For a long time, the islands of the Caribbean have been one of the most popular destinations for travelers looking for three main things: tropical beaches with crystal-clear waters, sunny weather, and fragrant sea air. The Caribbean is one of the few places where all of them coexist in perfect harmony. At the same time, the Caribbean has a wide range of activities, scenery, and luxury hotels.
There is something here for everyone. Aside from coming up with ways to fund your travels, careful planning and getting informed about which are the best Caribbean islands to visit are a big part of having a successful trip to paradise.
Let's go through a list of the top islands in the Caribbean most worthy of a visit.
1. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico truly has so many things to offer. From the rich history and culture and exceptional food to pristine beaches, majestic mountains, relaxation, and adventure. The perfect combination of variety and a laid-back attitude makes this island a paradise. Also known as La Isla del Encanto (the island of enchantment), this island is full of kind, friendly and welcoming people.
People often say that they feel more like a local than a foreigner when they travel to Puerto Rico. You’ll find a wonderful mix of Spanish and American influences here, but we also recommend delving into the culture of the indigenous boricua people. Whatever you do and wherever you go, you’re sure to find a rich cultural experience, mouthwatering food, a captivating rhythm, and a true celebration of life.
2. Bermuda
The Bermuda Islands in their pink-sand beaches and astonishing natural spaces will make one of the best destinations for your travel. The Atlantic Ocean waters and the rocky coves connecting the rivers, forests, bays, marshes, and preserves paint the natural beauty of this island.
The vibrant reefs rich in marine life indulging in the luxurious spa treatments and world-class cuisine are some memories worth creating. The sub-tropical climate with an abundance of blue and bright sunshine creates a spectacular atmosphere for sailing leisures.
Bermuda is more stayed, more upmarket, MUCH nicer beaches, MUCH nicer scuba, fewer people, NICE restaurants, very pretty environment. It’s a little expensive - not if you live in NYC and are used to their prices. Bermuda is the most safe foreign destination you can go to. You’ll need pre-testing, and will have arrival and during visit covid tests.
If you like fishing? There’s a GREAT run on yellowfin tuna at the moment. You can take that back to your hotel (or to your favourite restaurant) and ask the chef to prepare it for you. Sashimi, pepper crusted or jerked. Yellow fin tuna to die for, that YOU caught 6 hours ago. Yes, we do that level of service here. Get an electric buggy, or a scooter and explore the island.
There are tropical beaches, ghost haunted fortresses, and off the beaten path gourmet restaurants, or Bermuda style fast food. You haven’t had fast food at all, until you’ve had a Bermuda fish sandwich. You haven’t seen tropical water until you’ve gone snorkeling off of the south shore of Bermuda in Bombay Sapphire Blue crystal clear water with talcum powder soft pink sand.
3. The British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are unique when it comes to vacationing since you’ll find something different on every island that’s part of the volcanic archipelago. In other words, each island has a unique character. Here are the most popular options:
Virgin Gorda - Here, you’ll find the view of the awe-inspiring natural granite pillars;
Tortola - This is a popular family vacation destination because of the many different activities the capital island offers;
Jost Van Dyke - Here, you can let the island spirit move you;
Anegada - This is one of the best Caribbean islands to visit if you are an animal lover, as it is home to many endemic species.
No matter where you land in BVI, you will find friendly people, incredible beaches, and exciting recreational activities.
4. Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean’s second-largest and most diverse country. It’s well-known for its warm and hospitable people. The Caribbean Sea surrounds the island on the south and the Atlantic Ocean on the north. Furthermore, this tropical paradise is home to approximately 250 miles of the world's best beaches.
It's also one of the most extraordinary Caribbean islands to visit if you fancy yourself an Indiana Jones. It is home to many antique treasures and ruins that you can explore whenever possible.
5. Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda includes three main islands: Antigua, Barbuda, and the uninhabited Redonda. Antigua is the right choice for you if you’re looking for a long stretch of fantastic coastline. However, you shouldn’t discount Barbuda, which has protective reefs and a large lagoon. A unique feature of Barbuda is the Frigate Bird sanctuary. The islands are best known for having some of the world's most satisfying and enjoyable climates.
6. St Maarten
The smallest inhabited island divided between two nations is Saint Martin/Sint Maarten, which is divided between the Saint Martin overseas collectivity of France and Sint Maartin, a constituent country of the kingdom of the Netherlands. Its area is 87 km2.St Maarten is the most multicultural of all Caribbean Islands. Here you'll find over one hundred nationalities living together in perfect harmony. Many visitors who have traveled to the Caribbean say this is the most fun island. It boasts the best restaurants, fantastic beach bars, and an incredibly vibrant nightlife. If you visit this amazing place, you’ll face a lifestyle vastly different from most other tropical destinations.
That is also one of the few islands which are very pet-friendly. It's common for island nations to require long quarantine periods for pets when owners take them on vacation. If you are looking for an island to fly to with your dog, this is likely your best option since most visitors don't report the quarantine experience.
7. Anguilla
Another British Overseas territory in the Caribbean that has fewer visitors is Anguilla. A small island about the same size as Montserrat, Anguilla boasts dozens of pearl-white beaches and top-end resorts. The island’s high prices are the main reason for its fewer tourists, which are steep enough to stave off college spring breakers or honeymooners.Anguilla is blessed with 50+ beaches and Maundays Beach is the best among all. The highlights are clear waters, pristine sand, and a nearly perfect half-moon arc. The beach is less crowded so you can come here for a relaxing weekend getaway. The shimmering waters are accented by upscale hotels and beachside shacks, offering a picturesque view.
Anguilla is a small British territory in the Caribbean. It is meant to be enjoyed by beach enthusiasts, with its 33 pristine beaches ready and waiting for explorers. The combination of silky strands, clear turquoise waters, wild offshore islands, and fish-filled reefs and wrecks makes it a swimmers’ and snorkelers’ paradise. A popular and fun challenge for beach lovers is visiting them all during the vacation.
8. St Barts
This island is very popular with celebrities and posh people, making some travelers think it’s exclusive. However, if you visit, you’ll soon realize that that idea isn’t very close to reality. It's a paradise to be shared by all. The island is ideal for those seeking a more timid island experience. It offers plenty of shorelines to unwind and enjoy tasty lunches and quiet dinners under the stars with a bottle of fine French wine.
St Barts is a popular choice for people looking to move to The Caribbean. Therefore, consider this island if you are looking for a new place to call home. To better understand what's waiting for you here and exchange experiences with other ex-pats, Homegrown Moving Company advises you to join one of the many relevant Facebook and Discord groups dedicated precisely to people in your situation.
9. St Lucia
The magnificent scenery of Saint Lucia is sure to captivate anyone who sets foot on the isle’s coastline. St Lucia truly personifies adventure and inspiration with its soothing waves, warm beaches, and hospitable people. What sets this island apart from the other best Caribbean islands to visit are its mountains, jungles, beaches, and famous landmarks of the Pitons - the two volcanic plugs on the island's southwestern coast.
10. Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe offers first class hiking, superb beaches, the best diving in the Caribbean region and a series of remote, almost virgin islands. Each of the islands of this fascinating archipelago offers something different without sacrificing its rich Franco-Caribbean culture and identity. The two main islands look like the wings of a butterfly and are linked by a mangrove.
Grande-Terre, the eastern island, has a series of coastal cities with beautiful and quiet beaches, and a wide range of activities, while the western, mountainous Basse-Terre, hosts the fantastic National Park of Guadalupe, crowned by the spectacular Soufrière Hills Volcano. To the south of the main island territory, several small islands provide a vintage flavor.
From the pure relaxation of La Désirade to the suggestive village atmosphere of Les Saintes, they all have their own personality and complete the long list of attractions that make Guadalupe such a unique destination.
11. Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos is a tiny tropical archipelago nation that comprises around forty small islands south of the Bahamas. The world’s third-largest coral reef surrounds the breathtakingly beautiful islands that offer a welcoming contrast to the neighboring Bahamas. Instead of massive Las Vegas-style hotels, Turks and Caicos offer a range of very luxurious resorts, primarily beloved by honeymooners.
Final thoughts
The Caribbean truly is paradise on earth. The list of the best Caribbean islands to visit can go on and on, and you should try seizing as much of it as possible. For instance, if you’re planning on buying your first yacht anytime soon, you could always use it to visit more than just one of these beautiful destinations.
