The Caribbean has long been known as a paradise by pirates of the old seas, early travelers and discoverers, and makers of history. Today, the region is still a prime location for people who want to experience the world’s beauty of beauties.
It is a haven of pristine waters, amazing landscapes, lush forests, exquisite culture, the best beaches in the world, and unparalleled hospitality.
The Caribbean includes the Caribbean Sea and surrounding coasts, and islands and spans the southeast of the Gulf of Mexico, the North American mainland, eastern Central America, and the northern region of South America.
With this diverse geography, it would be a pleasurable confusion when thinking about where on the map you should pin the beginning of your Caribbean journey.
So, we have gathered together the best islands for your convenience. Take this as a simple guide if you have been thinking about visiting the Caribbean.
Here are our TOP 10 picks for the BEST ISLANDS in the Caribbean:
- Curaçao
- The Bahamas
- Cayman Islands
- Jamaica
- Saint Barthélemy
- Grenada
- Puerto Rico
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Bonaire
Caribbean Island No. 1: Curaçao
Curaçao is a Dutch Caribbean island popular for pristine beaches that are tucked into coves and expansive virgin coral reefs rich and diverse with marine life.
Willemstad, the capital, features many beautiful sights including pastel-colored colonial architecture, the floating Queen Emma Bridge, and the 17th-century Mikvé Israel-Emanuel sand-floored Synagogue.
Curaçao is also a place to find western beaches like the popular dive site, Blue Bay beach.
Caribbean Island No. 2: The Bahamas
The Bahamas is a diverse, big, and beautiful group of 16 major islands. It is one of the Caribbean’s most historically unmatched tourist destinations offering exciting activities for you across 100,000 square miles of clear and pristine ocean.
Come to the Bahamas for more than just the beaches. You can immerse in their well-kept culture, food, and art, while still having the comfort of modern luxury that you expect from a place that epitomizes 5-STAR.
Enjoy sand bars, the finest beaches, turquoise-perfect views, and more.
Caribbean Island No. 3: Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands is a British territory that encompasses three western caribbean islands.
In Grand Cayman, its largest land mass, you can visit paradisial beach resorts and dive or snorkel its biodiverse diving and snorkelling sites.
There are plenty of exciting activities waiting for you in Grand Cayman. For example, you can go to Cayman Brac, a popular spot that is a launch point for deep-sea fishing excursions.
The smallest island in the group is Little Cayman, a breathtaking paradise of wildlife and biodiversity. It is a lovely stop for sight seeing and exploring the animals including seabirds, iguanas, and other species that you can only find in the Caribbean.
Caribbean Island No. 4: Jamaica
Jamaica is one of the most famously talked-about Caribbean islands, but not just because it is the origin of Reggae and everybody’s musical peace hero, Bob Marley. Of course, the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston is a must-go-to, but that is merely one of the best things you can do in Jamaica.
It is an island nation that features a lush topography of reef-lined beaches, rainforests, and mountains.
Come to Montego Bay where you can visit many of Jamaica’s inclusive resorts. The bay features British colonial design and architecture and Negril, a locality famous for its excellent diving and snorkeling spots.
Caribbean Island No. 5: Saint Barthélemy
Another breathtaking island in the Caribbean is the French-speaking island, Saint Barthelemy, also known as St. Barts.
Not only is St. Barts a place to go for pristine, fine white sand beaches, but it is a place for fashionistas – designer shops with all the bags, shoes, clothing, and everything in between.
Encircling a yacht-filled harbor, St. Barts’ capital, Gustavia, has high-end restaurants and historical attractions. One example is the Wall House, a restaurant highlighting architecture and design from the island’s Swedish colonial era.
Another place to go in St. Barts is the 17th-century Fort Karl that overlooks the breathtaking view of the famous Shell Beach.
Caribbean Island No. 6: Grenada
Grenada, also the name of its main island, is a Caribbean country popularly known as the Spice Isle.
The hilly main island houses a significant number of nutmeg plantations. Of course, Grenada is reputed for the quality of its nutmeg; hence the nut is featured on the nation’s flag.
Grenada’s capital, St. George’s is a sight to see with its Georgian architecture and buildings, colorful homes, and the must-see early-18th-century Fort George that overlooks the narrow Carenage Harbour.
Also, when visiting Grenada, do not miss staying a night or two in the south. Unwind in Grand Anse Beach and have fun in its resorts and bars.
Caribbean Island No. 7: Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a breathtaking landscape of waterfalls and mountains. One of its jewels is the El Yunque tropical rainforest which is home” to thousands of native plants including 150 ferns and 240 trees – a must-visit for nature lovers.
The capital of Puerto Rico is San Juan, which is also the country’s largest city. The area is known for Isla Verde which houses a hotel strip, casinos, and beach bars.
The rustic neighborhood in Old San Juan is a sight to see with colorful and timeless Spanish colonial structures. Also, you will find in Old San Juan, two massive hundred-of-years-old forts which are the El Morro and La Fortaleza.
Caribbean Island No. 8: Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda, an independent Commonwealth country, comprises its two namesake islands, with several smaller ones in the territory.
The country is specially placed where the Atlantic ocean and Caribbean sea meet and is known for reef-lined beaches and resorts, as well as rainforests.
It has an English Harbour, which serves as a yachting hub, and it features the site of the historic Nelson’s Dockyard.
When you go to the capital, St. John’s, you can visit the national museum, which displays indigenous and colonial artifacts from up to centuries and millennia ago.
Caribbean Island No. 9: Saint Kitts and Nevis
Visit the dual-island nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The country sits pleasantly between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
This breathtaking destination is famous for its awe-inspiring cloud-shrouded mountains and pristine beaches.
The nation used to be home to vast sugar plantations, but these have since been turned into inns and, others, atmospheric ruins.
Saint Kitts is the larger island of the pair. It is dominated by a dormant volcano, Mount Liamuiga, which is a majestic sight to see.
The volcano is home to a must-see crater lake, residence to a happy green vervet monkey population, and a sanctuary to a lush rainforest where you can hike.
Caribbean Island No. 10: Bonaire
Bonaire is a paradise tucked in the Leeward Antilles in the Caribbean. It is a perfect all-season good weather place for kite surfing, windsurfing, and snorkeling.
Come to Bonaire and enjoy fun activities like running around with donkeys in the Donkey Sanctuary or enjoying the waters at Klein Bonaire. Or you can explore the island’s biodiversity by visiting the Bonaire National Marine Park, where you can find fish, sea creatures, corals, marine plants, and mangroves.
A Trip to the Caribbean is a Must-Do Luxury Travel
The beauty of the Caribbean is calling you, and you shouldn’t miss visiting this paradise for your life.
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