Finding the Best Caribbean Island for You
From pristine beaches and nature to world-class golf and diving and more, there's a Caribbean island for every travel interest
With more than 7,000 islands, 13 sovereign island nations, and 12 dependent territories, the Caribbean offers a sea of vacation choices featuring distinct landscapes, culture, and experiences to match a variety of interests. Here's how to find your best Caribbean island fit.
Best Caribbean islands for beaches
The Islands of the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and Aruba boast some of the most expansive white-sand beaches in the Caribbean. If you are looking for an easily accessible destination with outstanding resorts, head to The Cayman Islands, comprising Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac. On Grand Cayman, walk, jog, and swim along the world-renowned Seven Mile Beach. Dotted with premier resorts, this dreamy destination features modern accommodations, luxurious spas, and gourmet restaurants that attract the best chefs from around the world.
Best Caribbean islands for nature lovers
While you can find natural beauty on practically every Caribbean Island, St. Lucia offers a striking backdrop of the Twin Pitons jutting against the turquoise sea. With mountainous terrains, volcanic mud pools, lush rainforests, and beautiful beaches, St. Lucia is the ideal island for nature lovers. For the ultimate luxury within natural surroundings, book a romantic suite at Jade Mountain Resort complete with the services of a private butler and an in-room infinity pool. You will be at eye level with the mountain peaks, watching tropical birds and feel as if you were floating in the sky.
Best Caribbean Islands for golfers
If you prefer to stay active while on vacation but want to avoid large crowds, head to Saint Kitts and Nevis. Spread over 350 acres, The Four Seasons Resort Nevis offers the dramatic Robert Trent Jones II 18-hole golf course overlooking the sea, as well as eight tennis courts, four pickleball courts, three swimming pools, a gym, hiking trails, and plenty of watersport toys to keep all ages engaged. You can also get to know the staff during the weekly nine-hole guest/manager scramble.
Best Caribbean islands for diving
The ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao) composing the Netherland Antilles have some of the best coral reefs for snorkeling and diving. They are also farther south of the hurricane zones, so they're not impacted by weather patterns. The 5-square-mile volcanic island of Saba (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) plunges below the sea as steeply as it rises above, allowing for shallow reefs and deep underwater seamounts. Year-round diving attract beginners and experts from around the world to see the abundant underwater life.
Best Caribbean islands for celebrity spotting
If you want to hobnob with Hollywood celebrities, head to the quiet and luxurious islands of St. Barts or Anguilla. From Paris Hilton and Beyonce to Sandra Bullock and Denzel Washington, actors, artists, and jetsetters can be seen in their flip-flops and snorkel gear having a paparazzi-free vacation. The absence of all-inclusive resorts makes Anguilla very exclusive and also one of the most expensive spots to be in the Caribbean.
Best Caribbean islands for dynamic culture
The dual country island of Saint Martin (French) and Sint Maarten (Dutch) presents the opportunity to experience two cultures in one visit—just fly into the common airport SXM. The diversity of the island leads to year-round cultural festivities such as carnival, regatta, and Holi. You can choose from quaint beaches with million-dollar beachfront bungalows as well as boutique resorts. Alive with gourmet pastry shops, beachside fish fry shacks, and fine dining restaurants as well as nightlife, shopping, and entertainment, this island offers a little bit of everything.
Caribbean islands to visit without a passport
No passport, no problem for US citizens visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico, featuring charming neighborhoods with colorful Spanish architecture and a bustling nightlife with rooftop bars, nightclubs, and casinos. At the three United States Virgin Islands—Saint Thomas, Saint Johns, and Saint Croix—you can have a family-friendly vacation exploring historic towns, sandy beaches, and protected reefs.
Choosing just one of these destinations to visit may be the only challenge you'll experience on your next Caribbean vacation.