She is also the author of several books covering the capital and mid-Atlantic regions. I cooled off and started to get hungry so it was time to walk to redhook. With one of the most impressive capitals in the Caribbean, Grenada, also called the Spice Island, offers a myriad of possibilities when it comes to sustainable development. There are the islands weve all heard of, and there are the islands we never knew existed. Stay-Over Tourists: Year 2021: 1,664,866 / Year 2020: 678,854 Puerto Rico jumps to the second most popular destination in the Caribbean. The Dominican Republic is the second largest and most diverse Caribbean country, known for its warm and hospitable people. In Kingston, explore the life and work of the legendary Bob Marley at his namesake museum and have lunch at Usain Bolts Tracks and Records. Make sure you venture back to Andros, with its underwater cave systems and the highest concentration of blue holes in the world. You can still arrange dive tours, deep-sea fishing, glass-bottom boat cruises but along this hilly stretch of coast, youre more likely to hear the cicadas concert than anything loud and late. South Islands also boasts the countrys highest mountains, largest lakes and biggest glaciers. From swimming with rays in Australia to spotting lionfish in Honduras, if you're going to snorkel anywhere, make it one of these seven special spots. The bungalows, villas, cottages, and beach houses are spread out for miles. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. The islands also offers an economic citizenship by investment, offering passports and visas in exchange for monetary investments. From luxury getaways to affordable adventure trips and festivals, each Caribbean destination offers travelers its unique culture and appeal. Location is everything. This is a list of islands in the Caribbean by area. Stay-Over Tourists: Year 2021: 824,461/ Year 2020: 415,749 Theres so much to do in the US Virgin Islands (USVI), from exhilarating adventures to tranquil relaxation and a host of activities in between. She loves traveling the region in search of the best cultural and foodie adventures, places to stay and live/work opportunities. Reviewers on TripAdvisor have overwhelmingly similar sentiments, with bad food, rude staff and a general feeling of the whole place being overpriced. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention moved five Caribbean island destinations into its highest-risk travel category for Covid-19 on Monday. According to Trip Advisor, the beach can get pretty crowded most of the time, "with people cramped into small patches of sand." Check Rates and Availability for: Hotels in Aruba | Tours in Aruba. Continue to 5 of 20 below. The advantage though is you don't have to pay a fortune to live here. Several of the major tourist destinations fail to live up to the hype. Part of the British Empire up until 1966, since gaining independence Barbadoshas transformed itself from a low-income economy highly dependent on sugar production, into a well developed economy built on tourism and the offshore sector. "The locals will overcharge you," a Trip Advisor reviewer stated. Looking to escape the everyday grind with a picture-perfect romantic holiday? Maria is a French-British English literature graduate. If youre in chill mode, watch a movie at the alfresco cinema, climb in a hammock along the beach or head to the Bahamas only overwater spa. It was on these islands that Christopher Columbus first landed in 1492 when he was exploring - and in that case the islands haven't changed! Check Rates and Availability for: Hotels in The Bahamas | Tours in The Bahamas. Royal make for more fun. January 25, 2021, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Soak up the sounds on a Sunday night at the legendary street party,Buccoo Sunday School in Buccoo. Best for . Islands Islands 1,000 km 2 (390 sq mi) and greater. Other sizable islands include Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago. The 10 Most Visited Caribbean Islands Aruba, Bahamas, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Things To Do, Top 10, Turks & Caicos Islands, US Virgin Islands Ursula Petula Barzey November 8, 2022 Published by. On the surface, the private island of Mustique seems like a dream. From the peninsula of Florida on the mainland of the United States, the islands stretch 1,200 miles (1,900 km . Those with a sweet tooth might want to book a tour of theTobago Cocoa Estate. With an estimated 5.7 million tourist arrivals in 2012, it is one of the most-visited Caribbean islands. For this list, were exploring the best and the worst of island vacation destinations. Youre also in good hands at the Great House restaurant, where the conch fritters, Asian barbecue spareribs, and the coconut green vegetable curry are crowd-pleasers. The Tobago Cays, which are protected as a marine park, offer some of the finest snorkeling in the Caribbean. Am I right! For a wellness themed retreat theresJungle Bay on nearly 20 acres of lush landscape. As Caribbean destinations continue to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, the list of most popular Caribbean islands is ranked using 2021 data, and 2020 data is also provided to show the positive or negative changes in stay-over visitors. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. This less-traveled paradise is a must for bird-watchers. With its serene, laidback atmosphere, pristine waters, and rich, vibrant culture, the Bahamas is perfect for a quick weekend getaway or an extended tropical vacation. The popular resorts everyone wants to stay at sit on their own private islets, so theres no nightlife. The Dominican Republic is one of the most popular islands in the Caribbean When flying into the Dominican Republic, there are three main airports: Punta Cana International (PUJ), Las Amricas International (SDQ), and Puerto Plata International (POP). The Most Vegan-Friendly Caribbean Islands November 3, 2021 Written by Escaping to white sands, turquoise waters, and sunny skies always sounds like a good idea, but it's an even better idea when old man winter comes knocking. SAN ANDRS, COLOMBIA. Come to St Kitts and neighbouring Nevis for the quiet Caribbean life a mellow itinerary of golf, delicious meals and lazy . But the island is only 8 kilometers across at its widest point, so the explorations are pretty limited and leave most visitors feeling underwhelmed. 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. Planning tip: If after all that peace and solitude you want to liven things up a little, Negril is an hour away. Kingston shouldn't be confused as a tropical paradise (despite what Bob Marley tells you). Roseau, the capital city of the Caribbean island of Dominica, is located on the nation's southwest coast and is distinct for its 18th-century Creole architecture, image by NAPA. Surprisingly, these Caribbean destinations fall short of expectations, as evidenced by real (disappointed) tourist photos. Antigua and Barbuda. Beyond their beautiful beaches, each of these most popular Caribbean islands has a wide range of top attractions, all just waiting to be explored! Montserrat is nicknamed the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean both for its terrain and the heritage of its inhabitants. Havana is well known for its lively entertainment featuring jazz, Latin music, dance, and copious amounts of rum-flavored drinks. Check Rates and Availability for: Hotels in Cuba | Tours in Cuba. Getting there isnt the quickest commute, either. That was the dirtiest, most disgusting island that I had ever been to. If you're planning a winter vacation, here are 13 lesser-known Caribbean islands to consider. Keep your doors and windows locked, the U.S. Department of State advises, and worry more about the hurricanes that threaten this region during the summer. 4. The petroleum industry lies at the heart of Trinidad and Tobago's newly flourishing economy: oil and gas generate approximately 40% of GDP and 80% of exports. And even though the region is known for its nightlife, it still isn't advisable to venture out after dark, especially if you're bringing your family with you. Sit seaside, nestled by rocks watching the sunset at the resorts Mango restaurant. Although some of the GDP figures may seem low, they present promise for a region that has undergone huge development over the past two decades after a history of struggle. On the IG stories, Magen's Bay looks like heaven but is actually hell for tourists. Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. From Negrils Seven Mile Beach in the west to breathtaking waterfalls in the east, Jamaica is well known as the playground of the English-speaking Caribbean. Stroll the beaches of Montego Bay by day and dance to the latest reggae music at one of the citys nightclubs. Barbados. Hawaii may be a dream vacation for some, but many of those who do get to visit are pretty disappointed when they get there. Nature lovers will want to hike to the 301-acre Jack and Isaac Bay Preserve, home to some 400 species of fish and endangered green and hawksbill turtles. The Bahamas is also the third richest country in the Americas, following the United States and Canada. So, if youre in the mood for the beauty without the bustle, heres where to go. There are new hot spots like theBLT Steakhouse at the Ritz-Carlton and the uber-luxeMRVL Spafor next-level pampering. The Caribbean Islands. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Moskito Island. From exhilarating roller coasters to costumed characters, these parks offer fun for everyone. For an authentic Jamaican experience, mix it up with locals at Bluefields Beach Parkwhere, at the weekends, families will be picnicking and the reggae music will be blasting. It is also the area of the world that gets hit by hurricanes more often than other areas. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. For most of us, the dream vacation goes something like this: a tropical island, a beautiful beach, and a drink topped with an umbrella. The vibe on this island is laid-back, and it is a location that evades many people's radar as it is so understated. The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. Grenada. The Maldives are home to some of the world's most ravishing islands, but it's the sea, which truly makes these islands shine. The local organic produce in Market Square is one of the redeeming qualities though (the cheapest in town). There are bars, vintage cars, and plenty of hole in the wall shops selling the eponymous Cuban cigars. Photo Credit: napa74 via 123RF.com. The rooms need updating, the food is expensive, and the attractions are only so-so.. Tosh, one of the original Wailers, in reggae music history is not far behind icon Bob Marley. Photo Credit: Cuba Tourist Board. The two volcanic peaksGros Piton and Petit Pitonare the most iconic landmarks on the island, and visitors can enjoy them in a variety of ways. Not everyone is going to like it, as it is too "desert-like," according to one disgruntled reviewer. For related lists, see below. Dominica is one of the best Caribbean islands for adventure, with a mostly unspoiled natural landscape begging to be explored. The twin-island federation of St Kitts and Nevis prospers primarily thanks to tourism and export-oriented manufacturing, as well as agriculture, with approximately 39% of the islands' land reserved to crops (primarily devoted to sugarcane and peanuts). Answer 11 of 24: Hello: I'm considering visiting the Cayman Islands but it doesn't seem like it's much to do here? The former French islands of Guadeloupe are a fascinating archipelago of 5 islands well known for their distinctive Creole culture, cuisine, and celebrations. Not that anyone wants to socialize anyways, as most travelers are on their honeymoon. Additionally, the islands are British Overseas Territories. The sea looks nice but is not made for a good swim (rough waves). Morne Trois Pitons is an active volcano, one of nine in Dominica. The following list has been drawn up according to data collected by the World Bank estimating the GDP per capita of each island between 2009 and 2013. Antigua and Barbuda's agricultural production is geared towards the domestic market, but faces the threat of a limited water supply and a labour shortage, caused by the lure of higher wages in tourism and construction. Island vacations are something everyone can get behind, from the thrill-seekers to the beach bums. With summer approaching, many of us are dreaming of the soft sandy beaches and shining blue shallows promised by sunny Caribbean islands but for some lucky people, these exotic islands are home all year round. Safest Caribbean Islands to Visit Aruba Turks & Caicos Cayman Islands St. Maarten Barbados St. Lucia Anguilla Martinique St. Barts Bonaire The Virgin Islands Grenada St. Kitts and Nevis Antigua and Barbuda The Bahamas Caribbean Packing Essentials FAQ: Safest Islands in the Caribbean Safest Caribbean Islands to Visit Aruba The coastline offers abundant activities for the watersport enthusiast, including snorkeling, diving, and windsurfing. millions of visitors to the Caribbean region, 26 Sandals Resorts International Properties For Your All-Inclusive Luxury Caribbean Vacation. Bountiful palm trees complement the turquoise waters of popular Punta Cana to create the perfect postcard from this tropical destination. You'll hear great music in the birthplace of the steel pan drum. And Buck Island Reef National Monument, located 1.5 miles off St. Croix's northeast coast, offers even more excellent hiking and snorkeling. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Aside from one incident in which two people were murdered within 24 hours in 2017, Bonaire doesn't have much major crime. The manufacturing industry also plays an important role in sustaining the economy, as well as the tourism industry (the latter less so than most Caribbean islands). With an estimated 5.7 million tourist arrivals in 2012, it is one of the most-visited Caribbean islands. While that will entertain you for a few hours, this small island doesnt have much else to offer. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. Over-the-water bungalows in the Maldives. 10 Kingstown, Saint Vincent & The Grenadines: A Simple Fishing Village Kingstown can get pretty busy all year round (being the main port and capital of St. Vincent) and can be a little overwhelming for people who are sensitive to crowds. But with so many islands to choose from, you might want to consider crossing St. John off your list of options. Irresistible beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and a cornucopia of vibrant cultures continue to woo millions of visitors to the Caribbean region. The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. Try Guadeloupes delectable creole cuisine, which serves a mouthwatering blend of flavors in dishes like Fricasse de Lambi Queen Conch stew, and Calalou a spicy soup of spinach, pork, and land crab. Langkawi is actually known as the place to go to just shop for cheap stuff, not exactly what you think of when picturing a tropical getaway (Travel Triangle). Explore the rich cultural diversity of the islands through mouthwatering local dishes and historical European architecture. It also exports cocoa, bananas and citrus fruits. Planning tip: Consider spending a day in Providenciales. Never . Best Beach: Zemi Beach House, Anguilla. But you cant tell from the prices of the hotels and resorts, where the average nightly rate is around $400 (Trip Advisor). Barbados: Beautiful white sand beach in Turks & Caicos. But over the past two decades, the one-time modern attraction seems to have lost its luster. 15 Caribbean Destinations That Are Overrated (As Shown In These Real Tourist Photos), Basseterre, St. Kitts And Nevis:Crime-ridden Area, Maho Beach, Sint Maarten: Won't Blow You Away, Dickenson Bay, Antigua:A Small Strip Of Sand, South Martinique Islands:Boring In General, Kingstown, Saint Vincent & The Grenadines: A Simple FishingVillage, Tortola, British Virgin Islands: Hard To Enjoy, Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda: A Turn-off For Tourists, Magen's Bay, US Virgin Islands: Crowded Cruise Island, The Entire Island Of Puerto Rico:Too Commercialized, Sosua Beach, Dominican Republic: Badly Eroded, Montego Bay, Jamaica: Serious Risk OfRobbery, Affordable Southern Hospitality: 10 Budget-Friendly Hotels In Charleston, Bang For Your Buck: Top 10 Most Affordable Hotels In Chile, 10 Most Beautiful Beach Hotels In Clearwater, Florida, You Should Book, Mardi Gras To Magnolias: The Ultimate Guide To Mobile & Things To Do, A Southern Dream: The Ultimate Guide To Savannah & Things To Do, 10 Best Tropical Destinations Around The World You Should Visit, Sunshine State Savings: 10 Affordable Florida Hotels For Your Next Vacation, Upstate New York's Hidden Treasures: An Excursion To Explore Its Best Secret Caves, Gorges, & Canyons. TheU.S. Department of State's crime warningswhich take into account the number of crimes and homicides reported to law enforcement agencies per 100,000 inhabitantsare a pretty reliable indication of which islands have lower rates of violent crime. In fact, it is the most crowded of all the Caribbean Islands. Most hotels are not walking distance to the town center either, making getting around difficult. Outside of the resort pool and beach areas, going off the resort can be quite expensive, from the transportation to the guided tours. "Crime, Violence, and Development: Trends, Costs, and Policy Options in the Caribbean." Aruba: Family At Butterfly Farm. The Caribbean is a diverse region with significant economic potential and growth opportunities. Traditionally, St Lucia gained most of its riches from banana cultivation. Some of the smaller islands are referred to as a rock or reef. An island of just 10 square . From the iconic pitons of St. Lucia and tropical rainforest of Puerto. From the crowded beaches ofPuerto Rico to the dangerous streets of Jamaica,join us as we count down 15 Caribbean destinations that are overrated, if these tourist photos are anything to go by. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. Compared to the island of St. John nearby, Tortola is peanuts. It's a big commercialized beach. Thanks to an endless supply of bloggers and influencers flooding our social media feeds, practically anywhere in the world can look like the most luxurious place weve ever seen. Puerto Rico is the most competitive economy in Latin America, with an economy primarily driven by the manufacturing industry: 46% of GDP is derived from manufacture. Prepare to be shocked as we debunk the picturesque, postcard-like portraits of the Caribbean islands. Grand Cayman Tourism Grand Cayman Hotels Here, tortoises outnumber people. 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. But that amount of attention has started to tarnish this once low-key Greek isle. So, which of these top ten most visited Caribbean islands have you visited? St. Vincent and . It enforces relatively strict gun laws, which make it especially safe for travelers. The Bahamas. And if youre looking to take in local culture, explore the capital city of St. George, which US News named the most beautiful harbor town in the Caribbean (US News Travel). St Kitts. The beaches are nothing special when compared to the ones in Florida and there are other, more scenic places in the Caribbean. Nicknamed The nature island of the Caribbean, the thrills are loggerhead turtles, whales, hot springs, boiling lakes, mountains, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. St. Kitts and Nevis: 120,000. islands, reefs, islets and cays, the Caribbean promises a variety of treasures both on and off its shores. 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. While the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas are hot spots, the Caribbean is also home to locales without hordes of tourists and some where there is more wildlife than people. Also nearby in Belmont Falls in a small yard off the main road is the monument that pays tribute to reggae legend Peter Tosh who spent his early years there. The second Island, St. Thomas is one of best Caribbean spots to enjoy sightseeing, snorkeling, diving and shopping. Its blissful beaches, 23 golf courses, and captivating culture attract scores of visitors to Puerto Rico every year. For this list, were exploring the best and the worst of island vacation destinations. 9. This means that the Puerto Rican economy is highly sensitive to the fluctuations of the world economy. Iguanas, parrots, and other critters call Bonaire home, andGotomeer is a saltwater lagoon on the islands northern end where youll see flamingos. Banana production employs a third of the population. The locals are welcoming, the island is surrounded by white sand beaches, turquoise waters and swaying palm trees (Very Hungry Nomads). Trinidad is beloved for its iconic carnival, but sister island Tobago is often overlooked. This Caribbean nation is under a Level 2 Travel Advisory, citing armed robberies, homicides, and sexual assaults as the biggest issues. #1 The Best Caribbean Island: Cuba Cubans love their cars. Culture, art and travel are crucial to her lifestyle and central to her writing. Cuba also has plenty of museums and art galleries that offer a window into the countrys rich history and culture. What makes them crucial on the world stage? Bahamas. Decide which island treats perhaps coconuts, pineapples, naseberries, avocados, gineps, star apples or garden cherries you want to take back to your hotel or the beach to enjoy. With over 7,000 islands in the Caribbean Sea, the choice of where to vacation during the winter months is no small task . Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. The nightlife is fun, traffic is horrible and the high-rise buildings are the opposite of what makes the Caribbean, Caribbean. Varadero pales in comparison to the other Caribbean beaches (see Punta Cana), and the recent travel ban will surely hurt tourism in all of Cuba. The sea isn't too crystal clear and istoo stony - the Caribbean seaweed infestation is a bummer. This article was first published November 2020 and updated December 2022. Puerto Rico is home to the El Yunque Rainforest, the only tropical rainforest in the United States, and Casa Bacardi, the worlds largest rum distillery where the pia colada was invented. Experience the best of Puerto Ricos vibrant capital, San Juan, with this guide to the top things to do. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. Let nature soothe your soul. This suggests that despite its growing economy, marked internal inequalities have yet to be resolved. Best Budget Option: TRS Yucatan, Riviera Maya, Mexico. But with so many islands to choose from, you might want to consider crossing St. John off your list of options. It's time to plan your next tropical getaway. Philip Galeno is a copywriter, transcriber, blogger, aspiring poet and artist from New Zealand. The spot to be on the weekend is Triple J's Grill, which feels like a backyard barbecueand is. Another good choice isThe Hermitageat the foot of a rainforest covered mountain. When hunger calls, you can find everything from a food truck on the beach to fine dining in Sebastians. Whether a family vacation or a romantic getaway, these mesmerizing islands provide many options to create perfect memories. However, in May 2017 two murders occurred within 24 hours, to the shock and horror of both travellers and locals alike. St. Barts. 5. Grenada has a small, open economy that's largely tourism-based. Drug trafficking is a major concern here. Photo Credit: Puerto Rico Tourist Board. Turns out it's very congested, dirty and the opposite of a relaxing, warm tropical Caribbean paradise (the plane engines are deafening!). Planning tip: Have the concierge hook you up with a local guide. Jamaica has some of the best food in the Caribbeanjerk lobster costs less than US$10 and is one of the more expensive items on the menu. 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