
• Go on a glass-bottom boat tour 
• Take a boat cruise to Little Water Cay (an iguana sanctuary), Water Cay (secluded beach), or Fort George Cay (sandbars and sunken cannons) 
• Hike through the thick mangrove forests (Bird Rock Trail is a must) 
• Enjoy water sports activities like stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving with more than 200 dive sites to choose from 
• Horse riding at Long Bay 
• Free-dive at the Wall (an underwater plateau)

Consider These Turks and Caicos Accommodation Options 

• Beaches Turks and Caicos
• Grace Bay Club 
• The Palms Turks and Caicos 
• Blue Haven Resort 
• Villa del Mar 

Anguilla  

Best for: The ultimate chic vacation vibe 

Anguilla is a small Caribbean island with more than 30 picturesque beaches you can enjoy , with magnificent  coral reefs , Plus, the water is warm all year. (#coulditgetanybetter?) 

You’ll get all the local Caribbean authenticity you need in Anguilla; there are no high-rise hotels, casinos, or cruise ships (#embargo). So you have access to all the low-key beachfront villas, coral-filled waters, and pretty sandy beaches or white sand beaches. 

Where to Go in Anguilla  

• Heritage Museum
• Prickly Pear Cays  
• Shoal Bay East Beach
• Meads Bay 
• Rendezvous Bay 
• Scilly Cay 

What to Do in Anguilla

• Get a drink and enjoy the music at Dune Preserve, a funky-mellow bar owned by local celebrity and artist Bankie Banx 
• Enjoy a meal at Veya, a treehouse-style restaurant 
• Snorkel at Little Bay 
• Try various water sports like wakeboarding, sailing, and stand-up paddleboarding
• Sample the local BBQ in the Valley 
• Have a spa day at Aurora Anguilla, Malliouhana, or Zemi Beach House 

Consider These Anguillan Accommodation Options 

• Belmond Cap Juluca 
• Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels and Resorts 
• Frangipani Beach Resort 

Best for: Those looking to experience the old-world charm 

Saba (pronounced “say-bah”) is a tiny island only five square miles away. The island is a special Netherland municipality. With four main villages (called The Bottom, Windwardshide, Zion’s Hill or Hell’s Gate, and St. Johns, you’ll immerse yourself in old Caribbean charm. 

Saba is “The Unspoiled Queen:” it has fewer than 2,000 residents and no traffic lights, cruise ships, casinos, fast-food joints, or high-rise hotels. 

You can reach the quaint Caribbean island via a 12-minute flight from St. Martin or a 90-minute ferry ride. 

Where to Go in Saba  

• Sea Saba’s Dive Shop 
• Five Square Gallery (for Saba lace ) 
• Jobean’s Glass Art Studio  
• Mount Scenery 
• Tide pools at Flat Point 
• Saba National Marine Park 

What to Do in Saba

• Climb the steps of the Ladder at Well’s Bay 
• Explore Mt. Scenery Trail and make your way to the highest point on Saba 
• See the neighboring islands of Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Eustatius from St. John’s 
• Feel like you’ve time traveled and visit Crispeen Track
• Visit a sulfur mine 
• Check out Sandy Cruise Trail and take in the views of the Saban coastline and Diamond Rock 

Consider These Saban Accommodation Options 

• Queen’s Garden Resort & Spa 
• Juliana’s Hotel 
• The Cottage Club 

Best for: Spices, chocolate, and waterfalls 

Grenada is also called Spice Island. I can imagine the salty ocean air mixed with the wafts of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and other spices. 

If you haven’t heard about this Caribbean island, that’s okay. It is closer to Venezuela and not a tourist hotspot, which makes this island so utterly charming. You wouldn’t have to worry about overcrowded dive spots, beaches, or nutmeg plantations. 

Grenada has one main island and six smaller ones. Besides being known for its spices, Grenada is famous for its beaches, waterfalls, rainforests, chocolate, and colonial cities. 

Where to Go in Grenada  

• Sandals Grenada
• St. George 
• Grand Anse Beach 
• Morne Rouge Beach 
• Levera Beach 
• Seven Sisters Waterfall  

What to Do in Grenada

• Take a tour of one of the spice plantations (and buy some spices for home use) 
• Explore the Underwater Sculpture Park 
• Get to the tallest point in Grenada by climbing Mt. Saint Catherine 
• Hike through the Grand Etang National Park and Forest Reserve 
• Tube down Balthazar River 
• Shop at Market Square 
• Laze around on black and white sandy beaches 

Consider These Grenada Accommodation Options 

• Mount Cinnamon Resort 
• Spice Island Beach Resort 
• Royalton Grenada Resort and Spa
• Montserrat 

Best for: Ecotourists and nature lovers 

Montserrat , called the Emerald Isle, may sound like a French Caribbean island, but it’s British. It’s one of the least visited Caribbean islands, with around 8,000 visitors annually . In 1995, a volcanic eruption destroyed a lot of the island, which is still recovering. The severely affected areas aren’t open to tourists and form part of an exclusion zone. 

But that isn’t to say 10-mile-long Montserrat shouldn’t be one of the best Caribbean islands. The island sees mostly day visitors, but you can stay for longer too. 

Get to Montserrat via ferry or plane from Antigua. 

Where to Go in Montserrat  

• Montserrat Soufrière Hills Volcano Observatory  
• Plymouth, the former capital (the Caribbean’s Pompeii) 
• Lime Kiln Bay 
• Marguerita Bay 
• Foxes Bay 
• Bunkum Bay 

What to Do in Montserrat

• Indulge in a frothy Guinness at one of the pubs 
• Marvel at the volcano from Jack Boy Hill, or check out Garibaldi and views of Plymouth, Old Towne, and Salem 
• Enjoy a drink at the Runaway Ghaut 
• Hike any one (or all!) of the nine marked trails, like Dry Waterfall Trial (check out the Montserrat Petroglyphs), Oriole Walkway Trail, and Blackwood Allen Trail, and immerse yourself in the fauna, flora, and animal-life 
• Beachcomb at Woodlands Bay and spot the washed-out driftwood 

Consider These Montserrat Accommodation Options 

• Tropical Mansion Suites 
• Gingerbread Hill 
• Grand View Bed & Breakfast

Dominica  

Best for: A quiet getaway 

Dominica is like the Garden of Eden for the Caribbean because it’s so lush with rainforests, peaks and valleys, rivers (more than one for every day of the year), volcanic beaches, hot springs, and waterfalls. The undeveloped landscape will appeal to you if you love nature and are into green tourism. 

Where to Go in Dominica  

• Morne Trois Pitons National Park  
• Mero Beach 
• Scotts Head 
• Batibou Beach 
• Soufrière Bay Beach 

What to Do in Dominica

• Take in the Boiling Lake and go for a dip in one of the nearby waterfall pools 
• Go birdwatching at Caroni Bird Sanctuary or the Syndicate Parrot Reserve 
• Relax on the black sandy beaches 
• Swim in the Emerald Pool 
• Check out Victoria Falls 
• Enjoy the Caribbean sea turtles as they nest or hatch 

Consider These Dominican Accommodation Options 

• Jungle Bay 
• Fort Young Hotel 
• Beau Rive 

Guadeloupe 

Best for: Tourists and adventurers 

Like some other islands on this list, you may not have known about Guadeloupe’s existence. But you will surely now remember it. 

The Guadeloupe island is shaped like a butterfly, with wings spread over the two main islands (the largest ones) – Grande Terre and Basse Terre. Between the islands, you’ll find a few man-made bridges.

Grande Terre is the more touristy of the two islands, while Basse Terre is the wilder one. 

Where to Go in Guadeloupe  

• Pointe-à-Pitre, the largest city 
• Anse des Cayes 
• Plage de la Caravelle
• Pointe des Châteaux (Castle Point) 
• Damoiseau (rum) Distillery 

What to Do in Guadeloupe

• Explore the nightlife of Gosier 
• Be brave and check out Morne à l’eau’s haunting graveyards 
• Relax and get some vitamin sea at the Caravelle beaches 
• Hike to the tallest point in the Lesser Antilles – La Grande Soufrière (the Tall Lady; an active volcano)
• Find your inner Indiana Jones by sightseeing the ancient Arawak archaeological sites 
• Dive at one of the many spots on Basse Terre 

Consider These Guadeloupe Accommodation Options 

• Marco Polo Resort 
• Hotel Bakoua Les Trois Ilets 
• Le Jardin Malanga 
• La Creole Beach Hotel & Spa

Best for: Sampling Curaçao

I’d never have guessed that Curaçao is part of the Netherlands; it’s such a Spanish-sounding name! The Caribbean island is famous for Curaçao since it’s the birthplace of this delicious orange-flavored liqueur. The Lahara orange peels are used to make the liqueur, and it’s indigenous to the island. 

Curaçao is blessed with great weather all year round: perfect temperatures, sunny days, and cool trade winds. 

Where to Go in Curaçao  

• Chobolobo Distillery (where Curaçao is made) 
• Willemstad , the capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site 
• Shete Boka National Park 
• Fort Amsterdam
• Jan Thiel 
• Christoffel National Park 
• Playa Lagun 

What to Do in Curaçao

• Explore the Hato Caves 
• Take in the multi-colored Dutch mansions in the capital 
• Fawn over the diverse fauna, flora, and more at the national park – the Lady of the Night orchid, cottontail rabbits, deer, hummingbirds, divi-divi trees, and the massive stone peak 
• Cross the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge that links Otrobanda and Punda, the two halves of the capital 
• Go on a SCUBA excursion

Consider These Curaçao Accommodation Options 

• Sandals Curacao
• Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort 
• LionsDive Beach Resort Curaçao 
• Curaçao Avila Beach Hotel 

Caribbean Island FAQs 

Question: what is the nicest of the caribbean islands .

Answer: There are many nice Caribbean islands, but the nicest are St. Lucia, Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua, the Cayman Islands, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, Grenada, Jamaica, Saba, and Turks and Caicos. 

Question: What are the top 5 safest islands to visit in the Caribbean? 

Answer: Unfortunately, some Caribbean islands have gotten a rep for being unsafe, but it’s always up to you to stay safe when visiting another country. Nonetheless, the safest islands to visit in the Caribbean are: 

• Anguilla 
• St. Martin 
• St. Barts 
• The Cayman Islands 

Question: What is the least touristy Caribbean island? 

Answer: A few islands in the Caribbean offer an authentic, non-touristy vibe. These are Montserrat, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Saba, Curaçao, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 

My Final Thoughts on the Best Caribbean Islands 

You can visit thousands of Caribbean islands, and if that’s your #bucketlist, you won’t ever get bored. There’s plenty to do, see, and experience in the Caribbean. 

I love St. Lucia because it’s a versatile island – whether you want to be in awe of the mountains and the green forests, do something adventurous, or just chill and sip a cocktail (or three). 

Plus, the other guides on EpicCaribbean.com will further help you and give you the necessary information. Check out: 

• 4 Places to visit in the Caribbean without a passport
• 21 Best beaches in Jamaica  
• The ultimate guide to Caribbean island hopping  

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El Yunque National Forest

El Yunque National Forest is one of Puerto Rico’s crown jewels with nearly 29,000 acres of lush, mountainous terrain scattered with waterfalls, rushing…

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

Founded as the world's first land-and-sea reserve in 1958, this stunning 283-sq-kilometer expanse of reef, cay and sea is world-famous among divers. One…

Playa Flamenco

Stretching for a mile around a sheltered, horseshoe-shaped bay, Playa Flamenco (Flamenco Beach) is not only one of Culebra’s best beaches, it also makes a…

Isla Culebrita

If you need a reason to hire a water taxi, Isla Culebrita (Culebrita Island) is it. This small island, just east of Playa Zoni, is part of the national…

Bahía Mosquito

Locals claim that the magnificent Bahía Mosquito (Mosquito Bay), a designated wildlife preserve located on the island of Vieques, about 2 miles east of…

Reach Falls

Ocho Rios, Port Antonio & the North Coast

Even in a country that abounds in waterfalls, Reach Falls stands out as one of the most beautiful places in Jamaica. The white rushing cascades are…

High on the White River, Jamaica's heavenly Blue Hole is a vision and is an undisputed highlight in Ocho Rios. To reach this popular spot, make your way…

Blue Lagoon

The waters that launched Brooke Shields’ movie career are by any measure one of the most beautiful spots in Jamaica. The 180ft-deep (55m) “Blue Hole” (as…

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18 Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean

Written by Anietra Hamper Updated Mar 19, 2024

The Caribbean, with its nearly perfect tropical weather, beautiful beaches, turquoise water, and island breezes, is a top vacation destination almost year-round. There are thousands of islands throughout the Caribbean Sea that are popular places to visit for tourists, each with its own flair and appeal.

One of the reasons for the popularity of these islands is the range of all-inclusive resorts that make vacations easy. There are adults-only resorts, family resorts, and bungalows available for solo travelers.

In the Caribbean, it's easy to plan visits to several destinations on a single trip, whether you are island hopping on an excursion or taking a Caribbean cruise to multiple islands.

For help planning your vacation, read our list of the best places to visit in the Caribbean.

1. British Virgin Islands

2. u.s. virgin islands, 3. st. lucia, 4. dominican republic, 5. the cayman islands, 8. turks & caicos, 9. puerto rico, 10. antigua, 11. barbados, 12. anguilla, 13. curacao, 14. grenada, 15. st. martin, 16. st. vincent and the grenadines, 17. bahamas, 18. guadeloupe, map of places to visit in the caribbean, best time to visit the caribbean.

The British Virgin Islands are hands-down one of the best places to visit in the Caribbean. For starters, there are 60 islands that make up the BVI, so there is no shortage of places to explore, reefs to dive, and white-sand beaches to sink your toes into while on vacation.

The British Virgin Islands has a mix of tourists and enough activities and lodging to accommodate high-end luxury, all-inclusive preferences, and more rustic experiences.

Beaches are a big draw in the BVI, from the popular family-friendly Cane Garden Bay on Tortola island to the quiet and picturesque Deadman's Beach on Peter Island .

The azure Caribbean waters that surround the islands are clear and perfect for surfing, diving, snorkeling, sailing, and windsurfing. There are many excursions you can take from the islands, like dolphin tours and sunset cruises.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the British Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands are top places to visit in the Caribbean because travel to them is easy, especially from the United States. The U.S. Virgin islands consist of St. Thomas , St. John , and St. Croix . It is easy to island-hop between the three for day trips.

St. Croix is the largest of the islands and attracts honeymooners and scuba divers to its waters. The island is only 22 miles long, with two cities and a nice cultural scene with artisans and architecture.

St. Thomas is the most diverse with regard to visitors, and it generally attracts couples and families to its beaches and cultural city center.

The island of St. John is the smallest island and more rustic than the other two. St. John has a lot of natural beauty beyond well-known beaches like Trunk Bay. Two-thirds of the island is protected national park land, so you will see the Caribbean in its most natural state.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in the US Virgin Islands

The tropical paradise of St. Lucia is one of the top honeymoon destinations in the Caribbean, and it is easy to see why. It has many posh resorts and is equally as relaxing as it is fuel for adrenaline junkies. The clean beaches are where most vacationers spend a majority of their time. Anse Des Sables Beach and Plantation Beach are two of the popular ones.

St. Lucia has many activities to take advantage of on the island, from ziplining through the rainforest to off-roading. It is a desirable island for diving trips and snorkeling excursions. The island has quiet natural beauty but it also has nightlife and restaurants in Rodney Bay .

The Dominican Republic is the second-largest Caribbean country and one of the most popular for vacationers and honeymooners.

It is easy to get to the Dominican Republic, which is one of the reasons it is one of the best places to visit in the Caribbean. It is a two-hour flight from Miami and an eight-hour trip from most cities in Europe.

If the beach is your focus, you have 250 miles of beautiful beaches to choose from on the island.

Some of the best places for tourists to visit include Punta Cana and Puerto Plata , where you will find many resorts and departure points for excursions, like snorkeling and diving.

A visit to the capital, Santo Domingo , is also worthwhile for a taste of history.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Dominican Republic

The Cayman Islands are top islands to visit for those looking for epic diving experiences in the Caribbean.

The island chain is made up of Grand Cayman , Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac . Grand Cayman is the most popular island for vacationers, and it has a number of popular dive sites, like the Kittiwake Shipwreck and artificial reef.

Grand Cayman is also famous for the tranquil Seven Mile Beach , one of the best beaches in the Caribbean , and Stingray City, where tourists can get up close to the giant sea creatures that will eat food right out of your hand.

You can stay at one of the many resorts on Grand Cayman and make day trips to the other two islands during your stay.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Cayman Islands

The crystal-clear waters of Aruba are ideal for a perfect island getaway. Aruba is not as popular as some of the other Caribbean islands, which makes it one of the best places to go because you can enjoy the island's beaches and attractions at their best without large crowds of people.

Swimming in the Caribbean waters is the top thing to do in Aruba. Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are two of the best beaches on the island .

Diving is also popular in Aruba. If you are a novice, you can take a diving lesson from your resort and head out for a day to explore some of the nearby coral reefs and shipwrecks.

For non-beach activities, Arikok National Park is a popular excursion , and the Aruba Ostrich Farm is a fun experience, especially for families.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Aruba

By the time most vacationers leave Jamaica, they feel like a local.

Almost everywhere you go, you will be immersed in Jamaican culture, from the reggae music to the jerk chicken cooking on a roadside grill. Jamaica is a popular Caribbean destination because there are frequent flights to the island and many all-inclusive resorts, making it an easy vacation to plan.

While Seven Mile Beach in Negril is where you will likely spend part of your vacation, Jamaica is great for travelers who enjoy being active. Dunn's River Falls is just one of many breathtaking waterfalls in Jamaica , where you can swim in the water and hike up the falls. There are also guided excursions to Blue Mountains National Park and snorkeling.

Like most of the Caribbean, some times are better than others for a visit. The best time to visit Jamaica may be when you have free time, but otherwise you may want to consider the weather and storm season.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Jamaica

Turks and Caicos was dramatically impacted by the 2017 hurricane season, but it is still one of the best places to go in the Caribbean, especially as it rebuilds and looks to attract tourists. There are 40 islands and small cays that make up Turks and Caicos.

Grand Turk is home to the only cruise ship port. Providenciales, or " Provo ," is known for its top-shelf luxury resorts and one of the best beaches in the world , Grace Bay.

Diving and snorkeling in the Turks and Caicos is recommended around spots like Bight Reef, which has spectacular underwater reefs and fish.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Puerto Rico is one of the best Caribbean getaways because there are plenty of flights to the island, and it appeals to various kinds of vacationers.

The clear-water beaches are nice for families, the shops in San Juan attract cruise ship passengers, the secluded island of Vieques is a quiet place for couples, and the 25-foot waves at Tres Palmas beach in Rincon attract surfers from around the world.

Kick back with your beach towel on Flamenco Beach or hike up to the El Morro fortress, one of the top attractions on the island . At night, you can step out to enjoy the bioluminescent microorganisms that glow in Mosquito Bay.

The other nice perk of Puerto Rico is that there are often discount packages available year-round, even in the winter months, when other Caribbean islands hike their prices.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Juan

The main draw of Antigua is its 365 beaches that range from calm, shallow waters that are nice spots for swimming to deep water that is ideal for snorkeling.

Dickenson Bay is one of the most popular beaches on Antigua for relaxing. If you are looking for more secluded beaches, the tucked-away sands at Hawksbill Bay are quieter and ideal for couples and honeymooners.

Non-beach activities on Antigua are numerous, which is why this is one of the best places to visit in the Caribbean. For a panoramic view of the island, hike to the top of Shirley Heights, where you can even see the Montserrat volcano. Another fun outing is going to St. John's Saturday Market, where you can buy unique souvenirs, from spices to crafts.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Antigua and Barbuda

Barbados has a laid-back vibe for a quiet Caribbean vacation, and that is one of its greatest appeals. The beaches in Barbados , like picturesque Bathsheba, Carlisle Bay, and Dover, have pristine white sands, where you can spend the day relaxing in between swimming in the lukewarm water.

Spend an afternoon in Bridgetown and look at the old architecture as you buy spices from local street vendors.

Barbados is a fun island to explore, with many attractions and natural landmarks that are open for tourists. Harrison's Cave offers a nice tour to see the stalactite and stalagmite formations, and Animal Flower Cave is a sea cave that you can access on your own.

If you enjoy snorkeling, you will want to book a day excursion that takes you to see shipwrecks and swim with sea turtles.

The island of Anguilla offers one of the most authentic Caribbean experiences because cruise ships are not allowed on the island, so it is a bit less touristy.

Instead of large hotels, Anguilla has small villas on the beach. You will find some luxury resorts on the island if you are looking for additional pampering, but the overcrowded tourist scene that is common on some other islands does not happen in Anguilla.

Most vacationers on Anguilla hang out on one of more than 30 unspoiled beaches, like Meads Bay, Shoal Bay East, and Rendezvous Bay. Day-trip excursions are popular for snorkeling, diving, and eco-tours around the island.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Anguilla

The island of Curacao is unique because instead of the subdued blue and green colors that you see on buildings on other islands, you will see a vibrant and colorful Dutch influence in the historic architecture. The port city of Willemstad has a fun energy and old European flare, but the beaches are still the main draw.

The snorkeling and diving are excellent on Curacao, and many coral reefs are easy to access. Cas Abao Beach and Playa Lagun are top beaches on the island. It is easy to rent water sports equipment on the island or take a diving lesson.

The draw of Grenada is the experiences that you will have on the island, besides the memorable imagery of its beautiful beaches. You can spend mornings beachcombing for shells and afternoons touring one of the island's spice plantations. You will want to visit the colorful harbor and walk St. George's beautiful streets.

Grenada has 45 beaches, but two-mile Grand Anse Beach is the most popular. There are several natural areas to hike, like La Sagesse Nature Center and the Grand Etang National Park. Be sure to plan a little time to visit one of the fun spots on the island, Market Square, where you can pick up souvenirs from local vendors.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Grenada

The small island of St. Martin is a bit more active with tourists than some other Caribbean islands. It is a dual-owned island, so one side is French and the other side is Dutch.

The beaches are tranquil and plentiful, so you can try a new one each day of your vacation. Orient Bay, Mulley Bay, and Cupecoy Beach are popular, but there are plenty of others to enjoy.

There are many non-beach activities on St. Martin, like ziplining near the Pic du Pardis mountains, snorkeling, and sailing. Day trips to Anguilla are popular and easy to book from St. Martin. You can also do a catamaran tour around the island.

The 32 islands that make up St. Vincent and the Grenadines capture the pure essence of the Caribbean with their remoteness and quiet tropical breezes. These are popular islands for anyone who wants to just lay in a hammock beneath a shade tree or soak in the sun next to the turquoise water, and not do much else.

If you do feel like exploring, there are plenty of attractions and things to do , from snorkeling, sailing, and hiking, to island-hopping. The charm of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is their many hideaways and small islands, which will make you feel like you have the tropical paradise to yourself.

There are many boutique hotels and resorts on the islands. While December through April is the popular season to visit, you can find nice hotel discounts and the same 80-degree temperatures by planning your trip in May, June, or November.

The Bahamas are popular tourist islands with more than 700 of them dotting the Caribbean waters.

The capital city of Nassau is a common port for cruise ships, so you will find attractions to fill your time like shopping, beaches, markets, Paradise Island, and the Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre.

Some of the other islands in the Bahamas like Exuma , Eleuthera , Harbor Island , and Abaco have spectacular things to do like fishing, relaxing on beaches, diving, swimming in hidden coves, and exploring natural parks.

You can find lots of all-inclusive resorts in the Bahamas that take the guesswork out of planning, whether you are going for a romantic vacation or a family getaway.

Lots of people like to head to the Bahamas for a winter getaway from mid-December through mid-April. That is the ideal time to go to enjoy the Bahamas' consistently perfect weather outside of hurricane season, but you will have higher prices and more crowds during those months.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Bahamas

If you are looking for a more secluded Bahamas vacation in an unspoiled setting, then Guadeloupe will appeal to you.

This French Caribbean island is more rustic than other islands. Guadeloupe is made up of Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre , two isles separated by the Salée River and a cluster of smaller islands. You can spend a full week in each region or divide your vacation into day trips visiting the top attractions and sightseeing destinations.

Some of the highlights in Guadeloupe include hiking and birdwatching at the Guadeloupe National Park, snorkeling at the Jacques Cousteau Underwater Reserve, and soaking in the tropical gardens at the Jardin Botanique de Deshaies.

Guadeloupe is covered in lush forests and picturesque waterfalls, so there is always a quiet place to escape to, even during the busy months of December through May when the weather is ideal on the islands.

The seasons in the Caribbean are somewhat similar, but some months will see more rain than others, and the experiences on the islands vary at different times of the year. Spring Spring is a nice time to visit the Caribbean. March and April are still in the high season window, so prices will remain at a premium but deals can be found outside of spring break.

There are still a large number of tourists in the early spring, especially with spring break schedules. Late spring, in May, ushers in the shoulder season, so it is a nice time to go, when you have a balance of great weather and lower prices.

Spring temperatures are very warm and there is little rainfall. Beach days are optimal, and swimming, snorkeling, and diving are great, with clear and calm water before hurricane season arrives in June.

Summer The summer months of June, July, and August are the low season in the Caribbean . This is the time to snag great deals on resort stays and take advantage of additional perks that are usually offered to attract tourists, like free nights and dinners. The tourist crowds are gone during the summer months, opening up availability at resorts and giving you more room on the beach.

Summer is also the start of the turtle nesting season , which generally goes through October. If you are traveling to see the turtles, then this is an ideal time to visit. Check with your specific islands of interest to get detailed information on nesting locations, schedules, and excursions. The downside to visiting the Caribbean during the summer months is that it is the beginning of hurricane season and hot. You may run the risk of encountering a major storm.

June has more rain than July and August, which are usually sunny months. The summer has higher temperatures (averaging in the mid-to-upper 80s Fahrenheit) and high humidity, which is uncomfortable for some travelers.

Fall The fall months in the Caribbean are still within prime hurricane season and less popular months for tourists. September, October, and November are on the Caribbean shoulder season so there are a few advantages of going just before the high season starts in December. You can get great prices for hotels and airfare during these months and there are fewer people on the islands.

Fall is a great time to look for last-minute getaway deals on resorts and Caribbean cruises.

One bonus of visiting during the fall is the shorebird migration, which takes place as birds make their way from their northern nesting sites to their southern winter sites in South America. This is an opportunity to see dozens of species that cannot be seen otherwise. You should refer to the migration details of the country that you plan to visit to more precisely target the timeframe for that region.

The caution for fall Caribbean travel is that it is still hurricane season . While most days will have mild and comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and less rain than in the summer, there is always a risk of a hurricane or tropical storm. It is best to purchase trip insurance if you plan to travel in the fall.

Winter The winter months of December, January, and February are the best time to visit the Caribbean. These are the ideal months to travel, with the best beach weather, tours in full swing, and sites open on the islands ready to cater to tourists. The winter months have the least rainfall .

The Caribbean islands are an easy travel choice, especially for North American tourists wanting to escape from the snow and cold weather. Flights are frequent to the Caribbean islands, and with so many to choose from, it is easy to book a winter vacation. You will also have an abundance of Caribbean cruise options during these months.

The only downside to booking a Caribbean vacation in the winter is the cost. Since this is high season, you can expect to pay a premium for hotels and resorts, flights, cruises, and tours. Early Availability is also reduced during the popular months, but with so many islands to visit, you should have no problem if you plan several months ahead.

Early January is typically quieter than the rest of the winter after the Christmas crowds have gone home and before people plan winter vacations.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

More Caribbean Fun: Most people head to the Caribbean for the beautiful beaches , and there are thousands to discover, from The Bahamas to Cuba . The Caribbean is also a top vacation destination because it has some of the best luxury all-inclusive resorts in the world and is among the best places to go snorkeling in the world , so you can be assured of a relaxing and memorable vacation.

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• World's Best

The 25 Best Islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas in 2022

The best islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas run the gamut from off-the-grid hideaways to ultra-luxe retreats, according to Travel + Leisure readers.

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas .

The Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas are a delightful mélange of islands — sunny stalwarts with shimmering blue waters, palm-fringed shores, and ultra-luxe resorts. But for all their common denominators, there's plenty that makes each island stand out, too. Some are rustic and rugged, bereft of any modern meddling, while others are well-developed oases with lots of shops, restaurants, and hotels to choose from. And Travel + Leisure 's list of the region's best islands this year is proof of its vast and varied offerings.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.

The British Virgin Islands dominate this year's rankings, with Jost Van Dyke (No. 9), Virgin Gorda (No. 16), and Tortola (No. 23) all making appearances. The Bahamas, too, are well-represented — the Exumas (No. 4) earned marks from one reader for the "prettiest water and beaches you will ever see," while Eleuthera (No. 24) was touted as "enchanting, pristine, and beautiful"

Several readers also raved about the beaches and turquoise waters on Anguilla (No. 3), with one calling it "paradise found." Another said, "Anguilla is my favorite spot on this earth. Nothing compares. The beaches, the people, the food, the enjoyment…total bliss."

Meanwhile, Grenada (No. 6) got a nod for its "incredibly kind people," and runner-up St. Vincent and the Grenadines (No. 2) received praise for "fantastic water excursions."

At No. 5, St. Lucia — home to the majestic Pitons, beautiful beaches, and plenty of chocolate and rum — was described as "a great spot for active travelers on a romantic escape." Another T+L reader said, "St. Lucia is an untouched gem in many ways, a very beautiful island with a delightful culture and many activities to enjoy."

But the No. 1 spot, according to this year's World's Best Awards survey, belongs to Dominica, concisely described by one reader as "stunning." Read more about Dominica, and get the full list of best islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas below.

1. Dominica

Nicknamed the Nature Island, Dominica is not defined by the combo of pristine white sand and shiny resorts that's often synonymous with the Caribbean. Instead, the anything-but-average island lures eco-travelers with a jumble of rain forests, volcanoes, hot springs, thunderous waterfalls, and black-sand beaches. It has an undiscovered quality that can be rare not only in the region, but the world over. It's a dream for hikers, snorkelers, and all kinds of adventurers, but the island also offers pockets of over-the-top luxury, including this year's best resort hotel in the Caribbean — Secret Bay, tucked within the rain forest with tree-house-style villas, jaw-dropping nature views, and private plunge pools.

Score: 91.00

2. St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Score: 89.79

3. Anguilla

Score: 89.43

4. Exumas, Bahamas

Score: 88.07

5. St. Lucia

Score: 87.86

Score: 87.71

7. Turks and Caicos

Score: 87.64

8. St. Bart's

Score: 87.60

9. Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands

Score: 87.31

10. St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 86.41

Score: 86.25

12. Harbour Island, Bahamas

Score: 86.11

Score: 85.93

14. Vieques, Puerto Rico

Score: 85.83

Score: 85.63

16. Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 85.46

17. Bermuda

Score: 85.45

18. Bonaire

Score: 85.39

19. Jamaica

Score: 85.05

20. Cayman Islands

Score: 83.84

21. Antigua

Score: 83.78

22. Barbados

Score: 83.71

23. Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Score: 82.92

24. Eleuthera, Bahamas

Score: 82.91

25. St. Maarten/St. Martin

Score: 82.66

15 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit in 2024

Home | Travel | The Caribbean | 15 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit in 2024

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The Caribbean is the ideal place to go for a tropical vacation, be it a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a special trip with friends. The best Caribbean islands offer warm sand, crystal-clear waters, swaying palm trees, and cloudless skies to help you escape the daily grind or the dreary winter season.

There are hundreds of islands and cays in the Caribbean, and over the years, we’ve explored some of the most amazing Caribbean destinations . Each island has something unique about it, and we’re always awestruck by the diversity in each country’s history, culture, and environment.

It can be hard to decide where to go, so in this guide, I’m sharing the 15 best Caribbean islands to visit . Keep this list handy so you can plan your trip and any future visits to one of the most beautiful regions in the world, the Caribbean!

1. Puerto Rico, one of the best Caribbean islands to visit

First, Puerto Rico is one of the best Caribbean islands for vacation , especially if you’re in the U.S. It’s easy to get to, has sunny weather year-round, and boasts beautiful beaches and landscapes.

You can’t miss San Juan , Puerto Rico’s capital city and home to historic homes, monuments, and attractions. Old San Juan is a walkable area with colonial architecture, a vibrant music scene, and landmarks like the Castillo San Cristobal , an 18 th -century fortress. This free tour will take you through town so you can explore all the highlights.

Outside of the city, you’ll find the most incredible natural areas, like El Yunque National Forest . It’s a treasure trove of mountain peaks, lush foliage, and rainforest critters. This is also a haven for adventurers since you can enjoy forest hikes, waterfalls, swimming, and natural waterslides. If you can’t decide, this forest tour is a great way to spend the day in El Yunque.

Of course, the beaches of Puerto Rico are well worth visiting, so consider a day cruise to Culebra , where you can go snorkeling or take this sailing cruise along the Fajardo coastline. Along the way, you’ll visit the island of Icacos , a gorgeous spot for swimming and snorkeling.

• Fairmont El San Juan Hotel – a beautiful beachfront resort in San Juan
• Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort – a 5-star hotel in San Juan with private balconies overlooking the beach
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Dorado del Mar Beach Resort – this luxurious spa hotel is by Playa Dorada

2. Dominican Republic, the best Caribbean island for an active vacation

With its romantic beaches, the Dominican Republic is one of the best Caribbean islands for couples . Here, you can enjoy watersports, nightlife, nature activities, and of course, plenty of downtime. Some of the best beaches here include the white sand beaches of Bavaro Beach and Macao Beach , the latter of which is a popular spot for surfing and dune buggy tours .

For something more relaxing, take a leisurely cruise to one of the DR’s nearby islands. This catamaran cruise goes to Saona Island , which has awesome mangroves and coral reefs. Another option is this day trip to Catalina Island , a place with diverse marine life, private beaches, and transparent waters. It’s the perfect spot to see parrot fish, trumpet fish, sea sponges, and all kinds of coral.

I also can’t leave out a whale-watching tour like this one , which departs from Punta Cana and stops by Bacardi Island and the El Limon waterfalls .

Back on land, the Dominican Republic is one of the best Caribbean islands for adventure since it’s home to the longest zipline in the Caribbean, with multiple platforms and cables. So, if you want to soar over the rainforest canopy and the river, I recommend this tour .

Finally, the DR’s nightlife is unmatched, especially in Punta Cana . Coco Bongo is a super popular nightclub, so to get the complete experience, check out this Coco Bongo package with drinks.

• Occidental Punta Cana – All-Inclusive Resort – enjoy a room with a mini-bar and views of Bavaro Beach, as well as access to 3 pools and 11 restaurants and bars
• Catalonia Punta Cana – All-Inclusive – another all-inclusive resort with a spa, pool, restaurants, and all kinds of activities
• Impressive Punta Cana – another 5-star resort on the beach with family-friendly facilities

3. Jamaica, the best Caribbean island for nature lovers

Jamaica has long been one of the best islands in the Caribbean to visit , so if you haven’t been here yet, I highly recommend it. Jamaica offers everything from pristine beaches to watersports to unforgettable cruises and sailing trips, so you’re sure to have a blast.

One of the most famous attractions in Jamaica is the 600-foot Dunn’s River Falls . A series of natural rock stairs lead to the waterfalls, which also include several lagoons you can swim in. It’s a must-see while you’re on the island, so consider this day tour , which also visits the Bob Marley Museum .

Another natural wonder to see in Jamaica is the Green Grotto Caves . The cavern walls are covered in green algae, and you can take a guided tour into the caves, where you can see an underwater lake, stalagmites, stalactites, and bats.

After dark, I recommend taking this lagoon cruise to see a bioluminescent waterway lit up by phosphorescent organisms and plankton. Not only is it a magical sight, but there are intriguing stories surrounding this glowing lagoon.

As you can see, Jamaica is one of the best Caribbean islands for nature lovers , and you can’t forget the lovely beaches here. Negril’s Seven Mile Beach and Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay are two popular spots. If you want to visit the latter, I suggest this catamaran cruise , which includes an open bar and snorkeling session.

• S Hotel Jamaica – All-Inclusive – a boutique hotel in Montego Bay with a breakfast buffet and Caribbean cuisine
• SeaGarden Beach Resort – All-Inclusive – one of the best family-friendly hotels in Montego Bay
• Deja Resort All-Inclusive – another Montego Bay hotel next to Doctors Cave Beach with lovely rooms and a restaurant with a view

4. Barbados, another one of the best islands in the Caribbean

Barbados is known for having some of the most picturesque beaches and coastal landscapes in the world, making it one of the best Caribbean islands to visit .

For example, Bathsheba Beach boasts a striking scene with clear turquoise waters and impressive rock formations. Meanwhile, Dover Beach is a slice of paradise, especially for those who want to sunbathe among palm trees or enjoy some watersports.

You also can’t miss Carlisle Bay , a small natural harbor that’s home to Barbados’ capital city of Bridgetown . While you’re here, consider exploring this beautiful city on this walking history tour , which takes you past Parliament, Town Hall, and other top sites. Also, this catamaran cruise departs from Bridgetown and includes a shipwreck visit, a snorkeling session, and lunch.

Some other interesting attractions in Barbados are the lush expanses of the Andromeda Botanic Gardens and Hunte’s Gardens , as well as St. Nicholas Abbey , a historic plantation home and rum distillery. For something off the beaten path, check out Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Park , where you can explore a limestone cave system with stalactites and stalagmites.

With so much to do here, it’s worth adding Barbados to your list of Caribbean islands to visit . If you’re not sure what to do or see, this island day tour will take you to several famous landmarks and natural areas like Animal Flower Cave .

• Colony Club by Elegant Hotels – a beachfront resort in Saint James with free bike rentals, a pool, a garden terrace, and balcony rooms
• Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados – an elegant hotel by the beach in Bridgetown
• All Seasons Resort – one of the most romantic Saint James hotels with cottage-style accommodations

5. Bahamas, one of the best Caribbean islands to visit with family

Hands down, the Bahamas is one of the best Caribbean islands for families , and while it’s known for its beaches, there are lots of other things to do here, too.

First, New Providence is the most popular Bahamas island, and its capital city of Nassau is a hotspot for vacationers, offering everything from beaches and cruises to food, history, and nightlife. You can eat your way through the old town on this Nassau food tour , or try jet skiing, parasailing, and other watersports on this adventure tour .

Off the coast of New Providence, it’s worth visiting Paradise Island. If you go, check out the romantic Versailles Gardens , or consider this private beach excursion to nearby Rose Island, where you can enjoy an open bar, music, and kayaking or snorkeling.

Harbour Island also stands out for its pristine coastline, particularly the secluded 3-mile-long Pink Sands Beach . Over in the Exumas, you can swim with wild pigs and snorkel in the crystal clear waters at Pig Beach .

Finally, if you’re on Grand Bahama Island , I recommend exploring Lucayan National Park and its underwater caves. A good alternative is Clifton Heritage National Park in Nassau, on New Providence Island . This park is full of old ruins, lovely beaches, and an undersea sculpture garden.

• The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort – one of the most elegant resorts on Paradise Island with an awarded chef restaurant and a Balinese spa
• Grand Hyatt Baha Mar – a sophisticated resort in Nassau with six pools, a private beach, and a spa
• SLS at Baha Mar – an oceanfront Nassau hotel with on-site watersports and a convenient location near the airport

6. U.S. Virgin Islands, some of the best Caribbean islands to visit

The U.S. Virgin Islands is a territory of the United States, so Americans can visit this Caribbean island with no passport required . The major islands here include St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, so I recommend focusing your vacation on these areas.

First, St. Thomas is wildly popular thanks to its historical monuments, pristine natural scenery, and stunning beaches. The capital city of Charlotte Amalie is full of old fortresses and cathedrals, like Fort Christian , Blackbeard’s Castle , and the Cathedral Church of All Saints . This food and culture tour takes you past the most visited landmarks and the shops on Main Street while treating you to delicious local cuisine.

You’ll also find the most accommodation options and activities on St. Thomas, like this watersports tour at Cas Cay, where you can go hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling among the tropical fish, sting rays, and sea turtles. If you’re short on time but want to experience a bit of everything, this sightseeing tour is your best bet.

St. John also has incredible snorkeling and kayaking spots, as well as parks where you can explore the outdoors and the native flora. Finally, St. Croix is known for its Danish botanical gardens, mangroves, and coral reefs. So, if you love to explore new places while on holiday, these are some of the best Caribbean islands for your vacation .

• The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas – stay here for easy beach access, an outdoor pool, beautiful gardens, and a daily buffet breakfast
• Emerald Beach Resort – enjoy a seaside resort near St. Thomas’ capital city
• Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham – St. Thomas – a 4-star hotel with balcony rooms, an outdoor pool, a gym, and a restaurant

7. Cuba, a unique island in the Caribbean

Known for its cigars, rum, and vintage cars, Cuba is one of the best Caribbean islands for a couples’ getaway . There is so much to discover here, from the amazing Spanish colonial architecture, dancing, and art to the magnificent valleys and romantic beaches.

First, you can’t miss a visit to the capital city of Havana , where you can mingle with the locals. Old Havana has the most iconic buildings and attractions like the Havana Cathedral , Plaza Vieja , and the Hotel Nacional de Cuba . It’s also worth checking out the historic city of Trinidad , which is full of museums, monuments, beaches, and nightlife venues.

I also recommend spending a day in Cienfuegos , a bayside city that looks like a postcard, thanks to its old monuments and colorful homes.

Moreover, Cuba is one of the best Caribbean destinations for those who want to witness some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. For example, the lush valley of Vi ñales is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with short, rounded mountains ( mogotes ), caves, fields, and forests.

If you want a beautiful beach day, I suggest going to Varadero and Cayo Jutias , two of the best places in Cuba . Varadero is one of the country’s most famous beaches, so there is lots to do, while Cayo Jutias is more remote and private, but has the most amazing sunsets.

• Hotel Nacional de Cuba – an iconic hotel from the 1930s that overlooks Havana and the outskirts
• Casas particulares – A rental room/accommodation in a Cuban family’s home. I recommend finding one in each city you plan to visit, such as Trinidad, Viñales, etc.

8. Aruba, the best island in the Caribbean for a luxury holiday

Aruba is one of the best Caribbean islands for a luxury vacation , so I suggest it if you’re planning a special occasion. Here, you can enjoy long days on the beach, stunning coastal sunsets and views, and fun watersports like banana boat rides and snorkeling. If that sounds good to you, you’ll love this full-day tour with all kinds of aquatic activities, a waterpark visit, and a Caribbean buffet with an open bar.

You can also take a day trip to the island’s most interesting sites, like the California Lighthouse , the Alto Vista Chapel , and Arikok National Park . This Jeep safari tour takes you through Arikok and includes a refreshing swim at the Conchi Natural Pool and Baby Beach .

Speaking of the beaches here, you should also check out Eagle Beach and Palm Beach . One of the unique experiences here is this semi-submarine tour , where you can see underwater sights like the Antilla shipwreck, the Arashi Reef, and all kinds of tropical fish and coral.

Back on land, the Butterfly Farm and the Aruba Aloe Factory Museum are two cool places that offer history and culture. Without a doubt, Aruba has a bit of everything, and it’s one of the best Caribbean islands for a honeymoon . If you’re traveling as a couple, I suggest taking this happy hour sunset cruise along the coast.

• Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort – an Oranjestad hotel with amazing cabana-style accommodations, three pools, and watersports
• Eagle Aruba Resort & Casino – located north of Oranjestad, on Eagle Beach, this hotel has spacious suites, a casino, restaurants, and a nearby golf course
• Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino – also in Eagle Beach, this spa resort has gorgeous facilities, pools, waterslides, and ocean views

9. Turks and Caicos, another one of the best Caribbean islands for couples

The clean white sand, the clear turquoise waters, and the palm trees swaying in the breeze…the islands of Turks and Caicos are a slice of paradise. This region has eight inhabited islands, with Providenciales (Provo) being the most popular.

On Provo, you’ll find the most idyllic shorelines at Taylor Bay , Leeward Beach , and Grace Bay Beach , which is the best place to go parasailing. Grace Bay is the crown jewel of the island, and a popular site for all kinds of tours, from snorkeling cruises to catamaran sails and adults-only sunset cruises .

In addition to being one of the best Caribbean destinations for couples , Turks and Caicos is an exceptional place to learn about different geological formations and marine life. Smith’s Reef and Bight Reef offer spectacular sea beds full of coral, while nearby Iguana Island has a diverse array of tropical fish. This half-day tour from Provo includes snorkeling equipment and a cruise past Big Water Cay, Fort George, and Half Moon Bay .

If you prefer to stay on land, this love buggy island tour is a must-do. You’ll roam around the island, passing by the Cheshire Hall Plantation , the Junkanoo Museum , and more.

Also, while Provo is the main destination for most tourists, the island of Grand Turk is also a beautiful location with beaches and attractions like the Turks and Caicos National Museum , the Grand Turk Lighthouse , and Pillory Beach .

• The Oasis at Grace Bay – some of the suites at this 5-star hotel have an equipped kitchen, although there is also an on-site restaurant and bar
• Alexandra Resort – All-Inclusive – another Grace Bay resort, this property is near the airport and has an exclusive pool and beach area
• Neptune Villas – located on the southern coast of Provo, this resort has a restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, and complimentary watersports

10. Guadeloupe, one of the best Caribbean islands for relaxing

Guadeloupe is another top Caribbean island with a unique natural landscape featuring the La Soufri ère volcano and the Pointe des Chateaux , a peninsula with stunning rock formations.

There are also gorgeous waterfalls here, including the Carbet Falls and the Cascade aux Ecrevisses . For all these reasons, Guadeloupe is one of the best Caribbean islands for nature lovers who want to spend their days hiking through lush forests, climbing to scenic lookout points, and admiring the tropical flora and fauna.

To all this, I must add the lovely beaches here, such as Plage de Grande Anse , a breathtaking beach with golden sands, aquamarine waters, and lush, green foliage. It’s also a popular spot for watersports like jet-skiing, paddleboarding, and surfing lessons . You can also check out nearby Plage de la Perle or Plage de Sainte Anne on the other end of the island.

Another intriguing area in Guadeloupe is the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin , a chain of coral islets and mangroves off the north-central coast of the island. You can take a paddleboarding excursion or a day cruise through the lagoon to see tropical fish, crabs, sting rays, and a variety of sea birds.

Back on land, be sure to visit the Jardin Botanique de Deshaies and the Memorial ACTe history museum.

• Le Relais du Moulin – H ôtel de Charme & Spa Adults Only – this charming Sainte Anne resort has a spa, a pool, and suites with private balconies and terraces
• Bwa Chik Hotel & Golf – a Saint François resort by the sea, with spacious suites overlooking the pool or the golf course
• Canella Beach Hotel – a hotel in Le Gosier right in front of Grande Bay and just a short drive from the Domaniale Forest and the Pointe à Pitre harbor

11. Curaçao, one of the best islands in the Caribbean for watersports

Cura çao has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean and a wealth of historical Dutch monuments and Spanish colonial architecture.

This island may be small, but it has a lot to offer, from Shete Boka National Park in the north to Mambo Beach in the south. You can see both attractions, as well as Curaçao’s popular western coastline on this full-day beach tour . Along with the beaches of Piskado , Kenepa , and Cas Abao , you’ll also stop at the St. Willibrodus Flamingo Sanctuary .

Grote Knip is another gorgeous beach, and it’s known for its rich marine life, which you can see on this snorkeling trip . It’s also worth taking a day trip to Klein Cura çao (Little Curaçao), an uninhabited island with a pristine coastline and some of the clearest waters in the world. This catamaran cruise includes a visit to the island, as well as snorkeling, a buffet, and an open bar.

Of course, you must also visit the capital of Curaçao, Willemstad . The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since it’s home to a series of 17 th and 18 th -century fortifications. It’s also full of shopping malls, museums, and landmarks like the Queen Emma Bridge , which was built in 1888. This is also where you can explore the 200,000-year-old Hato Caves , which are made of coral limestone and feature stalactites, stalagmites, and local bat species.

• Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao – All-Inclusive Resort – a 5-star hotel in Willemstad with a pool, gym, lounge, playground, and other family-friendly facilities
• Bayside Boutique Hotel – Blue Bay Golf & Beach Resort – another Willemstad resort with boutique suites overlooking the sea
• Curacao Avila Beach Hotel – one of the best couples’ beach resorts in Willemstad with live music, a buffet breakfast, and a spa

12. Grenada, one of the best Caribbean islands to explore

Grenada is one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean , specifically in the West Indies. The southwestern region of the island is particularly popular since it’s where you’ll find the capital city of St. George’s , a beautiful town with picturesque squares, charming homes, and a lively port.

South of St. George’s, you can visit the idyllic beach of Grand Anse , which is considered one of the prettiest beaches on the planet. It has gorgeous sunsets, as the pinks and purples contrast perfectly with the warm golden sand and the aquamarine water. Another spot you should check out is Flamingo Bay and the nearby underwater sculptures, which you can see on this snorkeling tour .

If you want to make the most of your time on this island, I recommend this full-day tour from St. George’s. You’ll visit great sites like Concord Falls , a chocolate factory, a rum distillery, and Grand Etang National Park , a forest reserve and Grenada’s largest national park.

• Radisson Grenada Beach Resort – this hotel in Grand Anse offers snorkeling and diving equipment to guests, and has several restaurants, bars, and a pool
• Royalton Grenada, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – a 5-star resort in St. George’s with a daily breakfast buffet, a kids’ club, and a pool overlooking the sea

13. St. Lucia, one of the best Caribbean islands for a beach vacation

St. Lucia is one of the overall best Caribbean islands and has long been known for its dramatic landscapes, coral reefs, volcanic beaches, and rainforests. With so much to see, it can be tough to choose, so I recommend this land and sea tour . You’ll visit major sites like the Pitons mountains, sulfur springs and mineral baths, waterfalls, and the coastline.

As one of the best Caribbean islands for hiking , St. Lucia has numerous trails like the Tet Paul Nature Trail , the Canaries Waterfall Trail , and the Gros Piton Trail . If you’d rather see the scenery from above, try this rainforest zipline adventure over the forest canopy.

Moreover, the capital city of Castries offers an impressive Central Market , the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception , and Marigot Bay , a harbor with all kinds of recreation and watersports. Plus, Pigeon Island National Park , an incredible cape with 18 th -century ruins, is just a 30-minute drive away.

Of course, the beaches here are superb, so if you want some beach time while also sightseeing, take this full-day catamaran cruise . You’ll go snorkeling in Marigot Bay, zip-line over the rainforest, see waterfalls and springs, and feast at a Creole-style buffet.

• Harbor Club St. Lucia, Curio Collection by Hilton – a luxury resort in Gros Islet with four bars, a huge pool, a spa, and elegant rooms and suites
• Bay Gardens Hotel – another stylish Gros Islet resort with lush gardens, two pools, and a free shuttle to Reduit Beach
• Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort – a family-friendly hotel in Gros Islet with six pools, an exclusive spa, and 8 restaurants and bars

14. Bermuda, another one of the best Caribbean islands to visit with family

Bermuda is another one of the best Caribbean islands for vacation , thanks to its pink sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and delectable seafood.

A good place to start your adventure is in the capital city of Hamilton , which is full of dining and shopping venues, as well as nightlife. One of the best tours in the city is this food and culture tour , which takes you to the best local restaurants while teaching you about Bermuda’s history.

You should also visit nearby Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse and the Crystal and Fantasy Caves . These subterranean caves are 1,640 feet long and 200 feet deep and have a series of pathways so you can walk past natural pools, stalactites, and stalagmites.

Along the coast, you’ll find Horseshoe Bay , a spectacular pink sand beach with limestone cliffs. In fact, some of the best beaches in the Caribbean are in Bermuda, including Warwick Long Bay , Elbow Beach , and Tobacco Bay .

These stunning beaches feature soft sand and refreshingly clear water, and several of them are perfect for practicing watersports. Adventurous types will love this catamaran day trip , which includes snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, as well as snacks and Caribbean rum.

Another option is this full-day island tour which also includes snorkeling and a trip to some of Bermuda’s hidden gems, like the caverns of Blue Hole Park .

• Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort & Spa – this Mount Pleasant property offers a free shuttle to the golf course, as well as on-site facilities like a spa, gym, and pool
• Hamilton Princess & Beach Club – a waterfront hotel in Hamilton with a restaurant, bar, infinity pool, and quiet suites
• Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa – one of the most elegant resorts in Somerset with private beaches, a spa, a tennis court, a putting green, and watersports

15. St. Maarten, the best island in the Caribbean for a romantic getaway

Beautiful St. Maarten makes for one of the best Caribbean getaways , thanks to its perfect mix of adventure and leisure.

Start your trip in the capital city of Philipsburg and go shopping, sightseeing, and dining along Front Street . Stretching from the Great Bay to the Great Salt Pond, Philipsburg has a buzzing port, and it’s not uncommon to see cruise ships docking here. In addition to the sea breeze and views of the bay, the city has old military and fortress ruins.

It’s also home to Maho Beach , one of the most popular beaches in the country for its proximity to the airport. If you go here, you’re bound to see an airplane flying super close to the beach, and many tourists come here to go “planespotting.”

If you prefer something quieter and more secluded, go to Plum Bay or Baie Longue . That said, Great Bay Beach and Mullet Bay are two top beaches on the island where you can swim, dive, and ride ATVs . As one of the best Caribbean islands for watersports, St. Maarten has amazing cruise tours like this speedboat tour and this catamaran trip .

Back on land, don’t miss your opportunity to go zip-lining over Loterie Farm or Rockland Estate , which has the world’s steepest zipline.

• Sonesta Ocean Point Resort – All-Inclusive – Adults Only – a hotel in Maho Reef where you can go swimming in the pool, diving in the sea, and eat at several restaurants
• Hilton Vacation Club Flamingo Beach Sint Maarten – an intimate resort in Simpson Bay with beach access, an infinity pool, watersports, and oceanfront dining
• Holland House Beach Hotel – the best hotel in Philipsburg with Caribbean decor, food, music, and all kinds of land and sea activities

Best Caribbean islands map

Now that you know the best Caribbean islands to visit , it’s time for the hard part: deciding where to go. To help you out, here is a Caribbean islands map you can download and use to plan your trip.

Also, if you have any questions about these destinations, or you’d like to share where you want to go in the Caribbean , leave me a comment below. I’d be happy to hear from you and help you out. Until then, have a safe trip and enjoy your island getaway!

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8 replies on “ 15 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit in 2024 ”

From My Personal experience, I would say Roatan is an overlooked Caribbean gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and a laid-back vibe. One standout resort is Caribbean SeaHawk Resorts, nestled in a tranquil cove with beautifully designed rooms and breathtaking ocean views – the perfect place to unwind. Beyond the resort, Roatan boasts stunning white sand beaches, incredible snorkeling and diving opportunities, and a vibrant local community that makes it an incredibly welcoming and authentic destination. If you’re looking for a Caribbean getaway that combines natural beauty, relaxation, and cultural immersion, Roatan should be at the top of your list – Caribbean SeaHawk Resorts is exceptional, but anywhere on this charming island is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Hi Katelin, Thanks for the recommendation. We actually mention Roatán in our guide to the best Central American countries to visit . I totally agree that it’s an underrated destination with lots of fun activities to offer.

What an enticing topic! The Caribbean is undoubtedly a paradise for luxury travelers, and selecting the perfect beachfront resort can be a delightful challenge. Here I want to recommend one resort which is “Caribbean seahawk resort”. In this resort you will find azure sea, luxury villas, Beachfront, Ocean view, privacy, reunions, dive groups, west bay beach and the beauty of nature. So, I would suggest you should add this resort to your list.

Hi Julia, Thanks for the recommendation. We mention some hotels in Utila and Roatán, Honduras in our guide to the best places to visit in Central America , but it’s always nice to hear about other options.

Best island in the Caribbean hands down

Hey, thanks for reading! Which is your favorite Caribbean island to visit?

If there’s one island in the world that’s known for its diversity, luxury, entertainment, and celebration for all cultures and ethnicities, it’s St Maarten. Despite being the smallest island in the world, St Maarten is home to people from more than one hundred nationalities living in harmony on the island. It’s one of the best islands in the Caribbean!

Totally agreed, Ryan. Thanks for sharing your thoughts,

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Caribbean Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Caribbean travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

The islands of the Caribbean are high on any traveler’s list for their gorgeous beaches, rich culture, and laid-back vibes. This region is truly the perfect place for a relaxing vacation for those who want to get away from it all.

Of course, the Caribbean is much more than its beaches. In fact, there’s a Caribbean destination for every kind of traveler out there.

Whether you’re an action-oriented traveler looking to hike the world — such as by exploring the hiking trails in St. Thomas — or want to explore as many cultures as you can, you’ll find something exciting in the Caribbean.

On this page, you’ll find complete travel guides for several Caribbean destinations, including Antigua , The Bahamas , the Cayman Islands , Puerto Rico , and more.

We’ve compiled some of the best things to do in each location as well as tips on hotels, activities, and food.

Plus, we’ve answered some of your most burning questions about budgets, safety, planning, and other travel considerations for the region.

Keep reading for some serious travel inspiration and to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to the Caribbean islands.

Note that this travel guide to the Caribbean contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Caribbean Map

Use this Caribbean travel map to begin planning your trip!

Click here for an interactive version of the above map.

Antigua Travel Guides

Antigua is home to some of the best places to travel in the Caribbean , a few of which are highlighted here.

12 Antigua Adventures For An Unforgettable Caribbean Trip

Hiking In Antigua: Take In Breathtaking England Harbour Views From The Pillars Of Hercules Trail

Antigua Solo Travel: How To Have An Amazing Luxury Wellness Getaway For One

Bahamas Travel Guides

Traveling to the Caribbean ? Don’t miss these incredible Bahamas travel experiences!

Stingray Feeding, Conch Penis & Pig Roasts At Chat ‘N’ Chill Beach In The Exumas

Swimming With Nurse Sharks In Compass Cay, Exumas, Bahamas

Swimming With Pigs At Big Major Spot Cay In The Exuma Cays, Bahamas

Is The Exuma Archipelago The Quirky Sister Of The Galapagos?

16 Best Bahamas Breakfast Foods You Must Try

Cayman Islands Travel Guides

No Caribbean tourism experience would be complete without visiting the Cayman Islands. Here’s why.

Beyond Grand Cayman: Discovering Cayman Brac In The Caribbean

Delicious Lionfish: Responsible Eatings In The Cayman Islands

Things To Do In The Dominican Republic

Visit the Caribbean — specificially the Domincan Republic — for an amazing vacation. Here’s how.

How To Spend One Awesome Day In Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Exploring Punta Cana Outdoors Beyond The Beach Resorts

Exploring Sustainable Adventure In The Resort Destination Of Punta Cana

How To Have An Epic Dominican Republic Road Trip

Dominican Republic Hiking: 12 Amazing Trails Not To Miss

3, 5 & 7 Days In Punta Cana Itinerary (Best Things To Do!)

Things To Do In Guadeloupe

If you’re planning a vacation to the Caribbean islands you’ll want to put Guadeloupe on your itinerary.

Driving Around Guadeloupe: Travel Guide + Itinerary

Things To Do In Mexico

Enjoy the Mexican Caribbean with these helpful guides:

3, 4 & 7 Day Cancun Itinerary (Best Things To Do In Cancun!)

6 Best Beaches In Holbox, Mexico (Stunning!)

23 Best Things To Do In Holbox Island, Mexico (Sample Itinerary Included!)

15 Best Beach Clubs In Holbox Island, Mexico

Is Holbox Worth Visiting? What You Need To Know Before Booking

Best Time To Visit Holbox Island, Mexico

Things To Do In Puerto Rico

Want to travel in the Caribbean ? Puerto Rico has so much to offer, like…

This Is What Happens When You Travel Puerto Rico Solo (Itinerary Included!)

Farm-To-Table Dining On The Water At The W Retreat & Spa Vieques Island

Top Booze Experiences In Puerto Rico

Charco Prieto Waterfall: Hiking To Puerto Rico’s Secret Waterfall

Things To Do In St. Lucia

Looking for Caribbean travel tips ? Here’s one: Don’t miss visiting St. Lucia and having the following incredible experiences.

Adventurous Couple’s Guide To Marisule, Castries & Rodney Bay, St. Lucia

6 Secret Beaches To Visit In St. Lucia

Adventurous Couple’s Guide To Soufriere, St. Lucia

Cocoa Experiences At Saint Lucia’s Hotel Chocolat

An Amazing Solo St. Lucia Wellness Retreat At BodyHoliday Resort

3 Romantic Hotels In St. Lucia That Aren’t Sandals

An Unforgettable Romantic Getaway For One At St. Lucia’s Jade Mountain Resort

Things To Do In St. Thomas

If you’re looking for fun things to do in the Caribbean in St. Thomas, don’t miss:

Hiking In St. Thomas: 5 Amazing Trails Not To Miss

Trinidad & Tobago Travel Guides

Trinidad and Tobago is home to some top Caribbean points of interest , and these guides can help you explore them.

Trinidad And Tobago’s Best Outdoor Experiences

Learning To Stand Up Paddleboard In Tobago

Taking The Scenic Route: Driving Up North Coast Road In Trinidad

Are You A Trinidad Or Tobago Traveler?

6 Signs You’ve Survived A Trip To Trinidad And Tobago

12 Things You Didn’t Know About Trinidad And Tobago

Caribbean Travel Tips

Make your Caribbean vacation even more memorable with the help of the following travel guides!

13 Best Caribbean Islands For Solo Travel (+ Tips!)

3 Best Luxury Caribbean Wellness Retreats

Caribbean Tours

Book an experience with a Caribbean tour guide and get to know the culture through a local.

• Majestic Gros Piton Hike (Cap Estate, St. Lucia)
• Sailing and Snorkeling Day Tour to Les Saintes (Saint Charles, Guadeloupe)
• Trinidad Rainforest Hike to Waterfall (Port of Spain, Trinidad)
• Argyle Waterfall with Adventure Farm (Crown Point, Tobago)
• Nicole’s Table – Cooking with Rum (Saint John, Antigua and Barbuda)
• Rum, Reggae & Rhythms Tour (With Cable Beach Visit!) (Nassau, Bahamas)

Caribbean Hotels

Click here to browse hotels in the Caribbean!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

Don’t eat meat? Check out these top vegan resorts in the Caribbean !

Caribbean Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Caribbean tour. When visiting the Caribbean — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Caribbean itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Renting A Car In The Caribbean

Renting a car in the Caribbean?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Caribbean Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling to the Caribbean

Q: What are the Caribbean travel destinations?

There are 29 different island nations and destinations you can visit in the Caribbean. These include:

• Aruba (one of the best Caribbean islands for solo travel !)
• Antigua and Barbuda
• The Bahamas
• British Virgin Islands (including Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke)
• Cayman Islands
• Cuba (note: U.S. citizens can only travel to Cuba with an organized and licensed tour group)
• Dominican Republic
• Puerto Rico
• Saint Barthelemy (aka St. Barts)
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Martin/Sint Maarten
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sint Eustatius
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks and Caicos
• U.S. Virgin Islands (including St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas)

There are also parts of Latin America that are considered to be within the Caribbean — for instance, here is an epic itinerary for Cancun if you’d like to visit the Mexican Caribbean!

Q: How many islands are in the Caribbean?

The Caribbean region contains 700 islands organized into 28 different island nations. Not all of these islands are inhabited or accessible but that still leaves a lot to explore in this beautiful area!

Q: How do you travel between Caribbean islands?

One of the best ways to travel between Caribbean islands is by ferry or boat. Several companies offer ferries between Caribbean islands, particularly those that are closest in distance to each other. For example, there are several weekly ferries between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic as well as daily service between the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.

If you’re planning on spending a few days in each destination and want to plan your own itinerary, ferries are the way to go. Another great way to island-hop is via cruise ship. Though you won’t have much control over your itinerary, cruises are a great way to visit several Caribbean islands in a short amount of time, particularly those not easily accessible by ferry.

Direct flights between Caribbean islands can be hard to come by but are available. You’ll have the most luck finding flights for a Western Caribbean island-hopping adventure between islands like St. Martin and Guadeloupe.

Q: What is the best month to go to the Caribbean?

Winter and early spring are considered the best times to go to the Caribbean. The dry season makes for beautiful warm weather without the humidity and threat of hurricanes that the summer season brings.

Winter is also peak tourist season in most Caribbean destinations, so places tend to be more crowded and prices can be higher.

If you’re looking for the best prices — and the quietest beaches — you may want to hold off until May once Spring Break season and the Easter holidays have passed.

Q: What are the most dangerous Caribbean islands?

Though beautiful and culturally rich, Jamaica has a reputation for being one of the most dangerous Caribbean islands. The country has a high homicide rate compared to the global average and crime is common in certain areas. As such, a trip to Jamaica may require a higher level of vigilance than other destinations.

The Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago have similar reputations for crime. Most state departments recommend exercising increased caution in these countries.

Q: Which Caribbean islands are the cheapest to visit?

While the Caribbean is known for its lavish beach resorts, you can find some great deals when traveling to certain islands. Your money will go farthest at up-and-coming destinations in the Southern Caribbean like Martinique, Curacao, Trinidad, and Tobago, and Grenada. Here, you can enjoy free beach access, delicious street food, and reduced hotel rates as well as each island’s unique cultural offerings.

Puerto Rico is also a less expensive option in the Caribbean for American travelers, as many low-cost American airlines offer regular flights to the island.

Also note that when planning a Punta Cana itinerary you can find great deals on all-inclusive vacations, especially if you travel outside of peak season.

Q: What is the cheapest month to go to the Caribbean?

The least expensive months to travel to the Caribbean are June through November, during the heart of hurricane season. Though while you’ll find some great deals on hotels and flights during this time, you’ll need to contend with the humidity and the risk of severe storms.

The best way to avoid any bad weather during this time is to visit islands outside of the hurricane belt such as the ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.

Q: What are some top Caribbean points of interest?

The top points of interest for any Caribbean island are usually its beautiful beaches! You’ll find some of the most gorgeous beaches throughout the Caribbean, with soft white sand and clear waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Relaxing on the beach is the number one activity in the Caribbean for a reason.

Beyond the beach, many Caribbean islands have other natural wonders to explore, like towering volcanoes and lush rainforests. You’ll find some great hiking throughout the region, so make sure to get out and explore!

Oh, and you can’t miss the incredible luxurious Caribbean wellness retreats across and islands!

Q: What is the rainy season in the Caribbean?

The rainy season in the Caribbean takes place through summer and fall, from June 1st to November 30th.

Q: What are the West Indies islands?

The West Indies islands are comprised of three major groups of islands: the Greater Antilles (Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico); the Lesser Antilles (the Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, and Grenada); and the North American and South American continental shelves (The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos to the North, Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao to the South).

What would you add to this Caribbean travel guide?

Ultimate CARIBBEAN ISLANDS Travel Guide

The concept of the Caribbean Islands seems relatively simple at first. It’s a geographic area that defines the islands within the Caribbean Sea and would be considered part of North America .

But actually, it’s much more than this, because the Caribbean is a part of the world that is not just defined by geography, but by the deep-rooted politics, languages, and cultures of the 28 different nations that encompass over 7000 islands.

And that’s before you even begin to look at the broader definition of the Caribbean, which can include any of the Central and South American nations which have long coastlines that line the Caribbean Sea.

It’s a complex beast, and the complexity is vividly displayed across the multitude of different countries that can be included under Caribbean Islands travel, some of which are technically in the Atlantic!

The Caribbean Islands themselves are generally grouped into distinct regions.

The Lucayan Archipelago is found in the north-west, bordering the Atlantic, and comprises the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos.

The Greater Antilles is where you will find the Caribbean’s largest islands, including Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

The Lesser Antilles comprises the easternmost islands of the Caribbean, which in turn is split into three more groupings, which are the Leeward Islands, Windward Islands and the Lesser Antilles.

Luckily, cruise ships had the sense to place all these different groupings into more sensible geographical groupings, and the Caribbean can be easier defined for travel purposes in terms of the Western, Eastern, Northern, and Southern Caribbean areas, as well as their historic designations.

Destinations

Caribbean travel: quick tips, don’t visit the caribbean without:.

UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTER

GET A GUIDEBOOK

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

CARIBBEAN ISLANDS BUCKET LIST

Parasailing in barbados.

Getting a birds-eye view of the Caribbean is an experience you will not forget! From that height you can see deep into the ocean, spotting turtles, sharks, and large fish. You also get a unique view of the coastline making this a must-do in Barbados. 

CHASE WATERFALLS IN DOMINICA

Dominica is an island of nature and one of our favorites in the Caribbean! The lush interior features some of the largest waterfalls of all the islands and hiking to them is a true adventure of discovery that you cannot miss. 

EXPLORE HAVANA, CUBA

Havana is a real-life time capsule and not something you can see every day. Steeped in history, culture, and architecture, this is one of the most unique places in the Caribbean. Beyond Havana, you’ll find places like Trinidad and Vinales that will offer you wonder and intrigue.

MORE THINGS TO TRY IN THE CARIBBEAN

There is no shortage of great things to do in the Caribbean during your visit and the biggest problem you’ll face is fitting them all into your itinerary.

Each city has it’s own offering and unique things to check out during a visit, so be sure to look at our city guides once you decide where you’re itinerary will take you.

GO ZIP LINING IN ROATAN:   Soaring above the lush jungles of Honduras is a definite highlight of any Caribbean itinerary. The course in Roatan is built with several segments, meaning this adventure lasts much longer than any single zip line. You’ll get to be above the tree canopy with incredible views of the ocean.

SLOW DOWN IN CAYE CAULKER:  It’s all about island time when you visit  Caye Caulker, Belize . There are some yummy local restaurants, white sand beaches and some fantastic snorkeling to be had here. It is also a great place to access the Hol Chan Marine Park from.

SEE THE STINGRAYS IN GRAND CAYMAN:  Stingray City is steeped in history, as this sandbar has always been a place where fisherman clean their catch. As a result, many stingrays gather in this area and you have the opportunity to snorkel and swim with them. If you do this, though, be respectful and do not touch them.

GO DEEP SEA FISHING:  While it’s possible to go deep-sea fishing on any number of Caribbean Islands, we have gone in Cozumel. We recommend booking a half-day charter with a group of friends. The crew will take care of all the hard work and you get to enjoy the run of reeling in the catch.

VISIT BRIMSTONE HILL FORTRESS IN ST KITTS:  Lesser known than the massive forts in Puerto Rico is this fortress located in St Kitts. Brimstone is strategically placed in the center of the island at the highest point, giving spectacular views of the island. Much of the fort is intact, including large rows on cannons that point out over the sea.

HIKE IN EL YUNQUE RAINFOREST:  El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest that is part of the USA, and it covers a large portion of the eastern side of Puerto Rico. This park is full of fantastic hiking trails, drives, scenic overlooks and waterfalls to enjoy during a visit.

SAIL THE VIRGIN ISLANDS:  This is one of the top activities to do in the Caribbean, and the Virgin Islands, both the US and British, offer prime clusters of islands for sailing trips. You’ll visit the larger port towns and stop in the popular bays. However, you’ll also find yourself enjoying sandbars with only the people on your boat. This experience offers a great balance for experiencing the islands.

BEACH HOP IN ANTIGUA:  Antigua touts itself as having as many beaches as there are days in the year, so you should have no problems spending your days hopping from one glorious beach to the other. Just make sure you leave time to visit Shirley Heights and learn about the history of the island too.

TOUR MASSIVE FORTS IN PUERTO RICO:  Puerto Rico offers up some of the most impressive and massive forts in the Caribbean. Acting as a strategic stronghold, the Spanish fortified the entire coastline of what today stands as the capital city of San Juan. It is possible to tour and visit the first today, learning the colonization history that goes along with them.

SLIDE DOWN DUNN RIVER FALLS IN JAMAICA:  This has to be the singular most famous natural attraction in the Caribbean. Dun River Falls breaks free from the jungle in central Jamaica, leaving a prime opportunity to use it as a waterslide into the pool below. It’s the perfect place to cool off when you’re in the tropics. Just note, it’s popular and you won’t be alone.

CARIBBEAN FESTIVALS

The Caribbean is always a lively and colorful place, and each country and each island has its own unique festivals and celebrations throughout the year.

In February it’s  Carnivale  season across the Caribbean Islands, as many countries hold celebrations and let loose just before Lent begins. Great Carnivals to attend are in Puerto Rico and Cuba.

Christmas and New Year  are always a great time to be in the Caribbean, while across the region you can find different festivals every month.

In November, you can experience the  Pirate Festival  in the Cayman Islands, in June Barbados holds their lively  Crop Over Festival , while in May, Grenada hosts a loud and lively  Drum Festival  that attracts musicians from across the Caribbean.

PLAN THE ULTIMATE CARIBBEAN ISLANDS ITINERARY!

Popular regions in the caribbean islands, western caribbean.

The Western Caribbean is one of the most popular itineraries when it comes to Caribbean Island travel. This area includes all of the Caribbean islands that lie in the western part of the sea, so that means  Cuba , Jamaica, and the  Caymans . The western portion though, also includes the Caribbean coast of Mexico, in particular, destinations such as  Cancun  and the  Mayan Riviera . It also includes the Honduran island of  Roatan , and potentially  coastal Belize  too.

SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN

The Southern Caribbean is made up of the islands of Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire, which are all found just off the coast of South America. Travel in this region can also take into account trips that count southeastern Caribbean Islands travel in the itinerary too, so places such as Trinidad and Tobago, and Grenada

EASTERN CARIBBEAN

The Eastern Caribbean is anything east of Cuba, beginning with Hispanola, which is an island divided between the nations of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. This is where you’ll find many of the most iconic destinations in the Caribbean Islands, including classic places such as  Barbados , Trinidad and Tobago,  Antigua , the  US Virgin Islands , and many more. You can find a range of languages, cultures, and heritage, and each island is very different from its neighbors.

COASTAL CARIBBEAN

This area comprises the mainland coastal areas that are often included in many Caribbean travel itineraries both by land and sea. This area spans Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and their satellite islands that pepper the Caribbean Sea.

NORTHERN CARIBBEAN

The Northern Caribbean is really the Greater Antilles, which includes all the large islands such as  Cuba  and  Puerto Rico  (which also fall into itineraries covering eastern and western routes). It can also count the islands further to the north, which are technically in the Atlantic, such as the Bahamas and the  Florida Keys . There’s a fair amount of overlap when it comes to Caribbean Islands travel planning but don’t let this deter you, especially if you’re cruising. You really cannot go wrong with any of the islands.

CARIBBEAN TRAVEL BUDGET

Setting a budget for travel to the Caribbean is highly dependent on your travel style. It is possible to visit just about anywhere in the Caribbean Islands on any budget and still have a great trip. That said, you can make your trip as basic or as luxurious as you desire.

To help you set your budget, we’ve included some base range price estimations for travel within the islands. Of course, keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on seasons, availability and festivals.

ACCOMMODATION:  Varies by type and rating. Generally, you can expect  a local guesthouse to be around $100 USD per night,  mid-range hotels  from $200 USD per night and  luxury hotels  to be from $300 USD per night.

ATTRACTIONS : Costs vary. Snorkel and mask rental is approximately $10 USD per day. ATV island tour, from $75 USD. Kayak tour, from $50 USD. Many natural attractions are free though.

TRANSPORTATION:  The most popular method of travel around the Caribbean Islands is by bus or rental car. The  local bus  $3 USD.  Car rental  varies by length of time and generally average around $25 USD per day for a compact. Taking the  interisland ferries  will vary depending on route, but tend to be around $80 USD (Antigua to Barbuda).

FOOD:  Food will vary widely depending on your tastes and what restaurants you choose to visit on your trip. Generally, though, you can expect to find  street food or local restaurants  for around $5 to $15 USD per meal, take a meal in a  resort or hotel restaurant  for $30 USD per person and pay around $3 USD for a  beer .

150 USD PER DAY

Staying in cheap hotels in the offseason, eating local food, or cooking own food and transport to a few attractions.

250 USD PER DAY

Staying in nicer hotels. Eating restaurant meals. Enjoying a few tours, attractions, and activities each day of your trip.

400 USD + PER DAY

Staying in resorts with beach views, in peak season. Enjoying lots of activities and eating out or staying all-inclusive.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE CARIBBEAN ISLANDS

Below you will find some of the places we have stayed during our travels in the Caribbean. These are individual properties that we enjoyed and would recommend to other travelers.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN THE CARIBBEAN

There are a few ways to get around the Caribbean Islands during a visit, including cruises, ferries and flights. Despite most of the islands being small, there is a surprising number of ways to island hop. That said, it won’t be cheap and may require connections on other islands. Plan ahead and be flexible.

CRUISES:  The classic way to fulfill your Caribbean Islands travel plans, is to join a cruise. In fact, if you are looking to see lots of different islands in a short space of time, then this is the best option, even if you aren’t a fan of cruise ships. There are countless itineraries you can join, with some taking in just the Western Caribbean or the Eastern Caribbean, and longer, extended cruises taking in the all the islands imaginable.

BUS:  Most islands will have public buses available, although you’ll find that generally, they are just used by locals. It’s a great experience though, and although the public buses can be crowded, you can get around for a fraction of the cost of a taxi or of car hire. 

CAR RENTAL:  On the islands themselves, you might want to consider renting a car to get around. Most islands – aside from the larger islands in the north, such as Cuba – can be driven around in a day, and you’ll be able to stop off and explore as and when you like. Check out  Discover Rental Cars  for great deals.

FLIGHTS:  Many of the islands are connected to one another by light aircraft, or in the case of bigger islands, by more traditional air carriers too. Many routes will see aircraft stopping off at different airports across the Caribbean, and in general, you can find routes from most islands. The main carriers in the region are LIAT and Caribbean Airlines. From further afield, many islands are also connected to South America ,  Central America , North America, and Europe . There are plenty of direct flights to larger islands, but others may require changes, and may not have regular international schedules.

FERRIES:  While it would seem that island hopping should be an easy way to travel around the Caribbean, in fact, it’s quite a challenge, and it wouldn’t be possible to visit every single island out there just using boats or ferries. Several islands are connected by Caribbean ferries – such as Antigua and Barbuda, and many of the islands in the Bahamas – but many more are not. If you have time and endless amounts of patience, then you can try and catch mail boats and cargo ships across the Caribbean, or you can try and hitch rides on yachts, but you will need an adventurous spirit and no fixed plans for this to work.

TOP CARIBBEAN TOURS

West indies explorer cruise.

11 Days from San Juan, Puerto Rico Visits: Puerto Rico, BVI, St Kitts, St Lucia, Barbados, Antigua, Dominica & USVI

ICONIC SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE

13 Days from Miami, Florida Visits: Florida, Aruba, Curacao, St Lucia, St Kitts, US Virgin Islands & Puerto Rico

THREE ISLAND CARIBBEAN TOUR

10 Days from Worthing, Barbados Visits: Barbados, Grenada & St Lucia

WHEN TO VISIT THE CARIBBEAN ISLANDS

Being spread across the equator, the Caribbean region experiences warm weather all through the year, with consistent temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees celsius.

Alongside the warm weather, rain can generally be easy to predict in the Caribbean, with most of it falling between June and November, and the worst occurring in Hurricane Season.

Hurricane Season  runs in the Caribbean from June to November, coinciding with the wet season, however, the worst only hits the islands between August and October, and these are the months to avoid.

Head south though, between August and October and you can still safely visit islands like Trinidad and Tobago, which generally avoid any hurricanes.

The  busiest time for Caribbean Islands  travel is always from December to May, when the weather is warm, but not overbearingly hot and the weather is dry. There’s almost no chance of rain, and so it’s the perfect time to visit.

In particular, December and January are always exceptionally busy, as tourists flock to the Caribbean to escape the cold weather in the Northern Hemisphere, and especially so during the Christmas holidays when families have time off from work.

PACK LIKE A PRO ON YOUR NEXT CARIBBEAN TRIP!

Safety in the caribbean islands.

Safety can vary from island to island. If you are staying in touristy areas or resorts, then you’ll be quite safe from harm, but you will want to keep an eye on your personal belongings, as opportunistic theft can be a problem.

In some of the cities on particular islands, you may want to stay clear of certain districts and be careful at night, while some destinations – such as Haiti – just have downright terrible reputations all around.

With travel to more than 100 countries on all 7 continents, we have plenty of advice to ensure your trip goes smoothly! Be sure to check out:  25 Essential Safety Tips for Travel

CARIBBEAN ISLANDS TRAVEL: BOOKING RESOURCES

Caribbean travel guide: related articles.

Looking for more info? Check out all the articles we’ve written on travel to Caribbean and start planning your dream trip.

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The Ultimate Guide to Caribbean Island-Hopping

See recent posts by Lilly Graves

Ever dream of visiting multiple islands in the Caribbean on the same vacation, without sharing space with hundreds (er, thousands) of cruisers who are on the same ship and trip? You’re off to a good start. The close proximity of the Caribbean islands makes it the perfect base for a freedom-filled island-hopping adventure with various activities, cultures, and island vibes to choose from. From golden sandy beaches and water sports to barefoot restaurants and rum shops, this famously laid-back Caribbean lifestyle is ideal for a tailor-made trip—and there are several itineraries ranging from budget-friendly to splurge-worthy. Below we’ve listed four Caribbean island-hopping itinerary ideas, along with some tips and tricks. 

Caribbean Island-Hopping Itinerary #1: Use Public Ferries

Though not technically part of the Caribbean (it’s actually part of the North Atlantic), the Bahamas exudes everything you think of when dreaming of a Caribbean vacation. The island group is comprised of more than 700 stunning subtropical islands as well as thousands of cays. Of course, having your own boat or prop plane to explore the Bahamas is the best-case scenario, but if you’re not part of the one percent, we’ll give you a transportation option that is easy-peasy and won’t break the bank: the public ferry.

Nassau: Begin your adventure in the country’s capital, Nassau, 184 miles from Miami. This bustling capital city hub provides a nice mix of city and island life, as well as Bahamian culture and lifestyle. You can either stay a night or two on this island (New Providence) or head to neighboring Paradise Island—home of the Atlantis mega-resort and its gigantic waterpark, as well as a handful of other properties. If you don’t stay on Paradise Island, make sure to head across the bridge, which charges a nominal fee, and spend some time on Cabbage Beach. This is one of the world’s most famous stretches of sand for a reason.

Harbour Island: Now that you’ve seen two of the country’s more popular islands, next, take a morning ferry from Nassau to Harbour Island, via BahamasFerries.com, where you’ll find small island charm and long stretches of soft pink sand. There are some wonderful boutique hotels here that offer easy access to the beach. You can also spend time wandering through the quiet streets looking for pastel-hued cottages and unique architecture with nothing more than the occasional chicken and golf cart in your path.

Eleuthera: Since Harbour Island is located just off a much bigger island—Eleuthera—you can head there next, by water taxi (a short and cheap ride) to finish the trip in the pineapple capital of the world. Locals say that the Gregory Town pineapple claims to be the sweetest on the planet, and it is believed that the Bahamas was the first country to produce the fruit. While here, visit the Glass Window Bridge—a thin pathway connecting the rough Atlantic Ocean and the calm waters of the Bight of Eleuthera for striking photo ops. From here, take the ferry back to Nassau.

Exuma: You can finish the trip in Nassau (that’s four key islands) or continue the journey (optional) through more remote areas of the Bahamas. For instance, take another ferry from Nassau to Georgetown (Exuma Island), or jump on a 40-minute commercial flight to Great Exuma, via Bahamasair . Either way, the Exumas consists of 365 islands and is known for swimming pigs, nurse sharks, colorful fish, coral reefs, and other marine life, as well as boating excursions, on-island tours, and miles of rarely-visited beaches—in other words, plenty of Caribbean activities to keep you busy for days.

Our Bahamas Hotel Pick : The Cove at Atlantis

Caribbean Island-Hopping Itinerary #3: Book Through a Tour Operator

For the easiest island-hopping itinerary, book through a tour operator. Sure, this alleviates some of the adventure factors of planning your own trip, but you’ll still be on your very own multi-island vacation without the cruise ship crowds. Check out companies like Abercrombie & Kent, G Adventures , or the U.K.-based company Tropic Breeze for various sailing excursions and options.

One affordable G Adventures sailing trip ($1699 at the time of publishing) buys an unforgettable eight-night trip sailing around St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Since resorts are generally so expensive year-round, sleeping on a catamaran keeps costs low AND allows easy access to hidden coves, isolated beaches, and snorkeling sites. Oh, and the cook makes fresh Creole cuisine for a taste of island life every night. Yum.

Our St. Lucia Hotel Pick: Sugar Beach, A Vicer oy Resort

Caribbean Island-Hopping Itinerary #3: Plan your Own One-Way Adventure

So you consider yourself a savvy trip planner and want to create your own Caribbean island-hopping itinerary? That can be tricky. Finding direct flights between Caribbean islands can either be difficult, expensive—or both, but there are options. This sample itinerary allows you to see four French Caribbean islands, accessed with affordable, direct, one-way flights—in one fell swoop.

St. Martin: You’ll arrive first at St. Martin, an island divided between the French Republic and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We recommend staying on the French side due to its romantic restaurants, charming boutiques, and sandy beaches (the Dutch side, where you’ll fly into, is known as the party side).

St. Barts: After a few days on St. Martin, hop aboard a quick 15-minute flight to St. Barts, where you’ll land on one of the shortest runways in commercial aviation. If this sounds scary, you can choose the efficient 45-minute ferry crossing from St. Martin instead. However you choose to travel, arriving at St. Barts (or St. Barths as the locals call it) will offer laid-back luxury and French refinement. Spend a few days exploring some of the 16 beaches, each with its own distinct personality, and of course chic boutiques and restaurants. (In other words, prepare to splurge a bit more on this leg of the trip.)

Guadeloupe: From St. Barts, take a one-way flight to Guadeloupe. This French territory with 12 islands offers plenty of deserted beaches and jungle hikes. The main two islands (joined by bridges) are Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, which form a butterfly shape from above.

And beyond: Depending on how much time you have, from Guadeloupe, you can access other islands like Martinique, St. Lucia, and Antigua by purchasing affordable, one-way flights on carriers like LIAT and Caribbean Airlines .

Our St. Barths Hotel Pick: Cheval Blanc Saint Barth

Caribbean Island-Hopping Itinerary #4: Charter a Private Boat

Chartering a private sailboat or yacht to enjoy a Caribbean island-hopping vacation for a small group or family is about as dream-worthy (and splurge-worthy) as it gets. Check out family operations like BlueFoot Travel for direct bookings, or Ritzy Charters , which acts as a community marketplace for yacht and sailboat charters. You can browse a dizzying array of options to choose your perfect boat and crew with photos and reviews. It’s like booking your own private cruise.

The British Virgin Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands are some of the top places to sail in the Caribbean, thanks to excellent trade winds, crystal-clear blue water, and intricate coral reef systems. The B.V.I. and U.S.V.I. are also a lot closer together than many other island destinations, with travel times often under an hour. Whichever locations you decide to add to your yacht charter itinerary there are plenty of exciting things to do on every island.

One eight-day sample itinerary sets sail from St. Thomas where you’ll cruise to a beach in Trunk Cay, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Offshore you can snorkel at the Coral Reef Underwater Park Trail, which has underwater signs explaining the types of sea life you may encounter. On land, hike trails leading to old sugar plantations, or visit the snack bar on the beach. From there, sail to a friendly marina in Tortola with cafes, bars, shops, and restaurants, and then continue to a chain of southern islands in the B.V.I. Peter Island, the largest of the seven, is a popular spot for yachts and has a number of beautiful beaches for water sports like kayaking, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and scuba-diving amongst the offshore reefs.

Your next stop is The Baths on Virgin Gorda, a beach full of fascinating geological formations where you can swim, snorkel, and explore until you work up an appetite. Later, on Jost Van Dyke, you’ll find some of the best places on the trip for nightlife and live music. You’ll then visit the lush landscapes of St. John’s Virgin Islands National Park, which covers nearly all of the island. Hiking trails wind their way through the vegetation and down to the pebble beaches. There are even ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks along the Reef Bay Trail. Aside from its natural and historical attractions, you can also find nice shops for souvenirs and upscale restaurants. The trip culminates back in St. Thomas where you’ll bid your crew (and new friends) a final farewell.

Our U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel Pick: Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort

Additional Caribbean Island-Hopping Tips & Tricks

When planning your own Caribbean island-hopping itinerary, make sure to stay at least two nights at each destination. Though ambitious types might want to cross as many places (and Instagram posts) off their list as possible, you’ll be missing the point. Caribbean vacations are meant to be relaxing.

Once you get a price quote for any tour or private transfer, it’s worth the effort to call around and get additional quotes. Be sure to ask about extra charges like dock, airport, and takeoff fees.

Many flights between islands could be on a prop plane. When it comes to riding in a prop plane, don’t be shy to ask about safety. Any reputable operator should have safety information readily available, and won’t mind answering questions about their pilots. Fliers should ask if the pilot (especially if there is no co-pilot) has any health issues and if the operator (or the plane itself) has had any accidents or incidents in its history.

When chartering a boat or booking a tour, do ask about customizing the itinerary. Many companies will try to accommodate your preferences.

Pack smart! When it comes to multiple car transfers, ferries, and small planes, weight matters. Don’t expect to bring two weeks of stuff for a week of vacationing in the Caribbean. If need be, consider doing some laundry by hand while you’re in one place for a few nights. You’ll travel lighter and happier!

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Caribbean Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 30, 2023

The Caribbean is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. It’s made up of over 5,000 islands, reefs, and cays, each with its own unique attractions and price ranges. Especially popular with North Americans fleeing the winter, the Caribbean is perfect for beach bums, honeymooners, and anyone looking to soak up the sun and enjoy the outdoors.

Unfortunately, there is a misconception that a vacation to the Caribbean is an expensive affair and that only luxury travelers and honeymooners can visit.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth. After all, this is a huge and diverse region and every island has something unique to offer. Sure, you can splash out here if you want. But you can also visit the Caribbean on a budget. It won’t be dirt cheap, but it doesn’t have to break the bank either.

With so many places to choose from in the Caribbean, you can definitely find an island that suits your interests and budget. Trust me. I’ve been to a lot of the countries in this part of the world (I love a good beach!).

This Caribbean travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in these stunning tropical paradises!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on the Caribbean

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Top 5 things to see and do in the caribbean.

1. Sail around the Virgin Islands

Spend a few days sailing to the remote islands that ferries don’t visit in the BVIs. You’ll get away from the crowds and discover hidden snorkeling spots. There’s ton of sailing options around this part of the world. Here’s how you can sail on the cheap .

2. Visit Havana, Cuba

Often eliciting images of revolutionary heroes, Havana is the largest city in the Caribbean. Lately the city has emerged as a tourist hotspot, rich in history, architecture, and culture. Wander the colorful streets of Old Havana, visit the Plaza de la Revolución, and walk the Malecón sea wall.

3. Hike the Pitons in St. Lucia

The Pitons are two dormant volcanoes: Gros and Petit Piton. The Gros Piton hike is a challenging two hours from 600 feet above sea level to the summit at 2,600 feet. You must have a guide, which costs $50 USD. Petit Piton is more difficult. A guide is also needed, which costs $70 USD.

4. Swim with pigs in the Bahamas

This group of world-famous pigs and piglets live on Pig Beach. Nobody knows how they got there as Big Major Cay is uninhabited and the pigs are not native to the island. Boat tours leave from Nassau and start around $220 USD for a full day. (Just be careful — they bite!)

5. See Trunk Bay, St. John

Frequently voted one of the best beaches in the world, Trunk Bay is picture perfect with white sands and clear water. It does cost a few dollars to get onto the beach, but the coral and marine life you see while snorkeling makes it all worthwhile.

Other Things to See and Do in the Caribbean

1. sample rum at the mount gay rum distillery in barbados.

Barbados is the birthplace of rum and Mount Gay is the oldest continuously running rum distillery in the world (they’ve been doing it for over 300 years). For $20 USD you can learn about the history and home of Mount Gay and taste a selection of their finest rums. You get huge discounts on their rum at the end too!

2. Learn about Reggae’s roots in Jamaica

Jamaica is home to reggae music, and there’s little chance of you going anywhere in Jamaica without hearing Bob Marley blaring in the background. Make the pilgrimage to his museum, the large house on Hope Road in Kingston, where he lived and worked between 1975-1981. You can learn more about the iconic Rastafarian’s life, with glimpses into his recording studio and bedroom. Admission is $25 USD.

3. Splash around Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica

This is the most popular visitor attraction in Jamaica. Located in Ocho Rios, these falls cascading over plateaus are 600 feet high and are absolutely stunning to see up close. For those who are adventurous, you can climb up them (it’s a bit slippery but not hard). If not, you can simply walk up the regular trail. Bring your bathing suit so you can swim in one of the many azure pools at the base of the falls. Entry $24 USD. You can also zipline nearby if you’re an adrenaline junkie (prices start at $25 USD).

4. Go snorkeling or diving

Divers and even snorkelers can visit shipwrecks and coral reefs in the waters surrounding the islands. In the Bahamas, the Tongue of the Ocean is an oceanic trench that runs along the entire length of the Andros Island coast. The wall of the trench leads to an almost 6,000-foot drop to the seabed where divers can get up close and personal with reef sharks as they swarm in to feed. Two-tank drives start from $120 USD. St. Lucia is another great place to explore the ocean for its clear waters and a vast array of sea creatures, including parrotfish, trumpet fish, and needlefish (especially in the Anse Chastanet Reef). Diving here costs start around $110 USD for a two-tank dive and snorkeling costs around $60 USD.

5. Go zip-lining in St. Lucia

If you’re looking for an adventurous break from sun-tanning, try ziplining through the rain forest canopy. Adventure Tours St. Lucia has a total of 12 lines, including the highest, longest, and fastest line on the island. There are also five net bridges and lots of opportunities to catch some gorgeous views over St. Lucia. A full day of ziplining is $90 USD.

6. Relax on Antigua

Antigua is one of the largest Caribbean islands, with over 365 pink and white beaches (including Dickenson Bay and Pigeon Point Beach). If you’re into sailing, sign up to be a deckhand or observe Sailing Week at the end of April, the world-renowned regatta featuring 150-200 yachts and more than 1,500 participants.

7. See the world’s “wickedest” city in Jamaica

Most travelers don’t venture into Jamaica’s eastern parish of Portland — it’s an area off the tourist trail and a nice alternative to the crowds on the coast. But if you do come here, the reward is quiet beaches, endless natural beauty, and friendly locals who aren’t afraid to chat you up. While you’re here, visit the Blue Lagoon, see Somerset Falls, and eat your weight in tasty jerk chicken in the town of Boston.

8. Kayak around the islands

One of the best ways to explore these islands is by water. One of the best kayaking experiences is with Clear Kayak in Aruba . Their clear-bottomed kayaks let you see the reefs and coral beneath you as you explore. Prices vary by island (and sometimes your hotel may have some rent them out), but you can expect to pay around $100 USD for a full-day tour.

9. Pretend you’re a pirate in Bahamas

If you’re looking for more pirate culture, check out the Pirates of Nassau Museum in the Bahamas. The Golden Age of Piracy lasted for around thirty years, from 1690 to 1720, and much of that was centered around the Bahamas (specifically Nassau). You can walk around replica pirate ships, visit the dungeon, and learn through interactive exhibits about how pirates like Blackbeard set up base here between 1690 and 1720. Admission is $13.50 USD.

10. Go nude at Salomon’s Beach in St. John

Once a secluded nude beach, authorities have been cracking down in recent years on anyone caught not wearing clothing (fines are around $100 USD). Nevertheless, many people push their luck anyway and hit the sand in nothing but their birthday suit. There are usually just half a dozen people here at a time, though it’s often deserted too. Are you bold enough to risk getting fined?

11. Lose yourself in the clouds in Jamaica

Holywell National Park is Jamaica’s only national park. It lies in the Blue Mountain region and offers several short treks that take you up into a cloud forest brimming with colorful birds (like hummingbirds!) and screeching monkeys. The hike to the summit is challenging and takes around seven hours (and costs $20 USD). There are also coffee plantations and farm tours available here too (costing around $25 USD). A short drive from Kingston, this tropical park can easily be visited in one afternoon. Park entrance is $10 USD. You can also book a night in one of the many cabins in the park for around $85 USD per night.

12. Celebrate Carnival in St. John

St. John’s Carnival takes place in late June and traditionally culminates with a 4th of July parade, as Islanders also celebrate the United States’ Independence Day. It features mocko jumbies, calypso music, the crowning of Ms. St. John, and the Carnival King. Spectacular fireworks are shot into the air at the festival. It’s a huge party and the island fills up so be sure to book your accommodation in advance.

13. Explore the Hato Caves in Curaçao

These caves were once hiding spots for escaped slaves who would hide in them for weeks or even months at a time. Before the arrival of Europeans and the slave trade, the indigenous used the caves and left petroglyphs. You can take a guided tour and see the stalagmites, stalactites, and cave drawings, which date back over 1,500 years. Admission is $9 USD, including the tour.

14. Visit the Baths in the British Virgin Islands

The Baths are a beach area on Virgin Gorda. After crawling through a tiny opening, you’ll be surrounded by gigantic granite boulders nestled on each other with streams of water flowing all around them. After wading through, enjoy the calm and beauty of Dead Man’s Beach.

For information about specific destinations in the Caribbean, check out these guides:

• British Virgin Islands
• Saint Lucia

Caribbean Travel Costs

Accommodation – There aren’t many hostels or campgrounds to be found in the Caribbean as most islands don’t cater to budget travelers. For the ones that exist, a bed in a dorm with 4-6 beds costs about $30 USD per night. A dorm with eight beds or more costs from $20 USD per night. Private rooms start at about $40 USD per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and self-catering facilities.

Budget hotels with private bathrooms start at about $80 USD in St. Lucia, $40 USD in Jamaica and $110 USD in Curaçao. Most affordable hotel rooms on St. John start from $230 USD per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and some hotels also include free breakfast.

Airbnb is widely available all over the Caribbean. In Aruba , private rooms cost around $45 USD per night on Aruba and $60 USD in the Bahamas, while on St. John they start from about $110 USD. A full apartment on Curaçao starts at about $250 USD per night. Aruba averages about $110 USD per night for an entire apartment, while it’s as high as $200 USD per night in the Virgin Islands. As you can see, prices vary drastically!

Food – Food in the Caribbean varies depending on the island, though some staples are common across the region, including rice and beans, plantains, sweet potatoes, coconut, chicken, and fish. Seafood, naturally, plays a huge role. Influences from Africa and Europe abound, so expect an amalgam of fresh produce, seafood, meat stews, grilled meats, dumplings, and dried fish.

Many hotels and resorts around the Caribbean include free breakfast for guests. In Aruba, a sandwich at a café starts from about $3.50 USD, while you can grab a ham-and-cheese sandwich at Superfoods around the same. In the BVIs, the cheapest meal I saw around the islands was a small sandwich that cost $10-15 USD. However, you can find fresh fruit and fruit juices at food stalls all over the place for $1-2 USD.

A fast-food combo meal (think McDonald’s) costs $8-10 USD. In general, $10-15 USD gets you a fish or chicken plate or a burger, and a meal of conch fritters or a large plate of peas and rice costs from $7 USD.

For main courses, steak, fish, or seafood, you’re looking at $20 USD or more. At a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay between $35-50 USD for a fish or steak main course, and a glass of wine to wash it down is about $10 USD. A beer starts from $2 USD at most restaurants.

Avoid restaurants near cruise ports and resorts as prices will be much, much higher.

If you plan to cook your own meals, basic groceries for the week cost around $60-80 USD. This gets you basic staples like rice, beans, seasonal produce, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking the Caribbean Suggested Budgets

Prices for Caribbean travel vary greatly depending on where you are. You can find islands to fit any budget, but some places (like the Virgin Islands) is much harder to do on a shoestring.

If you’re backpacking the Caribbean, my suggested budget is about $75 USD per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm or camping (when available), cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, and sticking to mostly free activities like relaxing at the beach.

For places like Bahamas , British Virgin Islands , and St John , budget closer to $100 USD.

A mid-range budget of about $190 USD per day overs staying in a private Airbnb, eating out for some of your meals, doing some inter-island travel, enjoying a few drinks, taking the occasional taxi to get around, and doing more paid activities like diving or kayaking. In the more expensive islands add at least $75-100 USD to this budget.

On a “luxury” budget of about $355 USD per day in the cheaper islands or $400-500 USD in the more expensive ones, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, take taxis everywhere, do more inter-island travel, drink more, and do any activity you want as often as you want! This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

Caribbean Travel Guide: Money Saving Tips

While the individual country guides have more specific information on how to save money for each destination in the Caribbean, here are some general tips to help you backpack the Caribbean on a budget:

• Look for discounts and deals – Most individual Caribbean countries have whole sections dedicated to seasonal discounts and deals on their website (mostly for accommodations). Do a quick search, and see what you come up with. Packaged deals are especially popular.
• Use hotel points – Got hotel points? Use them! Hotels like Marriott and Hilton are found all over the Caribbean that can be booked with points. Free is always better than spending money. Here’s how you can get started earning points today!
• Stay with a local – To save money on accommodation, use Couchsurfing. You’ll not only get a free place to stay but you’ll get to meet a local who can share their insider tips and advice with you.
• Shop around – If you’re going snorkeling, shop around for the best price as equipment and tours can vary widely even along one beachfront. Consider bringing your own gear since rentals add up.
• Time your trip right – First of all, avoid spring break. If you visit during the American spring break season in March, everything costs 25% or more (not to mention you have to have to deal with all shenanigans those kids cause). That’s not the only thing to bear in mind, though. Prices can be as much as 50% cheaper for accommodation and activities in off- and shoulder seasons, so avoid the peak season to save money.
• Enjoy nature – Relax on the beach, go for a hike, or take in a sunset. The Caribbean’s natural beauty is breathtaking and free, so drink it in!
• Hitchhike on boats – Want to hop around the Virgin Islands? Hitchhike on the boats and save thousands of dollars. It’s easier to do than you think. Here is how to get started.
• Book online and in advance – If you’re planning on going diving, or doing any other expensive activities, be sure to check online for discounts beforehand. Some companies offer discounts for direct bookings. Also, last-minute accommodation bookings cost a fortune. If you can, book as far in advance as possible.
• Eat and drink locally – You’re on an island, local specialties such as grouper, mahi-mahi, and snapper are less expensive than other seafood options (plus, they’re fresh)! Imported alcohol can be expensive so sticking to local liquor if you’re going to be drinking keeps your costs down.
• Look for local deals and discounts and find free stuff – Some of the islands have discount cards available for purchase or tourism websites with a section for package deals and discount offers. Also, it’s worth finding out which bars offer happy hours and when to save money. In addition, many hotels offer free use of snorkeling equipment, include free breakfast, and arrange free or cheap organized excursions. Always ask to see what free stuff is available!
• Cook your own meals – Eating out for every meal ruins your budget. Cook your own meals to save money. It won’t be fancy, but you can use those savings for fun activities instead! In some places, BBQing on the beach is a popular local activity to add some variety to the cooking at home scene.
• Watch your transport costs – Taxis on many of the islands can really put a dent in your budget so avoid them if you can. Consider renting a car if public transportation options aren’t comprehensive enough for your plans as it may save money in the long run.
• Bring your own snorkel gear -Snorkel rentals can cost $7-10 USD per day. If you plan on doing lots of snorkelling, bring or buy your own equipment and it will pay for itself.
• Get dropped off – Taking a day sail but plan on heading to the next island after? Most tour companies will drop you off at no extra charge if the island is nearby.
• Travel with friends – Since accommodation is so expensive, I wouldn’t recommend going to these islands alone. If you do, your expenses are going to skyrocket. It’s much better to go with someone so you can split costs.
• Use local currency – When possible (and applicable), I recommend paying for anything in the local currency. You tend to get a better exchange rate than if you use stronger international currencies.
• Don’t drink the tap water – The tap water isn’t always safe to drink here. Bottled water adds up (and is bad for the environment) so bring a reusable bottle. LifeStraw make a bottle with a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in the Caribbean

Here are my favorite budget-friendly places to stay in the Caribbean:

• Hostel Room Aruba (Aruba)
• E Cas di Zoe (Aruba)
• The Towne Hotel (Bahamas)
• La Bamba (Curaçao)
• First Hostel Curaçao Curaçao)
• Mobay Kotch (Jamaica)
• Raggamuffin Hostel & Coffee Bar (Jamaica)
• Casa del Vega (St. Lucia)
• Somewhere Special Guesthouse (St. Lucia)
• Coconut Coast Villas (St. John)

How to Get Around Caribbean

Flying – Regional airlines can get you just about anywhere you need to go, especially to smaller airports in the Caribbean. Some of the best airlines include:

• Bahamas Air
• Caribbean Airlines
• interCaribbean
• Pineapple Air
• Jet Air Caribbean
• and Western Air

These routes are not exactly budget-friendly however. For example, a one-way flight from Nassau to Eleuthera starts from $105 USD, Curaçao to Kingston starts from $280 USD, and Barbados to Antigua is $200 USD. Flights between the Virgin Islands start from $245 USD each way with a stopover. One way from Aruba to Curaçao starts from $130 USD. Most islands don’t have direct flights between them every day so you need to be flexible with your transfer dates.

Ferry – The Caribbean surprisingly doesn’t have a lot of inter-island ferry transportation, but the ones available are more economical than flying (and more scenic). Some ferry companies include:

• Bahamas Ferries
• QE IV Ferry
• Road Town Fast Ferry
• L’Express des Iles

In the Lesser Antilles, you can take inter-island ferries between many of the islands, from the Virgin Islands all the way down to Trinidad and Tobago. There are ferries between the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands; Anguilla, Saba, and St. Martin; and Dominica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. Lucia; Antigua and Barbuda and Montserrat; and St. Kitts and Nevis.

A lot of people make St. Maarten their base so they take short ferry trips to Anguilla, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Bart’s. For example, the service from St. Maarten to Anguilla is from $20 USD each way.

In the Bahamas, ferry services range between $62-175 USD. A ferry ride between St. Lucia to Guadeloupe is from $113 USD. Ferries between the Virgin Islands cost as little as $8.15 USD each way.

The Bahamas also has mail boats (mailboatbahamas.com) that sail to the lesser inhabited islands, departing from Nassau to places like the Out Islands and Grand Bahamas, and you can hitch a ride overnight.

Sailing – The Caribbean islands see countless people who rent charter boats, hire captains, or sail their own boats around for as long as the wind can carry them. If you play your cards right, you can hop on someone’s boat — for FREE! You’d be surprised how often there’s a captain looking for some company on a sail, especially in exchange for cleaning or cooking.

If you’d rather do a sailing tour, there’s no shortage of them starting from about $130 USD per day.

When to Go to Caribbean

December to April are the busiest months across the Caribbean, and this is when hotel rates are the highest as people from the north flee harsh winter temperatures. On the other hand, the water visibility is perfect for diving and snorkeling. Average daily highs during this time are around 30°C (87°F).

May to November is the off-season across the Caribbean when accommodation and activity rates are up to 50% lower than in the peak season. The beaches are much less busy during this time, and temperatures are still hot and pleasant — averaging up to 32°C (89°F) in places like Curaçao and Aruba and 27°C (80°F )in the Bahamas.

In some places, you have to consider hurricane season (between June to the end of November). Places like the Bahamas and the Virgin Islands are in the hurricane belt, but other islands like Curaçao and Aruba are outside the hurricane zone. If you visit during hurricane season, make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance.

How to Stay Safe in Caribbean

The Caribbean is very safe for backpacking and solo traveling, but there are scams and petty crimes you should watch out for. Avoid wandering around certain areas alone at night, like Kingston (Jamaica) or San Nicolas (Aruba).

When on crowded public transportation, always keep an eye on your belongings. Never leave any valuables unattended on the beach either.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Be sure to pack sunscreen, including biodegradable sunscreen if you plan on snorkeling in coral reefs. You also need mosquito repellent, especially in certain areas where the risk of dengue fever or the Zika virus is high. Check to see if the U.S. State Department has any travel advisories listed for where you’re headed.

If you’re hiking, stick to the well-marked trails and bring lots of water. Armed robberies sometimes happen on less busy trails, so keep an ear out for any warnings in the area.

When it comes to eating and drinking, dysentery and hepatitis are risks when it comes to consuming contaminated food and water. Check the Center for Disease Control website for any warnings before you travel!

Scams are rare but can occur so check out my list of common travel scams to avoid so you can be prepared.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Caribbean Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Caribbean Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Caribbean travel and continue planning your trip:

9 Ways to Explore the Caribbean Sustainably

My 16 Favorite Things to Do in the Virgin Islands

Bermuda: The Impossible Budget Destination? Maybe Not!

How to Save (and Not Save) Money in the Virgin Islands

I Didn’t Like Curaçao (But I Didn’t Hate it Either)

The Best Places on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast

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• There are loads of types of vacations in Caribbean and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $701; Family vacation $662; Romantic vacation $802; Luxury vacation $823; Budget vacation $460.

Why should you book a vacation package to the Caribbean?

When should you book a vacation package to the caribbean.

The Caribbean experiences hot weather throughout the year with the highest rainfall being in May. The average temperature is about 81 degrees Fahrenheit and the months between January and April are the best for holidaying.

In these months after the conclusion of the most hectic season, vacation packages are cheaper. At year's end various carnivals take place on islands such as Curaçao and Aruba.

Where should you stay in the Caribbean during your vacation?

For any vacation type in the caribbean:.

If you prefer to explore the island of Aruba, then either an all-inclusive or a beachfront hotel is a good pick. The Marriot Resort is a beachfront hotel with a surf club, a spacious dining area, swimming pools, and a casino.

If you opt for the British Virgin Islands, then the beachfront Anegada Beach Club is a viable option. It houses a bar and restaurant within walking distance of a spectacular coral reef ideal for snorkeling. Both hotels offer an inclusive pick-up from the airport.

For family vacations in the Caribbean:

The Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort in Aruba is a 4-star, Dutch-themed hotel, be-fitting a family holiday. The rooms boast a kitchenette. Kids under 12 can share a single room with their parents at no extra cost.

If you travel to Bermuda, then you might want to book at the Coco Reef Resort. It has air-conditioned rooms and outdoor pools with a beachfront view. The resort has a private supervised beach, making it kid-friendly.

For romantic vacations in the Caribbean:

The Royal Palms hotel is a 19th-Century colonial manor designed in an 18th-century British architectural style. It has a wine cellar, beautiful gardens with sun loungers, and an outdoor swimming pool. The daily wine reception is a great way to spend a romantic evening.

The Flora Suite Hotel Curaçao is an adult only, all-suite establishment. It features a spa, two restaurants, and two bars, including a poolside bar. The Parasasa beach is a 6-minutes walk while the Blue Bay Curaçao Golf Resort is just over 4 miles away. The rooms have a wet bar and a stand-in tub while the living area is spacious enough for a romantic candle-lit dinner delivered by room service.

For luxury vacations in the Caribbean:

The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino is 7 miles from Queen Beatrix International Airport. Features include mini-bars, coffee makers, and balconies with an ocean view. There's also access to lounges with free happy hours, and the suites have pullout sofas.

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana is located in the Dominican Republic. It houses a casino, a beauty salon, a spa, a golf course, 13 pools, and 9 restaurants. Out of these restaurants includes a breezy Brazilian eatery and a Japanese grill. The upgraded suites have dining areas, whirlpool tubs, and butler service.

For budget vacations in the Caribbean:

The Rincon Of The Seas Grand Caribbean Hotel is located in Puerto Rico. It has beach access, tropical gardens, and an outdoor poolside bar. Any 2 children under 13 years of age can vacation with their parents in the same room at no extra cost, courtesy of sofa beds.

The Holiday Inn Resort Grand Cayman is a beachfront hotel with a scenic view of the ocean. It's located 5 1/2 miles from the Owen Roberts International Airport and 1 mile from the North Sound Golf Club. The rooms are equipped with coffee makers, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Relax in the pool bar after a session in the fitness room or tennis court.

Where to stay in Caribbean

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• A Beginners Guide To Island...

A Beginner's Guide to Island Hopping in the Caribbean

Freelance Caribbean Writer

You can easily take in a string of delicious Caribbean destinations on a single trip by mastering the art of island-hopping. Our guide to small island-hopping shows you how with must-visits and travel tips and learning more about the Caribbean culture.

Did you know you can now travel with Culture Trip? Book now and join one of our premium small-group tours to discover the world like never before.

The close proximity of the Caribbean’s small islands makes them ideal for a hop, skip and a jump from one to the other in a daisy chain of island explorations. Fancy diving down to a shipwreck in Aruba one day and getting up close with flamingos on Guadeloupe the next? Then read on…

Where to visit in the Caribbean

The island of St Martin (or St Maarten) is a great destination to start exploring the eastern side of the Caribbean. It’s divided roughly down the middle between the French Republic and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and so it offers visitors a two-nation vacation. The Dutch side of the island is known as the party side for hosting the Heineken Regatta, a four-day sailing race with concerts and other festivities. Meanwhile, in true French fashion, the other side of the island features quaint, romantic restaurants , designer boutiques and nude beaches .

From St Martin, journey to the islands of Anguilla and enjoy its secluded coves, before heading to St Barts to do some celebrity spotting and Saba , which is known for its diving site at Saba Marine Park. Puerto Rico, the jewel of the Caribbean, is also a popular choice. The island is known for its cuisine – a mixture of Spanish, African, and Taino – plus its strong rum.

Elsewhere, you can get pretty much anywhere in the Caribbean from San Juan (thanks to regional carriers such as Cape Air and Seaborne), and a number of islands are even closer by ferry and plane, such as Culebra, Vieques, British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands. The Dominican Republic is also only a very short flight away.

You can do all the island-hopping you want in the Guadeloupe Islands and stay within the same territory. This beautiful archipelago has five islands within easy reach by ferry and air from the main island of Grande Terre/Basseterre, each with its own character and flavor, from tiny Terre-de-Haut to beach paradise Marie Galante. From Guadeloupe, you can easily access the islands Dominica , Martinique and St Lucia below and Montserrat , St Kitts and Nevis , and Antigua and Barbuda.

The so-called ‘ABC’ islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao , at the western edge of the Leeward Antilles chain, are also a popular island-hopping loop. Aruba is a popular tourist destination with several big-name beach resorts; Bonaire is best known in scuba-diving circles for its spectacular undersea life; Curacao charms with its Dutch-influenced architecture.

Must-visits on your multi-island trip

St Martin is famed for its white-sand beaches but there’s one that stands out from the rest. Maho Beach, which lies near the airport, is where tourists come to photograph planes passing just feet above their heads as they swoop in to land. If you prefer natural wonders, catch the ferry to Pinel Island in St Martin’s Nature Reserve, where you’ll find palm-fringed sands and shallow waters ideal for snorkeling . To learn about the island’s Dutch heritage, take a trip to Fort Amsterdam near Philipsburg. Here, you can explore the ruins of this former military base and take in sweeping hilltop views.

There’s no shortage of historic sites in Puerto Rico . Start by touring grand La Fortaleza, the governor’s official residence, which was built between 1533 and 1540 to defend the harbor. Continue to the island’s longest-serving settlement, Old San Juan, a National Historic Site filled with 16th-century fortresses, cathedrals and cobbled streets. For a change of pace, you can hike rainforest trails to crashing waterfalls in El Yunque National Forest or relax in hillside thermal hot springs in Coamo. When the sun goes down, marvel at Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent waters in Mosquito Bay, which light up when touched.

If you’re visiting Guadeloupe , don’t miss Jardin Botanique. This seven-acre haven, in the heart of the islands, showcases exotic Caribbean flora and birdlife. Think bamboo forests and pink bougainvillea, flamingos and arboretums. If you can drag yourself away from Guadeloupe’s pristine beaches, spend a day at Carbet Falls in the National Park. These three waterfalls cascade down a mountain surrounded by tropical rainforests and hiking trails. Looking for the perfect sunset? Then head to Pointe des Châteaux, a clifftop peninsula on the eastern end of Grande-Terre where you can watch waves crash onto the rocks.

Divers flock to Aruba to explore its famous Antilla Shipwreck, a German war ship blanketed in coral and tube sponges. Aruba’s other key attraction is swanky Renaissance Island where pink flamingos tip-toe through the shallows. Hop over to Bonaire for more unspoilt Caribbean sands, including 1,000 Steps Beach and Klein Bonaire, a tiny uninhabited islet set in a marine park where turtles nest. Nearby Curacao is the perfect place to get a glimpse into the Caribbean’s Dutch past in its capital Willemstad, Unesco-listed for its colorful colonial architecture. Don’t miss Curacao’s Hato Caves either, which were formed over 300,000 years ago from marine coral limestone and contain Amerindian Arawak cave drawings.

How to travel

There are a few options for island-hopping in the Caribbean. The most popular is booking a cruise, but you can easily go it alone and create your own island-hopping loop by taking advantage of the numerous ferries that go back and forth between all of the islands.

Alternatively, charter a boat – it’s not as expensive as you might think. You don’t even need to know how to sail as many come with skippers included in the price.

Catching a flight should be your last resort. Though traveling by air to the smaller islands in the Caribbean is relatively inexpensive, it’s not environmentally friendly. This option makes sense only in cases where the islands have a significance distance between them.

Safety tips

If you are wondering when is the best time to visit Caribbean, this is what we recommend – it’s best to plan your island-hopping loop in either spring or at the beginning of summer, when the weather is calm. The Atlantic hurricane season starts in early June and runs until the end of November, while most of the storms hit during peak hurricane season between August and October.

Meanwhile, all major Caribbean islands have excellent mobile coverage. But for those islands with a very small population, such as Culebra and Vieques near Puerto Rico, a portable radio might come in handy. Sunscreen, mosquito repellant and bottled water should too always be in your luggage.

Amy Blyth contributed additional reporting to this article.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Best cheap caribbean vacations.

Visitors on a budget can still enjoy a tropical vacation thanks to perks like free beach access and frequent deals on airfare and hotels. To help you find the right island for the right price, U.S. News ranked the best cheap Caribbean vacations based on top recommendations from industry experts and everyday travelers. Vote for your ideal bargain Caribbean getaway below, and for additional ways to save money on a Caribbean getaway, check out these Caribbean cruise deals .  (Note: The U.S. Department of State advises tourists to reconsider travel to Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago due to crime; check the website for updates before booking your trip and be cautious if you do decide to travel here.)

Trinidad & Tobago

U.s. virgin islands, havana, cuba, st. kitts & nevis, santo domingo.

With optimal scuba diving conditions and protected coral reefs, Curacao is an aquatic lover's paradise. The island also appeals to outdoorsy types with its impressive flora and fauna, and to history buffs with its rich and unique Dutch and Jewish cultural heritage. Getting here can be pricey, but if you visit between May and November, you'll find steeply reduced hotel and flight rates. You can also snag deals on Curacao vacation rentals year-round. Stick to free activities like relaxing on Playa Lagun and checking out the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge for additional savings.

Jamaica has long been a prime destination for tourists thanks to its laid-back culture, impressive scenery and varied attractions. You may spend more money than you would in some other Caribbean destinations, but you can nab flight and hotel deals if you're willing to visit between June and November (hurricane season). Protect your investment by purchasing an affordable travel insurance plan before your trip. Or, arrive in April or May to enjoy budget-friendly prices without the threat of a hurricane. You may also find deals on all-inclusive resorts , which cover lodging, food, drinks and often more.

Vacationers enjoy the contrast between bustling Trinidad and serene Tobago. Plus, there's no shortage of lodging options on either of these two islands, meaning you can easily find a reasonable room rate in an area that appeals to you. If you're planning to visit for the Trinidad Carnival in February or early March, book your accommodations well in advance to secure lower rates. As far as affordable activities go, head to one of the free or low-fee beaches or take advantage of your hotel's pool to soak up some sunshine.

Martinique's variety of free attractions (think: Les Salines beach and St. Louis Cathedral) and budget-friendly street food vendors make it an excellent option for a cost-effective tropical vacation . Plus, you can find deals on many of the island's hotels for less than $150 a night – much cheaper than lodging found on other Caribbean islands. And the hotels typically include plenty of on-site amenities, such as idyllic pools, beach access and tasty eateries. However, staying in popular tourist spots like Les Trois-Îlets and Fort-de-France can be pricey, especially during the peak winter and spring months.

Travelers frequently crowd this American paradisiacal territory, but if you plan far enough in advance – at least a few months – and visit outside the peak winter season, you have a solid chance of scoring a great hotel or vacation rental deal in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Just steer clear of the ports of call: The Virgin Islands are a popular stopping point for cruises, and prices around the docks are often inflated. While you're here, take advantage of the destination's many free outdoor attractions like Virgin Islands National Park on St. John and Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge on St. Croix.

Grenada is often overlooked, meaning those who do visit can experience the island's white sand beaches and laid-back vibes without burning through their savings. Plus, it costs absolutely nothing to walk through Grenada's colorful capital, St. George's – including its aromatic Market Square – and swim in Grand Anse Beach's sheltered bay. The months from summer through fall are perfect times to visit: Deals on lodging and flights abound, and the island is less crowded. Save some extra coin by dining on fare from one of Grenada's local street vendors.   

Travelers planning a cheap Caribbean vacation should look no further than Havana. Not only is this vibrant Cuban city easy to navigate (many attractions can be found within a few miles of each other), but travelers can explore it at no cost on a free walking tour. When it comes to lodging, opt to stay with a Havana resident (these are called casas particulares); accommodations are regularly priced at less than $50 per night. Keep in mind, Americans will need a Cuba Tourist Card, a travel license, travel insurance and various customs forms to visit.

Finding a bargain in Barbados will require patience, especially if you plan to visit in winter. Warm temperatures, turquoise waters and lively festivals draw visitors in droves. If you can wait until May to experience the island, you'll find agreeable rates comparable to those available during hurricane season . To get the most bang for your buck, consider staying in one of Barbados' top-notch all-inclusive resorts . What's more, all of the island's 70-plus miles of white sand beaches are free to visit, regardless of where you stay.

These islands aren't the easiest to reach, but that's part of the appeal. With a lush rainforest to hike through and numerous beach bars serving tropical cocktails, there are plenty of ways to pass the time on culturally rich St. Kitts. Meanwhile, the quiet, secluded beaches in Nevis are perfect for relaxation. Finding affordable room rates in both locations is easy – you can often score hotel rooms for less than $200 per night – but keep in mind, some attractions and eateries close during the hurricane-prone summer months.

The capital of the Dominican Republic is an ideal destination for budget travelers. In addition to plenty of free or inexpensive attractions, such as the Zona Colonial and Los Tres Ojos National Park, visitors will find affordable room rates here for less than $100 per night. Plus, the city's favorable exchange rate ($1 is equal to roughly 55 Dominican pesos) makes it easy to make your dollars count. Just try to avoid traveling here during hurricane season, which lasts from about June to November; instead, time your visit between December and March to enjoy highs in the mid-80s.

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Experience the Heart and Soul of the Caribbean on This Island

With museum excursions, strolls through farmers’ markets, and displays of local artistry, immerse yourself in the distinctive character of the cayman islands..

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Oceanfront restaurants like Bacaro are a delicious way to experience the culture of Cayman Islands.

Courtesy of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

Vibrant culture, history, and heritage infuse the Cayman Islands and span its three islands, Grand Cayman , Cayman Brac , and Little Cayman . Its relationships to other countries over the centuries mean you’ll find British as well as Afro-Caribbean and Jamaican influences. (Jerk chicken, beef patties and ackee and saltfish are island staples.) People of more than 130 nationalities live in Cayman, which makes for global and fusion cuisine, a thriving arts scene, and distinctive architecture and customs.

Charming wattle and daub cottages, an 18th-century housing style, and churches dot the island. During the holidays, you’ll see yards filled with powdery white sand, raked into patterns and adorned with conch shells for a “ white Christmas .” Sights like these are the rich backdrop for museums, cuisine, and authentic experiences that will help give you a deeper understanding of what it means to be Caymanian on a trip here.

Discover history at Cayman Island museums and beyond

The Cayman Islands National Museum

Perusing the exhibits at the Cayman Islands National Museum in George Town is a fitting introduction to the cultural significance gleaned from the various inhabitants over the centuries. A collection of artifacts speaks to Cayman’s heritage of turtling, shipbuilding, and rope making, sea fossils and specimens highlight its geology and environment, and paintings and sculpture show how artists have interpreted it. You can also dive into the rich maritime history with a self-guided, driving tour of the Maritime Heritage Trail with stops across three islands, including the Wreck of the Ten Sail in Grand Cayman, the Cayman Brac Lighthouse, and Christopher Columbus’ first sighting of the Cayman Islands in Little Cayman.

Rope, brooms, and other items woven from local palms during thatch classes

Visit Pedro St. James in Savannah, a heritage museum housed in an 18th-century plantation house that’s known as the “birthplace of democracy” in the Cayman Islands. It’s also the former home of the island’s governors. During thatch classes held periodically at the Mission House Historic Site, learn from local artisans how to weave a hat, basket, or rope from the silver thatch palm, a local species used here for centuries for thatched roofs and goods.

Pedro St. James

Art, storytelling, and music

Cayman has a thriving art scene with its own national orchestra, dance company, and drama society. At the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands , you can find inspiration amid the permanent and rotating collections from Cayman artists that reveal the islands’ history through portraits, paintings, photographs, and traditional crafts. During Gimistory , a roving festival that takes place at venues in the different districts around Grand Cayman, professional storytellers from around the world gather to regale festivalgoers with folklore, myths, and legends that provoke laughter, imagination, and drama.

The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands

But you don’t have to head to a museum or a festival to revel in Cayman’s artistic expression. Catch tunes by local musicians while enjoying happy hour or dinner at an area restaurant . You’ll find live music every night of the week. On the weekends, spots like Ms. Piper’s Kitchen + Garden in George Town, Next Door in Camana Bay, and Saint June and Silver Palm on Seven Mile Beach are all particularly lively.

Taste Cayman flavors

Camana Bay is a vibrant spot for food, drinks, live music, and shopping

If food is the best window into a culture, Cayman offers abundant opportunities for delicious cultural immersion. Browse stalls of freshly caught fish, homemade pepper jelly, tangy escovitch sauce, and locally grown produce including cassava, callaloo, and calabash at farmers’ markets at the Cricket Grounds or Camana Bay . Pick up still-warm coconut rolls or a loaf of banana bread at the beloved Pioneer Bakery in Cayman Brac.

For more baked goods, tour the factory at Tortuga Rum Cakes, where you’ll learn how they make the ubiquitous treats found in shops and duty-free stores in the Caribbean and beyond. The experience ends with a sampling of different flavors, including the classic Golden Original Rum Cake.

When it’s time for a meal, book a picturesque table on a veranda by the water at Cayman Cabana in George Town, where you can enjoy a family-style, four-course farm-to-table dinner with local and sustainable ingredients like snapper, guava, and Scotch bonnet peppers. Or sit under a palapa in Bodden Town at Grape Tree Café , a thatched-roof beachfront shack, for an order of local favorites such as fried fish and fritters or ackee and saltfish.

12 Safest Caribbean Islands to Visit in 2024

A trip to a Caribbean island is like being transported to another world. You’re surrounded by peaceful and majestic waves, exotic flora, and gorgeous views. In a few short days, you forget all about school, work, and taxes.

But there’s one crucial step to remember in preparation for your trip; not all Caribbean islands are safe . For instance, the dual-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago is incredibly beautiful, but also a dangerous place with high crime rates .

No worries though, there are plenty of safe Caribbean Islands such as:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• The Cayman Islands
• St. Barts (Saint-Barthélemy)
• The British Virgin Islands
• Saint Lucia
• Turks and Caicos
• Sint Maarten (Saint-Martin)
• Saint Kitts and Nevis

These islands share two distinct wellbeing concerns:

• The hurricane season : In the Caribbean, the period between June and November is the rainy season. In this season, storms may quickly turn into catastrophic hurricanes. This makes June – November the worst time to visit the Caribbean .
• Insect-borne diseases : Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya are commonplace all over the Caribbean. To avoid them, make sure your lodgings are insect-proof and always carry an insect repellent with you.

Still, there are nuances in the safety restrictions that vary across the islands. How safe are the roads? Are the Caribbean islands LGBTQI-friendly? Should you worry about getting ripped off? Let’s find out.

What are the Safest Caribbean Islands to Travel?

1. anguilla.

The US Department of State puts Anguilla in Level 1 threat category, which means that there’s little to no threat present to tourists. The advisory deems it safe for tourists to proceed by exercising normal caution: staying away from non-central places during the night, not carrying too much cash on their person, drinking responsibly, and not petting or poking any wildlife, no matter how cute they seem .

Similarly, statistics show that there’s little crime on the island except for people dealing or using narcotics, but this is not common. The island, especially the tourist-condensed areas, is safe to walk around both during the day and night.

Anguilla is part of Barbados. According to the Barbados Country Security Report issued by the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, travelers should have no concerns about their safety.

Are you concerned about the drinking water quality in the country? According to the Barbados Country Security Report, the tap water in Barbados is potable.

Lastly, although same-sex practices are forbidden by law in Barbados as an act of serious indecency, there has been no official criminalization of LGBTQI relations in recent years. That said, public acts of affection might draw stares from the locals.

2. Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is a sovereign island state located in the eastern parts of the Caribbean. According to the US Department of State , exercising normal caution is enough for safety on this island because it’s in the Level 1 threat category.

The country’s crime rating on Numbeo may be on the rise, however, these criminal activities typically occur in poverty-stricken areas, away from the beaches and tourist-condensed zones, so you have nothing to worry about.

In other words, crime on this particular island doesn’t target tourists.

If you have the means, the best way to get to it is certainly by a cruise ship. These ships bring you straight to the safest coasts of the island, such as the English Harbour or Jolly Harbour.

The safest way to travel and explore other beaches on the island is by ferries and water taxis.

The US Department of State urges tourists to be careful when they’re driving or walking on major roads. The roads of the island are in poor condition, drivers are unpredictable, and sometimes, animals wander onto the roads.

Not all taxis are registered in Antigua and Barbuda, and some unlicensed drivers try to extort money from tourists. So, whenever you take a taxi, check the driver’s license first.

In Antigua and Barbuda, same-sex relations between men are forbidden by law. However, this law doesn’t extend to LGBTQI tourists who have a marriage certificate. Still, there’s a chance that LBGTQI individuals might experience verbal assault and harassment if they engage in PDA (public displays of affection).

Bonaire is located in the Leeward Antilles section of the Caribbean. It’s a small island with a population of less than 23,000, a responsive police force, and enforcement guided by Dutch laws.

Although the island’s crime index of 37.50 seems relatively high for an island that small, the travel advisories have a relaxed approach.

The United States’ official travel advice suggests that there’s little to no crime in Bonaire. As such, the island is regarded as a Level 1 threat category, where you and your belongings will be safe as long as you don’t leave any valuables unattended.

According to Canada’s official travel advisory , the only real trouble you may face in Bonaire is petty crimes such as purse snatching and pickpocketing. So, the advisory urges its citizens to take normal security precautions.

Once you’re on the island, you can join boat tours and take taxis or minivans to explore. Taxis and minivans are typically safe means of transport. If you rent a car, make sure you’re careful when approaching turns and intersections because trees and vegetation on the island aren’t driver-friendly – they tend to cover traffic signs to cause whatever minor disturbance they can.

On a side note, there are two other islands in the same archipelago: Sint Eustatius and Saba. Both these islands are as safe as Bonaire, though they entertain fewer tourist attractions.

4. The Cayman Islands

Although Hollywood makes the Cayman Islands look like a hub for retired villains, it’s one of the safest tourist destinations in the Caribbean.

The US Department of State’s official travel advisory regards the islands under the Level 1 category, where taking normal precautions guarantees your safety. Similarly, according to Numbeo , the country has a low crime index of 32.45/100, and it’s safe to explore it day and night.

Additionally, according to the OSAC’s Cayman Islands Country Security Report , the overall crime rates have been decreasing recently. Plus, there are no criminal activity in the Cayman Islands targeting tourists.

Ferries are a great way to explore the islands, see pristine crystal caves, venture to the stingray city, go snorkeling or scuba-diving, or explore the beaches, coves, reefs, land, and the water that’s home to gorgeous starfish, and occasional shipwrecks .

However, the OSAC reports that every year, American citizens drown during scuba-diving sessions. The council’s report warns tourists that they should not show off in potentially dangerous watersports and always consult their instructors.

On another note, the road conditions on the Cayman Islands are fine, so you are at liberty to travel around by car, bike, or a rental vehicle. Plus, women and LBGTQI people don’t experience any problems.

Of course, all that comfort and safety comes with a price: the cost of living in the Cayman Islands is higher than the cost of living in the United States.

Grenada is another island country located in the West Indies territory of the Caribbean Sea. The island has so far seen French colonialism, British colonialism, and an invasion by the United States’ military forces. Despite all that intervention, the country is surprisingly stable and safe. It’s also breathtakingly beautiful.

Like all the islands we listed above, the US Department of State deems Grenada to be under the Level 1 threat category, meaning there are no safety concerns for tourists – as long as they don’t fall asleep on the side of the road because they drank too much and lost their whereabouts, which would be a safety concern anyway. Additionally, the island has a very low crime index of 20.94, and it’s very safe, both day and night.

However, the OSAC Grenade Country Security Report identifies St. George’s, the capital city of the country, as a low-threat location for crimes directed against US citizens. While you might want to avoid the city, the threat is only minimal, and you’re not likely to have any negative experiences.

Although Grenada has a fine public transportation system, the OSAC urges tourists to exercise caution if they take a bus or taxi during the night.

On a final note, same-sex relations between men are prohibited in Grenada. However, the OSAC reports that the government doesn’t enforce this particular law. There are no laws on same-sex conduct between women.

6. Montserrat

Like the Cayman Islands, Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory, but it doesn’t get as much hype as the former since Montserrat’s terrain is much more rugged, thus limiting tourism. However, Montserrat is also one of the safest Caribbean islands, if not the safest.

According to the US Department of State , the island is a no-threat territory under its Level 1 category. In recent years, no reports have been made concerning criminal activity against tourists.

The only problems highlighted in the official travel advisory are insect-borne diseases, such as Dengue and Chikungunya, that are commonplace all over the tropical zone. An insect-repellent can easily prevent infection.

In addition to official reports, statistics show that the country has little to no crime. Of course, the lack of a wider sample size affects the veracity of these reports.

Similarly, many travel websites and blogs claim that the latest homicide case in the country dates back to 2008. However, we couldn’t find an official report on that, so here’s hoping!

Yet, in 1995, a bigger and more natural threat shook the life of Montserratians, causing two-thirds of the population to flee to Britain: the dormant Soufriere Hills volcano erupted , rendering more than half of the country’s land inhabitable. In 2003 , there was another eruption that partially modified the island’s topography.

Nowadays, the government is building a new town, airport, and port away from the volcano, though more than half of the island is still an exclusion zone. So, if you visit Montserrat, make sure you observe the volcano from a safe distance.

7. St. Barts (Saint-Barthélemy)

According to a Jamaican news site , St. Barts has been voted as the safest island in the Caribbean.

The problem is that neither the US Department of State nor crime statistics websites such as Numbeo have this lovely island in their databases. Luckily, Canada’s official travel advisory confirms Jamaican reports that criminal activities are indeed scarce in St. Barts.

As there’s no public transportation system on St. Barts, you’ll need to rent a car or a scooter to get around. Although the roads are mostly in good shape and safe, they’re quite narrow, so drive carefully. Additionally, most of these roads run near cliffs and have sharp turns, mandating drivers to be extremely cautious.

The waves and the overall swimming conditions in St. Barts are less friendly than other popular destinations in the Caribbean. Riptides are common and waves can get violent, so pay attention to beach flags and enter the water only when the flag is green. If it’s red or black, stay away from the waters as these indicate violent waves or predator presence in the water. A yellow flag, on the other hand, means only experienced swimmers should swim.

8. The British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands neighbor the US Virgin Islands, to the east of Puerto Rico and the west of Anguilla. They consist of four main islands and fifty small ones, and unlike the US Virgin Islands which have a high crime index , the crime rate in the British Virgin Islands is quite low .

According to the US Department of State’s travel advisory , trips to the British Virgin Islands are completely safe. This British Overseas Territory is in the Level 1 threat category with no reported crimes targeting tourists except for petty ones such as pickpocketing.

As long as you don’t leave valuable items on the beach when swimming or carry too much cash on your person, you’ll be fine.

However, there are still some things that you need to be careful about when you’re on the British Virgin Islands.

For instance, the roads have very few signs, so exercise extra caution when you’re driving. Especially in the mountains, the roads are steep, have sharp turns, and run alongside cliffs with little or no barricade.

Additionally, local drivers are pretty unpredictable and reckless. If you just hop on a painted crosswalk, thinking that the driver will stop, you may be putting yourself in danger. In the backcountry, livestock have a habit of wandering on the roads. Of course, we’re not blaming them – but you need to be extra careful under the circumstances.

Although the road conditions are fine throughout the island, some roads (especially those on Tortola Island) get quite slippery at times. The country has no roadside assistance, so, to prevent any accidents, we recommend that you rent a four-wheel vehicle and not a scooter or a bicycle.

9. Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia has a worldwide reputation as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean.

The United States official travel advisory asks tourists to exercise only normal caution, which is the lowest threat category. Canada ’s travel advisory advises tourists to “take normal security precautions” and assures safety. The UK advisory urges people to “maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness” as they would in the UK.

However, staying safe in Saint Lucia, especially if you wander far from your lodgings, is a bit trickier than on the islands we talked about before. That’s because this island has a higher crime index (61.58) than the others, and it’s not safe to walk around towns, villages, and mountains during the night.

More alarmingly, the Canadian advisory establishes that crime has been on a dramatic rise. So, it’s best not to wander alone or drive around Saint Lucia after dark.

In addition, you should be vigilant when drawing money from an ATM because all the travel advisories we consulted attest that ATM frauds are common on this island.

When you’re mingling with the locals and listening to their troubles, you might start feeling sympathy towards their political cause as well. But here, political demonstrations occur on a regular basis, and they can get violent quite quickly. If you’re caught up in one, you might get arrested, too.

Lastly but not least importantly, St. Lucia isn’t an LGBTQI-friendly tourist destination. Same-sex physical affection in public spaces might result in verbal attacks, harassment, and assault, which makes its safety status increasingly doubtful.

10. Turks and Caicos

The case of Turks and Caicos’s eight main islands is the reverse of Saint Lucia. The US Department of State’s official advisory urges citizens to exercise increased caution, meaning – don’t leave the hotel area, restrict nighttime activities, and avoid contact with strangers. The country is in the Level 2 threat category.

However, the Numbeo crime index suggests that the Turks and Caicos archipelago is much safer than Saint Lucia.

Additionally, both Canada ’s and the United Kingdom ’s official advisories establish that most criminal activities on these islands occur away from tourist-condensed areas. However, these advisories also warn their citizens not to get too far away from their hotels and not to travel solo during the night.

One point that all these official travel guides emphasize is that you shouldn’t leave your drinks or food unattended, and you shouldn’t accept food or drinks offered by strangers. Spiked food and drinks are commonplace in Turks and Caicos.

LGBTQI people may visit Turks and Caicos with peace of mind because same-sex relations are legal in the country. In inland villages, showing same-sex affection in public might result in stares and verbal harassment, but it’s unlikely to go further than that.

11. Sint Maarten (Saint-Martin)

Sint Maarten is Dutch, Saint-Martin is French, and Saint Martin is how the rest of the world wants to refer to this island. The island is divided in two: one part belongs to the Kingdom of Netherlands, and the other part to France. But since most of the flights to the island land in the Dutch part, we’re going to stick to calling it Sint Maarten.

Similar to Bonaire, the other Dutch island on our guide, Sint Maarten falls in the Level 1 threat category according to the United States Department of State . Crimes against tourists are extremely rare on this island. And even when they occur, they’re “crimes of opportunity,” where, hypothetically speaking, the potential criminal sees that you have left your phone on the table and gone to the bathroom, and is tempted by how easy it is to swipe it.

The crime rates of the island support the official US report. Sint Maarten has a lower crime index than Bonaire at only 26.33 – the chance of encountering any kind of crime is assessed as low or very low .

In case you want to drive around the island in a rental, keep in mind that the roads are narrow and, during the night, dimly lit. Yet, as long as you’re careful, there is no risk in driving at night. You can also walk safely under the moonlight.

Like all the Dutch islands in the Caribbean, Sint Maarten is LGBTQI-friendly.

12. Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a two-island sovereign state that’s officially referred to as the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis.

According to the United States Department of State , Saint Kitts and Nevis only presents a Level 1 category of threat, meaning it’s safe unless you forgo all the normal security precautions you usually take in your everyday life. The worst crimes that can be potentially committed against tourists in these islands are petty ones such as larceny, pickpocketing, and purse snatching.

In addition, crime levels suggest that it’s very unlikely for you to encounter criminal activities. It’s completely safe to walk around during the day, and you’ll be fine as long as you don’t wander far from your lodgings by yourself during the night – even if you’re in dire need of a brooding walk around town.

However, according to the Canadian advisory , Saint Kitts and Nevis is not the best or safest Caribbean destination for swimming. The beaches don’t have any warning flags or signs, the dexterity and vigilance of rescue services are questionable at best, and the waves do get violent. So, unless you have full confidence in your swimming skills (or are with someone whose swimming skills are unquestionable), it might not be worth the risk.

If you drive on this island, slow down and be extra cautious when approaching turns and intersections. The roads aren’t in good condition, there’s little to no signage, and local drivers might be more reckless than you because they know the routes much better than you.

On a final note, same-sex relationships between men are forbidden in the country, while there are no laws regarding women. However, according to the US travel advisory, the enforcement of this law is rather relaxed .

Caribbean Safety Recap

There’s little or no criminal activity targeting tourists on these islands, the natural environment and road conditions are friendly in comparison to other islands, and the pirates of the Caribbean already looted these locations ages ago.

However, this doesn’t mean that they’re earthly replicas of paradise where you can relax, leave your valuables unattended, and accept questionable cocktails from strangers. On the contrary, you still need to take normal safety precautions such as carrying small amounts of cash on your person and using ATMs during the day; not straying further from your lodgings during the night; keeping an eye on your valuables, drink, and food at all times; and, of course, respecting the locals.

Additionally, the period between June and November is usually hurricane season in the Caribbean, where your safety depends on the mercy of the weather gods. And you need to make sure you have an insect-repellent with you. These tropical insects won’t know who they’re messing with.

Other Caribbean Islands:

• Bahamas Travel Safety Guide
• Nassau Travel Safety Guide
• Jamaica Travel Safety Guide
• Aruba Travel Safety Guide
• Curacao Travel Safety Guide
• Barbados Travel Safety Guide

Trinidad and Tobago Safety 2024: Trinidad and Tobago Safe to Visit

Cayman Safety 2024: Is Cayman Safe to Visit?

Dominican Republic Safety 2024: Is Dominican Republic Safe to Visit?

St. Lucia Safety 2024: Is St. Lucia Safe to Visit?

Do not understand why St. Vincent and the Grenadines was not included on this list.

Why! St. Vincent and the Grenadines is not a tourist destination. Crimes are high with many locals being killed senseless for no hood reason. The police department cannot solve any crimes.

Let’s solve the crimes in America then we can talk about other nations there are crimes throughout the states people are still visiting and living there are you telling people not to visit the other states in America ?

So you’re saying that because the backyard of America is dirty with criminal activities, that other Countries shouldn’t be worried or talking about how infested their backyards (Criminal situation) are with Criminal activities????? Pure nonsense, when you’ll understand the statistics of the Population of America and size of that Country and compare the amount of Criminal activities there with that of other Countries based on the population, then you can take.

Some of the information is incorrect Anguilla is not part of Barbados you get St Kitts nevis and Anguilla which are sister islands and Barbados is a completely different island.

Thanks for your comments, Mezepoo. The United Nations has Anguilla and Barbados covered together in the same administration zone, so we were referring to that. You make a good point, however, and we’re going to update the article shortly to better reflect the nuances here.

Turcs and Caicos on the safe list ??? Our favorite beach bar owners where gunned down last year Bonnie and Clyde style. Same Month criminals attacked the local police and had a shoot out.

Hi Johan, thanks for reading and providing your insights. It’s terrible to hear of the crime that you related. The US Government rates Turks & Caicos currently as a “Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution” destination. This means there is undoubtedly a significant level of crime in some areas of the country, but not a destination that is necessarily one that US citizens should avoid traveling. Our article is also relating the safEST locations in the Caribbean and we also wrote specifically that tourist need to exercise caution like not leaving their hotels for maximum safety.

The island with the safest crime rate .01% is Aruba which is also a tourist island but ultimately omitted from your list ?

Hi Bessie, thank you for reading. I’m not sure which statistic you’re mentioning, but we do have a dedicated page to Aruba travel safety right here that you can view here .

The picture you used for Montserrat isn’t a picture of Montserrat.

Hi Arturo, thank you for reading and catching this. We just corrected this!

Hello to you. The Commonwealth of Dominica was left out. It would be good to get information about Dominica as the people there are one of the most hospitable especially to strangers. You need to correct some of the information you have about certain islands. Thanks

Thank you for reading and the feedback, Margaret. We will keep this in mind for future articles.

What about the USVI,s

Hi Ellen, thank you for reading and your question. The US Virgin Islands didn’t make this list, but stay tuned for an article specifically on them soon!

Turks + Caicos hurricane season is June – November, peak month being September. Not May. And spiked food and drink isn’t common here.

Thank you for reading, Dale, and the feedback on your experiences.

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The Safest Caribbean Islands (That Are Family Vacation Worthy)

• Traveling to safe Caribbean islands for a family vacation can provide parents and kids with a memorable experience while ensuring their safety.
• Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Bonaire, Cayman Islands, Aruba, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Maarten & St. Martin, Anguilla, and St. Barts are among the safest Caribbean islands for family vacations.
• Not only are these spots some of the safest family friendly Caribbean islands, but they also offer beautiful scenery, family activities, low crime rates, and a commitment to tourism safety, making them ideal islands in the Caribbean for families with children.

The ability to travel as a family, with small children or even teenagers, is a great memory for families to create together. Excitedly enough, vacations aren’t always just about crafting memories that will last a lifetime; studies have even shown that traveling makes children perform better in school and may even extend their love for education into their careers.

When choosing vacation destinations for families, though, travelers should look into many aspects, including budget, accommodations, excursions, and dates, all of which play major factors in the final decision. However, those traveling with a family shouldn't overlook safety, even when planning to visit any of the beautiful vacation destinations in the Caribbean islands. Indeed, there are a number of Caribbean Islands that are safer than others (especially for solo female travelers) , which would make better vacation spots for families with children in particular.

While the Bahamas are often safe (especially the Abacos Islands) , places like Haiti, Puerto Rico, and even parts of Jamaica may not be the safest islands in the Caribbean for families, whether it may be due to a high crime rate, a surge in illegal substances, or major and frequent hurricanes. Luckily, here is a list of the safest Caribbean islands for families on vacation, from Antigua and Barbuda all the way to St. Barts!

UPDATE: 2024/01/01 09:38 EST BY LAURALYN BROWN

More Safe Caribbean Islands For Families to Visit!

The Caribbean is a dreamy destination for all kinds of travelers. Whether families are looking for an all-inclusive resort, solo female travelers are dreaming about discovering a new culture, or a group of friends are planning to discover epic parties on a paradisical island, the Caribbean has a spot for all! As safety should be a priority when deciding on a destination, this list has been increased and updated to include more of the safest places in the Caribbean to visit for families in particular.

There are many factors that make Caribbean islands safe or unsafe. For consistency and to inject real-world perceptions of each destination, this list of safe islands in the Caribbean for families to visit has been created based on Safety Index ratings from Numbeo's Crime Indices (the safest island in the Caribbean for families at the end lacked data for Safety Index and has thus been placed based on its exclusivity, 0 Danger Level on Travel Advisory , and extremely low crime rate and 0% murder rate).

RELATED: These Are The 10 Safest Countries In Europe

Antigua & Barbuda

The only major risk in antigua and barbuda is the hurricane season.

Antigua and Barbuda have become a paradise for digital nomads , thanks to their zero income tax, natural beauty, and safety. These safe Caribbean island destinations are especially famous for pristine beaches and historical sites, so whether exploring Nelson's Dockyard , indulging in water sports, or savoring the local cuisine, visitors can do so with confidence.

The island's commitment to tourism safety and the warmth of its residents contribute to its reputation as one of the safest Caribbean islands to visit for families. That said, people should perhaps avoid the island between July and November due to the hurricane season.

• When to Visit: Mid-December to mid-April
• Safety Index: 43.61
• Scenic Spots: Shirley Heights Lookout , Valley Church Beach, Devil's Bridge
• Activities: Stingray City Antigua , Dickenson Bay , Pigeon Point Beach

Barbados is considered one of the most family-friendly islands in the Caribbean

Another one of the best Caribbean islands for families is Barbados; the island is known to have endless possibilities for all ages, countless underwater caves to explore, and informative tours of stunning historic abbeys, all of which appear on lists of things to do in Barbados on a vacation . Additionally, Barbados is considered one of the highest-ranking islands in terms of safety for families .

Barbados has plenty of the Caribbean's best-kept secrets ; however, it's perhaps most known for its flying fish, which is the country’s symbol and on the national flag. This meal is one of the most authentic Bajan dishes to try ; it's normally stewed and served on Fridays with cou-cou, tomatoes, onion, and herbs. To pair with this dish, parents can enjoy the finest and oldest rum in the world, Mount Gay Rum , which dates back to 1703 (the company also offers tours of its factory!).

Attracting nearly a million tourists per year , tourism plays a huge role in the economy of Barbados, and the locals and shop owners are known to be some of the kindest people in the Caribbean. Many of the best beaches in Barbados are family-friendly, too, and some are even known to have incredible pink sands to contrast the turquoise water (the stunning Crane Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Barbados, comes to mind!).

• When to Visit: December to April
• Safety Index: 52.87
• Scenic Spots: Animal Flower Cave , Bathsheba Beach, North Point , Crane Beach, Rockley Beach
• Activities: Harrison's Cave Eco-Adventure Park , St. Nicholas Abbey and Steam Railway , Carlisle Bay

Among the most important things to know before visiting Barbados is that camouflage clothing and items are illegal (yes, even fashion articles with camouflage print). Anybody arriving in Barbados seen to have any items with camouflage on them will have them confiscated by airport officials (they keep the items and return them to tourists upon departure from the country). Airport officials might also search luggage for any more camouflage items and confiscate them temporarily until travelers depart the country. Tourists must also never wear or carry any camouflage clothing or items in Barbados; it's highly offensive and may result in action from law enforcement.

Related: 15 Luxurious All-Inclusive Resorts In The Caribbean (That Are Cheaper Than You Thought)

Enjoy this picturesque Caribbean island without a care in the world!

Travelers seeking low-key Caribbean islands that receive fewer tourists than the most popular spots should check the Dutch Caribbean Islands, especially Bonaire. The tiny island is renowned for its exceptional coral reefs, diving opportunities (though there are plenty of things to do in Bonaire other than scuba diving ), and low crime rate .

Visitors can explore the diverse marine life bustling at Bonaire's amazing dive sites , along with the island's beautiful landscapes and quaint capital, Kralendijk, without significant safety concerns. The island's commitment to preserving its natural treasures also aligns with its reputation for providing a serene and secure environment. On that note, the island's green initiatives and marine conservation efforts are among the reasons Bonaire is a top scuba diving destination in the Caribbean.

Ultimately, Bonaire's charm and safety record make it an appealing choice for those seeking a peaceful Caribbean escape.

• When to Visit: May to October
• Safety Index: 62.95
• Scenic Spots: Seru Largu, Brandaris, The Queen’s Highway
• Activities: Jibe City , 1,000 Steps , Te Amo Beach

Cayman Islands

The cayman islands have the lowest crime rate in the caribbean.

The Cayman Islands offer many things to do and see , but they're especially renowned for their pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. It's not the powdery white-sand beaches and colorful underwater world that solely beckon visitors, though; it's also the fact that this entire destination is among the safest Caribbean destinations for families. In fact, locals are proud of having the lowest crime rates in the Caribbean .

Aside from being the Caribbean island with the lowest crime rate, the Cayman Islands also prioritize hospitality and offer a range of upscale resorts and amenities. Tourists can feel at ease when exploring the renowned Seven Mile Beach or indulging in water activities. Overall, the Cayman Islands' commitment to safety and natural beauty makes them an inviting destination for those seeking a tranquil and secure Caribbean getaway.

• When to Visit: December and April
• Safety Index: 68.35
• Scenic spots: Cayman Crystal Caves , Rum Point, Seven Mile Beach
• Activities: Cayman Turtle Centre , Cayman Crystal Caves, Kittiwake Shipwreck & Artificial Reef

Resorts and gated communities make this one of the safe Caribbean islands for kids

We'll be humming that song "Kokomo" by the Beach Boys all day long here in Aruba! Aruba's white sandy beaches, friendly locals, and insanely blue waters are just a few of the many reasons why people love to vacation in Aruba , especially families. Another reason is due in part to the island being consistently safe for families thanks to its “first-world” modern infrastructure .

For extra security, it's recommended to stay within a resort or gated community ; however, Aruba might still have some pickpocketers and scammers around the island. Still, that doesn't take away from the fact that the island is filled with beautiful, natural formations to explore, dreamy beaches like Baby Beach and Eagle Beach , and wildlife adventures that the entire family will enjoy!

• When to Visit: January to May
• Safety Index: 68.61
• Scenic Spots: Arashi Beach, Oranjestad, Baby Beach
• Activities: Arikok National Park, Conchi Natural Pool , Aruba Aloe Factory

Related: The Safest Place You Can Stay In Mexico (If You Don't Want To Book An All-Inclusive)

The only thing families should fear in St. Lucia is bad weather!

Not only is St. Lucia a budget-friendly and romantic getaway, but it's also an incredibly safe island in the Caribbean with plenty of all-inclusive family resorts . Families can enjoy nature excursions around the island, overwater restaurants, and swimming in crystal clear waters without a second thought.

Saint Lucia has seen some crime in recent years, but it's still considered safe compared to many Caribbean islands (incidents of petty crime, like in most parts of the region, are still a slight problem). Currently, the US Department of State has a Level 1 travel advisory for St. Lucia , which means to exercise normal precautions.

Perhaps the biggest concern in St. Lucia is hurricane season, which typically occurs between June and November. For clear skies and warm temperatures, families should plan their trip during the winter and early spring (actually, Saint Lucia is one of the most incredible islands to visit in December !).

• When to Visit: February to May
• Safety Index: 7 0
• Scenic Spots: Pigeon Island National Park , Pitons Mountains, Rodney Bay
• Activities: Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens & Mineral Baths , Anse Mamin Beach, Tet Paul Nature Trail

Studies reveal that the "Spice Isle" is safer than some US cities

Grenada, known as the "Spice Isle," is another one of the safe destinations in the Caribbean for families to visit. Most crimes on the island are non-violent, and according to statistics , it's safer than some cities in the US, including New York City and Los Angeles. The low crime rates in Grenada allow visitors to enjoy the country's beauty without worries.

Grenada is also renowned for its lush landscapes, spice plantations (hence its nickname!), and welcoming locals. Exploring the island's historic forts, diving into vibrant coral reefs, or simply enjoying the pristine beaches can be done with confidence. The island's commitment to tourism safety and its emphasis on preserving its natural beauty contribute to Grenada's reputation as a peaceful and secure haven perfect for family vacations in the Caribbean.

• Safety Index: 73.50
• Scenic Spots: Magazine Beach, Morne Rouge Beach, Grand Etang National Park & Forest Reserve
• Activities: Annandale Waterfall & Forest Park , Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park , House of Chocolate Museum

RELATED: 10 Destinations For A Long Weekend Getaway In The Caribbean

St. Maarten & St. Martin

These mostly crime-free caribbean islands offer stunning resorts, beaches, and epic nightlife.

Is it St. Maarten or St. Martin? It depends; they are actually two different islands! St. Martin is a French island, complete with French cuisine with Caribbean ingredients, whereas St. Maarten is an English island that was once run by the Dutch. The English side has various nightlife activities like rum tasting, dancing, and shows. The latter also has the majority of the shopping district of both islands.

As for security, generally, these are among the Caribbean islands that are safe for families; in fact, St. Martin has almost no crime, however, tourists should always be careful of petty crimes like pickpocketing .

For those looking for excursions and sightseeing trips, the islands provide plenty of daytime activities to accommodate the whole family. Day trips to Anguilla are also available through a car rental company or through a tour guide. The drive there and back totals under three hours. However, to offer a true Caribbean experience, families are encouraged to take the local ferry across .

• Safety Index: 73.67
• Scenic Spots: Maho Beach, Pinel Island, Marigot Bay Port
• Activities: Grand Case , Maho Beach, Seaside Nature Park

With extremely low crime rates , Anguilla is the perfect Caribbean destination for families

Considered another one of the safest islands in the Caribbean for children and parents, Anguilla is a haven for those with young kiddos. Luxury tourism is the reason there are many villas and condos that can be rented in Anguilla, similar to the Bahamas. Each villa offers families a private balcony, some with private pools and hot tubs, with a kitchen and multiple bedrooms to accommodate each family member.

Although this island has very low crime rates, for safety reasons, it’s recommended to avoid hurricane season in Anguilla, which generally begins in June and ends in November. That said, most all-inclusive resorts and tourist attractions will often have their lowest prices between May and August, so a little Mother’s Day getaway to celebrate is great for saving money, but the risk of hurricanes and storms does linger.

Anguilla is also filled with child-friendly activities like horseback riding, swimming with dolphins, epic sandcastle contests on the beach, and even glass-bottomed boat rides to view the marine life below.

• Safety Index: 79.90
• Scenic Spots: Sandy Ground Beach, Anguilla Arch , Cove Bay
• Activities: Sandy Island, Prickley Pear Cays , Rendezvous Bay

St. Barts (Saint Barthelemy)

This exclusive celebrity hotspot is easily the least dangerous caribbean island.

It is not uncommon to walk the streets filled with luxurious villas and a small number of upscale resorts and bump into a celebrity or movie star on the French Caribbean island of Saint Barts; the island is considered one of the most expensive and exclusive islands in the Caribbean, which is also why it's perhaps the safest Caribbean island for families (and everyone else, really).

Amazingly, St. Barts is so safe that some locals even leave their cars and homes unlocked . Moreover, the island has a 0% murder rate and a below-average crime rate, earning it first place among the safest Caribbean islands to visit on the Miami Herald's list . That said, pickpocketing and purse snatching, among other forms of petty crime, do still occur, so visitors should be mindful when storing and carrying valuables, just as they would anywhere else.

Unlike most Caribbean islands, the best time to visit St. Barts is between November and June, but it's especially hot from December until April. However, December is so popular among vacationers that in order to book for the month, it will have to be done a whole six months ahead of time.

• When to Visit: November to April
• Danger Level: 0
• Scenic Spots: Beach of Cayes Cove , Colombier Beach, Gustavia
• Activities: Shell Beach, Eden Rock , Anse de Grande Saline

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Get up close with Caribbean People making extraordinary contributions worldwide, and travel with us as we shine the Limelight on spectacular destinations and activities to enjoy. Experience the essence of the Caribbean with Kysha on the Pulse of the Caribbean Podcast. 

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• Society & Culture
• FEB 29, 2024

Two Caribbean Nationals Win 2024 Grammy Awards

Welcome to Pulse of the Caribbean Podcast.  Join us on the Pulse Podcast as we shine the Limelight on spectacular destinations, notable events, and exceptional Caribbean people making positive impacts around the world. Today on Pulse of the Caribbean Podcast, we shine the Limelight on two Caribbean Nationals who won  2024 Grammy Awards at the 66th annual Grammy Awards, which took place at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles.

• MAR 7, 2024

Caribbean Travel Tips

Welcome to Pulse of the Caribbean Podcast.  Join us on the Pulse of the Caribbean Podcast as we shine the Limelight on spectacular destinations, notable events, and exceptional Caribbean people making positive impacts around the world.  On Today’s Pulse of the Caribbean Podcast, we’re sharing Tips for traveling to the Caribbean. The Caribbean islands are the only place on Earth that offers everything from beautiful beaches to scrumptious cuisines, as well as a rich history and friendly people. It has always been a popular tourist destination. Because of its stunning terrain and family-friendly culture, the Caribbean is one of the safest holiday vacation destinations for millions of travelers each year.  Listen and share our tips with your family and friends.

• MAR 14, 2024

Becoming You with Caribbean Author Entrepreneur Tisha Lynton Rose - Her Story on becoming a Caribbean Author, and her heart of service as a Wellness Coach, Event Planner and Speaker

Today’s Pulse of the Caribbean Podcast shines the Limelight on Caribbean Author, Wellness Coach, Event Planner, and Speaker Tisha Lynton Rose of TRose Production LLC. Tisha shares her inspiration for becoming herself. She has authored books to help others prayerfully and in their walk to becoming the best version of themselves. Her work as a Wellness Coach, Event Planner, and Speaker is about helping others and positively touching lives.    At the heart of our conversation, Tisha Lynton Rose, author of  Becoming You: Losing Weights, Not Just Pounds, shares her story of becoming an author and her heart of service through her company, TRose Production LLC.  Enjoy the show.  Thank you in advance for subscribing to our podcast. Be sure to visit our website https://www.pulseofthecaribbean.com. 

• MAR 21, 2024

Exploring the Great Outdoor Experience of the United States Virgin Islands National Park - A Caribbean Gem

On Today’s Pulse of the Caribbean , we're introducing you to the US Virgin Islands National Park.  Join us as we share information on this great outdoor expereince rich in history, adventure and the fulfilling enjoyment of the Caribbean Sea and more with Ahmed Toure of the Park Service. Learn about the park, it's popular trails, beaches, Night Sky Program, camping and more on this edison  of the Pulse of the Caribbean Podcast. Enjoy the show.  Thank you in advance for subscribing to our podcast. Be sure to visit our website https://www.pulseofthecaribbean.com. 

• MAR 28, 2024

United States Virgin Islands -Exploring Its History and Historical Sites with Dr. Malik Sekou Professor at the University of the Virgin Islands.

On Today’s Pulse of the Caribbean podcast, we’re taking a stroll through the history of the United States Virgin Islands. Dr. Malik Sekou is a Political Science and History professor at the University of the Virgin Islands. We’ll examine the islands' historical background and share information on interesting facts and sites to visit.    Enjoy the show. Thank you in advance for subscribing to our podcast. Be sure to visit our website: https://www.pulseofthecaribbean.com. 

• APR 4, 2024

Exploring the Bahamas - Your Guide to The Best of the Bahamas - A rich tapestry of culture, cuisine, and adventure

Today’s Pulse of the Caribbean Podcast, I’m taking you on a visit to the Bahamas. I’ll be highlighting some interesting information on accommodations, attractions, cuisine, and activities for you to experience, whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or romance. Enjoy the show. Thank you in advance for subscribing to our podcast. Be sure to visit our website: https://www.pulseofthecaribbean.com. Have any feedback or want to sponsor the show? Contact us at  [email protected] 

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This posh cruise sails from Vancouver to the Caribbean Islands for a steal

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A cruise from Vancouver takes passengers on a bucket-list journey through the Panama Canal before making several stops in the Caribbean Islands. 

The cruise departs from Canada Place on Sunday, Sept. 29 and spends a couple of days at sea before stopping in San Francisco on Wednesday, Oct. 2. It spends one more day at sea before stopping in Mexico in Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. 

Guests enjoy a day at sea before making two more stops in Mexico in Huatulco and Puerto Chiapas on Oct 10 and 11. The cruise visits Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala the following day before spending one more day at sea. 

On Oct. 13, the cruise will make a stop in Puntarenas, Guatemala. On Oct. 15, it will move through the awe-inspiring Panama Canal before spending several days at sea with a day in breathtaking Aruba sandwiched in between. 

The Panama Canal is considered a marvel of engineering and a favourite voyage of cruise enthusiasts. 

After stopping in Florida's Fort Lauderdale on Oct. 20, the cruise makes stops in Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands, St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.

The cruise disembarks back in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, Oct. 27. 

Vancouver cruise with Holland America Line through the Panama Canal 

Holland America Line is known for its mid-size vessels that can navigate this trim terrain. Fans of the cruise line typically enjoy sailing on ships they can become well acquainted with during the voyage and relish opportunities to speak with the captain and cruise director. 

The ship is the five-star Nieuw Amsterdam, which offers 11 bars and lounges, three swimming pools, a basketball court, a tennis court, hot tubs, a movie theatre, renowned spa treatments, a showroom, a jogging track, and much more. 

The total cost for the lead-in cabin category, an interior stateroom, is $6,097.36 or $3,048.68. This total breaks down to a per-diem, per-person amount of $108.88 (see slide three).

One-way flights from Fort Lauderdale to Vancouver start for just over $200 in October but typically involve two stops at that price. For an itinerary with only one stopover, prices typically start around $250 (see slide four for details). 

Travellers should spend at least one night in Florida post-cruise before flying in case there are delays; it also gives them a chance to enjoy the sun-drenched state before returning to Raincouver.

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US tourists face 12 years in prison for accidentally bringing ammo to Caribbean island

The u.s. state department is warning travelers about strict new laws in turks and caicos islands that carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 12 years for bringing guns or ammunition to the island, by leslie gaydos • published april 23, 2024 • updated on april 23, 2024 at 7:19 pm.

An Oklahoma woman was reunited Tuesday with her young children after being detained for almost two weeks in Turks and Caicos Islands for allegedly violating their strict guns and ammunition law. Her husband is being held in the British Overseas Territory near the Bahamas.

Ryan and Valerie Watson, who live in Oklahoma, left for Turks and Caicos Islands on April 7 to celebrate the 40th birthdays of Ryan and two friends. When they went through security for their return flight, their carry-on was flagged and searched and officials found a Ziploc bag of bullets.

"They were hunting ammunition rounds that I use for whitetail deer," said Ryan, "and I recognized them and I thought, oh man, what a bonehead mistake that I had no idea that those were in there."

The two shared their story virtually with NBC10 Boston last week before their first court hearing. They were stuck on the island, their passports confiscated, separated from their young son and daughter.

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"When I heard that, I immediately was terrified because I was like, we can't both be in prison for 12 years. We have kids at home. And this is such an innocent mistake that we didn't even know we weren't– we didn't even know it was there. So yeah, my immediate thought was our kids and them being, you know, parentless for, for that long," Valerie said.

The Watsons were questioned and charged with possession of ammunition. In 2022, Turks and Caicos passed an amendment with stiffer penalties for possession of weapons or ammunition, increasing the mandatory minimum prison sentence to 12 years.

This is something that we may never recover from Ryan Watson, American tourist charged with possession of ammunition in Turks and Caicos Islands

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Last September, the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas issued a travel alert warning Americans after a tourist from Indiana got an eight-month prison sentence for possession of ammunition.

The alert says: "We wish to remind all travelers that declaring a weapon in your luggage with an airline carrier does not grant permission to bring the weapon into TCI [Turks and Caicos Islands] and will result in your arrest.

"We strongly encourage you to carefully check your luggage for stray ammunition or forgotten weapons before departing for TCI. If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, we will not be able to secure your release from custody. You are subject to TCI laws and must follow local law enforcement procedures," the alert continued.

Bryan Hagerich was detained by Turks and Caicos authorities after a family vacation in February when hunting ammunition was found in his luggage before he boarded a flight home. He said the ammunition was found in a bag he frequently used for weekend hunting trips.

"I've been here for almost 70 days now after posting bail. I've been out, right now just waiting to go to the hearing. That's where my case would be heard, then following that would be sentencing," Hagerich said.

Hagerich, who played baseball professionally and was once drafted by the Florida Marlins, lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and two young kids. He spent eight days in prison before posting bail and is awaiting a May 3 court hearing.

"It's incredibly scary. You know, you just don't know what the next day may bring. You know, what path this may take. You know, you're in a completely different culture, a different country by yourself. You know, it's certainly a lot different than packing your bags and going away with your family for a few days. It's been the worst 70 days of my life," Hagerich said.

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He and the Watsons are also dealing with the financial strain of paying for an extended stay and being away from their jobs.

"We've already talked, and we're like, what if, you know, what if we lose our house? Which, when we moved to Oklahoma, we built a home that we thought was our forever home. And to think that this is going to ruin us..." said an emotional Valerie.

"This is something that we may never recover from," Ryan said.

"I'm just very anxious, eager to get home to my family," said Hagerich. "This has been too long. You know, it's just had so much irreparable harm to my family, that, you know, I just can't continue to see them struggle anymore. I just want to hug my family and start this healing process together."

After their hearing yesterday, Ryan was sent to jail and is awaiting a bail hearing Wednesday. Charges were dropped for Valerie on Monday and she is now back in Oklahoma with her two children.

The judges in Turks and Caicos Islands are able to make exceptions to the mandatory minimum sentence if they determine there are "exceptional circumstances" in a case.

NBC10 Boston reached out to the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands' tourism bureau about the Watsons' situation and have not heard back. We contacted the State Department and a spokesperson told NBC10 Boston they are aware of the arrest of U.S. citizens in Turks and Caicos and that, "The U.S. Department of State and our embassies and consulates abroad have no greater priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas."

The spokesperson added, "When a U.S. citizen is arrested overseas, we stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance. In a foreign country, U.S. citizens are subject to that country's laws, even if they differ from those in the United States… As our security alert from September 22, 2023 states, in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), firearms, ammunition, and other weapons are not permitted. TCI authorities strictly enforce all firearms related laws. The penalty for traveling to TCI with a firearm, ammunition, or other weapon is a minimum custodial sentence of twelve (12) years. If a traveler brings a firearm or ammunition into TCI, the U.S. Department of State will not be able to secure their release from custody. Travelers are subject to TCI laws and must follow local law enforcement procedures."

The State Department said they are unable to provide the number of U.S. citizens charged with weapon/ammunition possession since the department is unable to track local arrests.

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Travel | Royal Caribbean breaks ground on Nassau beach club

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Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is a 17-acre development in Nassau, The Bahamas set to open in 2025. (Courtesy/Royal Caribbean)

Bahamas government and Royal Caribbean executives break ground during a cermony for the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau set to open in 2025. From left to right: Phylicia Woods-Hanna, director of investments of The Bahamas; Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer, Royal Caribbean International; Dr. Michael Darville, minister of health and wellness of The Bahamas; Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group; Philip Davis, prime minister of The Bahamas; Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International; I. Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation of The Bahamas; JoBeth Coleby-Davis, minister of energy and transport of The Bahamas; Philip Simon Jr., president and general manager, Royal Beach Club and Royal Caribbean International Bahamas; and Russell Benford, vice president of government relations – Americas, Royal Caribbean Group. (Courtesy/Royal Caribbean)

Royal Caribbean and the government of the Bahamas broke ground Monday on the joint venture to develop a strip of land in the cruise port of Nassau called Paradise Island.

The government in 2023 gave the OK for the cruise line to develop a 17-acre portion into what will be called Royal Beach Club Paradise Island when it opens in 2025. Cruise line executives and government officials, including Prime Minister Philip Davis, grabbed shovels along the white sandy beaches with turquoise water in the background.

“With the signing of the deal [for] Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, we embark on this project to further enhance the vitality of our tourism product,” Davis said. “Signing today’s agreement, we add another world-class experience to our tourism offerings. And even more importantly, we take a bold step toward greater Bahamian empowerment in the tourism industry.”

The site is on the western edge of the strip of land that runs alongside the waterway through which ships brought nearly 4.5 million passengers in 2023, making Nassau the world’s busiest cruise port of call.

Royal Caribbean’s site expects about 2,000 visitors a day. They will be ferried over from the port but then return by land going through downtown Nassau.

It’s the first site for the smaller-sized beach club private destination Royal Caribbean plans to build out as opposed to its private island and resort destinations such as Perfect Day at Coco Cay in the Bahamas and Labadee on Haiti’s northern coast.

The Paradise Island spot will play up Bahamian culture alongside traditional offerings such as the beach, cabanas, four food and drink venues and three pools with swim-up bars. The site is being designed by a Bahamian architectural firm, and will give space for local artisan work for sale and live local music.

The project is a public-private partnership under which Bahamians are invited to own up to 49% of it. The plan is for locals to manage the experiences offered at the resort.

The cruise line will own 13 acres of the property while 4 acres go to Crown Land, which is a territorial area owned by the state. The cruise line will also pay a new tourism levy in exchange for the development.

“Marking more than the beginning of the construction process, today’s groundbreaking event symbolizes partnership, momentum and continued economic development for so many Bahamian entrepreneurs and the entire community,” said Jason Liberty, the cruise line parent company Royal Caribbean Group’s President and CEO. “We are grateful to our partners for their support, especially the Bahamian government, who stand with us here today in celebration of what is to come.”

The additional attraction to the port augments a $300 million overhaul of the Nassau Cruise Port that had its grand opening last year.

Already the port has expanded its capacity to six ships, including the ability to dock three of the massive Oasis-class ships from Royal Caribbean at once.

The revamp includes a new terminal building, Junkanoo museum, 3,500-person amphitheater, living coral exhibit plus more entertainment, food, beverage and retail space. Once complete, the port’s capacity will jump to more than 33,000 passengers per day. It had been around 20,000 a day.

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