10 best Caribbean islands to visit

Imagine sinking your feet into soft white sand as you stroll along a palm-fringed beach or sipping on a coconut while watching a sunset by the poolside. The Caribbean islands offer an idyllic getaway with its sunny skies, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush greenery. Be it a honeymoon or a family vacation, read on to choose the best Caribbean islands to visit for your perfect holiday!

How to choose which Caribbean islands to visit

With over 26 islands to choose from, you may be thinking, ‘What are the best Caribbean islands to visit?’ It all depends on your budget and the experiences you’re seeking in your ideal getaway. Some islands offer highly exclusive resorts, thriving nightlife scenes, and upscale restaurants, while others have a more peaceful and laid-back atmosphere. If you don’t plan on lounging on the beach the whole day, opt for islands that boast waterfalls, lush rainforests, and plantations. Adventure lovers can consider islands that offer challenging hikes and intriguing wreck-diving sites. 

For travelers who are more interested in experiencing the local culture, you may want to visit lesser-developed, more low-key islands, where you can explore the colourful markets and party with the islanders. If you’re a history lover, consider visiting islands that are famous for their historical landmarks, such as forts, citadels, and colonial-built old towns. This diverse region offers endless possibilities to cater to your unique holiday needs.

Top 10 Caribbean islands

Here are some of the top destinations in the Caribbean:

Beach lovers

If your idea of a perfect getaway is dozing off on a white-sand beach, consider these destinations:

Barbados

Barbados is home to some of the most high-end beachfront hotels in the region, but all the beaches are accessible to the public. The island’s west coast, known as the Platinum Coast, has some of the most exclusive resorts with panoramic views, top-class facilities and services, and upscale restaurants. You can enjoy the unspoiled beaches in luxury and style at these establishments. 

Visit Miami Beach, also known as Enterprise Beach, which is popular among locals and tourists alike for its pristine sands, gentle waves, and lively atmosphere. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas and grab a snack from the nearby food trucks. There are also opportunities to do water sports here. 

If you’re looking for a less touristy experience, head to the more rugged east coast of the island. Go surfing at Bathsheba Beach, which is famous for its powerful waves and unique rock formations, or swimming and sunbathing at Crane Beach. For an eagle-eye view of the island, travel up Cherry Tree Hill. 

At night, head to St. Lawrence Gap to enjoy restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. You can also visit Bridgetown and its Garrison, which used to be the British military headquarters in the Caribbean during colonial times.

Bahamas

The Bahamas is one of the best Caribbean vacation spots with its beautiful pink- and white-sand beaches. Made up of more than 700 islands (many of which are uninhabited), the Bahamas is famous for its pristine beaches, aquamarine waters, exotic resorts, and laid-back island attitude. 

Visit Pink Sands Beach on the east coast of Harbour Island. More than three miles long, its unique pink color comes from broken pink and red shells of microscopic creatures, corals, and miniature rocks. The sand is almost always cool, making it perfect for daytime strolls. Other magnificent beaches include Cable Beach on New Providence Island and Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island. There are plenty of amenities such as drinks, vendors, umbrellas, and beach chairs to ensure a comfortable and relaxing day at the beach. 

If you’re up for some exploration, go on a boat tour to access private islands, snorkel, dive, and fish. You can also enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences, such as swimming with wild pigs in the Exumas.

Adventure Seekers

Be it zipping through a rainforest or going shipwreck diving, here are Caribbean islands that offer plenty of options for those seeking an adrenaline rush:

St. Lucia

St. Lucia is renowned for its lush rainforests sprawled across rugged terrains, volcanic beaches, dramatic waterfalls, and reef-diving sites. It’s also famous for its twin peaks, the Pitons, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you love challenges, hike Gros Piton to enjoy some incredible, breathtaking views at the peak. 

St Lucia offers plenty of exciting activities, such as riding an ATV through the rainforest, ziplining, and taking an aerial tram. You can also go on a guided rainforest hike with a naturalist and spot some of St Lucia’s fascinating and unique wildlife, such as the Saint Lucia Parrot. 

There are plenty of water adventures to enjoy as well, such as snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Anse Des Pitons, Anse Chastanet Beach, or Virgin Cove. For a more relaxing experience, enjoy a therapeutic mineral bath at Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens and take a dip in Toraille Waterfall. All these sights and activities make St Lucia the perfect destination for indulging in wellness and nature.

Dominica

Often confused with the Dominican Republic, Dominica is a stunning location that’s perfect for nature lovers with its dramatic oceanside cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and dense rainforests. Choose from a variety of accommodation options according to your budget and taste, ranging from luxury resorts to boutique hotels with private pools to self-catering villas. This island is perfect for those who prefer adventure instead of relaxing by the beach or pool.  

A must-do activity for adventure lovers would be hiking the challenging Boiling Lake Trail. This full-day muddy and steep hike is in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass through the Valley of Desolation with its hot streams and steam vents as you make your way to the top. You can also visit Trafalgar Falls, which is only a 20-minute drive from the capital, Roseau. After a short 10- to 15-minute walk through the rainforest, you can view the picturesque Twin Falls from a platform. If you’re up for some adventure, do some bouldering and rock climbing to reach the waterfall pools. 

Dominica is also one of the best Caribbean islands to go diving due to the calm waters that surround it. Dive into Champagne Reef, which gets its name from the bubbling waters created by the volcanic thermal springs rising from the seabed. Swim alongside a host of sea creatures, including trumpet fish, parrotfish, octopus, stingrays, and hawksbill turtles. 

You can also scuba dive in the Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve, where you can do a combination of wall and pinnacle diving. The deep waters around this island also make it a haven for sperm whales, so go on a whale-watching tour to spot them along with pods of bottlenose and spinner dolphins.

Honeymooners

Imagine taking your first holiday as newlyweds at a luxurious resort facing a mesmerizing beach. Here are the best islands in the Caribbean for the perfect honeymoon getaway:

Anguilla

Anguilla is a low-key island with no casinos, high-rise hotels, and cruise ships, making it the perfect place for a serene and tranquil honeymoon. This island is harder to reach, adding to its off-the-radar luxury appeal. Instead of chain restaurants, you’ll find reputable high-end restaurants where you can enjoy romantic candlelit dinners in sophistication. 

With over 30 beaches to enjoy on this tiny island, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Enjoy wading in the turquoise waters of Shoal Bay and Meads Bay. For a bit of adventure, go by boat to Little Bay, where you can do some snorkeling or cliff jumping. You can also book a boat ride out to Sandy Island. Stroll along Rendezvous Bay Beach and take in the amazing views of St. Maarten.

Antigua

If your ideal honeymoon is about ultimate relaxation after all the hectic wedding planning and celebrations, Antigua is a top choice. It has a reputation for having 365 beaches – one for every day of the year. With some beaches being completely secluded, there are plenty of opportunities for relaxation and privacy. Spend the day snorkeling and sunbathing on the undisturbed 17-Mile Beach or the secluded Rendezvous Bay. For more romantic moments, take a horseback ride along the shore or sail towards the sunset on a chartered sailboat.

Consider staying on the beautiful Dickenson Bay, which is home to some of the island’s most luxurious and romantic resorts. If you’re interested in wildlife, book a tour at Stingray City to swim with giant stingrays in the warm, shallow waters. 

For an interesting day out, visit Nelson’s Dockyard in the English Harbour. This must-see attraction is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 1700s. Explore the restaurants, shops, museums, and forts there and hike up to Shirley Heights to catch a romantic sunset over the bay. It becomes a popular party spot on a Sunday, where you can enjoy great music, food, and cocktails while taking in the panoramic views.

Families

Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teenagers, there are plenty of fun-filled activities to do in these Caribbean islands:

Grenada

Located at the bottom of the eastern Caribbean chain, Grenada is popular for its captivating beaches, lush rainforests, and dramatic waterfalls. This tropical paradise offers the right mix of activities, culture, and relaxation, making it the best Caribbean island to visit for a family holiday. Grenada is home to one of the Caribbean’s best beaches, the Grand Anse Beach. This two-mile-long beach is shallow and calm, making it safe for young kids to swim. 

Grenada is also known as ‘Spice Island’ as it’s famous for its nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove plantations. Touring the spice plantations and learning about how the spices get processed will offer the kids an exciting, educational experience. Pay a visit to Belmont Estate, a 300-year-old working plantation, to learn about cocoa processing and pick up some chocolate as gifts for friends and family back home. 

Take a walk around the capital city, St. George’s, enjoying its historic forts and colorful colonial buildings. Stop by the local markets to pick up some fresh tropical fruits. There are also activities for older children looking for some thrill and adventure. Go snorkeling at the Underwater Sculpture Park, or hike up the Seven Sisters trail at Grand Etang National Park. If you’re looking to enjoy a waterfall with younger children, head to Annandale Falls.

Aruba

Aruba is a tiny island in the Caribbean that’s famous for its dazzling white beaches and turquoise waters. It’s more built-up, with plenty of resorts and familiar restaurants. As Aruba lies outside of the hurricane belt, there’s near-perfect weather all year round. Spend your days sunbathing, swimming, and building sandcastles at Eagle Beach or Palm Beach, which are famous for their soft, white sands. If you’re traveling with young children, make sure to visit Baby Beach. As the water level is generally quite low, it’s a perfect place for kids to enjoy swimming and snorkeling. 

There are also plenty of places with fun activities for older kids, such as Aruba’s Splash Park, the Donkey Sanctuary, and the Butterfly Farm. If you and your teenage children enjoy water sports, you can go windsurfing, kitesurfing, or stand-up paddleboarding. You can also explore trails and the Quadirikiri Cave at Arikok National Park and visit the Natural Bridge. If you’re planning a visit at the beginning of the year, make sure to catch the Aruba Carnival. Your family will enjoy the vibrant parades with their colorful costumes and lively dances. 

Aruba is also a more affordable destination than some of the other islands as there are many chain-style hotels that offer comfort at a reasonable price. If you have a large family, Aruba is the best Caribbean island to visit in the summer without having to break the bank!

Culture enthusiasts

Caribbean destinations are not just about white sandy beaches. Those who enjoy the arts and local culture can explore these islands for unique cultural experiences:

Cuba

Take a step back in time with a trip to Cuba, one of the most culturally rich places to visit in the Caribbean. With its colorful Spanish colonial-style buildings and 1950s vintage American cars, there are many unique sights and activities on this island. With a national love for the arts and culture, there are poetry readings, theatre performances, music festivals, ballet shows, and spontaneous dance performances to indulge in. If you want a more hands-on experience, take up some salsa classes or attend a private music workshop. 

For a more authentic way to experience Cuban culture, consider booking a homestay, or a ‘casa particular’. During your stay with a Cuban family, share homecooked meals with them and learn more about Cuban history and way of life. 

With tobacco being one of Cuba’s biggest exports, you can visit a tobacco farm in Viñales. Visit the lush plantations, learn about the lifecycle of a cigar, and even try your hand at rolling one!

Puerto Rico

If you want to experience history and culture on your Caribbean vacation, Puerto Rico should be on your list. This island boasts a unique mix of Hispanic, African, American, and Caribbean culture and history. San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas. Stroll along the cobblestone streets and admire the historic, colonial architecture. Pick up some souvenirs and gifts for friends and family at the boutique stores. 

Puerto Rico also boasts many museums, such as the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico in Santurce. This museum has a large collection of both Caribbean and international art pieces and hosts concerts and events on its museum grounds. If you’re a classical art enthusiast, visit the Ponce Museum of Art which is home to artworks from as early as the 17th century. Learn about the rich, vibrant Puerto Rican culture from a wide-ranging collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs, Puerto Rican folk art, and pre-Hispanic and African objects. 

This Caribbean island is also famous for its colorful and lively festivals which happen almost every weekend. Watch live bands and parades take over the streets and enjoy fried foods at these festivals. Some of them are held in the San Juan metro area, while others will require some travel.

Best time to visit the Caribbean

Even though the Caribbean boasts warm weather throughout the year, the hurricane season occurs from June to November. Avoid traveling to the Caribbean during these months as you’re at risk of heavy rain. Visit any time from December to May to enjoy clear, sunny skies.

Tips for planning a Caribbean vacation

Follow these useful tips to plan your ideal Caribbean trip:

• Decide on the purpose of the trip: Are you looking for a relaxed, tranquil holiday with total privacy and seclusion? Or do you prefer ziplining through a dense rainforest? Brainstorming why you want to travel to this region will help you choose where to go in the Caribbean.
• Explore destinations: Depending on the kind of experiences you’re seeking, choose an island that has the right mix of activities and atmosphere for you. Some islands are rich in culture and history, while others offer a host of opportunities to hike and dive.
• Fix a budget: Consider how much flight tickets cost to different destinations and whether you want to go for an all-inclusive resort or cover your costs separately. Some islands are renowned for luxury tourism with their five-star hotels, while others are more suitable for budget-conscious travelers with more affordable accommodation options.

Conclusion

Caribbean islands offer unparalleled opportunities for romantic getaways, adventure-packed trips, and family fun with their diverse landscapes and interesting sights and activities. Whether you’re visiting multiple islands or focusing on one, get ready for a spectacular time in paradise!

FAQ

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about Caribbean destinations: