Places to Visit in the Caribbean

Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia is an island nation characterized by the dramatic mountains on its west side known as the Pitons. Visitors staying in Saint Lucia can settle down in a luxurious resort and spend their days lounging on gorgeous volcanic beaches or go diving to explore coral reefs beneath the blue waves. Inland, a hike along one of the humid green rainforest trails may lead tourists to stunning waterfalls or lush green forestscapes. There are plenty of tour companies in Saint Lucia, which can offer visitors zipline experiences, Jeep tours, horseback riding, boat tours, and more.

Saint Martin

Another island horrifically shaken by Hurricane Irma, Saint Martin is still in recovery from the events of September 2017. Rebuilding is likely to continue for years, but this tough little island is still beautiful and open for business. Known as "The Friendly Island," Saint Martin actually comprises two countries - the French Saint-Martin on the north and the Dutch Sint Maarten in the south - but EU regulations allow for easy passage between the two countries for tourists. Known for the beautiful secluded coves where visitors can relax, sunbathe, swim, and snorkel as well as for the lovely beaches that line its coasts, Saint Martin is a beautiful little island that also offers delicious fusion cuisine and a vibrant nightlife.

Saint Thomas

St Thomas is the most cosmopolitan of the three US Virgin Islands, and its capital city, Charlotte Amalie, offers resorts, shopping, fantastic cuisine, and a thriving nightlife. Visitors can climb the 99 Steps above Charlotte Amalie for a spectacular view of the island and the Caribbean Sea or take the Skyride 700 for an even higher view. History buffs can check out Fort Christian, built in the 17th century by Danish and Norwegian settlers on the island. On land, there are zipline tours, hiking trails, and bicycle tours, and on the water, Saint Thomas offers marine animal adventures at Coral World as well as snorkeling, scuba diving, and even submersible scooter tours.

San Juan

San Juan, the capital city of Puerto Rico, dates back centuries to its time as an island fortress in the 16th century. Still in recovery from the devastating effects of Hurricane Irma, San Juan is still open for tourists, and as a US territory, American travelers have the opportunity to visit the Caribbean with no passport required. A walk around Old San Juan will reveal brightly painted colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and beautiful plazas, and in New San Juan visitors will find beachfront resorts, lots of shopping, and a vibrant nightlife. Tours of the old fort, museums, galleries, and some delicious food will round out a trip to this excellent city.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Jamaica (video) is a popular resort destination, with a busy cruise ship port and countless high-end all-inclusive resorts to choose from. A swim, dive, or snorkel in Montego Bay Marine Park will reveal colorful reefs and abundant fish, and a ride on horseback along the shores of the beach is both thrilling and picturesque. On land, visitors to Montego Bay can explore some of the massive and historical plantation houses, with their expansive gardens and grandiose architecture, that feature so prominently in Jamaica's history in the sugar trade.

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is a Caribbean nation made up of two large tropical islands as well as several smaller islands. Sandy beaches and sunny weather are practically a given, but Antigua and Barbuda is also well known for the colorful reefs located just off its coasts as well as the green, diverse rainforests on the islands. The capital city of St. Johns, on the island of Antigua, is a bustling port city with plenty of cultural and historical museums, outdoor markets for crafts, souvenirs, and local specialties as well as an abundance of food and nightlife options.

Aruba

Located just off the coast of Venezuela, visitors to Aruba can stay at a high-rise beach resort on Palm Beach, a smaller resort on Eagle Beach, or in one of the apartments or timeshares located throughout the island.

A guided day tour of the island (either on land via foot or a Jeep or underwater via submarine!), a scuba diving lesson, horseback riding on the beach, and watching the sun set below the horizon from the white sands of the beach or from an outdoor table at a romantic restaurant are all some of the adventures that await in beautiful Aruba.

Barbados

Plenty of cruise ships put into port at Barbados , but it's also a great destination on its own. Located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, the island of Barbados is an independent British Commonwealth nation with a lot of history. Its towns and cities are filled with gorgeous colonial architecture, and a visit to a museum will illuminate visitors about some of the events of Barbados' storied past. An island safari, aboard an open-air Land Rover, will guide visitors on an exploration of some of the most beautiful natural wonders of the island, while tours of fascinating places like underground Harrison's Cave or the mysterious Garrison Tunnels will add an air of intrigue and adventure to your vacation.

Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands in the western Caribbean are just the place for some snorkeling, sunbathing, and deep sea fishing. On Cayman Brac, visitors can try their hand at fishing and bring back their catch for chefs to cook fresh that very day. On Grand Cayman, a day at the Cayman Turtle Farm or relaxing on Seven Mile Beach is the perfect recipe for a great day, while on Little Cayman, the smallest of the three islands, visitors can find seclusion and tranquility on an empty beach or while bicycling down paths where they will meet more native iguanas than other people.

Dominica

Nature abounds on the island nation of Dominica, where hikers, divers, fishers, and nature enthusiasts come to be amazed. Rated one of the top 10 destinations in the world for diving, underwater Dominica offers views of volcanic craters, colorful fish, and sheer drops into undersea abysses. On land, the beauty of Dominica's rainforests is jaw-dropping, with natural hot springs and even volcanic Boiling Lake. Hikers can explore volcanoes, streams, waterfalls, gorges, and more, and at the end of the day, go back to a world-class resort, hotel, or rental property for a good night's sleep before the next exciting day arrives.