The 10 Most Visited Caribbean Islands
Irresistible beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and a cornucopia of vibrant cultures continue to woo millions of visitors to the Caribbean region. From luxury getaways to affordable adventure trips and festivals, each Caribbean destination offers travelers its unique culture and appeal. Here are the top 10 most visited Caribbean islands, which account for 85% of visitors to the Caribbean region. 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.
What Makes Aruba The Worlds Best Island Vacation Destination
How about our top-rated Aruba vacation deals, offering more excitement, adventure, and unique experiences than any other island destination on the planet?
Featuring picture-perfect weather, gorgeous beaches, and more sunny days than any other island in the Caribbean, theres simply no reason you shouldnt book an Aruba vacation. Can you already see yourself sitting at the beach, sipping on a cocktail, and dipping your toes in the white sand? And what about dancing the night away or finding your luck at one of our casinos? You are just a few clicks and a flight away from enjoying yourself to the fullest on our One Happy Island.
Are you looking for family-friendly fun, a romantic escape, an adventurous experience, or a luxurious golf vacation?
Vacationing in Aruba can be adjusted to your personal needs. If you are looking for luxury and comfort, check out our best all-inclusive resorts. Or stay in the heart of the action in one of our grand resorts just steps from the powdery-white sands and beautiful turquoise waves of our world-famous beaches. Enjoy your best vacation ever in Aruba.
Insider Tip: Dont Be Afraid To Island Hop
Cant decide on one Caribbean destination for your next getaway? Traveling between the Caribbean islands is much easier than you think. On your next vacation, dont be afraid to hop on a plane and experience multiple islands on your trip.
Island-hopping is a great way to get a full, well-rounded experience of the Caribbean nations. Additionally, many cruises will allow you to jump between multiple islands in a single trip. That way, you dont miss out on any of the unique excursions at top Caribbean destinations.
Expert tip: If youre interested in island-hopping in The Bahamas, weve put together several great itineraries that will help you get the most out of your stay. With 700 islands to choose from, it may be hard to decide where to start otherwise!
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St Thomas Us Virgin Islands
Distance from New York: 4 hours 5 minutes Distance from Miami: 2 hours 35 minutes Best time to visit St. Thomas: April to June
St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a great place to start when exploring this Caribbean territory that includes about 50 islands. Typical of the Caribbean, St. Thomas has lots of beautiful beaches. There are also lots of great places on this island to dine, go duty-free shopping, and even party.
Your vacation in St. Thomas can include lots of water sports action, island hopping to some of the nearby USVI islands, which offer their own unique experiences, indulging in sophisticated resorts, and just enjoying the outdoors. Let your days in St. Thomas be sun-kissed and memorable by just letting go and enjoying the moment island-style.
Hot & Happening In Turks & Caicos In 2023
The Hartling Resorts, which owns and operates acclaimed Turks and Caicos properties The Sands, The Palms, and The Shore Club, among them is undertaking a significant role in the expansion of luxury on Providenciales. The developer of award-winning properties has seen incredible levels of success with The Shore Clubs current six six-bedroom villas that’s why eight additional six-bedroom villas with two pools and private gyms will be added soon, with building commencing in 2023.
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Where To Stay In The Dominican Republic
In the tourism hub of Punta Cana, there are so many all-inclusive family resorts to choose from that its almost dizzying. Top choices include the Hilton La Romana Resort and Waterpark and Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana. In La Romana, Casa de Campo has resort rooms as well as private villas for rent.
Four Seasons Resort Nevis
Frequently voted one of the best resorts in the Caribbean by our readers, Four Seasons Resort Nevis is a serene hideaway tucked away on Pinneys Beach, one of the most beautiful stretches of sand on the island. Expect pastel guest rooms with mahogany furniture, a spectacular infinity pool lined with sunny yellow beach chairs, and an open-air restaurant overlooking the ocean. The hotel is the perfect spot to explore Nevis, which often doesnt get quite as much attention as its sister, St. Kitts .
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Bonaire National Marine Park Bonaire
Only 50 miles from South America, Bonaire is the farthest east of the ABC Islands. And while the island has a dry, rather foreboding desert landscape, its true beauty can be found just below the surrounding waters. The entire coral reef around Bonaire is a national park , with brightly colored coral and wildlife ranging from nurse sharks to seahorses and friendly green turtles.
Foreign Interventions By Cuba
From 1966 until the late 1980s, the Soviet government upgraded Cuba’s military capabilities, and Cuban leader Fidel Castro saw to it that Cuba assisted with the independence struggles of several countries across the world, most notably Angola and Mozambique in southern Africa, and the anti-imperialist struggles of countries such as Syria, Algeria, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Vietnam. Its Angolan involvement was particularly intense and noteworthy with heavy assistance given to the MarxistLeninist MPLA in the Angolan Civil War. Cuba sent 380,000 troops to Angola and 70,000 additional civilian technicians and volunteers.
Cuba’s involvement in the Angolan Civil War began in the 1960s, when relations were established with the leftist Movement for the Popular Liberation of Angola . The MPLA was one of three organizations struggling to gain Angola’s independence from Portugal, the other two being UNITA and the National Liberation Front of Angola . In August and October 1975, the South African Defence Force intervened in Angola in support of the UNITA and FNLA. On 14 October 1975, the SADF commenced Operation Savannah in an effort to capture Luanda from the south. On 5 November 1975, without consulting Moscow, the Cuban government opted for a direct intervention with combat troops in support of the MPLA and the combined MPLA-Cuban armies managed to stop the South African advance by 26 November.
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Where To Stay In The Bahamas
The big players in Nassau are Atlantis Bahamas, with its legendary water park and aquariums with manta rays and the sprawling Baha Mar complex, home to three luxury hotels. Dont overlook smaller properties like Compass Point Beach Resort for a more rustic appeal on equally fine stretches of sand, though.
Private island stays are a thing for travelers with deep pockets in the Bahamas, too, with spots like Royal Island on Eleutherawith five bungalows and three suites begging for a multi-generation escapeleading the pack.
Dunns River Falls Jamaica
If Jamaicas Dunns River Falls look familiar, you may have spotted them on the big screen: The falls appeared in the very first James Bond film from 1962, Dr. No, when Ursula Andress seductively emerges from the water. Hollywood fame aside, the watery attraction is a must-visit for any Jamaican itinerary. The small pools that collect in the tiers of travertine rock have become a popular place to take a soak, while the bigger rocks surrounding the falls attract lines of people wanting to jump into the water.
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Best Places To Visit In The Caribbean In 2023
Written by: Author Andrew Helling | Reviewed by: Editorial Team
Posted on Last updated:
The Caribbean has probably been on your bucket list, but youre still not sure about the best places to visit. Were here to help you!
Besides the gorgeous beaches and islands, the Caribbean is awash with European-inspired architecture, hidden lagoons, and hiking trails waiting to be explored.
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More Vacation Ideas For The Caribbean
So youve gone on one Caribbean vacation already, but that itch still hasnt been fully scratched. Fortunately, theres still a plethora of ideas you havent even heard of, making another island getaway just as unique as the first.
Venture to one of the few lesser-known Caribbean islands like Isla de Mona, Puerto Rico, or Marie-Galante, Guadeloupe that have just as much attraction as their more popular counterparts. Maybe last time you flew to your island destination this time around, consider going on a cruise thatll supply your food and accommodations while touring through multiple stops. The Caribbean is worth being explored in more than one way.
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Belle Mont Farm On Kittitian Hill St Kitts
St. Kitts is known for its sugarcane fields and well-preserved Brimstone Hill fortresses, but the island also houses some of our favorite luxury hotels. For sophisticated lodgings with a view, book a stay at Belle Mont Farm on Kittitian Hill, a 2015 Hot List winner. Situated on the northwestern slopes of Mount Liamuiga, some of the resorts biggest draws are the private plunge pools and outdoor clawfoot tubs overlooking the sea.
Bvaro Beach Dominican Republic
Palm trees fringe the shores of this white-sand and aqua-colored beach. Located in the popular area of Punta Cana, Bávaro Beach stretches 30 miles, so you can walk for what feels like forever on the pillowy sand that comforts your feet. Nearby all-inclusive resorts make this a complete getaway where you can leave the stress of your everyday life behind.
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Hot & Happening In The British Virgin Islands In 2023
As its plural name hints, the British Virgin Islands offer numerous choices regarding where to stay. One particular island gaining traction for 2023 is Moskito Island a spectacular spot under the sun where guests get to savor a fully all-inclusive, customized vacation suited to their specific needs .
Highly rated for its gift to travelers a uniquely tailored getaway in pure paradise the island’s experienced staff know high-end hospitality like the back of their hands, catering will each guest’s every desire. These expert teams make visitors’ stay truly something to remember, arranging everything from picnics on the islands pristine Manchioneel Beach and themed dinners with live jazz bands to organizing beach Olympics and more. Indeed, it seems nothing is ever too much for these keen-to-please service people. Plus, with crystal clear waters for which the British Virgin Islands are famed, Moskito Island offers aquatic escapades and land adventures, too which, of course, hotel staff is happy to help with if guests need excursion bookings or advice from friendly local residents.
Countries And Territories Of The Caribbean Today
The oldest evidence of humans in the Caribbean is in southern Trinidad at Banwari Trace, where remains have been found from seven thousand years ago. These pre-ceramic sites, which belong to the Archaic age, have been termed Ortoiroid. The earliest archaeological evidence of human settlement in Hispaniola dates to about 3600 BC, but the reliability of these finds is questioned. Consistent dates of 3100 BC appear in Cuba. The earliest dates in the Lesser Antilles are from 2000 BC in Antigua. A lack of pre-ceramic sites in the Windward Islands and differences in technology suggest that these Archaic settlers may have Central American origins. Whether an Ortoiroid colonization of the islands took place is uncertain, but there is little evidence of one.
DNA studies changed some of the traditional beliefs about pre-Columbian indigenous history. According to National Geographic, “studies confirm that a wave of pottery-making farmersknown as Ceramic Age peopleset out in canoes from the northeastern coast of South America starting some 2,500 years ago and island-hopped across the Caribbean. They were not, however, the first colonizers. On many islands they encountered a foraging people who arrived some 6,000 or 7,000 years ago…The ceramicists, who are related to today’s Arawak-speaking peoples, supplanted the earlier foraging inhabitantspresumably through disease or violenceas they settled new islands.”
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Where To Stay In The British Virgin Islands
If you prefer to be land-based in the BVI, choose from one of the great resorts on Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, or Jost Van Dyke. On Virgin Gorda, Oil Nut Bay is a family-favorite Caribbean vacation spot, offering adventure packages that include guided snorkeling excursions with sea turtles and road safaris to visit The Baths. And you can go the family glamping route at Anegada Beach Club when you stay in one of the beachfront tents set under a palm-thatch palapa.
Best Caribbean Islands To Visit During Your Next Getaway
An upcoming vacation has a way of spicing up life as you know it – from the moment the days start dwindling until you get to your destination. Before you find yourself on the shores of an island paradise, youll first need to decide which one you want to visit. If youre looking for somewhere gorgeous, adventurous, and fun, the Caribbean is probably the first place that comes to mind.
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Hot & Happening In The Dominican Republic In 2023
As the new year approaches, everyone’s chatting about Eden Roc Cap Cana a Relais & Châteaux diamond perfectly situated in the exclusive community of Cap Cana. The property has earned quite the reputation for creating unique, unordinary experiences and granting travelers’ wishes with a mega-luxurious boutique island experience. Think private ecotourism safaris, helicopter excursions to the country’s isolated islands, humpback whale encounters, four-course dinners in a hidden cave, and fully personalized wellness experiences, and that’s a mere sample of the fine offerings this opulent retreat provides to its guests.
If that doesn’t sound unreal enough, 2023’s guests will also be among the very first to stay in the propertys newest Ocean & Golf Villa, which comes with a complete kitchen, spacious living and dining spaces, and five bedrooms with king and double beds. The 24-hour butler and private chef who serves a tasty breakfast every day and the three golf carts on hand for the five-minute drive to the course or the three-minute ride to the beach club sweeten the deal even more.
The Turks & Caicos Islands
Home to Grace Bay Beach, named the Best Beach in the World in 2018. Also features one Beaches Resort.
Distance from New York: 4 hours 45 minutes Distance from Miami: 3 hours 40 minutes Best time to visit Turks & Caicos: April to May
The Turks & Caicos Islands are among the best places to vacation in the world. This territory is made up of 40 islands, with each bringing something unique to the table.
Providenciales or Provo, is the main island in Turks & Caicos. This is the island where youll find some of the best luxury resorts and the main cruise ship port. From Provo, it wont be hard to visit a few of the other islands in Turks & Caicos, such as Grand Turk where you can visit the Turks & Caicos National Museum to find out more about the history of the islands.
Salt Cay is another island in Turks & Caicos – one where youll be able to enjoy some of the best diving in the Caribbean and see one of the largest reef systems in the world.
Good to know:Beaches Turks & Caicos has its own Caribbean waterpark and is great for families.
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Where To Stay In Puerto Rico
For a luxury splurge, the longstanding go-to for Caribbean vacations in Puerto Rico is Dorado beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, with its multi-bedroom suites and residences fronting one of the islands very best beaches on the north coast, west of San Juan. Closer to the city, the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel hugs a beautiful beach and has four pools and a swim-up pool bar.
Bonus: Belize For Adventure
While Belize is not an island, its prime coastal location on the Caribbean Sea makes it feel like one. Whats more, the temperate weather, many direct flights from the U.S., and the fact that the countrys official language is English, all make Belize a greatand often overlookedwarm-weather vacation option. The country is a wonderland of natural attractions, with extensive cave systems, lush jungles, and world-class dive sites. Combined with diverse cultures and historic treasures, Belize stands at the forefront of Caribbean adventure destinations.
Belize is a nexus for Maya, Caribbean, Garifuna, and even Mennonite cultures. English is the official language, although Belizean Creole is the most widely spoken.
The Maya civilization flourished in the region from 1500 B.C.E. through 1200 C.E., leaving behind archaeological sites now open to visitors. Several are located within Belizes caves, which are accessible via guided tours that can range from easy walks to challenging excursions that require spelunkers to squeeze, crawl, climb, rappel, and swim through different sections.
Caves Branch Adventure and Jungle Lodge offers adventure-themed stays in the Belizean rain forest. Travelers can select their degree of exposure to nature, with tree house accommodations located 200 feet above the Caves Branch valley or jungle bungalows and cabanas located deep within the rain forest and equipped with separate air-conditioned and screened-in rooms, plus outdoor showers.
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