28 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit

The Caribbean islands are made up of greater than 7,000 distinctive and culturally wealthy islands scattered all through the Caribbean Sea. You gained’t battle to discover an island that fits you amongst this various and enchanting set of locations!

The finest islands within the Caribbean will get an inflow of vacationers from around the globe every year who come for the diving, tropical climate, and opulent white-sand seashores. Most of the islands are thought of protected to journey – though it’s best to all the time test for hurricane season and tropical storms earlier than you go.

Whether you’re a pair occurring a honeymoon, a bunch of younger springbreakers wanting to keep up dancing all night time, or a retired couple who need to go away on a tranquil cruise – you’ll discover your dream vacation within the Caribbean.

28. Dominica

If you need to spend your vacation sunbathing on sandy seashores then Dominica isn’t for you, but when exploring valleys with thick jungle-like vegetation and mountain climbing to the highest of mountain peaks sounds extra like your factor then that is positively a vacation spot value contemplating.

The island was nicknamed “the nature island” and it’s not arduous to see why – Dominica has pure sizzling springs not removed from the capital Roseau, gushing waterfalls surrounded by rainforest, and bountiful mountain climbing trails. Pack your mountain climbing boots and tackle the 115 mile Waitukubuli Trail!

Go snorkeling off the island’s rocky shores and go to the Boiling Lake that modifications shade and bubbles away deep inside a volcanic crater.

27. Martinique

This French-speaking (and French dominated) Caribbean Island is much less touristy than a few of the extra well-known Caribbean Islands. It feels genuine and native, though it will probably nonetheless get very busy. The island is dotted with secluded seashores which might be arduous to get to however definitely worth the effort, and loads of gorgeous hikes.

The most suitable choice is to keep in Fort-de-France and discover the island from there. From town, lookup on the Mount Pelee volcano that in 1902 worn out the previous capital of the island, St-Pierre. The volcano nonetheless smulders away at the moment – who is aware of when it might subsequent erupt!

Top points of interest on the island embody the Route de la Trace, a go to to the Habitation Clement rum distillery, a go to to the Jardin de Balata botanical gardens, and a lazy day on the Plage des Salines seaside.

26. Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago are two very completely different Caribbean islands that completely praise one another. What Trinidad gives in full of life nightlife and wild events, Tobago matches in nature and tranquil seashores.

If you need to rumba the night time away and get together in true Caribbean trend, head to Trinidad for the annual Carnival – be ready to calypso via the streets and drink rum cocktails for days on finish!

Is partying not your scene? Then head to the quiet seashores in Tobago and spend your vacation with a ebook in a single hand and a cocktail within the different. Make positive you go to Pigeon Point and the Corbin Local Wildlife Park for improbable hen watching and nature.

25. Bonaire

Bonaire is understood for its world-class diving spots which might be only a stone’s throw away from the shore. But this little Dutch island has much more in retailer too. Its tiny, coastal capital, Kralendijk, is quaint and really cute (plus it’s so small it’s simply walkable!).

Looking for some adrenaline? Try out windsurfing at Lac Bay or go kayaking amongst the winding paths that run via the island’s mangrove forests.

The island additionally has the benefit of being extra inexpensive than numerous the extra common Caribbean islands.

24. Roatán

Roatan is a few 40 miles off the coast of Honduras. The island is a part of the Bay Islands archipelago, and is the truth is the biggest of all of the islands within the archipelago. It can be a part of the Mesoamerican Reef Barrier, which has made it a very fashionable vacation spot for fanatic snorkelers and divers of all ranges. Come and discover the colourful and vibrant life under the ocean’s floor and marvel on the coral reefs!

In Roatan it’s not simply the wonders under water that can delight you. You may also go horseback driving on the seaside and take a tour of one of many many sloth and monkey sanctuaries to rise up shut to the island’s wildlife.

The island has an interesting historical past too, because it has been influenced by historical cultures just like the Mayas and Payas, in addition to by the colonization of Spanish and English fleets. 


23. St. Barths (Saint Barthélemy)

Want to vacation just like the Hollywood stars do? Then hop on a airplane to this volcanic island that pulls vacationers who’re on the lookout for luxurious and don’t thoughts spending a bit extra to get it.

The island is French, and it has topless seashores, scrumptious delicacies, and classy boutique outlets to present for it. Explore the stylish shops in Gustavia and spend the afternoon watching the yachts bob up and down within the bay of St. Barth’s charming capital.

If you’re on the lookout for a novel expertise, scuba dive 100 ft down to the Kayali shipwreck. Fun truth, do you know the island was found by Christopher Colombus and named after his brother?

22. St. Martin & St. Maarten

The island of St. Martin and St. Maarten is within the northeast Caribbean Sea, and part of the Leeward Islands. The island has been influenced by French and Dutch cultures, and continues to be dominated by the French and Dutch nations – making it the smallest island on the earth to be dominated by two completely different nations.

In St. Maarten you may discover the Caribbean with a Dutch twist, and in St. Martin you may get pleasure from eating on scrumptious French meals. The island may be very full of life, and has numerous seaside events, casinos, bars, and golf equipment which might be largely in St. Maarten. It’s the proper Caribbean vacation spot for teams of associates!

You may also spend lazy days on the seaside and do some mountain climbing on the island, so there’s an actual combine on provide.

21. Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a US island territory within the Caribbean that’s residence to welcoming folks with a heat and unique manner. Rhythmic music and dancing usually fill the streets, together with the scent of Caribbean dishes.

One metropolis you could have to go to while you’re in Puerto Rico is Old San Juan, that’s greater than 500 years previous and stuffed with traditionally vital structure and monuments.

Next, go on an out of doors journey in El Yunque National Forest, which is a tropical rainforest riddled with funky wildlife you gained’t have come throughout earlier than and sumptuous flora.

Later on, go night time swimming at one of many island’s three bioluminescents bays (there are solely 5 on the earth!). The finest one, acknowledged because the brightest on the earth, is Mosquito Bay. But Laguna Grande and La Parquera are spectacular too.

20. Anguilla

Anguilla has been owned by the British since again when Britain was an empire. The solely downside is that the island is without doubt one of the hardest to get to. The upside? You’re assured a quiet and personal get-away. Think of it as a hidden gem the place well-known friends come to get pleasure from a while out of the attention of the paparazzi.

There is an airport, the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport, however the island is principally unimaginable to get to straight. You’ll possible have to fly to the Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten then take a ferry the remainder of the way in which.

Most folks come to the island to benefit from the seashores, like Meads Bay Beach and Little Bay Beach. Describing them as white-sand seashores with pristine waters doesn’t fairly do them justice, the seashores are really a few of the finest on the earth.

19. Aruba

The foremost languages spoken on the island are Dutch and Papiamento, although numerous the locals additionally converse Spanish and English, and their native foreign money is the Aruban florin.

Aruba is a Dutch island that entices vacationers of all kinds, so it’s not shocking it’s probably the most visited island within the southern Caribbean!

Try out completely different water sports activities like kitesurfing on Palm Beach, or get pleasure from some solitude and quiet on much less common seashores like Baby Beach and Arashi Beach.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are a few of the funnest issues you are able to do in Aruba, the place the marine life is unique and colourful. Take your snorkel to seashores like Malmok and Mengal Halto, or scuba dive down to The Antilla, a sunken WWII freighter.

Once you tire of the coast, lease a 4×4 and discover the volcanic shoreline and desert panorama in Arikok National Park.

18. Caye Caulker

A tiny 5-mile lengthy island off the coast of Belize, Caye Caulker has spectacular corals and is visited by marine species like sharks and rays that you would be able to go diving with! The island is split into two by a small water channel, and the northernmost a part of the island isn’t very touristic as a result of it’s pretty underdeveloped.

But in case you head to the southernmost of the 2 components of the island you’re assured a (very) quiet and enjoyable seaside vacation. It takes about 45 minutes to get to Caye Caulker from Belize City by boat, so you might even go on a brief day journey.

Chilling and lounging on the seaside will take up most of your time right here, however it’s best to get off your seaside towel and go diving on the Belize Barrier Reef or take a flight over the Great Blue Hole – a 400-foot deep sinkhole that’s so blue you may see it from area!

17. Bahamas

There’s not a lot you may’t do in The Bahamas. As it’s made up of some 700 islands, the Bahamas have all of it! Whether you need to go on a luxurious vacation, escape to secluded seashores, get together all night time, island hop, or go on a household journey – there’s an island for you within the Bahamas.

A preferred vacation spot is the full of life Nassau Island, which is residence to an array of luxurious and all-inclusive resorts and caters for households and party-lovers alike. If it’s nature you’re on the lookout for, discover the mangrove swamps on Andros Island.

Those wanting to loosen up and de-stress ought to contemplate the pink-sand seashores the place you may swim with wild pigs in Eleuthera. To expertise the Bahamas like an area, don’t miss out on an evening at a barbecue – preserve your class stuffed with rum punch in true Caribbean type!

16. Grenada

Grenada is common for an array of issues, from the well-known Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park to its fascinating capital. The island can be the house of nutmeg, and the scent of the spice is all the time lingering within the air.

Don’t miss out on the as soon as in a lifetime likelihood to scuba dive your method via an underwater park with 65 completely different sculptures. The Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park within the Molinere-Beausejour Marine Reserve is without doubt one of the island’s most unusual points of interest.

Stay in Grenada’s capital, St. George, and revel in this little metropolis that boasts surrounding mountains and an cute harbor.

15. Guadeloupe

The French island of Guadaloupe is unfold throughout Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre and quite a few smaller islands close by. But in case you go, you’ll possible keep on Basse-Terre or Grande-Terre.

It is a hotspot for foodies and laid-back travellers who need to spend their time doing little or no and taking it straightforward. The island has spectacular eating places that serve freshly caught fish and seafood dishes layered with spices and a Caribbean flare.

Laze round on the island’s sunny seashores, and when doing one thing extra lively takes your fancy head into the hills and discover the tropical flora. Excitingly, you may hike the La Grande Soufriere volcano (which continues to be lively at the moment) on the Basse Terre island!

14. Cozumel

Cozumel is a vibrant Mexican island that has a mixture of resorts, seaside golf equipment, and swanky motels on the west facet of the island. The west is properly contrasted by the secluded seashores and little seaside bars crowded with locals on the east facet.

Once you’ve explored the completely different areas of the island, take a jeep tour to Cedral. The city is surrounded by dense jungle and hills in each path, and also you’ll get to cease at caves and cenotes alongside the way in which! Be positive to strive fish tacos earlier than you allow Cozumel.

The island, like many within the Caribbean, can be visited by divers. One of the most effective diving spots for learners is the Columbia Shallows, an excellent spot for much less skilled divers who need to discover the Columbia Reef with out diving too deep!

More skilled divers ought to take a look at Punta Tunich, the place you may dive so far as 130 ft under the water’s floor!

13. St. Kitts & Nevis

St. Kitss and Nevis has numerous condos and cozy motels, making it an excellent household vacation vacation spot. The two islands have a laid-back really feel to them and the rhythms of soca are sometimes taking part in within the background.

You can spend the day on St. Kitts exploring the previous army Brimstone Hill Fortress, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can impress all types of vacationers with its previous barracks and citadels. After, dance the night time away at a membership in Frigate Bay.

On Nevis, wander across the capital, Charlestown, and absorb the colonial structure, or stroll via deserted sugar plantations which might be dotted across the little island. Last however not least, get out into nature and discover the volcanic panorama of this charming island!

12. Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has resorts left, proper, and heart and accommodates each funds. Now, it’s necessary to observe that the Dominican Republic is a rustic that takes up the biggest a part of Hispaniola island (made up of Haiti and the Dominican Republic).

Some of the should sees within the Dominican Republic embody its capital, Santo Domingo, and the Cascada El Limón. The capital has a combination of quaint colonial streets and metropolitan areas with sky-high motels.

To get to Cascada el Limón you’ll take an thrilling horse trip via a jungly panorama that leads up to the 172-foot tall waterfall. Have a dip within the swimming gap on the foot of the waterfall earlier than heading off!

11. Cayman Islands

The assortment of islets that make up the Cayman Islands provide nature, seashores, and distinctive alternatives like the prospect to swim with stingrays. They are nonetheless owned by Britain and a lot of the islets are effectively developed and have loads of resorts and beachside condos on provide.

If you’ve come to the Caribbean to dive and rise up shut with corals and marine life, then you may’t go fallacious on Little Cayman. The island’s Bloody Bay Wall is without doubt one of the finest diving spots within the World.

Alternatively, keep on the isle of Grand Cayman for a calming seaside vacation, plus the chance to swim or kayak via a sea lit up in twinkling blues on the Grand Cayman’s Bioluminescent Bay! Keep a lookout for blue iguanas as you discover the island – recognizing this uncommon animal is an actual deal with.

10. Barbados

Barbados is a superb selection for vacationers on a funds, although the island has loads of luxurious locations too. The island can be an excellent place to pattern a few of the finest rum!

Surfing, windsurfing, and days on the seaside doing completely nothing are simply a few of the issues the island has in retailer. You’ll be spoiled for seashores in your journey, however Rockley Beach is certainly a must-see.

Once you tire of the sand and the ocean, head to Bridgetown and spend the day purchasing and strolling via the downtown space, which is one other of the Caribbean’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

9. Jamaica

Jamaica is a full of life Caribbean Island that’s stuffed with music, nice meals, and colourful cities and seashores. Jamaicans have a thirst for enjoyable, and that’s mirrored within the many avenue events. Dancehall music is amongst the preferred tunes performed in Jamaica, the Caribbean’s third largest island.

Taste the most effective rum punch at native bars in Kingston, laze on a tropical seaside on the north shore of the island the place well-known spots like Seven Mile Beach are, or head into the Blue Mountains and get a style of the jungle.

If you’re a reggae fan you may’t depart the island with out going to the birthplace of the legendary Bob Marley. Make your method to the city of Nine Mile and go on a Bob Marley tour!

8. U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands represent about 50 islands which might be all part of the US. Some are so small they don’t have a single inhabitant on them! St. Croix is the most important, and it’s probably to be your base throughout your vacation.

There’s heaps you are able to do from St. Croix, like taking a visit to Buck Island that’s recognized for its colourful reefs. Island hopping is without doubt one of the finest issues concerning the U.S. Virgin Islands!

Another common island is St. Thomas. It has a superb stretch of white-sand seaside, Magens Bay. Should you resolve to keep on St. Thomas, you may simply catch a day constitution to Water Island, which has quiet and picture-perfect seashores like Honeymoon Beach.

7. St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Scattered between St Lucia and Grenada there are 32 islands and islets that collectively make up St. Vincent & The Grenadines. The foremost island, as you might need guessed, is St. Vincent.

So why come right here over a few of the extra well-known Caribbean Islands? Well, the seashores are much less crowded and the laid-back, gradual tempo of life is nice for vacationers on the lookout for a tranquil and peaceable vacation.

It’s straightforward to island hop in St. Vincent & The Grenadines – ensure you go to the largely undiscovered island of Bequia from St. Vincent! Based on the island’s pirate riddled historical past you may even discover hidden treasures…

6. Cuba

Cuba is fascinating for quite a few causes, like its full of life tradition, rhythmic son music, and dance scene. Aside from that, it’s additionally the most important island within the Caribbean!

Whilst you’re within the capital, Havana, ensure you go to Habana Vieja, it’s a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you need to escape town to someplace smaller, then head to the colonial city of Baracoa and sit and people-watch on the Parque Central. Similarly, if it’s the sand and sea that you really want then head to Cayo Guollermo and Cayo Coco.

5. British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands are made up of greater than 50 isles and are a hotspot for sailors! As you might need guessed primarily based on the title, it’s an abroad territory that also technically belongs to Britain.

There are some must-see locations, just like the Ancient volcanic rocks at The Baths, and the secluded seashores at Cow Wreck Bay that was named after the cow bones that mysteriously washed up onto the shore many moons in the past.

You may also go treasure looking on Norman Island – legend has it that the treasure buried there in 1843 is but to be found! Other highlights of the islands are their enjoyable full moon events and contemporary fish and chips.

4. Curacao

Curacao has brightly coloured colonial structure spherical each nook. The island’s tradition and delicacies have a sure European aptitude to them, in accordance to their previous as a colony.

It’s one of many ABC islands, and the proper vacation spot for vacationers who need a extra genuine expertise of the Caribbean.

When you’re there, go to as lots of the island’s 40 seashores as you may – put Playa Kenepa and Playa Porto Marie on the prime of your checklist. After, stroll across the island’s capital, Willemstad, the place Dutch colonists constructed lavish mansions which might be nonetheless intact at the moment!

3. Turks & Caicos

Turks and Caicos are a set of some 300 tiny islets which might be a British Overseas Territory, although a few of them aren’t any larger than a small seaside! The islands appeal to guests thanks to their spectacular tropical seashores and pristine turquoise waters.

One beauty of the islands is that they aren’t as touristy as a few of the different Caribbean Islands, so that you gained’t have to share your seaside spot with tons of of different guests!

The capital of the islands is Cockburn Town, however Provindeciales is a extra common vacation spot. You can anticipate pirate carvings from the nineteenth century dotted round, alternatives to go scuba diving via vibrant coral reefs, and out-of-this-world seashores at Grace Bay. Don’t depart with out attempting deep-fried conch clams!

2. Antigua

Beaches, seashores, seashores! Antigua Island has numerous seashores, round 365 of them to be exact. Probably due to its panorama, the island is riddled with resorts. All-inclusive holidays are positively straightforward to discover in Antigua – whether or not you’re on the lookout for luxurious or funds!

Most of the resorts alongside the island are alongside Dickenson Bay, Jolly Harbour, and Five Islands Peninsula. The west coast is much less of a seaside vacation spot, nevertheless it does have some nice spots historical past lovers will get pleasure from.

Explore the Rendezvous Bay, which is extra secluded and takes a stroll via the rainforest to get to, and Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, the island’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Eat contemporary fish and sip on piña coladas on the seaside in Half Moon Bay.

1. St. Lucia

Whether you’re on the lookout for journey or luxurious, St. Lucia has it! The island is ideal for all types of vacationers, from solo vacationers to honeymooners. If you’re a nature lover, you may spend your time trekking within the mountains, while sports activities lovers can windsurf, kayak, and snorkel within the blue Caribbean waters.

If you’re on the lookout for lazy seaside days and a straightforward vacation with all of the luxuries included, head to the north of the island and keep in Rodney Bay.

But, if it’s the outside that has known as you to St Lucia, then Soufriere within the south shall be extra your cup of tea. The space is residence to the breathtaking Pitons, volcanic spires that line the coast and create views which might be a photographer’s heaven.

The island has been enormously influenced by French tradition, and the scrumptious Creole delicacies ready across the island displays it! Make positive you strive a plate of Green Fig and Saltfish earlier than you head residence.

Map of the Best Islands within the Caribbean