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Imagine clear blue water, white sand beaches, palm trees swaying in the breeze. A smiling butler delivers frosty pina coladas to your shaded beach lounger while steel drums play in the distance. There's nothing on your agenda except when to swim, when to nap, and what to wear to dinner tonight. Sound like the vacation of your dreams? Your Caribbean vacation is calling! But where should you go?
That’s the #1 question I’m asked: “Which island is best for our vacation?” With more than 20 destinations to choose from in the Caribbean, and each one offering something unique, it can be overwhelming to determine the best options for your vacation. It all comes down to what's most important to you.
Do you want to stay in U.S. territory so you don't have to deal with passports and the hassle of going through customs?
Do you want the convenience of an all-inclusive resort so you don't have to worry about anything while you're away? If so, get those passports ready because traditional all-inclusives are an international offering, not a U.S. thing.
Are you looking for that clear turquoise water and white sand beaches but still want civilization and don't want to spend the whole day getting there?
Do you want lush landscapes, natural adventures, and some culture and history to keep everyone entertained once they're bored with the beach?
Or do you want something off-the-beaten path and don't mind more difficult travel days and fewer options for accommodations?
The Caribbean has so much diversity, so the key question is: What are the best places to visit in the Caribbean ... for you?
I’m here to help you determine the best destination to suit your interests, wish-fors, and budget. I’ve done all the research, visited almost half of the 23 islands reviewed here, and have created an overview to make it easy for you! I've evaluated each destination on the following:
Claim to fame - what the destination has to offer
How easy is it to get there. For you local Indianapolis folks, I've also included details on how long it takes to get there from IND. Destinations that are difficult to get to are highlighted in red or yellow depending on level of difficulty.
How easy is it to explore once you're there
What kind of accommodations are prevalent
Best beach and why it's a favorite
Before we dig into the details of each destination, let's talk about the best times to go to the Caribbean and the tradeoff between beautiful beaches/water and dramatic landscapes.
Caribbean: When To Go
When the weather is bad in the U.S., that's high season in the Caribbean. Prices and crowds will be highest in winter (mid-December through mid-April), with the Christmas holidays being the highest. If you want to travel during high season, you should book 12 months out for the best prices and availability.
The only true low season in the Caribbean is hurricane season - August through October - when travel is risky. Even if there's no hurricanes, the weather can be hot, muggy, and rainy. However, some destinations are less risky than others, especially the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao), which are so far south, they're outside the hurricane belt. September is considered the peak of hurricane season, but in my recent trip to Turks & Caicos in September, the weather was beautiful. If you want to save money and travel during low season, talk to your Travel Advisor about the less risky destinations and purchase travel protection!
Beautiful Beaches vs. Natural Diversity?
Can you have both insanely beautiful beaches and diverse landscapes like mountains and rainforests? Unfortunately, not really. For the most part, the best white sand beaches and clearest water are on the flattest islands - Turks & Caicos, Anguilla, Antigua, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, the Bahamas. So if you're happiest on the beach or in the water, these islands are great choices!
If you're looking for diverse landscapes (mountains, rainforests, waterfalls) and more to do than just lie on the beach, mountainous and volcanic islands may be more your speed. But know the beaches will be more golden in color (or even black sand), and the water won't be clear turquoise everywhere you look. Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts/Nevis, Dominican Republic, Grenada all have natural diversity to offer you adventures and sightseeing beyond the beach.
Of course not every destination fits into a specific box, so you'll find some islands with beautiful white sand beaches as well as a varied landscape, like Barbados and the Virgin Islands, for example.
What do you want for your vacation? Clear blue water and white sand beaches or dramatic landscapes and lots of adventure? Or do you want something in between?
Best of the Caribbean
Here's where we get into all the details of each island, so you can determine which Caribbean destination is best for you! I've grouped each destination into the categories below. Some destinations fit solidly into one category while others I had to force into one bucket to make it easier for my readers.
Best Caribbean Destinations in the U.S. (U.S. territories)
Best Destinations for All-Inclusive Resorts
Most Beautiful Beaches and Water Destinations in the Caribbean - that are easy, too
Best Dramatic Landscapes Destinations
Off-the-beaten-path Caribbean Destinations
Note: All the destinations included here are considered part of the Caribbean from a tourist point of view, although not all of them technically are. And not all of them are islands either. So pardon my simplification for the sake of making it easy for my readers to digest!
Best Caribbean Destinations in the U.S.
No passport is required and no hassle in customs when you visit these U.S. territories: Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Grenada.
Puerto Rico is the easiest destination by far.
The three islands that make up the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) are all quite different so I will summarize each individually.
Grenada is not as developed and has limited air options, so it's more difficult to get there and get home.
PUERTO RICO | |
Claim to fame | Culture, nightlife, history, unique natural adventures - rainforest, caves, bioluminescent bays |
Ease getting there | Non-stops from many major U.S. hubs |
Trip from IND | 2 legs (1 stop) to SJU, about 6 hours total |
Ease once in destination | Rental cars are a must if staying outside San Juan. Island is easy to explore on your own. |
Accommodations | No All-Inclusive resorts. Several large beachfront resorts near the rainforest plus many hotels near Old San Juan. Boutique hotels and inns throughout the country. |
Best beach | Playa Flamenco on Culebra Island, a 50-minute ferry ride from the mainland. White/pink sand and clear water surrounded by the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge. |
Puerto Rico: Culture, history, unique natural attractions (caves, bioluminescent bays, rainforest) and beautiful beaches!
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS | ST. THOMAS, ST. JOHN, ST. CROIX |
Claim to fame | St. Thomas: shopping, nightlife, sailing, fishing, cruise port St. John: beaches, national parks, snorkeling St. Croix: shopping, history, sleepy island |
Ease getting there | St. Thomas: Non-stops from many major U.S. hubs St. John: quick ferry from St. Thomas St. Croix: limited non-stops |
Trip from IND | St. Thomas: 2 legs (1 stop) to STT, about 6 hours total St. Croix: 2 legs (1 stop) to STX, about 7 hours total but limited options |
Ease once in destination | You'll want to explore by taxi or rental car. Drive on the left and roads are tricky given steep, winding roads. |
Accommodations | No All-Inclusives. Only a couple traditional resorts. Condos/villas are main offering. St. Thomas: Ritz, Marriott, Westin, Limetree, and Secret Harbour St. John: Westin timeshare is only resort. Villas plentiful but most not beachfront St. Croix: The Buccaneer is only resort. Condos/villas |
Best beach | St. Thomas: Magens Bay - heart-shaped stretch of white sand and calm water St. John: Trunk Bay - underwater trail for snorkeling |
USVI: Beautiful water and beaches abound plus hiking, snorkeling, diving and shopping. The only thing missing from the USVI is traditional resorts
GRENADA | |
Claim to fame | Laid back, spices, harbor, lush mountains and rainforest |
Ease getting there | LIMITED non-stops to GND |
Trip from IND | 2 legs (1 stop) to GND, about 8 hours. But only 1 option! |
Ease once in destination | Rent a car to explore beyond Grand Anse. Roads are narrow and winding, drive on the left. |
Accommodations | Few All-Inclusive resorts including Sandals. Small hotels and villas on southwest coast. |
Best beach | Grand Anse Beach - 2 mile semi-circle of white sand, gentle surf and shade trees |
Grenada: Lounge on renowned Grand Anse Beach, hike in the mountains or explore the rainforests of laid-back Grenada - but know air options are limited.
Best Destinations for All-Inclusive Resorts
The big 3 for All-Inclusive resorts are:
Jamaica
Dominican Republic
Riviera Maya, Mexico - almost always the best value of the big 3
Given the sheer number of resorts, these destinations offer the best value due to competition. Plus you get the convenience of having all your food, drinks, and activities included - all you have to do is show up.
I debated whether to include Antigua here given most of their resorts are all-inclusive. However, the number of options is significantly lower in Antigua and the brands are mostly boutique offerings. So I didn't feel like Antigua qualified to be with the big 3.
Caribbean all-inclusive resorts... no wallet required!
JAMAICA | |
Claim to fame | Birthplace of All-Inclusive plus music, food, culture |
Ease getting there | Non-stops from many major U.S. hubs |
Trip from IND | 2 legs (1 stop) to MBJ, around 6 hours |
Ease once in destination | Use tour operators/transfer companies to explore outside the resort. Island is 4,000 square miles so drive time between airport in Montego Bay and resort areas of Negril and Ocho Rios can be long. For South Coast and east side, fly into Kingston. |
Accommodations | Many large all-inclusives serving both adult-only and all-family guests. Sandals has 7 resorts (adult-only) and Beaches has 2 with another being built (all-family) plus many other resort brands. |
Best beach | Negril's seven-mile beach on the western tip of the island - white sand, amazing sunsets |
Jamaica: The birthplace of All-Inclusives plus beautiful beaches, waterfalls, culture, music
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | |
Claim to fame | 1000 miles of beaches, vibrant culture, diverse landscape (mountains, rainforests, rivers), whale watching in winter |
Ease getting there | Non-stops from many major U.S. hubs to PUJ, the airport closest to top resort areas. 2 other international airports depending on destination. |
Trip from IND | 2 legs (1 stop) to PUJ, about 6 hours |
Ease once in destination | Use tour operators/transfer companies to explore outside resort. |
Accommodations | Many large all-inclusive resorts serving both adult-only and all-family guests. Punta Cana/Cap Cana (east) and La Romana (southeast) are most popular resort areas. |
Best beach | Playa Grande on north shore - mile of golden sand, cliffs and jungle |
Dominican Republic: Lush landscapes, whale watching, beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and all-inclusive resorts
CANCUN & RIVIERA MAYA | |
Claim to fame | Culinary, culture, Cancun and Playa del Carmen nightlife, adventure parks, cenotes, turtles, Isla Mujeres |
Ease getting there | Non-stops from most major U.S. hubs |
Trip from IND | Non-stop on Southwest during peak travel, 3.5 hours 2 legs (1 stop) on other airlines, about 5.5 hours |
Ease once in destination | Use tour operators/transfer companies to explore outside resort. |
Accommodations | Countless resorts line the coast from Costa Mujeres north of Cancun's Hotel Zone down south to Playa del Carmen and on to Tulum |
Best beach | Isla Mujeres Playa Norte - a short ferry ride away from Cancun and Costa Mujeres |
Note: Riviera Maya, Mexico encompasses an 80-mile stretch of beachfront resorts and requires a separate story all on its own. The destination is reviewed at a very high level here for comparison purposes.
Cancun/Riviera Maya Mexico: Culture, history, nightlife, food, natural adventures, beaches, amazing resorts, best value and more!
Best Beach and Clear Water Destinations in the Caribbean That are "Easy"
This category is a difficult one because every island delivers on beautiful beaches and water, to some degree. I've prioritized destinations that are known for:
Long stretches of amazing white sand beaches
Clear turquoise water everywhere
Relatively easy travel (non-stop flights, no extra travel)
Plenty of lodging options
The obvious islands that belong in this category are:
Turks & Caicos
The Bahamas
Antigua
Cayman Islands
Barbados
Curacao
Aruba
Belize
Other islands may have the pretty water and beaches but are difficult to get to, so those are included in the "off-the-beaten-path" section.
Anytime I'm in water like this, I have to be forced back on the boat. So heavenly.
TURKS & CAICOS | PROVIDENCIALES |
Claim to fame | Clear turquoise water and white sand beaches as far as the eye can see, snorkeling/diving, slower pace, pricey |
Ease getting there | Non-stops to Providenciales from many U.S. hubs |
Trip from IND | 2 legs (1 stop) to PLS, about 5.5 hours |
Ease once in destination | Easy to get around by taxi, although pricey, or can rent a car. Although most travelers hardly leave their resort, except by boat! |
Accommodations | Only 3 All-Inclusive resorts: Beaches, Alexandra, Blue Haven. Many other luxury resorts, but the whole island is pricey. |
Best beach | Grace Bay Beach (where most resorts are), Half Moon Bay (by boat) |
Turks & Caicos is made up of 40 islands with just eight of them inhabited. Grand Turks where the cruise ships dock is the capital, but Providenciales (summarized here) is the tourism hub. The most famous Turks resorts are on Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales - the most gorgeous stretch of white sand beach and stunningly blue water I’ve ever seen. Middle Caicos, North Caicos, and South Caicos each have unique natural adventures, but resorts are few – for now! You'll take a puddle jumper if you're visiting the smaller Caicos islands. I've had the pleasure of visiting Turks three times and counting and have toured most of the Grace Bay resorts. Learn more in my blog story linked
Turks & Caicos: Arguably the most beautiful water and beaches - but expect to pay for it!
THE BAHAMAS | |
Claim to fame | Beautiful water, diving/snorkeling, many islands, mega resorts and waterparks, swimming with pigs, bonefishing |
Ease getting there | Non-stops from many U.S. hubs to Nassau (NAS) Some non-stops from U.S. hubs to Exuma (GGT) |
Trip from IND | 2 legs (1 stop) to NAS, under 5 hours short travel time 2 legs (1 stop) to GGT, about 5.5 hours |
Ease once in destination | Taxis and transfers are easy |
Accommodations | Nassau/Paradise Island: Atlantis and Baha Mar mega resorts and waterparks (NOT All-Inclusive). Sandals Royal Bahamian ADULT-only All-Inclusive. Plus many smaller lodging options. Exuma: Very few resorts - Sandals Emerald Bay ADULT All-Inclusive, Grand Isle Resort and February Point (family properties). |
Best beach | Harbour Island's Pink Sand Beach - 2.5 hour boat ride from Nassau. Harbour Island is considered the Nantucket of the Bahamas. |
The Bahamas is made up of 700 islands, although only 16 are inhabited, and only 3 have major international airports - Nassau on New Providence, Exuma, and Grand Bahama Island (Freeport). Our overview here focuses on Nassau (includes Paradise Island) as well as the island of Exuma, the two most popular areas. The other islands would fit in our "off-the-beaten-path" section as they're more difficult to get to and offer limited accommodations.
The Bahamas: Mega resorts and waterparks, swimming with pigs, snorkeling/diving excursions, tranquility on the out-islands
ANTIGUA | |
Claim to fame | 365 beaches - 1 for every day of the year, sailing |
Ease getting there | Non-stops from a few major U.S. hubs |
Trip from IND | 2 legs (1 stop) to ANU, about 7 hours |
Ease once in destination | Island is small (100 square miles) and road conditions are good. Easy to rent a car to explore but driving on left! |
Accommodations | Most resorts are all-inclusive but expect high prices. Many adult-only offerings. A few for families. |
Best beach | Pink Beach on Barbuda - 17 miles of soft sand from crushed pink shells. Barbuda is 1-hour ferry ride from Antigua, but Pink Beach is difficult to get to. |
Antigua: 365 beaches, sailing, watersports, shopping, "boutique" all-inclusive resorts but pricier than what you're used to
CAYMAN ISLANDS | |
Claim to fame | 7-Mile Beach, diving/snorkeling, busy cruise port (#3 in Caribbean), safe but pricey, banks |
Ease getting there | Plenty of non-stops from U.S. to GCM |
Trip from IND | 2 legs (1 stop), about 5-6 hours |
Ease once in destination | Can rent a car but beware of traffic and expensive gas |
Accommodations | Most accommodations are timeshare or condo rentals. A few large resorts on 7-Mile Beach. |
Best beach | 7-Mile Beach, the best in the Caribbean |
Cayman Islands: 7-mile beach (considered best in the Caribbean), cruise port, Stingray City, banking, pricey, few traditional resorts
BARBADOS | |
Claim to fame | Golf, nightlife, British culture, pink sands and beautiful beaches, varied landscape |
Ease getting there | Limited non-stops from U.S. to BGI |
Trip from IND | 2 legs (1 stop) but limited flights, 8-9 hours |
Ease once in destination | Should get out and explore the island, good roads but drive on the left and watch for heavy traffic in areas |
Accommodations | Sandals is the only traditional All-Inclusive resort. Many other boutique offerings. |
Best beach | Bottom Bay Beach - soft white sand surrounded by cliffs |
Barbados: Golf, pink sand beaches, nightlife, British culture, boutique accommodations, longer travel time/more limited flight options
CURACAO | |
Claim to fame | Diving - coral walls full of marine life, colorful architecture, City of Willemsted (UNESCO World Heritage Site), 38 beaches, sunny and dry year-round (outside hurricane belt) |
Ease getting there | Limited non-stops from U.S. to CUR |
Trip from IND | 2 legs (1 stop), around 7-8 hours |
Ease once in destination | Free shuttles into Willemsted or cheap taxi. 4WD needed to explore whole island. |
Accommodations | Limited All-Inclusive resorts (Sandals, Dreams). Beyond that, mostly villas. |
Best beach | Playa Portomari - white sand, double reef for snorkeling/diving |
Curacao: No hurricanes, sunny and dry year-round, diving, colorful architecture, a few all-inclusive resorts plus condo/villas, longer travel time/more limited flight options
ARUBA | |
|---|---|
Claim to fame | Nightlife, casinos, culinary scene, welcoming culture Outside the hurricane belt along with Bonaire and Curacao, dry, windy, desert-like island Most repeat visitors of any island in the Caribbean |
Ease getting there | Non-stops from most major U.S. hubs |
Trip from IND | 2 legs (1 stop) to AUA, about 6.5 hours total |
Ease once in destination | Small island (77 square miles). Easy to rent a car for a day or two to explore. 4WD needed for the Outback. |
Accommodations | NOT an All-Inclusive destination (although it's offered) because culinary scene is amazing and you don't want to tie yourself to one resort's selections. Hotels are divided into Hi Rise and Lo Rise - over-developed, crowded. |
Best beach | Eagle Beach - widest beach, white sand, clear water, gentle surf, divi-divi trees |
Aruba: No hurricanes, sunny and dry year-round, casinos and nightlife, culinary hot spot, most repeat visitors, high rise and lo rise resorts
BELIZE | |
Claim to fame | Diving (world's 2nd largest barrier reef, Great Blue Hole), snorkel Hol Chan, diverse culture, Mayan ruins, dense jungles, cave tubing, uncrowded |
Ease getting there | Several non-stops from U.S. hubs to BZE |
Trip from IND | 2 legs (1 stop), around 6-7 hours |
Ease once in destination | Rent a car for your time on the mainland to explore outside of crime-riddled Belize City |
Accommodations | Smaller boutique offerings vs. large resorts Mainland: Placencia Peninsula beachfront, Cayo District eco lodges |