The brimming waters of the Caribbean are abounding with extraordinary marine life, which homes coral, rays, bottlenose dolphins, turtles, and multi-colored fishes. The pristine waters of Caribbean beaches never fail to catch the eye of the visitors due to its warm and blissful weather along with glistening wetness.
The soft and sandy beaches of the best island in the Caribbean are something that everyone loves. However, there is more to it than just the warm cozy weather and water activities. There are numerous reasons for you to visit this place, from the gracious beauty of St. Lucia to the tropical rainforest of Puerto Rico.
If you are planning an exciting trip to the Caribbean islands, dear travelers, no matter whether you are interested in nature, food, or the white sandy beaches, I have some tips to help you plan out your perfect warm getaway.
Here are the most beautiful islands of the Caribbean you shouldn’t miss.
1. Jamaica
Jamaica is the epitome of what Caribbean island is all about. The exquisite island and its culture have a feel that attracts tourists to these shores.
Jamaica is located towards the west of Hispaniola and south of Cuba. It is considered the third-largest island in the Caribbean Sea.
Jamaica island is endowed with sensuous beaches, massive mountains, and lush green landscapes, a perfect destination for those looking for an utter sense of relaxation. This tropical island has magnificent historical monuments, and it buzzes with vibrant nightlife.
The main cities of Jamaica are Montego Bay, Kingston, Ocho Rios, and Negril, which are worth a visit.
Vacationers in Jamaica are usually spotted basking in the sun at the seashore. They engage in an array of exciting sports such as golfing, fishing, splashing in the surf, snorkeling, horse riding, camping, and many other exciting activities. This is the perfect place for scuba divers.
Savor the soothing nature along with the Jamaican style of art – A trip to the Konoko falls, a ride to the museum, a small zoo, and the sparkling -cascading waterfall.
Do not forget to try the mainstream cuisine, Jerk Chicken. Ackee and saltfish are a mainstay.
The scenic beauty of this island at every corner sets a beautiful and enchanting place to stay in Jamaica without much of a challenge. Depending upon your choice and preferences, you can stay in apartments, villas, guesthouses, hotels, and resorts.
For discerning travelers who are fans of comfort, luxury, and ambiance, inclusive resorts are the perfect accommodations.
Additionally, these resorts offer food, drinks as well as entertainment at a fixed price.
In all these types of accommodations, you’d find comfort and personal touch, which make you fall in love with the place.
2. Anguilla Island
Anguilla Island has the most beautiful beaches, and its natural beauty captivates the vacationers. The dazzling turquoise sea and the authentic aura that engulfs this island make it an ideal tourist destination than other Caribbean islands.
The British Overseas Territory, Anguilla Island, is one of the best islands accessed by cruise ships.
If you are a serene nature lover, Anguilla island is the perfect place for you to lay on the smooth grains of sand. On Anguilla’s offshore islands, visitors are allowed to play Robinson Crusoe because it is one of the private islands.
Things to do
Beach lovers dive into the luminous waters or snorkel through the hidden lagoons, reefs, and wrecks floundering with fish.
You can dine at the finest restaurant near the tranquil beaches and stroll through the art galleries and museums.
The Wallblake House is the center of attraction on the Anguilla Heritage Tour, which exhibits the mesmerizing history of Anguilla.
Anguilla is endowed with gorgeous beaches such as Shoal Bay East, Rendezvous Bay, and Meads Bay. The gem of Anguilla is hidden in the Shoal Bay East, which offers marvelous coral gardens and is home to a multitude of tiny fish.
While you are at Anguilla, ensure to take a trip to Anguilla’s offshore islands of Anguillita, Sandy, and Prickly Pear if you are enthusiastic about scuba diving and snorkeling.
Moonsplash is a reggae festival on Rendezvous Bay that is experienced by numerous people.
The beach bars lined up on the seashores are cool and crazy or tranquil and sophisticated.
3. The British Virgin Islands
The marvelous beauty of 60 unspoiled islands in the Caribbean is clubbed to form the British Virgin Islands. It is one of the best islands in the Caribbean, which makes the visitors fall in love with the destination.
Whether it be the sea, the shore, or the mountain top, this island is full of stories of piracy, the history of slavery, and other initial settlers who settled down in various forts, churches, mines, and estates around the islands.
There are four major islands in the British Virgin Islands, along with other tiny ones, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Tortola, and Jost Van Dyke.
Virgin Gorda has a unique set of natural granite pillars that attracts tourists. The Baths is an incredible shore on the British Virgin Islands. Anegada offers a picturesque view of the island’s beauty with its flat terrain, slow pace, and soft sandy beaches.
Tortola has white sandy beaches that experience the peaceful easterly winds and massive mountainous cliffs, a bone for adventure and other recreational activities.
Things to do
The best and delicious food and drinks are to be savored at the glistening Jost Van Dyke. It also offers multiple outdoor excursions such as fishing and diving.
Travelers often prefer ferry boats to visit this wonderful island from another Caribbean isle.
These islands have a mixed culture of Europe, the Caribbean, and African.
The British Virgin Islands are the perfect destination for hiking. Vacationers are permitted to trek through the lush green Caribbean hillsides to reach the summit, which offers an incredible view.
You can relax your body in the blissful natural setting by getting unique holistic treatments and luxury spa rituals.
Do not forget to take the breathtaking tour options such as land, air, and sea. View all the islands from proximity.
Make sure to enjoy the gorgeous vista from a helicopter!
4. The Virgin Islands
Christopher Columbus uncovered the beauty of the Virgin Islands. These islands in the Caribbean Sea are an archipelago. They are situated in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, the east of Puerto Rico, and west of British Virgin Island.
The Virgin Islands are another set of best Caribbean islands, consisting of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas islands, along with some 50 smaller islands, islets, and cays, which form a part of the archipelago.
U.S Virgin Islands are dreamy land and seascapes with turquoise waters and chalk-white sandy beaches. Therefore, they have earned the nickname “America’s Paradise.” The perfect beach weather of this place allows you to relax in a hammock or a beach chair, sunbathing while enjoying the marvelous glistening waters.
Things to do
The U.S Virgin Islands are abounding with exhilarating water sports such as deep-sea fishing, kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, sailing, jet-skiing, and diving.
Diving in the pristine waters of these islands offers you a chance to explore the 40 types of corals and a multitude of species of fish.
The incredible vista is ideal for hiking, horseback riding, and biking.
There is more to the Virgin Islands than just the glittering turquoise beaches. Virgin Islands National Park is something you don’t want to miss, which provides a historical insight into when the island was dominated by sugar.
St. John island’s two-thirds part is a national park that attracts numerous tourists from across the world.
The vibrant culture of the U.S Virgin Islands depicts its influence of West Indian, American, African, and European through various carnivals and festivals.
5. Cayman Islands
The gorgeous Cayman Islands in the British Overseas Territory consists of 3 beautiful islands located in the western part of the Caribbean Sea. It is famous as the culinary capital of the Caribbean.
Grand Cayman
The Grand Cayman is the largest island that graciously sits in the Caribbean Sea. It locates in the westernmost part of the three Cayman Islands. This island creates a great fusion of arts with culture and nature with wonder leaving you gaping at the marvelous atmosphere.
The luxurious George Town is engulfed with modern treats and traditional architecture. The crescent-shaped Seven Mile Beach would leave you in wonder.
The popular tourist attraction of Grand Cayman is the Stingray city located in the North Sound.
Don’t miss out on the beautiful places on vacation here: the Rum Point, the National Museum of Cayman Islands, Pedro St. James, and the Turtle Centre.
Little Cayman
Little Cayman is the calmest and serene landscape, filled with chirrups of the birds at the Booby Pond Nature Reserve, depicting the authentic tunes of nature.
The rustling palm trees and smooth waves hitting the shore make the empty beach feel like a paradise. You are permitted to swim privately in the bluish South Hole Sound Lagoon.
The Bloody Bay Wall Marine Park is the famous dive which gives a glimpse of Cayman’s marine life.
Cayman Brac
Cayman Brac has an easy-going culture suitable for family vacations. The sinkholes that contrast with waters have amazing dives that take you through the seawalls and sunken ships. The limestone caves are worth a trip.
The luscious green woods that tower through the Cayman Brac are bustling with the numerous endangered species of birds, which offers a beautiful sight to the birdwatchers.
6. Turks and Caicos
The Turks and Caicos Islands are considered as the ‘Beautiful by Nature’ in the Atlantic Ocean. There are over forty low-lying coral islands and cays nestled in the crystalline turquoise waters of these islands.
These islands are a part of the British Overseas Territory to the southeast of the Bahamas.
Turks and Caicos, the sister islands, have a reputation for being kept a secret to the world. It is not only exclusive but also a secluded getaway. Additionally, it has good connectivity with New York, Miami, Toronto, or London.
Numerous visitors are welcomed here to enjoy the crystal clear waters along with the inviting white sandy beaches. These islands provide a luxurious experience in accommodations and a world-class spa.
Visitors can enjoy their stay either in magnificent villas, secluded hideaways, or award-winning luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts for families.
Things to Do
Tourists and vacationers are attracted to the relaxing weather and pristine beaches of the Providenciales, known as Provo, and many have described Grace Bay beach as the world’s best beach.
If you have a thrill and enthusiasm for diving, there are some excellent diving sites such as Salt Cay and Smith’s Reef, which has the most extensive reef system in the world. Grand Turk is well-known for its sightseeing.
These islands’ top things are birdwatching, fishing, parasailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and many other recreational activities.
You can visit the Turks and Caicos National Museum, a storehouse of the historical and cultural facts of the islands.
The nightlife here only consists of the odd dance club and beach bonfire. Enjoy the delicious meal in this paradise and savor the culture and traditions.
7. Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is a magical island that allures visitors to the soothing, warm beaches and friendly locals. The island symbolizes adventure and inspiration where tourists are reluctant to leave.
Although Saint Lucia island is small, it has a vast landscape brimming with lush rainforests, marvelous mountains, varied coral reeds, and volcanic sand beaches.
Things to do
Hike the tops of the gorgeous Gros Piton mountains on a guided adventure that starts at the Soufriere village in the town of Fond Gens, located on the west coast, lapped by soft waves. The land across the east coast meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Pigeon Island National Park is the famous attraction of nature enthusiasts
This diverse island bustles with nightlife and beach parties, whereas other parts of the island allow visitors to explore the tranquil vistas and the dense forests.
The south coast of St. Lucia is a historic place with quality beaches, and since it is near the airport, the luxurious hotels welcome the tourists for relaxation.
Whether you decide to stay at the Rodney Bay or Soufriere, you’d fall in love with the place with its delicious cuisine, snorkeling experience, and quiet beaches.
8. The Bahamas
The Bahamas, the archipelago, is a land full of treasures of around 700 coral islands. Although the Bahamas has many islands, only a few are the center of attraction. This destination is the quintessential relaxing Caribbean vacation with historic attractions and brimming marketplaces.
The Nassau Paradise, the capital of the Bahamas, is hidden in a group of islands in the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea. This hidden paradise has protected everyone for centuries, whether the pirates, blockade runners, rum smugglers, or runaway lovers. However, now the atmosphere and the period here are pretty peaceful, which numerous people cherish.
The Bahamas hides a unique beauty to the northwest of Eleuthera Island, the Harbour Island, which has a glowing pink sand beach. The Devil’s Backbone is a coral reef on this island that shelters multiple stingrays and sea turtles.
Things to do
Spending time on the shore of the Bahamas is causal, but taking a boat tour would make the experience more exciting. You get a chance to participate in various activities such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, and dipping with the wild pigs.
There are a plethora of reefs and caves hidden beneath the blue waters of the Bahamas. Apart from that, diving and snorkeling are great to greet stingrays, sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, and Nassau grouper.
The Grand Bahama has three national parks, out of which Lucayan National Park is the most famous one. It has Gold Rock Beach, Burial Mound Cave, and Ben’s Cave, the world’s longest underwater limestone caves.
9. St. Martin – Sint Maarten
Marvelous beaches and plenty of activities await one of the islands in the Caribbean, St. Martin’s Island. The international borders divide this island into two halves, and the north calls it Saint Martin, and in the south, it is Sint Maarten.
In the north, the turquoise blue waters complement the shiny sand at the Orient Bay.
St. Martin is a popular destination for sun-seekers and cruise shippers. Each year flock of gamblers and shoppers crowd the shore on the lookout for the Vegas-style gaming rooms and duty-free shopping at Phillipsburg and Cole Bay.
The east of the Pinel Island has secluded smuggler’s coves marked by the pirates.
St. Martin Island is a striking blend of Dutch and French culture. Here, Marigot’s markets are pretty famous.
Things to do
While you are at St. Martin, visit Fort Saint Louis, one of the largest forts on the island. It provides a panoramic view of the deep blue ocean and, during a clear sky day, the silhouette of Anguilla Island.
Best beaches line up on the shores of both Dutch and French sides. However, there is always a crowd on the sands, Maho, to gawk at the colossal aircraft of KLM and other airlines as they descend to the nearest runway of Princess Juliana International Airport.
This is one of the best islands, which gives a closer glimpse of the flying creatures in it Butterfly Farm.
10. Barbados
Barbados is a beautiful island endowed with beautiful beaches and natural charm. It is considered the birthplace of rum and is also known as “Los Barbados.”
The marvelous white sand beaches, the vast green rolling golf courses, and the duty-free shopping plaza. The unique thing about this place is that the visitors are permitted to taste the bittersweet Mount Gay Rum, dance to the tune of the calypso song, and can go in for a polo or cricket match.
Barbados island has a distinctive charm due to its elegance, endless beaches, luxurious resorts, and fun nightspots. This island bustles with friendly, warm, and fun-loving people.
Even though the beaches are quite alluring, the breathtaking architecture, vibrant sports culture, and party-loving attitude are also attractive features of this island.
Things to do
Barbados is full of adventures, explorations, endless possibilities, relaxation, and reflection. Let’s not forget the romance and good times that tag along.
The island’s finest cuisine and a special love for rum are celebrated through the Barbados Food and Rum Festival, organized every November. Bajan cooking involves American, European, and Asian influences, so it is the Caribbean’s culinary capital.
While in Barbados, do not miss to visit the awe-tucking Animal Flower Cave nestled in the northern point of Barbados in the region of St. Lucy.
The beautiful and calming islands in the Caribbean are the ideal holiday destinations whether you plan for a family vacation or a romantic getaway. When you discover the hidden gems of this place, you’ll realize why people turn back to this place time and time again.
Apart from the islands as mentioned above, Caribbean island flounders with various other islands such as the twin-island nation – the Antigua and Barbuda islands, the Puerto Rico island, the ABC islands, and many more.
With so many islands lined up with unique cultures, it is easy yet, at the same time, difficult to spot the perfect Caribbean destination.
While your stay on the best island in the Caribbean, do not miss the island’s beaches and the exciting water recreations that it offers.
Enjoy the blue waters and the tropical climate of the Caribbean!
Suggested Reads
17 Best Things to Do in The Bahamas On Your Trip
Best Time to Go to Puerto Rico
Click here to know about Best Sports Bars in NYC.
