Consisting of more than 7,000 islands, the Caribbean is home to countless tropical getaways, all with diverse experiences. From pink sand beaches to lush mountain landscapes, all-inclusive resorts to small boutique hotels, the Caribbean has something for every type of traveler. Unfortunately, that means choosing the perfect island destination can be a bit overwhelming!
So how do you pick where to go? The answer depends on what type of traveler you are, and what you’re looking for in your island vacation. For starters, consider your budget and who you’re traveling with. Is this a family vacation, a friend’s trip or romantic getaway? Then, what do you want out of your trip – adventure, relaxation, or maybe a bit of both? Are you a beach bum? A foodie? Pair those preferences with the right island, and you’ll get a match made in a sunshiny, beachfront heaven.
Here’s some of the most travelled Caribbean islands with some quick facts to hopefully help you narrow down your list. Still can’t decide – you’ll just have to explore a new one each year (that’s my preference)!
ANTIGUA
Antigua is famous for its pink coral sand beaches – 365 of them in fact. That’s one beach to explore for every day of the year! If you’re a foodie or someone who just likes to try new flavors, Antigua will offer you some of the most delicious seafood you’ve ever tasted! When it comes to weather, it’s perfect on this 108-square-mile island. The warm, steady trade winds make for ideal beach weather any time of the year. Best For: Beach, Seafood, Sailing and Boating, Families and Couples Accessibility from US and Canada: Easy to get to with daily flights from most major airports Climate: Average year-round temperature is 81. Mid-seventies in the winter and mid-eighties in the summer with low humidity. Price Range: $$$
ARUBA
If your ideal vacation involves lounging around the beach 24/7, this is your destination! Aruba’s beaches are among the world’s finest with crystal clear waters and white sand along the coastline.The two-mile Palm Beach, in front of a string of high-end resorts, casinos and clubs, offers calm waters for swimming and snorkeling. The quieter Eagle Beach, just south of Palm Beach, is popular with watersports enthusiasts; come in June to view sea turtle hatchlings. The island is 19.6 miles long and 6 miles across, with a total area of 70 square miles. Best For: Beach, Affordable Travel, Couples, Families and Watersports Accessibility from US and Canada: Easy to get to with daily flights from most major airports Climate: Average year-round temperature of 82. Located just below the hurricane belt, with a dry climate, so there’s rarely a rainy day. Price Range: $
BAHAMAS
The roughly 700 islands that make up the Bahamas lure millions of visitors to this paradise’s white sandy shores, duty-free shops, fishing, scuba diving excursions and luxurious accommodations. Families tend to indulge in the diversions of Atlantis, Paradise Island and other mega resorts, but this diverse island chain offers a range of activities away from the hotel zone. Nature enthusiasts can explore pristine protected areas like the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve (on Eleuthera) and Lucayan National Park (on Grand Bahama Island) or take it easy at one of the country’s many beaches or private islands. Meanwhile, history buffs can explore the ruins and artifacts from the colonial era and indigenous peoples like the Lucayan Indians. Best For: Families, Affordable Travel and Diving Accessibility from US and Canada: Extremely easy to get to with frequent, daily flights from most major airports Climate: In winter (December to April), average temperature ranges 68-79 and in summer (end of April to early December), 82-91. Price Range: $$
BARBADOS
Famed for its fine pearlescent white beaches and warm azure waters, Barbados is a Caribbean island that has it all – and at a lower cost than some of its neighboring islands. Some of the best beaches in the world are located here. If you’re looking for pristine, unspoiled sandy bays head to the west coast of the island. If watersports are more your style, then Barbados’ east coast has the perfect rugged coastline. Go surfing or kayaking, or take a dip in the sea and explore the colourful coral reefs that surround the island. While all of Barbados’ shorelines boast picturesque views and calming ocean breezes, some of the country’s must-visit beaches include Dover Beach, Bathsheba Beach and the sands overlooking Carlisle Bay. Golfers will find exquisite golf courses (it was actually the destination for Tiger Woods’ wedding). Food your thing – Barbadian food is top-notch. With specialities including mahi-mahi, fried plantain and macaroni pie, food plays a big part in island culture. Barbados is also the birthplace of rum and home to the world’s longest running rum distillery, Mount Gay, which started making rum back in the 1700s. Situated slightly East of the Atlantic hurricane belt, Barbados is a safe bet for travelers year-round (though the island does experience both wet and dry seasons). Best For: Affordable Travel, Beach, Surfers, Golf, Couples, Families and Foodies Accessibility from US and Canada: Easy to get to with daily flights from most major airports Climate: Year-round temperatures range from 70-88. Wet season is June to November and dry season December to May. Its moderately tropical climate is perfect for travelers looking for warm weather and endless sunshine Price Range: $
BERMUDA
For its small size, Bermuda has a surprising amount of activities to choose from. Travelers will not be disappointed, from the easy accessibility from the U.S. to the many opportunities for adventure. Famous for its pink-sand beaches (like Horseshoe Bay Beach and Elbow Beach) and British charm, Bermuda is a not to miss destination. When it comes to sightseeing, there’s an assortment of gardens, historical houses, churches and forts. The capital city of Hamilton is the epicenter of the country, home to a bustling yet scenic harbor as well as museums, galleries, shops and beautiful gardens. The Royal Naval Dockyard is also a great stop, housing the British Maritime Museum as well as a pedestrian mall with restaurants and shops aplenty. Travelers seeking adventure in the water will be delighted with the many shipwrecks and coral reefs to explore when scuba diving in the shallow waters – the clear ocean waters offer unlimited visibility. Kayaking, waterskiing, parasailing and yachting are other popular water activities here. Are you a golfer? Bermuda officially has more golf courses per capita than anywhere else in the world! Best for: Golf, Shopping, Diving and Families Accessibility from US and Canada: Less than two hours away from most eastern U.S. airports, it’s a great last-minute getaway from the states. Climate: May to October, temperatures range from 75-85 and from November to April, the average temperature is 65 Price Range: $$$
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
The British Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke and over 50 other smaller islands and cays. Road Town, the capital of the British territory, is located on the island of Tortola, which is also the largest island and encompasses about 36 square miles. If you’re into sailing or boating, this is your destination! Visitors often explore the islands by these modes of transportation, which allow you to explore all the caves and bays around the terrain. In fact, The British Virgin Islands are considered the center of the sailing world. A sailor’s paradise, the constant trade winds, daily sunshine and deep blue waters make for ideal island-hopping and easy navigation. It’s easy to find a charter boat that will take you on a day or overnight sailing trip. Travelers are also drawn to the white sand beaches and coral reefs. Best For: Sailing and Boating, Watersports, Diving, Couples and Families Accessibility from US and Canada: Most have to connect on a flight from a nearby island, or find a flight into Tortola. Also option to take a ferry from St. Thomas. Climate: Average high temperature of 83 and an average low temperature of 70. The wettest months are September to November and the driest are February and March. Hurricane season lasts June to November. Price Range: $$$$
CAYMAN ISLANDS
The Cayman Islands are an archipelago of three islands that sit 150 miles south of Cuba.The largest, Grand Cayman, is where you’ll find most of the resorts. The less-traveled Cayman Brac and Little Cayman boast some of the best diving in the Caribbean.Vacationers can enjoy outdoor activities, such as snorkeling and diving (including Stingray City, where you can swim with them) or lounging on pristine beaches like Seven Mile Beach. Best For: Watersports and Diving, Beach, Affordable Travel, Foodies, Families and Golf Accessibility from US and Canada: Easy to get to with daily flights from most major airports Climate: Year-round temperatures range from 78-85 Price Range: $$
CURAÇAO
Diving/snorkeling excursions and the cuisine are the two biggest reasons people visit Curaçao. The beautiful bays and colorful urban landscapes aren’t too bad either! When choosing a Caribbean destination, it’s easy to think that one island is just like any other, but with more than 35 captivating cove beaches, a diverse heritage spanning 55 different cultures and unrivaled traditional European architecture, Curaçao sets itself apart from the rest as an island to be explored. This Southern Caribbean island destination offers rugged terrain as the perfect backdrop for all types of travelers: adventure seekers, beach bums, divers, history buffs, epicureans and modern city explorers. Best For: Watersports, Diving, Outdoor Adventures, Urban Travel, Families, Foodies, Affordable Travel, and Couples Accessibility from US and Canada: Moderate with a (likely) layover in a nearby city or island Climate: Average year-round temperature of 88 Price Range: $
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
While the Dominican Republic has traditionally been known as a great budget-friendly destination, recent developments have turned this popular Caribbean island into a luxury escape for all types of travelers. You can enjoy affordable all-inclusive beach resorts, hidden getaways in the forest, or luxurious colonial-style villas in the city. The landscape of the country is unique and consists of many different environments including beaches, tropical rainforests, deserts, alpine ranges and even mangrove swamps.This allows for many opportunities for travelers to embark on excursions of all kinds. The miles of coastline also allow for travelers to experience any kind of water sport they can imagine, including scuba diving, fishing, sailing and surfing, which are ideal in the crystal blue waters. If a more relaxing vacation is what you’re looking for, the Dominican Republic has hundreds of miles of coastline with countless beaches. There are beaches near cities,rainforests and resorts with plenty of amenities. Golfers will keep busy at one of the six courses on the coasts and 20 located inland. The world-class golf courses have some of the best views in the world in a tropical climate that’s ideal for year-round play. Best For: Affordable Travel, Beach, Families, Urban Travel, Couples, Luxury Travel, Golf and Outdoor Adventures Accessibility from US and Canada: Extremely easy to get to with frequent, daily flights from most major airports Climate: Average annual temperature is 77 Price Range: $
JAMAICA
Jamaica, known as the home of reggae music and Bob Marley, has quickly come onto the scene as a perfect Caribbean getaway for any type of traveler. You can still come to experience the incredible music scene, but you’ll soon realize Jamaica has so much more to offer. Blue Mountain coffee, Red Stripe beer, Jamaican rum, beautiful beaches, jerk dishes, luxurious all-inclusive resorts and majestic waterfalls are just some of the highlights here. Most of the island’s larger resorts are concentrated in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril. Best For: Music, Foodies, Beach, Affordable Travel, Outdoor Adventures, Couples, Families and Golf Accessibility from US and Canada: Easy to get to with flights from most major airports Climate: Year-round temperatures range from 76-83 Price Range: $
PUERTO RICO
In Puerto Rico you get some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world, the only rainforest in North America, colorful streets and nightlife, casinos and live music, delicious food and tons of rum, surfing, and so much more! Plus, if you’re a US citizen you don’t even need a passport to visit! Puerto Rico is an archipelago in the Caribbean Sea consisting of the main island, four small islands, and hundreds of cays and islets. The island territory is only 100 miles long and 35 miles wide (8,870 square kilometers). Still, it packs a fantastic diversity of sights, scenery, and culture. Best For: Beach, Families, Couples, Singles, Foodies, Surfing, Water Sports, Outdoor Adventures, Hiking, and Golf Accessibility from US and Canada: Extremely easy to get to with frequent, daily flights from most major airports Climate: Warm and tropical with temperature 70-80 throughout the year. Temps can go down to 60 in the central mountainous area during December and January. Price Range: $$
ST. LUCIA
Known for its gorgeous palm-fringed beaches, miles of unspoiled rainforest, majestic mountains, refreshing waterfalls, breath-taking vistas and warm inviting people. St. Lucia offers a wealth of awe-inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime experiences like the Sulfur Springs in the capital city of Soufrière, where you can take mud baths. Best For: Couples, Beach, Outdoor Adventures, Hiking, Watersports, Diving and Luxury Travel Accessibility from US & Canada: Easy to get to with daily flights from most major airports Climate: Average daytime temperature of 84 and nighttime temperature of 64 Price Range: $$
ST. MARTIN/ST. MAARTEN
This island is shared by the Dutch and the French, thus offering a very unique cultural experience on both parts of the island. Because of these two unique cultures there are tons of restaurant choices. With its busier Dutch side and more relaxed French side, the island has something for everyone. The Dutch Sint Maartin is the place to go for those who like a lively nightlife scene, bustling casinos and large resorts. The French side is more about shopping and fine dining.The two sides of the island have some similarities, yet each offers a unique experience for travelers. Both sides offer unbeatable white-sand beaches, plenty of palm trees and the chance to experience some of the best island time that the Caribbean has to offer. Best For: Cultural Travel, Foodies, Beach and Urban Travel Accessibility from US and Canada: Easy with flights from most major airports Climate: Year-round temperatures range from 68-90 Price Range: $$$
TURKS AND CAICOS
Turks and Caicos is a small archipelago nation and British Territory located south of the Bahamas. It is made up of 40 islands and cays, eight of which are inhabited. Technically, it’s located in the Atlantic Ocean, not in the Caribbean Sea, but it’s still commonly thought of as part of the Caribbean. If you’re looking to relax near some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, then Turks and Caicos is your place! The islands are surrounded by crystal clear waters and beautiful coral reefs to explore. The two main islands, Providenciales (part of the Caicos Islands) and Grand Turk (part of the Turks Islands), are home to many of the main attractions of Turks and Caicos. Providenciales is the most populated of the islands and is a top beach destination. Providenciales is also home to the only conch farm in the world, Caicos Conch Farm. Grand Turk is the capital island as well as the largest of the Turks Islands. A popular excursion for travelers is a trip to Gibbs Cay, where visitors can explore an uninhabited island and meet friendly stingrays who will swim right up to them. Scuba diving is also very popular here, as the island has healthy coral, diverse marine life and visibility that can exceed 100 feet. Best For: Beach, Health and Wellness Retreats, Watersports, Diving, Couples, Families and Luxury Travel Accessibility from US and Canada: Easy to get to with daily flights from most major airports Climate: From October to March, average temperature is 68-86 and 75-91 from April to September Price Range: $$$
US VIRGIN ISLANDS
The US Virgin Islands are made up of 3 main islands – St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix. The U.S. Virgin Islands are diverse and each of the three main islands offers something different. St.Thomas attracts travelers looking for active beaches, bustling nightlife, excellent shopping and a historic downtown district. The island, which is also home to Charlotte Amalie, the territory’s capital, welcomes many travelers every year and also has the most popular cruise port in the Caribbean. St.John is perfect for travelers looking for a vacation full of outdoor adventure. Much of the island (7,000 acres) makes up the Virgin Islands National Park (part of the U.S. National Park Service). The park has 20 hiking trails as well as many beaches, coral reefs and historic ruins to explore. There’s also many opportunities to relax on amazing beaches. St.Croix strikes a good balance between St.Thomas and St.John. It’s the largest of the main islands and is referred to as the “big island”. It offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, like snorkeling and hiking in the rainforest, but also has a good amount of city-based activities, like visiting museums, historic sites or the horse track. Diving is also a popular activity on St.Croix, where you can see coral reefs, shipwrecks and a natural underwater wall all in one day.Traveling between the three islands couldn’t be easier – you can island hop by ferry, plane or water taxi. The fact that a passport isn’t required for entry makes this an easy destination for U.S. travelers. Best For: Beach, Outdoor Adventures, Families, Couples, Water Sports, Hiking and Affordable Travel Accessibility from US and Canada: Easy to get to with daily flights from most major airports and ferries available from St.Thomas to reach other islands Climate: Average high temperature of 87 and low temperature of 75 Price Range: $$
I’ve been fortunate enough to visit most of these locations so I’d be happy to share more information and personal experiences with you if you’re interested. Take vacations, go as many places as you can. You can always make money, you can’t always make memories.
