But with so many islands to choose from, you might want to consider crossing St. John off your list of options. Langkawi, an archipelago on Malaysias west coast, has gotten a lot of hype recently for turquoise waters, picturesque beaches and jungle-clad hills. Here are the eight best places to visit in the Caribbean. This means that the Puerto Rican economy is highly sensitive to the fluctuations of the world economy. Ginger beer and coffee are Jamaica's two most famous drinks. The smallest of the US Virgin Islands, it lacks the same level of luxury hotels and resorts than its counterparts. Here you'll find hipster haunts likeRicks Caf where you can dance and watch folks jump from cliffs into the sea. The area has seen a rise in crime; "we were broken into twice a week," a tourist recounted on Trip Advisor. Tobagos Unesco World Heritage Site,Main Ridge Forest Reserve is the oldest protected forest in the western hemisphere, with nine trails to keep hikers happy. Planning tip: If after all that peace and solitude you want to liven things up a little, Negril is an hour away. While there are plenty of islands to choose from, Rarotonga is the largest and most visited. When looking for the cheapest airports in the Caribbean, fly into Santo Domingo via Las Amricas. Besides the Caribbean islands, there are some great spots on the Caribbean coast of Central America offering good value. Larger than most Caribbean islands, both in terms of population and land mass, the Bahamas is reliant on tourism to drive its economy - with everything from budget-friendly hotels to luxe lodgings available. One of the most popular is Captain Bills Blue Hole inBlue Holes National Park. Explore 150 of the worlds most enchanting islands in this inspirational coffee table book that features beautiful photography, illustrations and maps. The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. Revitalize yourself at the Bamboo Spa with the signature Jungle Bay Massage with coconut, castor and bay essential oils. There is only so much snow shoveling you can do before you need a break. It's "extremely crowded," one reviewer on Trip Advisor recalled. Unlike most Caribbean islands, it's located outside of Hurricane Alley, making it safe in several senses. Sosua Beach only looks good in postcards; it's actually overrun by tourist shops according to Trip Advisor. Stroll the beaches of Montego Bay by day and dance to the latest reggae music at one of the citys nightclubs. The rough waves will also ruin your relaxing swim. However, in response to a change in European Union banana trade preferences, Dominica has placed emphasis on the production of coffee, aloe vera, exotic fruits and manufactured soaps to remain competitive on the export market. Bahamas. Check Rates and Availability for: Hotels in Jamaica | Tours in Jamaica. Almost all of the Caribbean islands are in the Caribbean Sea, with only a few in inland lakes. It's a big commercialized beach. Several of the major tourist destinations fail to live up to the hype. It's time to plan your next tropical getaway. 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). Sean Pavone/Shutterstock. However, since achieving independence and/or autonomy, many Caribbean islands have managed to establish themselves competitively in the world economy. The sea looks nice but is not made for a good swim (rough waves). The Caribbean island of Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti towards its West and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region known for its lavish and stunning resorts, pristine and beautiful beaches, and amazing golfing premises. Its blissful beaches, 23 golf courses, and captivating culture attract scores of visitors to Puerto Rico every year. Even dining off the resort poses a problem, as most of the good restaurants have a strict reservation only policy. 5. Break in case of a budget emergency. If you're planning to come, the weekdays are less crowded. Not that anyone wants to socialize anyways, as most travelers are on their honeymoon. Bearing in mind a wet season, possible hurricanes and a stretch of super-humid weather, here's when to visit Everglades National Park. The vibe on this island is laid-back, and it is a location that evades many people's radar as it is so understated. 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! But the lack of options on this small island doesnt seem to help with the crowd sizes, which are hefty year round. Montserrat is nicknamed the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean both for its terrain and the heritage of its inhabitants. Never . Kingston shouldn't be confused as a tropical paradise (despite what Bob Marley tells you). A nation made up of 15 islands in the South Pacific, The Cook Islands have the undeveloped charm Hawaii did 50 years ago, but with modern conveniences that compete with any other popular destination (Cook Islands Travel). 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. Besides being insanely crowded most of the time, Horseshoe Bay Beach has dangerous riptides. From the over-commercialized to the virtually undiscovered, to the accessible resorts to the most private islands youve never heard of. 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. 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. According to some forums on the net, particularly Fodor's, Aruba is an overrated region. St. Kitts and Nevis: 120,000. Consider staying at theFour Seasons Resorton Pinneys Beach. In contrast to more productive creatures, Lemurs are sedentary loafers, which makes them one of the most boring animals on the planet. The exclusive enclaves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The third largest Caribbean island, Jamaica is one of the most popular and well-known tourist destinations in the region. This less-traveled paradise is a must for bird-watchers. But with so many islands to choose from, you might want to consider crossing St. John off your list of options. Over the past decade or so, the Bahamas has arguably become the least exciting country in the Caribbean. 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. The rooms need updating, the food is expensive, and the attractions are only so-so.. Aside from one incident in which two people were murdered within 24 hours in 2017, Bonaire doesn't have much major crime. 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. Besides the occasional theft, which is a concern for any tourist-popular region, St. Barts doesn't have much crime. The island boats everything you could possibly want when you think of a tropical getaway. 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. It's a friendly spot where the music is pumping. Grenada has honed in on the rising demand for eco-tourism and provides a series of eco-friendly guesthouses. The British Virgin Islands (BVI) consist of Tortola (the largest and most inhabited island), Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, and more than 50 smaller islands and cays. When youre tired of exploring, laze away at the beaches by day, and enjoy the spectacular bioluminescent bays at night. Ambergris Caye, Belize - US $319,900. Published by. Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, Dominica is one of the most unique Caribbean islands. The statistic shows the largest island countries and territories in the Caribbean, based on land area. Is Belize Safe? Grenada. Nonetheless, a 2012 studywith the Caribbean Development Bankrevealed that 20% of Bajans live in poverty, and nearly 10% cannot meet basic daily food needs. I cooled off and started to get hungry so it was time to walk to redhook. Stop at a coffee shop for a cup of Blue Mountain coffee. TheNevis Equestrian Centre offers rides that include beaches, trails, and villages. Maldives. If youre into snorkeling, Grenada offers over 30 dive sites. Check Rates and Availability for: Hotels in Puerto Rico | Tours in Puerto Rico. It seems that these islands are so relaxed their almostcut off from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world. Beyond Che Guevara and Guantanamo Bay, there is a fledgling tourism industry in Cuba. And those beautiful beaches the Amalfi Coast is known for? The World's Most Entertaining Car Website. Unlike most other Caribbean nations, its high-income economy is dependent, not on tourism, but on industry, with petrochemical and petrochemicals fueling a solid GDP growth. The second Island, St. Thomas is one of best Caribbean spots to enjoy sightseeing, snorkeling, diving and shopping. COMO Cocoa Island is an intimate private resort island boasting just 33 suites sitting above turquoise waters. There is much to enjoy as Puerto Rico is an island with old Spanish charm and modern attractions and accommodations. Photo Credit: Puerto Rico Tourist Board. The sandy beaches are generally wide and flat with waves meant for jumping and body surfing. The Maldives are home to some of the world's most ravishing islands, but it's the sea, which truly makes these islands shine. Bora Bora should officially change its name to Boring Boring. So, which of these top ten most visited Caribbean islands have you visited? The crime rate in Montego is taking a toll on tourism, and the traffic is unbearable (the army constantly searches cars), according to a Trip Advisor review. Skip the masses and head to Bluefields on the south coast instead. Visitors here consider this island much more low-key than more popular Italian destinations, with visitors sharing foreigners mostly head to Capri, but Ischia is where the Italians go. (Forbes). One of the best Caribbean islands for nature lovers, it boasts with eco-resorts and protected areas. Antigua and Barbuda. The Department of State says to exercise "increased caution" due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping, and warns against traveling to Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain, citing violent crimes like murder, robbery, and assault as common. 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 island of Grenada boasts all of the same great qualities of any other Caribbean island with about a third of the crowds. This is your guide to exactly what they are, where they happen, and how you can join the party. Maho Beach is only known for literally blowing tourists away (being adjacent to the runway), you've probably seen this on video. St Vincent and the Grenadines' tourism industry is growing, though, as it's a particularly attractive destination for yachting enthusiasts and golfers. 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 . It is one of the most boring animals in the ocean and the most uncool squid on the planet. Nicknamed "The nature island of the Caribbean", the thrills are loggerhead turtles, whales, hot springs, boiling lakes, mountains, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. 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. Surprisingly, these 15destinations fall short of expectations and are more commercialized than everyone might think. On the surface, the private island of Mustique seems like a dream. Separated by a short gap of sky-blue Caribbean Sea in the midst of the Leeward Islands, the duo that makes up Antigua and Barbuda represent one of the region's most well-rounded tourist draws. With more than 170 attractions spread over the island, theres something for people of all ages to enjoy. The 290-square-mile island is undergoing a luxury hotel. Over-the-water bungalows in the Maldives. Paradise Island in the Bahamas boasts the famous Atlantis resort, which began reopening towers after a massive renovation in 1998. 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. Physical features Geology The geologic age of the Caribbean is not known with certainty. Learn more about coverage options for frequent travelers and those with multiple upcoming trips. And more importantly, which of these do you plan to visit next? On top of that, several reviewers on TripAdvisor note how littered the beaches are. It is known as being a haven for diving and snorkeling because of the reefs surrounding the island. Morne Trois Pitons is an active volcano, one of nine in Dominica. Whether a family vacation or a romantic getaway, these mesmerizing islands provide many options to create perfect memories. Puerto Rico is a large island without a whole lot of public transportation. There are new hot spots like theBLT Steakhouse at the Ritz-Carlton and the uber-luxeMRVL Spafor next-level pampering. At only 76 square miles, it should come as no surprise that activities are rather limited here (Catalina Chamber). A decrease in the pricing of bananas as a result of increased competition from Latin America has also thwarted export figures. Visit the Chamberlain Bridge, which was built between 1865 and 1872 and is one of the most popular photo spots in Barbados. islands, reefs, islets and cays, the Caribbean promises a variety of treasures both on and off its shores. It is paradise. It too was bumped to a Level 2 Travel Advisory in 2019 for armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault. The Aruban People One of the main reasons why people are drawn to this small Southern Caribbean island is the people. 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. The smallest of the Caribbean, fly into Santo Domingo via Las Amricas variety. 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