Their popularity depends on whether people are visiting there on a cruise or to stay for multiple nights in a hotel or resort. Union Island, a kiteboarding haven, has recently emerged as an off-the-radar adventure travel hotspot. Let nature soothe your soul. One of the Dutch Caribbean islands, Bonaire boasts sparkling beauty. Historically, most Caribbean islands belonged to a variety of European colonies. If you want to mix education and fun, St. Nicholas Abbey, one of the oldest distilleries in the Caribbean, is nearby. Not that anyone wants to socialize anyways, as most travelers are on their honeymoon. Tourists are advised to take normal precautions, such as not walking alone, carrying valuable possessions, or leaving anything unattended at the beach. From exhilarating roller coasters to costumed characters, these parks offer fun for everyone. While youre in the area, take a tour of the Bluefields Organic Fruit Farm where you'll learn a bit about organic farming and Jamaican agricultural history. Thanks to an endless supply of bloggers and influencers flooding our social media feeds, practically anywhere in the world can look like the most luxurious place weve ever seen. Its blissful beaches, 23 golf courses, and captivating culture attract scores of visitors to Puerto Rico every year. Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, Dominica is one of the most unique Caribbean islands. The Bahamas. The BVI is 59.3 square miles and spread over 1,330 square miles. Other sizable islands include Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago. The U.S. Department of State warns against traveling to troubled spots like Spanish Town and parts of Montego Bay or Kingston, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Still, though, the tropical region generally remains safe to visit. Puerto Rico is home to the El Yunque Rainforest, the only tropical rainforest in the United States, and Casa Bacardi, the worlds largest rum distillery where the pia colada was invented. From luxury getaways to affordable adventure trips and festivals, each Caribbean destination offers travelers its unique culture and appeal. Stay-Over Tourists: Year 2021: 1,664,866 / Year 2020: 678,854 Puerto Rico jumps to the second most popular destination in the Caribbean. Because of the multiple levels of altitude, the island also offers both skiing fields and beaches. There's nothing special about Pigeon Point's beach, aside from the Carnival after-parties. Located in the Caribbean about 65 kilometers off the northern coast of Honduras, this small island rose in popularity for those trying to strike a balance between backpacking and beach lounging. In November of 2011, Trinidad and Tobago was removed from the OECD's list of developing countries. Aside from one incident in which two people were murdered within 24 hours in 2017, Bonaire doesn't have much major crime. Two unique islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, make up this country that was once known as the gateway to the Caribbean. What you will find plenty of on this 3.5-mile island inSt Vincent and the Grenadines, is boats, incredible ones at theSandy Lane Yacht Club. Read our Privacy Policy. With summer approaching, many of us are dreaming of the soft sandy beaches and shining blue shallows promised by sunny Caribbean islands but for some lucky people, these exotic islands are home all year round. If youre looking to lounge on the beach, choose from one of Granadas soft sand beaches. Nine of New Zealands national parks are located here, offering a virtually unlimited supply of trails for biking, walking and hiking. Barbados: Beautiful white sand beach in Turks & Caicos. Take an adventurous climb up Mt Nevis or a less intense hike to rainforest waterfalls. The third largest Caribbean island, Jamaica is one of the most popular and well-known tourist destinations in the region. January 25, 2021, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. TripSavvy uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Rank Island Area (km 2) Area (sq mi) Country or Countries . Nonetheless, a 2012 studywith the Caribbean Development Bankrevealed that 20% of Bajans live in poverty, and nearly 10% cannot meet basic daily food needs. The 10 Most Visited Caribbean Islands Aruba, Bahamas, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Things To Do, Top 10, Turks & Caicos Islands, US Virgin Islands Ursula Petula Barzey November 8, 2022 A black sand beach on St Kitts (Getty Images) 1. Belize, Costa Rica, and Mexico all have Caribbean coasts. Surprisingly, these 15destinations fall short of expectations and are more commercialized than everyone might think. Photo Credit: napa74 via 123RF.com. For a unique golfing experience, play on Bonaires natural golf desert course (where wild goats and donkeys roam). You'll have ample of beaches to explore with over 95 miles of coastline, stunning coral reefs and crystal blue waters. Additionally, the islands are British Overseas Territories. Aruba: Family At Butterfly Farm. "The wide availability of weapons, the use and trade of illicit drugs, and a weak criminal justice system contribute to the high level of criminality," the U.S. Department of State says. Here are the eight best places to visit in the Caribbean. It's still producing rum and offers tours of the facility six days a week. Approximately 69% of the island's GDP emanates from the service industry. Everything in the BVI is so cut and dry and boring and the food is horrible. But not all islands are created equal. Here are the most overrated islands and the ones we can only dream of visiting. There is only so much snow shoveling you can do before you need a break. Puerto Rico is a large island without a whole lot of public transportation. When you think Jamaica, Montego Bay and Negril probably come to mind. Stay-Over Tourists: Year 2021: 404,664/ Year 2020: 164,539 The islands of Turks and Caicos are truly among the worlds most incredible destinations. 1. Iguanas, parrots, and other critters call Bonaire home, andGotomeer is a saltwater lagoon on the islands northern end where youll see flamingos. The popular resorts everyone wants to stay at sit on their own private islets, so theres no nightlife. A fresh take on sports: the biggest news and most entertaining lists. Launched in 2014, Caribbean & Co. has won five travel media awards. Bahamas. The island's best beaches include Buccoo Bay and Englishmans Bay, or cool off with a bold jump into Argyle Falls, Tobagos highest waterfall. On the IG stories, Magen's Bay looks like heaven but is actually hell for tourists. So what is the best way to explore? Business Insider said it best: everyone stays in Atlantis, but no one seems to actually enjoy it. It is paradise. The walks here aren't bad, you just have to remember that they drive on the left and to try to hug the shoulder. The World's Most Entertaining Car Website. It is known as being a haven for diving and snorkeling because of the reefs surrounding the island. Probably not. Located in the Grenadines, West Indies, the island has approximately 100 private villas and just two hotels. Consider staying at theFour Seasons Resorton Pinneys Beach. 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. While we love the soft, sandy beaches of the Caribbean, there's more to the best Caribbean islands than sun and the surf. "People didn't care about the garbage they throw around." Miami locals will feel at home here. 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. What to Know Before You Visit, Travel to the Caribbean: A Reopening Timeline, Country by Country, U.S. Consider these eight intriguing destinations for couples, all over the US. Explore the rich cultural diversity of the islands through mouthwatering local dishes and historical European architecture. The British Virgin Islands (BVI) consist of Tortola (the largest and most inhabited island), Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, and more than 50 smaller islands and cays. The forest's dominant . Photo Credit: Aruba Tourism Authority. Maria is a French-British English literature graduate. Capri is one of those places you go to say you went there, but nothing more. 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. Paradise Island in the Bahamas boasts the famous Atlantis resort, which began reopening towers after a massive renovation in 1998. For a wellness themed retreat theresJungle Bay on nearly 20 acres of lush landscape. While that will entertain you for a few hours, this small island doesnt have much else to offer. The British government states that "although most visits to the BVI are trouble-free, serious incidents, including armed robbery, do occur." The Dominican Republic is the second largest and most diverse Caribbean country, known for its warm and hospitable people. Umbrellas line a tropical beach in the West Indies. There are two beaches here with possible dolphin- and humpback whale-sightings. With summer approaching, many of us are dreaming of the soft sandy beaches and shining blue shallows promised by sunny Caribbean islands but for some lucky people, these exotic islands are home all ye. Rachel Cooper is a travel writer who has lived in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 25 years. One Trip Advisor user felt when they went to restaurants, the attitude was drop three or four hundred dollars or leave quietly. Yikes. St. Barts. Grenada. Rude people, trash on the beaches & in the water, no greenery at all, & high crime. COMO Cocoa Island is an intimate private resort island boasting just 33 suites sitting above turquoise waters. In contrast to more productive creatures, Lemurs are sedentary loafers, which makes them one of the most boring animals on the planet. An island of just 10 square . St Kitts & Nevis. Kingstown can get pretty busy all year round (being the main port and capital of St. Vincent) and can be a little overwhelming for people who are sensitive to crowds. Puerto Rico is a little more progressive and commercialized than most of the ads you see on TV. Soak up the sounds on a Sunday night at the legendary street party,Buccoo Sunday School in Buccoo. Spend time on the 18-hole golf course or relaxing in the spa. The Bahamas are the most popular cruise islands. To boot, the economy boasts a flourishing financial services industry which accounts for around 15% of GDP. "Police won't do anything," a woman claimed on Trip Advisor as she was verbally assaulted on Magen's Bay beach. Check Rates and Availability for: Hotels in Guadeloupe | Tours in Guadeloupe. The area has seen a rise in crime; "we were broken into twice a week," a tourist recounted on Trip Advisor. But dont let filters and good angles fool you, many of these destinations may leave you underwhelmed. With an estimated 5.7 million tourist arrivals in 2012, it is one of the most-visited Caribbean islands. Revitalize yourself at the Bamboo Spa with the signature Jungle Bay Massage with coconut, castor and bay essential oils. Martinique is also home to a dolphin sanctuary where visitors can enjoy dolphin watching and view several species all year round. From the peninsula of Florida on the mainland of the United States, the islands stretch 1,200 miles (1,900 km . When looking for the cheapest airports in the Caribbean, fly into Santo Domingo via Las Amricas. Here are the top 10 most visited Caribbean islands, which account for 85% of visitors to the Caribbean region. The Virgin Islands are one of the most sought after vacation destinations in the Caribbean. Accessible only by yacht, propeller plane, or ferry, this exclusive island is known for being a party destination for the rich and famous. The Caribbean island of Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti towards its West and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region known for its lavish and stunning resorts, pristine and beautiful beaches, and amazing golfing premises. Check Rates and Availability for: Hotels in The Bahamas | Tours in The Bahamas. The spot to be on the weekend is Triple J's Grill, which feels like a backyard barbecueand is. The main island, Grande-Terre, has a vast limestone plateau fringed with magnificent, white sandy beaches and dozens of beautiful resorts. This island nation flies under the radar for many, meaning fewer crowds of tourists but sti l l plenty of activities on offer. For most of us, the dream vacation goes something like this: a tropical island, a beautiful beach, and a drink topped with an umbrella. Unlike most Caribbean islands, Bonaire is located outside of Hurricane Alley and years go by without a single homicide on the island. 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 southern portion of Martinique has its pros and cons. From the iconic pitons of St. Lucia and tropical rainforest of Puerto. Windsurf and kayak through mangroves. This native only to an island of Madagascar in Africa species lives a lazy and boring life. With one of the most impressive capitals in the Caribbean, Grenada, also called the Spice Island, offers a myriad of possibilities when it comes to sustainable development. The island boats everything you could possibly want when you think of a tropical getaway. While there are plenty of islands to choose from, Rarotonga is the largest and most visited. Few places compare to the Caribbean when it comes to sun, sea, sand and surf. Here are eight of the best. 15 Caribbean Destinations That Are Overrated (As Shown In These Real Tourist Photos), Basseterre, St. Kitts And Nevis:Crime-ridden Area, Maho Beach, Sint Maarten: Won't Blow You Away, Dickenson Bay, Antigua:A Small Strip Of Sand, South Martinique Islands:Boring In General, Kingstown, Saint Vincent & The Grenadines: A Simple FishingVillage, Tortola, British Virgin Islands: Hard To Enjoy, Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda: A Turn-off For Tourists, Magen's Bay, US Virgin Islands: Crowded Cruise Island, The Entire Island Of Puerto Rico:Too Commercialized, Sosua Beach, Dominican Republic: Badly Eroded, Montego Bay, Jamaica: Serious Risk OfRobbery, Affordable Southern Hospitality: 10 Budget-Friendly Hotels In Charleston, Bang For Your Buck: Top 10 Most Affordable Hotels In Chile, 10 Most Beautiful Beach Hotels In Clearwater, Florida, You Should Book, Mardi Gras To Magnolias: The Ultimate Guide To Mobile & Things To Do, A Southern Dream: The Ultimate Guide To Savannah & Things To Do, 10 Best Tropical Destinations Around The World You Should Visit, Sunshine State Savings: 10 Affordable Florida Hotels For Your Next Vacation, Upstate New York's Hidden Treasures: An Excursion To Explore Its Best Secret Caves, Gorges, & Canyons. No hurries, no worries, just relax its no wonder around 30 million people a year head to the Caribbean for a respite. Its much more quaint than most expect, with a high retirement population. Dominica. These are the best. Most locals will suggest Newport Beach Balboa Island instead, which is less crowded and more accessible (Insider). Barbados. 4. The keys dont boast a ton of family-friendly options, nor does it offer a lively nightlife or culinary scene for singles. It too was bumped to a Level 2 Travel Advisory in 2019 for armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault. Fly into Providenciales and take a 30-minute flight to South Caicos. If you do travel to the Dominican Republic, do not exhibit signs of wealth by wearing expensive jewelry. Though the historic section of Macao sits on a peninsula that is now connected to the Chinese mainland, the Macao island of Cotai is a huge tourist draw due to its grand casino complexes,. 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