Best Places To Visit in the Caribbean

White sandy beaches, turquoise waters and rich cultures are just a few of the reasons why the Caribbean is truly one of the best places to travel. But what are the best places to visit in the Caribbean? The answer depends on how you’d like to spend your trip.

Below, you’ll find our top picks for the best Caribbean vacations for families, couples, nightlife enthusiasts and everyone in between. Keep reading to learn more.

Our Top Picks for Best Places To Visit in the Caribbean

• British Virgin Islands — Best beaches in the Caribbean
• Saint Lucia — Best all-inclusive resorts
• Rincón, Puerto Rico — Best for nature lovers
• Santo Domingo, DR — Best nightlife in the Caribbean
• Belize — Best for romantic vacations

Best Places To Visit in the Caribbean Reviews

Best Beaches in the Caribbean: British Virgin Islands

Why we chose it: The British Virgin Islands has a beach for everyone. Whether you’re interested in snorkeling, hiking or partying on tropical islands, you’ll find the perfect place to do so here.

The British Virgin Islands encompass over 50 islands spread across just under 60 miles in the Northeastern Caribbean. The four main islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke — each of which has several beaches that may appeal to you.

If your idea of the best Caribbean vacation involves beach-centric nightlife, Jost Van Dyke is a great place to begin your journey. White Bay Beach on the island’s southern side has become an international destination for party lovers thanks to its bars, but it also offers incredible white sand beaches and snorkeling opportunities.

If you prefer getting out and exploring nature, the Baths on Virgin Gorda offers a series of granite caves you can swim through and plenty of hiking opportunities along the serene coastline.

Other popular beaches include:

• Cane Garden Bay – For families looking for adventure

• Smuggler’s Cove – For couples looking for a romantic escape

• Loblolly Bay Beach – For couples and families looking for a picturesque beach to lounge on

• Long Bay Beach – For snorkeling purists

• Devil’s Bay – For families interested in a budget vacation

Best All-Inclusive Resorts: Saint Lucia

Why we chose it: Saint Lucia doesn’t just offer some of the most beautiful all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean; it’s also home to some of the most affordable. There are plenty of options to choose from here, which makes it easy to find one that fits your needs.

Saint Lucia stands out as a destination for all-inclusive resorts thanks to a variety of affordable options that can work for couples and families alike. For example, the Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa has a wing for couples with an oceanfront spa and hammocks for lounging, plus it has a separate wing with a waterpark and paintball court for families.

Other popular all-inclusive resorts in Saint Lucia include:

• Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort – Built into a lush hillside with six swimming pools and direct access to white-sand beaches

• Serenity at Coconut Bay – The quintessential adults-only Caribbean stay

• Sandals Grande St. Lucia – Features over-the-water honeymoon bungalows, which are perfect for couples

• Sugar Beach – Situated among more than 100 acres of rainforest

Best for Nature Lovers: Rincón, Puerto Rico

Why we chose it: Rincón, Puerto Rico, has miles of white-sand coastline with palm trees, scenic coves for snorkeling and coastline parks to watch surfers tackle big waves.

Puerto Rico is an easy trip for U.S. travelers. Since it’s a U.S. territory, you won’t have to go through customs, purchase an international phone plan or worry about exchanging currency. You don’t even need a passport to visit.

Rincón is one of Puerto Rico's top destinations and a perfect fit for nature lovers. The town is known for being one of the Caribbean’s premier surfing destinations, even hosting world surfing championships. But there are also plenty of nature-focused activities to experience, including:

• Scuba diving
• Deep-sea fishing
• Snorkeling
• Hiking
• Horseback riding
• Whale watching
• Swimming beaches

Best Nightlife in the Caribbean: Santo Domingo, DR

Why we chose it: Santo Domingo offers a variety of nightlife options, from clubs and bars to restaurants catering to every taste. As the largest city in the Dominican Republic, it attracts tourists from across the globe you’ll be able to mingle with during your stay.

Santo Domingo is one of the best international places to travel for nightlife. Its main party areas are the Zona Colonial, Avenida Venezuela and Naco/Piantini. With plenty of bars, clubs and music venues to choose from, the nights will never get dull in Santo Domingo.

The area also offers plenty to keep you busy during the day. It’s home to colonial-era homes and cobblestone streets with daily guided tours. You’ll also find fun beaches and national parks to explore — some of which feature cave systems and unique geological formations.

You can enjoy everything that Santo Domingo has to offer without breaking your budget too, with prices that will look comparatively cheap to U.S.-based visitors.

Best for Romantic Vacations: Belize

Why we chose it: Belize is home to many scenic beaches and secluded islands that offer couples the space to enjoy each other’s company. There are also many resorts and private villas that cater to couples.

In Belize, you will find some of the top resorts in the region, including both private rooms and villas with oceanfront views. With private pools and in-facility fine dining, you and your partner will have no problem finding a place to unwind, free from the distractions of home.

When you want to get out and explore, you’ll find plenty of options for that as well. The country is home to stunning Mayan ruins, miles of rainforest and quaint coastal towns for walking in the sunshine.

Belize does lack some of the nightlife and fine dining variety visitors to other Caribbean locations can enjoy. It can also be difficult to navigate in remote areas with limited public transportation and rural roads.

Other places to visit in the Caribbean we considered

Our list of the best places to visit in the Caribbean is not exhaustive. Every part of this region has its pros and cons, some of which will better fit your vacation goals than others. With that in mind, here are some other options you may want to consider while putting together the best Caribbean vacation possible.

Havana, Cuba

Havana is home to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. But traveling there can be a challenge, as you must meet one of the government’s approved reasons for visiting Cuba, and the state of the country’s infrastructure can lead to frequent power outages and limited internet access.

Turks & Caicos

Turks & Caicos is a beautiful Caribbean destination with white sandy beaches and clear water seemingly everywhere you look. It’s also home to many luxury resorts. However, it's more expensive than other Caribbean islands and has a relatively quiet nightlife scene.

St. Barts

St. Barts is home to beautiful beaches, miles of scenic hiking trails and some of the best resorts in the Caribbean. But it’s more expensive than other destinations and is a small island with limited accessibility.

Places To Visit in the Caribbean Guide

Choosing which islands to visit in the Caribbean can be challenging since they all offer beautiful beaches and plenty of resorts for tourists. In the following guide, we provide more context on this region to help you make a more informed decision for your next trip.

The basics of the Caribbean Islands

The Caribbean is a region of islands and mainland coasts located south of the United States and east of Central America. It encompasses parts of several coastal countries in addition to more than 700 islands.

Here’s some basic information you should know if you’re a U.S. citizen who’s interested in visiting:

• No visa necessary: With the notable exceptions of Cuba and Venezuela, U.S. citizens can visit most Caribbean nations visa-free for up to 30 days.

• USD is typically accepted: There are 13 currencies used across the Caribbean, but most places — especially in regions known for tourism — accept U.S. dollars.

• English is widely spoken: Spanish, French and Creole are the most common languages used by citizens of the Caribbean, but English is widely spoken as well.

• Don’t visit in September or October: This is the peak of hurricane season and also when the Caribbean islands typically receive the most rain and tropical storms.

• You’ll need an international phone plan (except in Puerto Rico): If you want to use your phone to keep in touch with people back home, you’ll need either a local SIM card or an international plan — unless you visit Puerto Rico, since it’s a U.S. territory. An international phone plan is a must regardless of the destination you choose on our list of the best international places to travel.

• Travel insurance is always a good idea: The Caribbean is home to beautiful weather for most of the year but also experiences its fair share of unexpected tropical storms. The best travel insurance companies can keep you protected financially.

• Don’t forget to use reward programs: If you’re going to spend money on a Caribbean vacation, you might as well join one of the best airline rewards programs and best hotel rewards plans. Doing so will give you cashback or accommodation vouchers for your next trip.

Sub-regions

Geographers and economists tend to split the Caribbean into nine distinct sub-regions:

• Bahamian
• Bermuda
• Eastern Caribbean
• Florida
• Greater Antilles
• Gulf of Mexico
• Southern Caribbean
• Southwestern Caribbean
• Western Caribbean

As a traveler, these may or may not matter to you. On the one hand, there can be subtle variations in weather in different subregions. For example, Caribbean destinations in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico will have similar weather to U.S. coastal cities in the south. Islands in the Southwestern Caribbean, on the other hand, will have weather closer to nations in Northeast South America. Travel within sub-regions may also be easier.

Weather

The Caribbean enjoys beautiful, sunny weather most of the year, with highs often in the 80s. However, the region also has a wet season, which runs from July to November. This is when tropical storms and hurricanes can form and pass through.

If you want to visit the Caribbean and avoid the bad weather, it’s best to visit the region during its dry months, which last from December through May. That being said, this is when most people visit, so you should expect larger crowds — especially if you arrive in the peak winter months.

More on Caribbean travel

Looking for some more tips before booking your trip to the Caribbean? These should help you plan a better vacation.

The best time to visit the Caribbean

The Caribbean enjoys its best weather during the winter, from the tail end of November through February. However, this is also when the islands are busiest, and accommodations and flights may be more expensive.

That’s why you may want to plan your trip for May, June or November. These months fall just outside the region’s rainy season and are less busy than the winter. You may also be able to find better deals during this time, which you can make even better by signing up for one of the best travel credit cards.

The main thing to avoid is visiting the Caribbean during the peak of hurricane and tropical storm season, which lasts from September to October, but can extend from June to November in some years. If you want to visit during these months, it's a good idea to purchase travel insurance. It can help to cover some of the excess costs you may incur if your trip gets canceled due to inclement weather.

The best activities to try in the Caribbean

Caribbean beaches host an abundance of activities including:

• Snorkeling
• Scuba diving
• Surfing and boogie boarding
• Windsurfing
• Deep sea fishing
• Swimming

But there’s also plenty to do away from the beach. You could hike through a rainforest such as El Yunque or explore the Mayan ruins in Belize. Many Caribbean destinations also have downtown districts with walkable streets, shops and plenty of great restaurants to try. You may even be able to earn points with your purchases if you pay with one of the best airline credit cards.

The best foods to try in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is home to a culinary culture that’s entirely its own, thanks to the region’s many influences. You can get a fine French meal in St. Barts, enjoy modernized Spanish classics in Puerto Rico or try jerk chicken in Jamaica. If you're traveling with one of the best cruise lines, you'll undoubtedly be served excellent food, but there's no substitute for a locally-prepared meal.

Caribbean cuisine varies by region, but here are some traditional Caribbean foods you may find in some of the locations you visit:

• Conch Fritters: Savory conch meat is mixed with flour, spices, and vegetables, then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. Other types of seafood fritters are also common across the Caribbean.

• Fried Plantains: A sweet and savory snack made by thinly slicing ripe plantains and frying them until golden brown. Variations can be found all over the Caribbean.

• Goat Curry: A Caribbean twist on an East Indian classic featuring tender chunks of goat meat in spiced curry.

• Roti: This flatbread is a staple of some Eastern Caribbean islands, and you’ll often find it filled with seafood, curried meat and vegetables.

• Rum Cake: A classic Caribbean dessert made with dark rum and dried fruit or nuts, it’s often served during holidays and special occasions.

How We Chose the Best Places To Visit in the Caribbean

We compiled our list of the best places to visit in the Caribbean by considering each of the following factors:

• Affordability: We looked at the average prices of accommodations, food and excursions to determine a location's affordability.

• Safety indicators: We reviewed crime rates and other safety indicators as they relate to tourists.

• Ease of travel: We examined factors such as visa requirements and flight availability to determine how easy it is for travelers to visit the destination.

• Infrastructure: We considered the quality of the location's infrastructure, as well-maintained roads and facilities reduce the likelihood of unwanted delays and unexpected issues while traveling.

• Firsthand accounts: We looked into reviews from experienced Caribbean tourists to hear what they had to say about each location.

Summary of Money’s Best Places To Visit in the Caribbean

• British Virgin Islands — Best beaches in the Caribbean
• Saint Lucia — Best all-inclusive resorts
• Rincón, Puerto Rico — Best for nature lovers
• Santo Domingo, DR — Best nightlife in the Caribbean
• Belize — Best for romantic vacations