The Best Caribbean Islands To Visit

Sugar-soft white beaches, glistening turquoise waters, gently swaying palm trees and gorgeous sunshine make the shores of the Caribbean an absolute holiday paradise.

The islands across this captivating region are brimming with breathtaking tropical beauty, with an abundance of attractions to discover and activities to enjoy. You’ll have the chance to explore lush rainforests, dive amidst colourful coral gardens, embrace enthralling cultures, feast on irresistible food and sample vibrant nightlife. Friendly faces will welcome you everywhere you go and your days will be filled with epic experiences and exhilarating escapades. A host of enchanting islands offer the chance for holiday relaxation, fun and adventure, whether you’re visiting as a family, a couple, with friends or solo. Let’s take a closer look at some of these mesmerising destinations and the delights you can expect to find there. Here’s our pick of the best Caribbean Islands.

Barbados

Barbados holidays holidays have something for everyone, with the Eastern Caribbean island awash with things to do and places to explore. Kick back and unwind at Crane Beach, one of the island’s best stretches of sand, head to Carlisle Bay to scuba dive and swim with turtles, or seek out Rockley Beach (also known as Accra Beach) to snorkel and kayak. For a spot of culture and heritage, Bridgetown, the capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering an historic 18th century British garrison and charming colonial architecture. St Lawrence Gap, in Christ Church, is the place to party, while the weekly Oistins’ Fish Fry serves up fresh seafood, lively dancing and music on the beach. Active ventures to enjoy include fishing, karting and horseback riding, with ziplining and a challenge adventure course at Harrison’s Cave Eco Adventure Park.

Saint Lucia

If you’re craving awe-inspiring exotic beauty, then Saint Lucia is the island for your Caribbean holiday. This sublime destination is blessed with stunning volcanic beaches, verdant rainforests, coral reefs and the two iconic mountain peaks, the Pitons, which tower above the island. The jaw-dropping UNESCO World Heritage Site can be found in Soufriere, and is a must-visit spot. If beach relaxation is what you crave, scenic Reduit Beach, in Rodney Bay, is a great choice, while Anse Chastanet is perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving. Anse des Pitons, Vigie Beach and Anse Cochon are other picture-perfect choices. Saint Lucia’s sandy shores are also a draw for water sports enthusiasts, with kayaking, jet-skiing, water-skiing, windsurfing and stand-up paddle boarding among the activities to enjoy. Glass bottom boat rides and dolphin or whale-watching trips are activity options for families, while couples may prefer the romantic serenity of a magical sunset cruise.

Jamaica

Jamaica holidays promise to thrill the senses with captivating scenery, invigorating activities, tantalising cuisine and lively reggae beats. Immaculate white sands and crystal-clear waters await at the palm-lined Seven Mile Beach, in Negril, and Doctor’s Cave Beach, in Montego Bay, while the blonde sands of Treasure Beach provide an idyllic spot to watch the sun set. For adventurous hours, you could climb aboard a bamboo raft to sail down the Martha Brae River, plunge into the picturesque watery playground of Dunn’s River Falls, or zipline over YS Falls. Kayaking, 4x4 off-road safaris, horseback riding and mountain biking are among other activities that await. A visit to the Bob Marley Museum, in Kingston, is a must for music fans, while the delights of authentic Jerk cuisine are well worth discovering, along with Jamaican patties and the island’s famous Blue Mountain Coffee.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a heaven for sun worshippers, offering more than 200 beaches. You’ll find soft sands and aquamarine waters at Punta Cana’s Bavaro Beach, fun and games at Long Beach, in Puerto Plata, and water sports galore at Kite Beach, in Cabarete. Away from the sand, a multitude of energetic activities await, with rafting, buggy safaris, whale watching and mountain biking among the options. If culture and history are more your thing, you’re sure to be in your element in the Dominican Republic. Alluring sites include the Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor, Fortaleza Ozama, the oldest colonial fort in the New World dating back to 1502, and Columbus Alcazar, the first fortified European palace built in the Americas. For a flavour of local life, pay a visit to the bustling Colonial Market, in Santo Domingo. Who knows, you may even pick up a one-of-a-kind holiday souvenir.

Aruba

Aruba holidays are absolute bliss. Brimming with exotic beauty, this paradise island sanctuary is home to mesmerising stretches of soft, satin shores, gorgeous sapphire waters, and much more besides. Take your pick from an assortment of breathtaking sandy stretches, with Eagle Beach known for being one of the world’s best and Palm Beach a superb choice for fun and activities. If it’s culture you seek, the capital Oranjestad is where you’ll find 18th century Fort Zoutman and Bushiribana Ruins, the remains of a 19th century gold mill and a reminder of Aruba’s mining heritage. Oranjestad is also a great spot for nightlife, as well as boasting a variety of restaurants where you can sample some of the island’s culinary delicacies, such as stoba, keshi yena, Bolo Borracho and cicada. Other island highlights include The Butterfly Farm Aruba, Santa Cruz Donkey Sanctuary and Arikok National Park, while scuba diving, jeep safaris and ziplining are just some of the many activities on offer. .

Discover your dream Caribbean island and book your holiday in paradise today.