Their status is different from the other two Dutch Caribbean islands of Curacao and Aruba (more on them later), despite Bonaire being more geographically close to them than to Sint Eustatius and Saba. Its certainly a relaxing and calm way to spot wildlife and enjoy the local scenery. With more than 7,000 islands, 13 sovereign island nations, and 12 dependent territories,it's not the easiest decision to make for would-be travelers. Here we list all 28 Caribbean countries and territories, ranked from try-to-visit to book-a-flight-right-now. This low-cost tropical paradise is known for its colonial. check out the Carriacou Maroon & String Band Music Festival in April and the Grenada Chocolate Festival in May. But if you look past negative media coverage, you'll find a beautiful country where tourists can snorkel, zipline, enjoy delicious food and visit landmarks like mountaintop Citadelle la Ferrire and the Sans-Souci Palace. If you want to mix education and fun, St. Nicholas Abbey, one of the oldest distilleries in the Caribbean, is nearby. The Asa Wright Nature Centre is tucked away in the mountains of the Trinidad rainforest. There are also more beaches than you could ever visit in an entire lifetime. Still, this isn't anything like mainland France, given its strong indigenous, Black and Creole roots. 11. What you will find plenty of on this 3.5-mile island inSt Vincent and the Grenadines, is boats, incredible ones at theSandy Lane Yacht Club. Heres all you need to know. Sorry, no results has been found matching your query. READ MORE: 10 Great Islands for Luxury Caribbean Vacations. Antigua. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. There are no secret Caribbean resorts, but there are places where you can get away from it all fokkebok / Getty Images, The 8 best under-the-radar places to visit in the Caribbean. The natural beauty of the destination is breathtaking, with some of the most gorgeous hillside vistas in all the tropics. Consider staying at theFour Seasons Resorton Pinneys Beach. If you're planning to fly to the Caribbean, chances are American Airlines has a flight for you. Morne Trois Pitons National Park is a national treasure with spots like Trafalgar Falls. As with any other island, its best not to walk alone in isolated areas, especially beaches, after dark. One of the best places in the Caribbean for expats is Antigua and Barbuda. Make sure you venture back to Andros, with its underwater cave systems and the highest concentration of blue holes in the world. The experience is pretty much straight out of a brochure, as most of your time will be spent at the beach or on a boat. The culture is a mix of indigenous Amerindians, European settlers, and descendants of enslaved Africans (which make up 90% of the population). We don't blame you. But the U.S. State Department cautions against petty crimes in Providenciales, such as pickpocketing and burglary. The shallow waters of Baby Beach seem man-made, but they definitely are not. American citizens do not need visas to travel to the Bahamas, but they will need valid passports to re-enter the United States. Two other U.S. airlines have daily or weekly service. may or may not be the best fit for you. For those who are all about being pampered, Seabourn is ready to meet your every need. Two volcanic spires of the Twin Pitons . Tobago has one of the highest densities of bird species in the world, with more than 200 varieties. You won't need a passport to travel to or return from Puerto Rico, nor do you pay duty on items that you bring home. Take an excursion to Long Cay, part of the Admiral Cockburn Land and Sea National Park, a protected area full of ospreys, egrets, herons and more. Head to Cayman Brac for all the splendor of the Cayman Islands with half the crowds. That said, Roatan does get its fair share of cruise-ship visits. If cultural festivals are a focus of your Caribbean trips. If you want an island escape, this might just be it. Perhaps not surprisingly, many of them also rank among the most expensive Caribbean islands! The country prioritizes the safety of its visitors because tourism accounts for around 80% of the GDP of Antigua and Barbuda. The country has been blessed with an unfair amount of beauty, flavorful food, abundant fruits, rhythmic music and general liveliness. While youre in the area, take a tour of the Bluefields Organic Fruit Farm where you'll learn a bit about organic farming and Jamaican agricultural history. Montserrat was recently rated the #1 safest Caribbean island. TheNevis Equestrian Centre offers rides that include beaches, trails, and villages. Flight duration from Miami: 50 minutes. A vacation here certainly won't be cheap, but it's all worth it for unlimited time on perfectly soft white-sand beaches. Montserrat became a playground for the rich and famous in the 70s and 80s, when George Martins AIR Studios attracted artists such asDire Straits, Duran Duran, and The Police to record albums there. Fly from Boston to George Town, Cayman Islands, for as low as $371 round trip Granting travelers access to the tropical wonders of Grand Cayman, these bargain flights from Boston to George Town can cost as little as $371 return. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. This brings us to Antigua, which is part of the Twin Islands of Antigua and Barbuda. The weather is sunny all year, even during most of the hurricane season June through October. [See: The 10 Best Hotels in the Caribbean 2016.] Are you spending your free time on a which Caribbean island is right for me quiz? Get to Nassau, hop on a commuter flight, take a cab to the dock and board a water taxi that takes you to Kamalame Cay, a private island in Andros in the Bahamas.The resort is near the world's third-largest barrier reef with acres of coconut palm groves and vegetation that competes . Learn more about us in ourMedia Kit. Compared to other Caribbean countries it has one of the lowest crime rates, but there have been some reports of pickpockets and purse-snatchers in areas such as Heritage Quay andMarket Street. Kayak or swim in glowing waters, a natural phenomenon called bioluminescence that is created by algae. Bight Reef has an incredible amount of wildlife and is considered to have some of the best snorkeling spots on Provo Island. When hunger calls, you can find everything from a food truck on the beach to fine dining in Sebastians. Anguilla was named one of the safest Caribbean islands to visit by U.S. News & World Reportdue to its friendly people, upscale sophistication, and an embargo onlarge cruise ships, casinos, and high-rise hotels. With its toes-in-the-sand dining, palm-tree-lined beaches, and all-inclusive rate, you might think Bungalows Key Largo belongs on a Caribbean island. Though the distinct heritage of each Caribbean island is worthy of exploring, were partial to Jamaica because of our loyalty to three things: jerk chicken, Bob Marley, and Jimmy Cliff. We were also featured in the 2017 National Geographic book, Ultimate Journeys for Two, for which we contributed a chapter on our adventures in Rwanda. Just make sure that you find a local tour company that practices responsible ecotourism. It is a popular place for snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. Bimini is the closest island to the U.S. coast, just 50 miles east of Miami. Where do rich French people who are tired of St. Tropez go? Snorkeling in lagoons and hiking up Mt. The unspoiled Caribbean at Mudjin Harbor Beach 02:16 - Source: CNN. The Bahamas We start our list of 11 easiest islands to get to in Caribbean with the Bahamas. There are narrow roads lined with steep drainage ditches, so go slow and exercise caution. We share transformative Responsible Travel, Sustainable Living & Going Green Tips that make a positive impact. Six major U.S. airlines and one low-cost carrier offer daily flights to Jamaica. Your days will be spent at the beach or deep in the sea. Do I need a visa to visit or work in Panama? Some people do recommend using taxis rather than rental cars own the main islands, due to careless drivers on some of the main islands. The panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and sea are absolutely worth the trek. And there's no shortage of cultural activities and outings to embark on all over the island nation. Located in the Windward Islands just south of Martinique, St. Lucia is a tropical paradise for lovebirds of all kinds. Two words: jerk chicken. If you want to visit the smaller villages, look into a culturally-immersive program like the Country-Style Community Tour, which helps teach visitors about the culture and heritage of Jamaica. There are strong currents and occasional riptides there, so check the surf conditions before going swimming. Pro tip: Grand Anse Beach is the most touristy, but it is also one of the most beautiful in the country. While Aruba is the smallest island of the three ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao), it's easily the most popular with visitors. Read more about Dominica, and get the full list of best islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas below. In our list, we didnt just focus on single individuals or traveling families. Its known for its gorgeous blue surf, ecologically important coral reef systems, and wonderful white sandbeaches. The Best Adventure Vacations In The Caribbean Extreme Caribbean Vacations for the Thrill-Seekers at Heart. It has soft-white-sand as well as pink-sand beaches, islands where wild pigs swim in the ocean and fantastic snorkeling spots. If you're an experienced diver, you can do a six-hour voluntourism excursion to help restore the coral reefs that bring life to the island. Forty coral islands make up this British Overseas Territory. Found in Harbour Island, the pretty Pink Sands Beach delivers soft rose sands away from the busyness of nearby Nassau. Only Here It looks like a desert dry, a tad barren, riddled with cacti. The Jamaica Tourist Board notes that most tourists enter Jamaica at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. Barbados simply doesn't miss a beat: great food, sandy beaches, clear water, good snorkeling, amazing nightlife, friendly people it truly has it all. And Sint Eustatius and Saba are islands most people haven't even heard of, so they're really as off-the-beaten path as it gets. Here you'll find hipster haunts likeRicks Caf where you can dance and watch folks jump from cliffs into the sea. Yes, Jamaican food is in itself enough of an excuse to travel to this country. The beaches are astonishing, but locals are often banned from enjoying them; the classic cars make for pretty pictures, but people have to fight to keep them going with few resources; everything is in dollars, but everyone earns in pesos. San Juan, its capital, is one of the prettiest cities in the Caribbean, filled with beautiful historic architecture and landmarks, like the famed 16th-century El Morro Fortress. While there are cruise ships, million-dollar properties, and even traffic on St Thomas, there is still an air of wilderness. These places have good transport facilities, cheap costs, good security, and most importantly they are very easy to reach from the U.S. Value-minded tourists have flocked here for years thanks to plenty of affordable flights . Another non-independent island worth mentioning, Roatan has many of your typical Caribbean qualities: gorgeous white-sand beaches, colorful coral reefs and shipwrecks you can dive. But, in our list, you can find the absolute best Caribbean island for hiking and snorkeling. This unique landscape is one to experience. There are small clusters of palm-topped umbrellas and sunbeds to unwind on, along with some of the islands most enticing boutique hotels, all hidden in the dunes and blooms. We'd also recommend taking time to dive or snorkel the lively reefs around the island. The rainforests invite hikers to go wildlife watching or to summit Mount Liamuiga to see its astonishing crater lake. Tosh, one of the original Wailers, in reggae music history is not far behind icon Bob Marley. Two volcanic spires of the Twin Pitons offer an absurdly romantic view as they jut against a turquoise horizon, a blend of Caribbean Sea and sky. On the way, you'll encounter gorgeous tropical vegetation and unique animals, like the blue iguana. One of many Leeward Islands you'll find on our list of the safest Caribbean islands, Anguilla is a beloved British Overseas Territory that includes a 35-square-mile main island and several offshore islets. Our answer was always the same: Most of the Caribbean islands are just as safe as US cities, with rare exceptions like Haiti. The main island of St. Vincent and the smaller Grenadines islands that accompany it are luxury Caribbean at its best. From chilling on the beaches of Bora Bora to eating shellfish in Cape Cod, USA, here are the best places to visit in June. Even if you don't have any success, the setting is gorgeous and the snorkeling is spectacular, so the day won't feel like a loss at all. Besides boating around the Caribbean on their private yachts from white-sand beach to white-sand beach, visitors enjoy shopping in designer stores. All rights reserved. Insider Monkey Score: 2. Get to Nassau, hop on a commuter flight, take a cab to the dock and board a water taxi that takes you to Kamalame Cay, a private island in Andros in the Bahamas. Located in the eastern Caribbean and nicknamed the Spice Isle, Grenada is known for its nutmeg plantations, sustainable eco resorts, and innovative environmental practices. But Grenadas friendly people and low crime rates make it one of the safest islands to visit. Our safety was never remotely a concern. Spend time on the 18-hole golf course or relaxing in the spa. But if its natural beauty you seek, youll love the islands uncrowded and unspoiled beaches, spectacular snorkeling, and wildlife-rich rainforests. But for those who take the most basic safety precautions, Grenada ultimately proves to be one of the warmest, most welcoming islands of the Caribbean. Here, youll spot turtles, stingrays, a variety of fish and coral. South Caicos is typically pretty windy and there are many flat water and bay kiting locations, so kiteboarders will have plenty of reasons to be psyched. Bonaire is one of the best Caribbean islands for divers. From luxurious resorts tucked away in the Antigua hillside to seaside casinos in Old San Juan, read our guide to picking your next Caribbean island vacation. It doesn't hurt that the large fortress is surrounded by ocean views that stretch into the horizon. This archipelago is a British Overseas Territory and has four main islands: Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. You can also visit Fort Hamilton for an unexpected jungle-like moat. The islands of this territory are popular not just with newlyweds but also with families in search of exciting activities and plenty of beach time. Here, tortoises outnumber people. The resort is near the worlds third-largest barrier reef with acres of coconut palm groves and vegetation that competes with the bluest sea for what is most awesome. In total, it has more than 50 islands of varying sizes, making it an absolutely perfect destination for avid boaters who want nothing more than to island-hop in the Caribbean. Haiti. Suffice to say: The absolute best thing to do here is to jump at the chance of swimming with the world's largest fish. Grenada is nicknamed the "Spice Isle" because of its nutmeg plantations. Wet weather and tropical storms are possible during the Atlantic hurricane . The Baths are huge granite rock formations brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions that make a beautiful grotto and tranquil pools. According to the U.S. Department of State, Antigua & Barbuda is a Level 1 in terms of safety, meaning visitors merely need to exercise normal precautions.. You can explore the cave by tram or foot. Another good choice isThe Hermitageat the foot of a rainforest covered mountain. The spice is both exported and used liberally in the local cuisine. Nevis, in the Leeward Islands, is one of the Caribbeans best kept secrets. Nicknamed The nature island of the Caribbean, the thrills are loggerhead turtles, whales, hot springs, boiling lakes, mountains, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. This dual-island nation boasts some of the prettiest architecture in the Caribbean, particularly in its colorful capital of St. John's. The breathtaking vistas in this lush, mountainous island are enough to make even the most jaded of hearts believe in love again. With some of the most breathtaking beaches in the Caribbean, this U.S. territory is made up of over 50 islands. Bathsheba Beach is home to theSoup Bowl, an iconic break that is a favorite of none other than surf icon Kelly Slater. Encompassing 166 square miles, Barbados is a small island with,big waves, a rugged coastline, a rich local culture, and a mountainous interior. Here are the best places to visit. That said, this is one of the world's best snorkeling spots and you can find cool places if you manage to escape the snares of tourist traps. Green Global Travel is the worlds #1 independently owned ecotourism website encouraging others to embrace sustainable travel, wildlife conservation, cultural preservation, and going green tips for more sustainable living. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise . 10. If you plan to be here when no cruise ships are docking, its a very quiet beach to simply soak up the sun. From the vacation of a lifetime to the life of a digital nomad, we've got everything you need to know about entry requirements for Panama. Antigua Best for beaches Boasting a beach for each day of the year, low-lying Antigua in the Leeward Islands delivers a multitude of postcard-perfect beaches, with coral reefs just a flipper-kick from shore. The British Virgin Islands are a collection of 50-plus island s with diverse landscapes, serene beaches, and green hillsides. 13 min read In this article we take a look at the 25 best Caribbean Islands to visit in 2021. There are many islandsthat you can enjoy if you are single, butmany people wonder justwhich Caribbean island to visit and whats the right fit for them. Some things are worth waiting for. No hurries, no worries, just relax its no wonder around 30 million people a year head to the Caribbean for a respite. Check into theMandarin Oriental, Canouan and you may feel like youre in a private-island sanctuary, a secret escape, with just 26 suites and 13 villas on the 1200-acre estate thats on Godahl Beach. Bottom Line: Haiti Revitalize yourself at the Bamboo Spa with the signature Jungle Bay Massage with coconut, castor and bay essential oils. Soak up the sounds on a Sunday night at the legendary street party,Buccoo Sunday School in Buccoo. Take a guided tour in a classic car around Havana for the day. But if you can swing it and head to one of the less popular islands, you definitely won't regret it. If you'd rather opt for more privacy, consider a chic seaside cottage at Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort with a luxurious yet laid back ambiance that's perfect for falling in love. Harrisons Cave is a crystalized limestone cave with pools of crystal-clear water and flowing streams. Not sure which Caribbean islands best for you? Air Jamaica also serves routes from Baltimore, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, New York, Orlando and Philadelphia. You'll be able to see the ocean glow as if it were made of a million stars. The Caribbean island chain begins 50 miles from the United States coast, but the nearness of an island does not always make it easy to reach. Bearing in mind a wet season, possible hurricanes and a stretch of super-humid weather, here's when to visit Everglades National Park. After I started writing about travel professionally in 1997, the islands of the Caribbean quickly became my favorite stomping grounds. Dine at The Rocks that sits 300m (1000ft) above sea level on the grounds of theGolden Rock Inn, where you can enjoy magnificent sea views, cascading ponds, and lush gardens. This article was first published November 2020 and updated December 2022. Antigua & Barbuda is a sovereign nation in the Lesser Antilles that includes two major islands as well as a number of smaller islands (including Redonda, a SCUBA diving hotspot). The bungalows, villas, cottages, and beach houses are spread out for miles. In our list, we have also included the cheapest Caribbean flights as well. Martinique is a French-speaking island. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Mary and I were fortunate to spend 8 glorious days on the island for her birthday, exploring myriad hiking trails, botanical gardens, waterfalls, hot springs, and snorkeling the marine sanctuary on the coast. There are two beaches here with possible dolphin- and humpback whale-sightings. (Note: The best deals most under $400 and some as low as $192 are primarily in October and early or late November for stays of five to seven nights). But sometimes, the best vacations are in April, and thats why we have prepared the list of best places to travel in April in Europe, Asia and tropical destinations as well. Starting with the Bahamas and Cuba, located off the tip of Florida, the string of Caribbean countries arc down towards Venezuela. Another British Overseas Territory, Turks and Caicos is an archipelago of 40 coral islands located southeast of the Bahamas, about 620 miles from Miami. It is especially ideal for New Yorkers who want to escape the winter snow or cold weather and trade it for a Caribbean villa rental on a sun-kissed white-sand beach. On a really clear day, you can even see the neighboring island of St. Lucia. | Kristina Murphree/EyeEm/Getty Images Punta Cana, Dominican Republic One of the Caribbean's most accessible and inexpensive. This less-traveled paradise is a must for bird-watchers. Two other U.S. airlines have daily or weekly service. From the Blue Mountain to the musical history of Trench Town, Jamaica is the kind of island that beckons you back. But you don't need a passport to visit the . Carol Luther has more than 25 years of business, technology, and freelance writing experience. Enjoy pretty beaches that are not overcrowded, Tobago's beautiful Nylon Pool in the middle of the sea and food so good you'll want to call your mom to tell her about it. Located in the Eastern Antilles (about 100 miles from its nearest neighbor), this independent British Commonwealth nation is known for Rihanna, beautiful white sand beaches, and a high rating from the United Nations Human Development Index.
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