Not all Caribbean islands are created equal. If you’ve settled on tropical paradise for your next vacation, but you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options in the Caribbean travel region, consult this guide for some direction.
Best for Budget: With cheap direct flights from the U.S. and a plethora of affordable all-inclusive resorts, Jamaica is the best Caribbean island for travelers looking to save money on their next vacation. But a trip to Jamaica won’t feel budget – visitors enjoy the same crystal blue waters and white sandy beaches as those shelling out big bucks to visit the more luxe isles. Runner up: the Dominican Republic
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| Spanish Colonial Architecture in Old San Juan |
Best for Charm: San Juan, Puerto Rico is not only the most charming city in the Caribbean, it’s also one of the most enchanting places in the United States. The city’s old town is home to some of the most well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture in the world. The bright, multi-colored buildings and winding cobblestone alleyways will take you back in time to the colonial era. Runner up: Curaçao
Best for a Good Culinary Scene: Martinique is a true blend of French culture and island life. Because of this harmonious Franco-Creole mingling, the island offers creative cuisine in a travel region that rarely strives beyond the easy and obvious seafood platters. Local products are still the primary meal base, but chefs here transform the food using the techniques and flavor profiles of the famed French cuisine. Runner up: Guadeloupe
Best for Culture: Americans will have to jump through some hoops to get to Cuba, but culture junkies might think it worth the trouble. Soak in the faded glory of the country’s pre-revolution days in crumbling (though still magnificent) Old Havana. The life of this city dwells in its residents; after dark, the vibrant streets fill with salsa dancing and cigar smoke. For some variety, also visit Trinidad, a seaside town with charming colonial architecture. Runner up: Bermuda
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| The Bahamas |
Best for Ecotourism: Resisting the development undergone by neighboring islands, Dominica’s unbridled beauty remains in tact. The island has varied flora and fauna, an extensive network of protected parks and rainforests, and miles of government-protected coastline. Hike to hidden waterfalls, swim in soothing hot springs, and snorkel in the surrounding waters. Beaches are few and far between, but eco-oriented travelers will be too busy exploring the island’s dynamic jungles to notice. Runner up: Bonaire
Most Family Friendly: The mega-resorts of the Bahamas provide engaging activities for children of all ages. Family-friendly amenities are especially abundant at The Atlantis on Paradise Island, which offers a water park, themed “imagination spaces,” and day camps that will give parents some time away from the kids. The islands also offer plenty of activities that parents and children can enjoy together, including snorkeling and some good old-fashioned beach time. Runner up: The Cayman Islands
Best for Luxury: Glitzy St. Bart’s comes equipped with all the lavish features that one would expect from a hideaway for the rich and famous. This island allows you to enjoy all the glamour of Cannes without crossing the Atlantic. The boutiques and gourmet restaurants are decidedly French, and the scenery gives the Riviera a run for its money. Runner up: Anguilla
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| St. Lucia's Pitons |
Best for Natural Beauty: In a region renowned for its scenic splendor, St. Luciastands out as perhaps the most stunning island. The striking, cone-shaped peaks of the two Pitons give the island a lush brilliance, reminiscent of French Polynesia. The island’s fertile valleys and rainforests, frothy waterfalls, blossoming orchids, luminous white sand beaches, and turquoise blue waters create a color palette of visual delights. Runner up: British Virgin Islands
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| The Remote St. Eustatius |
Best for Nightlife: Glam casinos and thriving nightclubs make Aruba one of the best places to party in the Caribbean. The party starts late in capital city Oranjestad but heats up quickly with salsa, reggae, and meringue dancing. Don’t miss a ride on the Kukoo Kunuku, a party bus that chauffeurs you around to three island bars. Runner up: Trinidad
Best for Going Off the Beaten Path: In St. Eustatius, time seems to stand still. Aside from sunbathing and leisurely strolls down the beach, one of the island’s main attractions is chatting up the locals, who are more than happy to tell you stories about the island’s past. Come to this island to forget about the outside world; Statia (as the locals call it) will make you feel a million miles away from home. Runner up: Marie Galante
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| Diving in Bonaire |
Best for Outdoor Activities: With its easily accessible coral reef, Bonaire is considered the best spot in the Caribbean for diving and snorkeling. The waters are crystal clear and the diverse marine life includes sea turtles and a rainbow of tropical fish. Boaters will appreciate the windsurfing, kayaking, and sailing opportunities. Land lovers can rent mountain bikes or horses and explore the desert-like surroundings. Runner up: Saba
Best for Relaxation: Anguillais off the beaten path, but with all the frills you would expect from a lavish tropical retreat. This means stretches of deserted, tranquil beaches paired with luxury spas. Even the island’s nightlife encourages relaxation – the hottest spots in town are beach bars headlining smooth reggae beats. Runner up: Turks and Caicos
Best for Shopping: Goods on St. Thomas can be bought tax-free, and this has contributed to the island becoming the Caribbean’s top shopping haven. The open-air bazaars of the island’s downtown district (Charlotte Amalie) are especially good spots to haggle for jewelry, perfumes, and liquors. The shops of Vendor’s Plaza contain clothing items, many of which display USVI logos. Runner up: St. Martin/St. Maarten
