The Caribbean is a special place. With warm turquoise waters, delicious food and some of the largest coral reefs in the world, what’s not to love? First dominated by Taino natives, the region is now a mix of indigenous, European and African cultures.
We probably don’t need to convince you that you should visit the Caribbean. Instead, we’re here to help you decide where you should spend time. Out of 28 countries and territories, these are the 17 best Caribbean islands to visit.
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What to Expect in Guadeloupe
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Though French mainlanders love Guadeloupe, the island seems to escape being on everyone else’s radar. Given how prone some Caribbean islands are to be invaded by overtourism, this is one of the things we like the most about it.
Unlike other islands which are territories that are still colonized by France, Guadeloupe is actually a French department. This means that it operates in the exact same way as any department on the mainland.
Still, that doesn’t mean Guadeloupans don’t have a different accent or culture, which is heavily influenced by West Africa. The island is home to La Grande Soufrièr volcano, one of the region’s highest peaks, which provides some great hiking opportunities.
16. Aruba
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Status: Territory of the Netherlands
Capital: Oranjestad
What to Expect in Aruba
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In some ways, Aruba is your typical Caribbean island. It has beautiful beaches, fancy resorts and lots of tourists.
But the island also stands out in several ways. The most important in our opinion is that it’s outside of the hurricane belt, which means strong storms are less likely to hit during the long hurricane season.
Besides that, the cuisine of the island is unique, you can go hiking to see incredible rock formations, and there’s a famous beach where you’ll share space with a flock of cocky pink flamingos.
15. St. Martin/St. Marteen
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Status: Territory of France/The Netherlands
Capital: Marigot/Philipsburg
What to Expect in St. Martin/St. Marteen
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France and the Netherlands have split this island for hundreds of years. Travel from one side to the other is seamless, however, so most people still think of it as a single destination.
The island brings everything you can expect from a Caribbean vacation spot, including shipwrecks, corals, delicious food and luxury resorts. Duty-free shopping and casinos are also very popular, though we’d encourage you to spend as much time outdoors taking in the beauty of the island as possible.
14. Jamaica
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Status: Sovereign nation
Capital: Kingston
Where to Stay in Jamaica
Skip staying at a resort, and stay at the family-owned luxurious Jamaica Inn.
Book it: Jamaica Inn
What to Expect in Jamaica
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Do we even need to introduce beautiful Jamaica? An incredibly popular destination, Jamaica is known for its music, its beaches, its waterfalls and its food. In fact, the country has some of the best food in the entire Caribbean. Your life will change the second you taste jerk chicken.
Jamaica’s diverse landscape provides unique opportunities to hike in the rainforest, visit caves and sail along rivers. For something truly special, visit Luminous Lagoon, a bioluminescent bay, one of only five in the world.
Once you’ve had your fill of nature, you’ll be able to enjoy the country’s world-famous nightlife.
13. Curaçao
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Status: Territory of the Netherlands
Capital: Willemstad
What to Expect in Curacao
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Like its sister Dutch Caribbean island, Aruba, Curacao is blessed with a location outside of the hurricane belt. This means you can safely plan a snorkeling or diving vacation to the island, whose main attractions are its 38 beaches.
When you’re not playing in the water, make time to stroll around the beautiful and colorful capital of Willemstad, which combines Caribbean and Dutch architecture. If you like trying native dishes, order a hot bowl of iguana soup, a local delicacy.
12. Antigua
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Status: Sovereign nation
Capital: Saint John’s
What to Expect in Antigua
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Wealthy British people love vacationing in Antigua (half of Antigua and Barbuda). It is the quintessential Caribbean paradise of your imagination. The small island draws people in with its picture-perfect beaches and clear water.
It’s also a very short ride away from St. Martin/St. Marteen, so it provides an opportunity for two trips in one.
11. St. Kitts and Nevis
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Status: Sovereign nation
Capital: Basseterre
Where to Stay in St. Kitts and Nevis
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At Four Resort Nevis, you’ll be in front of the famous Pinneys Beach. During the right time of year, you may get to see nesting and hatching sea turtles.
Book it: Four Resort Nevis
What to Expect in St. Kitts and Nevis
Courtesy of the Nevis Tourism Authority
Devon Liburd, the CEO of Nevis Tourism Authority tells Far & Wide that this dual island nation offers two different experiences. Head to St. Kitts for a more developed tourism industry and raucous wildlife. Go to Nevis if you want a quiet and peaceful escape. “Nevis is a place where as soon as you step out of the plane, you feel your shoulders relaxing,” he says.
For a truly unique memory, come during March and swim from St. Kitts to Nevis. We’re not exaggerating. Separated by only 2.5 miles of water, the islands offer the incredible opportunity of a cross-channel swim. According to Liburd, you’ll probably get to see turtles, fish and other beautiful marine life as you swim — sounds magical, doesn’t it?
10. Grenada
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Status: Sovereign nation
Capital: Saint George’s
What to Expect in Grenada
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Nicknamed “The Spice Isle,” Grenada is known for its nutmeg plantations, which have (as of late) been complemented by cocoa farms. If you can tear yourself away from the beach, head inland and do some agrotourism, which usually includes some delicious tastings.
If you don’t want to leave the water, then head out into the ocean to snorkel or dive around the country’s famous underwater sculpture park. Though the concept has been adopted elsewhere, Grenada pioneered it.
9. St. Barts
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Status: Territory of France
Capital: Gustavia
What to Expect in St. Barts
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St. Barthelemy may just be the most exclusive of all Caribbean islands. Its remote location, intimate size and a dizzying number of ultra-luxury hotels, spas and casinos have made it a favored vacation spot for the rich and famous.
We’re not going to sugarcoat this. You probably need a lot of money to vacation in St. Barts. The island is so exclusive that it even has a pet name. That really says everything you need to know about it.
8. Bahamas
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Status: Sovereign nation
Capital: Nassau
What to Expect in the Bahamas
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The Bahamas consists of over 700 islands, and most people travel to a handful of them. The popular islands like Grand Bahama, Paradise Island and Harbor Island are great. And you’re sure to have a good Caribbean vacation.
But if you want to see the country outside of glitzy resorts, head to islands where tourism is limited. Trust us, there are still plenty of those. They’re harder to get to, but the reward of seeing the real country is too big to pass up.
7. Barbados
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Status: Sovereign nation
Capital: Bridgetown
What to Expect in Barbados
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To complement its perfect beaches, Barbados adds great music that can be heard playing from every corner of the island at any given time of day. It also has one of the best carnivals in the Caribbean. It’s the best, if you ask Barbadians.
The island also has deep caves, lush gardens and plantations where you can learn about the region’s dark history of slavery.
6. Cayman Islands
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Status: Territory of the United Kingdom
Capital: George Town
What to Expect in the Cayman Islands
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The Cayman Islands aren’t cheap per se, but they are more affordable than some of their counterpart islands. And they manage to be so with the same bright blue water, soft sand and friendly vibes.
We particularly recommend Little Island, which is the smallest and most intimate. Here, you’ll really feel like you’ve stepped out of the world for a second.
5. St. Vincent and the Grenadines
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Status: Sovereign nation
Capital: Kingstown
What to Expect in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
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A collection of 32 islands make up this nation, and the largest island is St. Vincent. In St. Vincent, you’ll find several luxury resorts right on the water but also the opportunity for outdoor adventures.
Hike up La Soufriere, an active volcano guarded by a lush tropical jungle. Go on a safari and try to catch a glimpse of some of the species that live on the island, like red foxes, alligators, deer and frogs.
As for the Grenadines, there is an island for every type of person. Those looking for the ultimate luxury getaway go to Mustique, a private island that has hosted Princess Margaret and Mick Jagger.
But if you like a more chill vibe, you won’t have a hard time finding that either.
4. U.S. Virgin Islands
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Status: Territory of the United States
Capital: Charlotte Amalie
What to Expect in the U.S. Virgin Islands
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You don’t have to have a passport to visit the gorgeous Virgin Islands — at least not the U.S. ones.
The territory is a boating haven, with over 50 small islands and the signature clearness of the Caribbean Sea. St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix are the three main islands and where you’ll likely be based.
If you’re looking to cross a national park off your list, head to St. John, which is almost entirely made up of Virgin Islands National Park.
3. British Virgin Islands
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Status: Territory of the United Kingdom
Capital: Road Town
Where to Stay in the British Virgin Islands
The unique Oil Nut Bay features suites and villas built straight into a cliff.
Book it: Oil Nut Bay
What to Expect in the British Virgin Islands
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The U.S. News and World Report gave the bronze medal for best Caribbean destination to the British Virgin Islands. Located close to their U.S. counterparts, this collection of islands is also extremely popular for boating and sailing.
In terms of geography, there are many similarities. But there is one thing that sets the British islands apart: The Baths. Located in Punta Gorda, it is a collection of giant boulders that rise from turquoise water, creating natural pools and caves.
There are many naturally beautiful spots in the Caribbean, but the Baths stand out as particularly astonishing.
2. St. Lucia
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Status: Sovereign nation
Capital: Castries
What to Expect in St. Lucia
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Breathtaking St. Lucia boasts the most iconic mountains in the entire Caribbean region. Its UNESCO-listed Piton peaks dominate the landscape, peaking out even where you least expect it. This has brought luxury resorts to its shores and made it a premium honeymoon destination.
But the island is not just for romance. You can also have an adventure by spending the day hiking or by driving — yes, driving — the Sulphur Springs volcano.
1. Turks and Caicos
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Status: Territory of the United Kingdom
Capital: Cockburn Town
Where to Stay in Turks and Caicos
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For true seclusion, stay at Amanyara, which borders North West Point Marine National Park.
Book it: Amanyara
What to Expect in Turks and Caicos
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Turks and Caicos is the ultimate aspirational destination in the Caribbean. Neighboring the Bahamas, this collection of islands definitely deserves the top spot.
We don’t have to say that the beaches are beautiful with their soft sand. This is the Caribbean after all. But the famous Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales has been voted the best beach in the entire world.
Some great things that you can do here include horseback riding on the beach and whale watching. And if you find yourself in Grand Turk on a Thursday night, don’t miss out on the Island Fish Fry, a weekly event that includes local vendors, live shows and a Caribbean vibe that guarantees a great time.
