Other sizable islands include Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago. Read our Privacy Policy. 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!!! These 30 islands can help you get away from it all with picturesque beaches and lush green foliage plus the brilliantly blue Caribbean Sea serving as your backdrop. Page 10. Almost all of the Caribbean islands are in the Caribbean Sea, with only a few in inland lakes. At 28,000 square acres, El Yunque is the only year-round tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system and is the oldest forest reserve in the Western Hemisphere. The locals are welcoming, the island is surrounded by white sand beaches, turquoise waters and swaying palm trees (Very Hungry Nomads). Not everyone is going to like it, as it is too "desert-like," according to one disgruntled reviewer. A fresh take on sports: the biggest news and most entertaining lists. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. You can still arrange dive tours, deep-sea fishing, glass-bottom boat cruises but along this hilly stretch of coast, youre more likely to hear the cicadas concert than anything loud and late. So what boosts these island's economies? It seems that these islands are so relaxed their almost, The Tate Way: Here's How Internet Sensation Andrew Tate Earns And Spends His Fortune, 8 Outrageous Ways Joel Osteen Spends His Massive $100 Million Fortune, The Spielberg Way: 10 Ways Steven Spielberg Earns & Spends His Billions, Sylvester Stallone And Jennifer Flavin Canceled Their Divorce And Reconcile Their Marriage, The 10 Most Expensive Superyachts In The World, As Of 2022, Emancipation Will Smiths Apple Thriller Get Its First Screening, She May Be Engaged! Belize is one of the most exciting up and coming investment locations in the region. While most describe the beaches as clean and beautiful, they also describe them as very touristy. Santa Catalina Island, typically referred to as simply Catalina, is a small island just off the coast of southern California. Its blissful beaches, 23 golf courses, and captivating culture attract scores of visitors to Puerto Rico every year. Tourists are advised to take normal precautions, such as not walking alone, carrying valuable possessions, or leaving anything unattended at the beach. St. Vincent and . It seems that these islands are so relaxed their almostcut off from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world. Some parts are currently in a state of emergency. There are 13 sovereign states and 17 dependent territories in the Caribbean, and the predominant languages are English, Spanish, French, Dutch and . One thing about the Caribbean islands isthe laid-back police force (there's a 99% chance you wouldn't get a stolen item back). You'll hear great music in the birthplace of the steel pan drum. Photo Credit: Puerto Rico Tourist Board. Antigua and Barbuda, nicknamed the Land of 365 Beaches,is a sovereign statein the Americas and British Commonwealth. Agriculture - particularly banana crops - are central to this regained prosperity. The area has seen a rise in crime; "we were broken into twice a week," a tourist recounted on Trip Advisor. St. Kitts and Nevis: 120,000. Sit seaside, nestled by rocks watching the sunset at the resorts Mango restaurant. Paradise Island in the Bahamas boasts the famous Atlantis resort, which began reopening towers after a massive renovation in 1998. SAN ANDRS, COLOMBIA. 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,. Bahamas. High unemployment rates, a lack of economic development, and drug trafficking have made parts of this region susceptible to crime, violence, and gang activity. Keep your doors and windows locked, the U.S. Department of State advises, and worry more about the hurricanes that threaten this region during the summer. Take an adventurous climb up Mt Nevis or a less intense hike to rainforest waterfalls. Rude people, trash on the beaches & in the water, no greenery at all, & high crime. Beyond Che Guevara and Guantanamo Bay, there is a fledgling tourism industry in Cuba. Iguanas, parrots, and other critters call Bonaire home, andGotomeer is a saltwater lagoon on the islands northern end where youll see flamingos. Safest Caribbean Islands to Visit Aruba Turks & Caicos Cayman Islands St. Maarten Barbados St. Lucia Anguilla Martinique St. Barts Bonaire The Virgin Islands Grenada St. Kitts and Nevis Antigua and Barbuda The Bahamas Caribbean Packing Essentials FAQ: Safest Islands in the Caribbean Safest Caribbean Islands to Visit Aruba Best for . Bonairewhich forms the ABC Islands with Arubaand Curaaois a special municipality oftheNetherlands. Maldives. With its serene, laidback atmosphere, pristine waters, and rich, vibrant culture, the Bahamas is perfect for a quick weekend getaway or an extended tropical vacation. Business Insider said it best: everyone stays in Atlantis, but no one seems to actually enjoy it. Island vacations are something everyone can get behind, from the thrill-seekers to the beach bums. These 13 things to do in San Juan won't cost a thing. It too was bumped to a Level 2 Travel Advisory in 2019 for armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault. 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. Launched in 2014, Caribbean & Co. has won five travel media awards. 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). And Carriacou teems with lively local culture, especially if you visit during Carnival. Martinique is also home to a dolphin sanctuary where visitors can enjoy dolphin watching and view several species all year round. When traveling, safety should be the number one priority. On the IG stories, Magen's Bay looks like heaven but is actually hell for tourists. While not a hopeless case, parts of the beach need rehabilitation, including some of the local businesses that overcharge for simple amenities. 1. There are two beaches here with possible dolphin- and humpback whale-sightings. What to Know Before You Visit, Travel to the Caribbean: A Reopening Timeline, Country by Country, U.S. A new airport is currently under construction on the island to improve accessibility and encourage the stability of the tourism industry. Part of the British Empire up until 1966, since gaining independence Barbadoshas transformed itself from a low-income economy highly dependent on sugar production, into a well developed economy built on tourism and the offshore sector. The BVI is 59.3 square miles and spread over 1,330 square miles. But the island is only 8 kilometers across at its widest point, so the explorations are pretty limited and leave most visitors feeling underwhelmed. Many travelers also tell similar stories of street vendors everywhere, who dont seem to take no for an answer (Trip Advisor). With over 7,000 islands in the Caribbean Sea, the choice of where to vacation during the winter months is no small task . The Virgin Islands are one of the most sought after vacation destinations in the Caribbean. 4. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Compared to the island of St. John nearby, Tortola is peanuts. 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). . !. One of the Dutch Caribbean islands, Bonaire boasts sparkling beauty. Tobago has one of the highest densities of bird species in the world, with more than 200 varieties. 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. "I've spent the past 6 months telling everyone not to go here," an angry tourist wrote on Trip Advisor. Most hotels are not walking distance to the town center either, making getting around difficult. So, if youre in the mood for the beauty without the bustle, heres where to go. Tosh, one of the original Wailers, in reggae music history is not far behind icon Bob Marley. Planning tip: If after all that peace and solitude you want to liven things up a little, Negril is an hour away. If you do travel to the Dominican Republic, do not exhibit signs of wealth by wearing expensive jewelry. Check Rates and Availability for: Hotels in Martinique | Tours in Martinique. January 25, 2021, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Stay-Over Tourists: Year 2021: 356,470 / Year 2020: 1,085,920 Tourists from around the world are drawn to the mystique of Cuba, an island that boasts a pristine coastline, an abundance of parks, and several UNESCO natural reserves. With an estimated 5.7 million tourist arrivals in 2012, it is one of the most-visited Caribbean islands. March 2007. 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. The Dominican Republic is the second largest and most diverse Caribbean country, known for its warm and hospitable people. To get the technical stuff out of the way, the hurricane belt is the region between about 20 North and 35N latitude where hurricanes are most likely to form. Langkawi is actually known as the place to go to just shop for cheap stuff, not exactly what you think of when picturing a tropical getaway (Travel Triangle). This native only to an island of Madagascar in Africa species lives a lazy and boring life. It's 146 miles long and 51 miles wide. 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. Keeps Mexico and Several Caribbean Islands on Travel Advisory List, 2020 Travel Warnings for Countries in Africa, 16 Cheapest Islands in the World to Visit. The beaches are beautiful and uncrowded where wild donkeys, goats, and green vervet monkeys roam. (The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands are not in the Caribbean Sea, but rather in the open North Atlantic Ocean.) Umbrellas line a tropical beach in the West Indies. Grenada. Holly Johnson and Erin EvansMarch 1, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansFeb. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. Antigua Best for beaches Boasting a beach for each day of the year, low-lying Antigua in the Leeward Islands delivers a multitude of postcard-perfect beaches, with coral reefs just a flipper-kick from shore. He wishes to own a pet Otter someday and star in some Shakespearean tragedy. According to some forums on the net, particularly Fodor's, Aruba is an overrated region. Not that anyone wants to socialize anyways, as most travelers are on their honeymoon. Thankfully, this the emergence of a prosperous tourism industry has bolstered the economy. Check Rates and Availability for: Hotels in Guadeloupe | Tours in Guadeloupe. The smallest of the US Virgin Islands, it lacks the same level of luxury hotels and resorts than its counterparts. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning waterfalls, all-inclusive resorts, and rich array of culture, cuisine, British Colonial architecture, and music.. You're probably familiar with the Marley name, but there . Am I right! Tourists are more at risk of petty crimes and pickpocketing than anything. TheBritish Virgin Islands(BVI) consist of Tortola (the largest and most inhabited island), Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, andmore than 50 smaller islands and cays. Many people will mention popular islands such as The Bahamas, Jamaica, The Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, but there are others throughout the region that are just as beautiful and adventurous. Grenada. Published by. Long Cay is also where youll find tons of Rock Iguanas. The petroleum industry lies at the heart of Trinidad and Tobago's newly flourishing economy: oil and gas generate approximately 40% of GDP and 80% of exports. Stroll the beaches of Montego Bay by day and dance to the latest reggae music at one of the citys nightclubs. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The towns along these coasts share the same turquoise-blue waters and powder-white beaches as the likes of the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, and every other island sitting in the Caribbean Sea. Exuma Island picked up some travel steam a few years ago thanks to its famous Pig Beach. 1. For this list, were exploring the best and the worst of island vacation destinations. The third largest Caribbean island, Jamaica is one of the most popular and well-known tourist destinations in the region. The sea isn't too crystal clear and istoo stony - the Caribbean seaweed infestation is a bummer. 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