Due to its incredible ease of access from most major cities in the United States, the Caribbean is a frequently visited area. I’ve visited many times myself and if you are someone in need of sand and sun or just seeking a getaway from work, I’ve got a list of the best places to visit in the Caribbean for you to check out.
The Caribbean is a classic travel destination for anyone looking for sun, sea, and sand, and it’s one of the most popular parts of the world for vacation goers. There’s so much to like about the Caribbean, from the white sand beaches and luxurious resorts to the diverse local culture and historic cities. There’s so much to see and to do and choosing the best places to visit in the Caribbean is always a challenge, given a large number of islands and the large extent of coastline that fringes the Caribbean Sea. From beaches to rainforest, to colonial cities and underwater adventure. There is an island for you. I want to take a look at some of your options as you plan your next visit to the Caribbean Islands and show you what you can expect from these unique islands. Note: These are in no particular order.Don’t leave home without: DK Eyewitness Caribbean (Travel Guide)
Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean
1. Puerto Rico
Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Puerto Rico (Travel Guide)
2. St Thomas
Don’t leave home without: Fodor’s U.S. & British Virgin Islands (Full-color Travel Guide)
3. St John
Don’t leave home without: DK Eyewitness Top 10 US and British Virgin Islands (Pocket Travel Guide)
4. Cozumel
5. Cuba
- Cuba: Salsa & Snorkeling with G Adventures – 16 days
- Cuba Explorer with G Adventures – 9 days
- Cuba Libre & Sailing with G Adventures – 13 days
6. Dominica
7. Barbados
8. Jamaica
9. St Lucia
10. Antigua
11. St Kitts
Also located in the West Indies, St Kitts is the larger island that makes up the two-island nation that is St Kitts and Nevis. Nevis, the smaller island, is found just 2 miles away from St Kitts across a dramatic stretch of water, and there are dramatic viewpoints that offer sweeping panoramas of both islands. You’ll find sandy white beaches around the island, and plenty of resorts and hotels. Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the main draw to this island. The fortress was first established in 1690 with canons and was completed over the following 100 years. The fort saw its biggest battle and takeover by the French in 1782 but was later retaken by the British after a treaty was signed. The walls were refortified and the fort was never taken again. It was abandoned by the British in 1853 and after restoration efforts in the 1970s was declared a UNESCO site in 1999. A visit to the fort will provide engaging historical insight and breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The island is rich with culture, so don’t miss a visit to the Caribelle Batik factory before heading out to soak up some sun and sand on the beach. Lastly, keep your eyes open for monkeys. There is a population of Green Vervet Monkeys that were introduced during the African slave trade. They can be seen on the sides of roads and in the trees.Don’t leave home without: Fodor’s Essential Caribbean (Full-color Travel Guide)
12. Grand Cayman
Don’t leave home without: Fodor’s In Focus Cayman Islands (Full-color Travel Guide)
13. Dominican Republic
This island is certainly known as a hot vacation spot. Most people come here for the stunning beaches of Punta Cana on the East side of the bright blue waters of Puerta Plata on the Northside. All-inclusive resorts line the shoreline and offer a variety of package deals to suit every traveler. You can take part in snorkeling, swimming, diving, and even some Latin dance lessons. Resorts are also offered in places like La Ramona for a more local feel. A not miss in the Dominican Republic is the bustling capital city of Santo Domingo. Although not as commonly visited as the beach areas, this city is rich in Spanish history and the landing spot of Christopher Columbus. You can tour his casa, visit the local botanical gardens, aquarium and local parks on a visit to the city. The downtown historic district holds architecture that rivals some places in South America and Europe.Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Dominican Republic (Travel Guide)
14. Bahamas
Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet The Bahamas (Travel Guide)
15. Roatan
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More on the Caribbean:
- Trinidad Cuba: The Only Guide You Need
- Can Americans Travel to Cuba – Complete Guide
- 29 Cuba Photos Reveal Vibrant Diversity
Hi Lina! I’ve been to 4 islands on your list, but after seeing your pictures I need to go back and explore the rest. Loved the beaches in Antigua, the best I’ve ever been so far. Bahamas has so many islands, you could be there for months. One thing, the more local area with resorts in the Dominican Republic is called La Romana and not La Ramona. But the best area in the DR for me is Samana Peninsula, up north, far away from the big resorts. Jungle, waterfalls and more quiet beaches!
Happy travels!
I like this report and consider it as a quite accurate account of 10 beautiful islands of paradise. This will be very useful for my customers. Thank you.
I’ve visited the Caribbean on a few occassions and my favourite island is Barbados. It’s beautiful beaches are breathtaking, and a visit to the eatern side of the island is a must. This side of the island faces the Atlantic and the waves are spectacular. Head to Barclay Park, but don’t try swimming in the water, unless your half fish.
The buses are cheap, but irregular, but car hire is an inexpensive and easy way to get around.
All roads lead to Bridgetown so getting lost is pretty impossible.
If you considering visiting Grand Caymen then I can also recommend a visit to Stingray City, the Stingrays are fantastic to swim with, just be careful not to stand on the smaller fish who love to sit on your feet to warm themselves. A great experience.
You are exactly right about Barbados. Yes, Stingray City is fabulous and we loved it! 🙂
We are so excited to travel to Puerto Rico next week for 7 days. We are staying at the Gran Melia Golf Resort in Rio Grande. We are so excited to adventure through the Yunque rainforest, kayak in a bio bay, check out the Camuy caves and try out the rum at a local factory, of course!
I enjoyed checking out what you had to say about PR as well.
Any MUST-DO activities that I didn’t mention? Anything you WISH you would have known ahead of time?
SAFE TRAVELS!
Aimee
Try to catch a street festival in the historical district! They are vibrant with good music and dance. All those things are great things to do in PR, be sure to have a snorkel or dive too. 🙂
I am from Sardinia, so I am spoiled when it comes to beaches and sea. But it looks like I would find something good there!
I’ve never been to Sardinia but I can guarantee you that great beaches will be found in the Caribbean!
I’m looking for snorkeling on par with the colorful coral and fish at the base of the Pitons in St. Lucia. Any recommendations?
In the Caribbean? Some of the best snorkeling we have done there is at Grand Cayman and the water is clear and gorgeous.
I heard a lot about great things in Puerto Rico but I never got the chance to travel that place. I can see that this place has cool beach resorts and I want to explore that place with my family soon. I’m hoping this summer, we’ll have the chance to be there. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, Puerto Rico is a very beautiful place and worth a visit! Thanks for stopping in and checking out our site.
Obviously I am a HUGE fan of the Caribbean 😉 Such beauty! I don’t have a favorite, they re all special in their own way. Looking forward to being back there later this year!
They really are amazing! I love that each island has something unique to discover about it. We have been more times than I can count and we absolutely love it.
I’m incredibly jealous! Your photo of St Kitts is amazing- so blue!
Thank you! The Caribbean is so stunning. Thanks for stopping by!
These all look beautiful! I’ve never been to the Carribean but I had a friend who always used to rave about Barbuda.That water in your photo of the Grand Cayman looks so enticing!
Yes, the Grand Cayman islands are the perfect postcard of the Caribbean. I have never seen anything like it before and we are already looking forward to another visit. What’s great about it is it has the beaches, the water, the snorkeling and stingrays!