The sun-drenched archipelago of The Caribbean is a heady combination of sun-kissed shores, laid-back culture and straight-up delicious cuisine.
Beyond the postcard-perfect beaches, you’ll find 13 island nations – each with their own vibe and atmosphere, beckoning with the promise of your next great trip.
Whether you want to chill out on the sleepy shores of Nevis, or party it up at Carnival in Trinidad, the Caribbean has no shortage of heady experiences that are guaranteed to make your holiday sing.
Ready to explore this tropical paradise? My comprehensive Caribbean travel guide is your passport to the region’s captivating places and experiences.
I’m pretty sure you don’t need much more convincing from me, so let’s dive into everything you need to know for your Caribbean island trip.
The best time to visit the Caribbean for great weather is during the dry season, from mid-December through April. However, the shoulder season (May, June, and July) is cheaper and still pleasant.
Carnivals occur throughout the year; the biggest is in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, in February, but Antigua’s in July & August is also spectacular.
Antigua is one of the best Caribbean destinations, with something for every traveller, including history buffs, beach bums, and social butterflies. I’m talking museums, boat tours, and sunset parties brimming with rum and barbecues. Stay at Tamarind Hills.
Nevis is the quiet haven of the Caribbean, although often overshadowed by its larger sister St. Kitts. Charlestown, the colourful capital boasts Georgian-style buildings, unspoilt beaches, markets, charming restaurants, and quirky shops. Stay at Golden Rock Nevis.
Top Tip: Explore more with this Nevis Travel Guide.
Experience luxe resorts and palm-fringed beaches at reasonable prices in Punta Cana, in the eastern area of the Dominican Republic. You won’t run out of things to see and do here – think sailing, snorkelling, kayaking, and lazing the afternoons away. Stay at Jewel Punta Cana.
Not sure where to travel to in the Caribbean for some tranquillity? Decompress in Aruba. Sunbathe on dazzling white beaches, swim in azure waters, or visit Oranjestad, a picturesque city overflowing with Dutch colonial architecture. Stay at Renaissance Wind Creek.
Packing for your Caribbean trip? Don’t forget…
Top Tip: Check out my essential Caribbean vacation packing list.
Travel insurance means you won’t need to worry about the financial impact if you have an emergency while holidaying in the Caribbean. Plus, some territories, like Saint Martin and Cuba, legally require you to have medical insurance. I use and like AXA Travel Insurance.
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You haven’t been to Jamaica if you haven’t climbed its world-famous Dunn’s River Falls. It can take about 30 minutes to an hour and a half to hike and climb up the waterfall, depending if you want a wet or dry climb – either way is an adventure!
I recommend exploring the falls with a local guide to climb it safely, such as this Dunn’s Falls tour.
Care to unwind on some of the prettiest beaches in the world? Antigua has many fabulous spots for beach bums to flop onto, including Darkwood and Half Moon Bay beaches. Here are some of the most stunning beaches in Antigua
Nevis is the island you’ll find on a tropical paradise postcard. Work on your tan on its palm-fringed sandy beaches or wander through its charming capital, Charlestown, with Georgian-style buildings.
Based in Barbados, Harrison’s Cave is a stunning crystallised limestone cave brimming with crystal clear pools and magnificent formations of stalagmites and stalactites. It takes about three hours to see the entire cave.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Old Havana is a historical district that dates back to the 16th century.
Kick things off by visiting famous landmarks such as Catedral de San Cristóbal and the National Capitol Building, grab a drink at the birthplace of the Mojito, La Bodeguita Del Medio, and end your day with Creole delicacies at the grill-centric Al Carbon.
Ever thought about swimming with pigs? Believe it or not, this could be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. The swimming piggies rush into the waters when hearing boats motoring in hopes of getting food from curious people.
Opt for this Pearl Island tour, which includes playing and feeding pigs and snorkelling.
Get ready to fill the ‘Gram with some of the most stunning visuals of Jamaica’s gorgeous Martha Brae River, including waterfalls and verdant forests. Sit back and unwind on the hour-long ride as a local guide takes you bamboo rafting down the river.
Puerto Rico is the Caribbean’s nightlife capital and the birthplace of the piña colada – a quintessential cocktail to gulp in-between dances. Some top night spots include La Respuesta, La Placita de Santurce, and District San Juan.
The Caribbean consists of two main regions: the Greater Antilles and the Lesser Antilles, which you can further divide depending on the proximity between islands.
Two weeks
Dominican Republic – Aruba – Curaçao – Puerto Rico – Turks and Caicos Islands
Explore some of the main islands in the Greater Antilles region if you’re up for a hefty dose of history, culture and culinary delights.
Two weeks
Cuba – Jamaica – Bahamas – Cayman Islands
Spend two weeks experiencing the second half of the Greater Antilles with beach hopping and groovy music in the centre of it all.
One week
St. Maarten – St Barts – St Kitts – Anguilla
Discover lesser-known, small volcanic islands lined with palm-fringed beaches and turquoise waters ideal for snorkelling and sunbathing.
One week
Barbados – St Vincent and the Grenadines – St Lucia – Grenada – Dominica
Find yourself enveloped with natural beauty by visiting the top Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles.
Not to be mistaken with the Dominican Republic, Dominica is a one-of-kind island, nicknamed “The Nature Island of the Caribbean”.
Explore majestic waterfalls, hot springs, black sand beaches and discover marine life on Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours.
Visit a lesser-known island where tortoises outnumber people.
Canouan, of St Vincent and the Grenadines, is an island most don’t know of, filled with luxury hotels, sparkling waters, and some of the best snorkelling on earth. Diving and snorkelling here is an absolute must.
Right in the heart of the Bahamas is a luxurious private island getaway, only accessible via private ferry or seaplane. Coastal cottages, villas, and bungalows glaze this untouched paradise.
Visit this isolated oasis by staying at the island’s all-inclusive resort, famed for its barefoot chic luxury.
Mosquito Bay is the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, just off the east coast of Vieques and Culebra.
Nothing beats seeing the glowing blue wonders as the moon and stars shimmer above. Witness it with your own eyes on a Kayaking Trip from Vieques.
The best way to see any place for free is via a good old-fashioned hike.
St. Lucia’s Gros Piton offers the most memorable hikes with Instagram-worthy vistas.
Beach hopping in sun-soaked Antigua is another free adventure you won’t regret. Here are some of the most stunning beaches in Antigua. Catch the best sunset-watching spots as you travel the Caribbean islands, including Sandy Point, Reduit Beach, and Shell Beach.
Plus, the visitors centre in Old San Juan provides free tours to see Puerto Rico’s quaint cobblestone streets.
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