MAUI THE WORSE, so freaking boring, no beaches, no fun, just drive and drive in the island full of curves for hours to get to Hana and then HANA is empty, no life in there, NO BEACHES, no nothing!!! This Caribbean nation is under a Level 2 Travel Advisory, citing armed robberies, homicides, and sexual assaults as the biggest issues. Almost all of the Caribbean islands are in the Caribbean Sea, with only a few in inland lakes. Surprisingly, these Caribbean destinations fall short of expectations, as evidenced by real (disappointed) tourist photos. Activities include everything from deep-sea fishing and kayaking toplaying tennis and cycling. These are the best Caribbean islands for boating. The Maldives are home to some of the world's most ravishing islands, but it's the sea, which truly makes these islands shine. The largest island is Cuba. St. Vincent and . Grenada. Stay-Over Tourists: Year 2021: 806,534/ Year 2020: 368,322 Visitors to the Dutch enclave of Aruba can enjoy ultimate relaxation on its breathtaking white-sand beaches or embark on thrilling escapades to explore the natural landscape. You'll hear great music in the birthplace of the steel pan drum. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Nevis. Because of the multiple levels of altitude, the island also offers both skiing fields and beaches. 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. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. Ursula Petula Barzey is an award-winning digital content creator and founder of Caribbean & Co. She is passionate about all things related to the Caribbean especially Montserrat from which her family hails! This article was first published November 2020 and updated December 2022. Rachel Cooper is a travel writer who has lived in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 25 years. An ideal dual-island for luxury holidays, Antigua's economy prospers thanks to its tourism industry. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. While we love the soft, sandy beaches of the Caribbean, there's more to the best Caribbean islands than sun and the surf. The walks here aren't bad, you just have to remember that they drive on the left and to try to hug the shoulder. Check Rates and Availability for: Hotels in Jamaica | Tours in Jamaica. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. Even though it isn't entirely crimeless, the U.S. Department of State deems Puerto Rico safe to visit. Outside of the resort pool and beach areas, going off the resort can be quite expensive, from the transportation to the guided tours. Its approximately an hour-long ferry ride, which will set you back $73.50. Not only does it have one of the highest murder rates in the Caribbean, but this region is also notorious for being a hangout of petty thieves. 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. Union Island, a kiteboarding haven, has recently emerged as an off-the-radar adventure travel hotspot. 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. But not all islands are created equal. Skip the masses and head to Bluefields on the south coast instead. As you may expect on a private island, tourists have said they do not feel welcomed. Bearing in mind a wet season, possible hurricanes and a stretch of super-humid weather, here's when to visit Everglades National Park. Even dining off the resort poses a problem, as most of the good restaurants have a strict reservation only policy. Spend time on the 18-hole golf course or relaxing in the spa. Cuba is the largest island country in the Caribbean . 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! Stay-Over Tourists: Year 2021: 500,000 (estimate) / Year 2020: ??? The Tobago Cays, which are protected as a marine park, offer some of the finest snorkeling in the Caribbean. What could be more glamorous than a luxurious vacation in The Maldives? The two volcanic peaksGros Piton and Petit Pitonare the most iconic landmarks on the island, and visitors can enjoy them in a variety of ways. (Langkawi Info). Famous Maui Beach has also failed to live up to the hype, which has been described as boring and much smaller than expected (Trip Advisor). 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). It ranks the top ten richest Caribbean islands from lowest to highest. Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. millions of visitors to the Caribbean region, 26 Sandals Resorts International Properties For Your All-Inclusive Luxury Caribbean Vacation. The fishing is good in these parts too, where barracuda, sailfish, and blue marlin are plentiful. Page 10. If you want to enjoy a little privacy, why not try the nearby Cabarete beach instead, where you can enjoy windsurfing and stroll peacefully without vendors trying to harass you. At only 76 square miles, it should come as no surprise that activities are rather limited here (Catalina Chamber). Besides the Caribbean islands, there are some great spots on the Caribbean coast of Central America offering good value. Nine of New Zealands national parks are located here, offering a virtually unlimited supply of trails for biking, walking and hiking. Poor in natural resources however, the island is very dependent on exterior trade with the US, Ireland and Japan for materials. Rude people, trash on the beaches & in the water, no greenery at all, & high crime. Best Caribbean Islands to Visit: Antigua and Barbuda Source: Sean Pavone/Unsplash Antigua and Barbuda are the islands you've been dreaming of. 1. It is known as being a haven for diving and snorkeling because of the reefs surrounding the island. Puerto Rico is a little more progressive and commercialized than most of the ads you see on TV. Still, though, the tropical region generally remains safe to visit. For a quieter experience, head to theAndrosia Batik Factory where you can learn about the art of batik-making and try your hand at it. Today, it is the third richest Caribbean island. The four main islands are Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. 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. The beaches are beautiful and uncrowded where wild donkeys, goats, and green vervet monkeys roam. Put simply, he is one cool son of a gun. Decide which island treats perhaps coconuts, pineapples, naseberries, avocados, gineps, star apples or garden cherries you want to take back to your hotel or the beach to enjoy. Martiniqueis an overseas collectivity of Francelocated in the Lesser Antilles. Check Rates and Availability for: Hotels in The Bahamas | Tours in The Bahamas. The name pretty much says it all: a beautiful beach where pigs swim around. If you're planning to come, the weekdays are less crowded. "Crime, Violence, and Development: Trends, Costs, and Policy Options in the Caribbean." An island of just 10 square . #1 The Best Caribbean Island: Cuba Cubans love their cars. One of the Dutch Caribbean islands, Bonaire boasts sparkling beauty. Varadero pales in comparison to the other Caribbean beaches (see Punta Cana), and the recent travel ban will surely hurt tourism in all of Cuba. The locals are friendly but it still has the highest murder rate out of all the main islands. In fact, it is the most crowded of all the Caribbean Islands. The exclusive enclaves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. With more than 170 attractions spread over the island, theres something for people of all ages to enjoy. Big Island booooring, all you can do is take an helicopter and see the volcano, you spend $1000 in a one day "vacation" and it is boring. It also attracts visitors looking for beach and water sports holidays. The islands also offers an economic citizenship by investment, offering passports and visas in exchange for monetary investments. 4. It's "extremely crowded," one reviewer on Trip Advisor recalled. With his expertise in the literary field and passion for the arts, he aims to give back to the community of like-minded individuals and introduce more people to the arts. There are bars, vintage cars, and plenty of hole in the wall shops selling the eponymous Cuban cigars. Nevis, in the Leeward Islands, is one of the Caribbeans best kept secrets. Planning tip: Spend a day on the sister island of St Kitts where you can hike Mt Liamuiga Volcano and check outBrimstone Hill Fortress National Park. However, since achieving independence and/or autonomy, many Caribbean islands have managed to establish themselves competitively in the world economy. This 300 acre private Caribbean island is located just off the coast of Antigua. The island's best beaches include Buccoo Bay and Englishmans Bay, or cool off with a bold jump into Argyle Falls, Tobagos highest waterfall. Grenada has honed in on the rising demand for eco-tourism and provides a series of eco-friendly guesthouses. The sea isn't too crystal clear and istoo stony - the Caribbean seaweed infestation is a bummer. islands, reefs, islets and cays, the Caribbean promises a variety of treasures both on and off its shores. Roberto Moiola / Getty. Sean Pavone/Shutterstock. South Caicos is typically pretty windy and there are many flat water and bay kiting locations, so kiteboarders will have plenty of reasons to be psyched. Vacationing on a luxurious private island in The Maldives. This British territory in the Leeward Islands is considered to be one of the safest Caribbean destinations, its biggest threat being the active Soufrire Hills volcano and hurricanes that roll in between June and November. New Zealand is a nature-lovers dream, and South Island offers the best of everything to be explored. With an estimated 5.7 million tourist arrivals in 2012, it is one of the most-visited Caribbean islands. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Its exclusive west coast is where you'll find some of the best hotels, and best restaurants too - The Cliff and La Mer are both easily reached for a spot of lunch, although it's advisable to book in high season (February/March). These are the best. The main island, Grande-Terre, has a vast limestone plateau fringed with magnificent, white sandy beaches and dozens of beautiful resorts. And if youre not willing to put in a little effort, this is definitely not a vacation youll enjoy. Their popularity depends on whether people are visiting there on a cruise or to stay for multiple nights in a hotel or resort. The vendors are "a little too aggressive," and Sosua is very crowded during the weekends. For those who decide to take guided tours, most reviewers on TripAdvisor found them overpriced and cheesy (Trip Advisor). St. Kitts is the larger . Photo Credit: napa74 via 123RF.com. Basseterre's crime rate is still soaring to new heights (it was named the most violent city in 2011). Head over to Basse-Terre, home to the Guadeloupe National Park, where the La Soufrire volcano can be found. Barbados: Beautiful white sand beach in Turks & Caicos. When you think Jamaica, Montego Bay and Negril probably come to mind. Published by. Check Rates and Availability for: Hotels in Cuba | Tours in Cuba. Long Cay is also where youll find tons of Rock Iguanas. Best Budget Option: TRS Yucatan, Riviera Maya, Mexico. Rank Island Area (km 2) Area (sq mi) Country or Countries . Although homicide rates are high on a few Caribbean islands, most are lower than the United States' (according to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2019 there were 5.8 homicides per 100,000 people in the U.S.). She is also the author of several books covering the capital and mid-Atlantic regions. Jamaica has some of the best food in the Caribbeanjerk lobster costs less than US$10 and is one of the more expensive items on the menu. Dont look for bars and mega resorts, but wild donkeys and salt flats with pink flamingos. The coastline offers abundant activities for the watersport enthusiast, including snorkeling, diving, and windsurfing. While not a hopeless case, parts of the beach need rehabilitation, including some of the local businesses that overcharge for simple amenities. Belize is one of the most exciting up and coming investment locations in the region. Despite a moderate beach-density score of 0.38, Aruba is one of the most popular Caribbean destinations, thanks to resorts that offer prime package deals and more than 350 different activities. Read our, Barbados & Eastern Caribbean 2020 Crime & Safety Report, Crime, Violence, and Development: Trends, Costs, and Policy Options in the Caribbean. 9. On the IG stories, Magen's Bay looks like heaven but is actually hell for tourists. Grenada. Learn more about coverage options for frequent travelers and those with multiple upcoming trips. Nassau Ocho Rios Monte Carlo Halifax Ketchikan Flam Bahrain Nassau Nassau, Bahamas (Photo: alarico/Shutterstock) If you read the Cruise Critic forums, you'll soon learn that many veteran sailors. 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. Its blissful beaches, 23 golf courses, and captivating culture attract scores of visitors to Puerto Rico every year. Most of the ads you see on TV with more than 170 attractions spread over the,... 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