Introduction
Caribbean tourism offers one of the most diverse travel experiences in the world. From high-end all-inclusive resorts with world-class hospitality to boutique hotels surrounded by dense greenery, the region offers something to draw all types of vacationers.
With numerous countries, islands, and other aspects forming the tourism sector in the Caribbean, gaining a better understanding of tourism and what it offers will ensure a positive experience.
- Why visit Caribbean islands?
- Top destinations in the Caribbean
- Tips for planning a Caribbean trip
- Where to stay in the Caribbean
Why visit the Caribbean?
Dominica tourism embraces sustainable activities and lodging rooted in natural surroundings, whereas Barbados and Antigua tourism center around luxury travel.
If you’re looking for an affordable beach vacation, the Dominican Republic offers cheap flights and Caribbean hotels for budget travelers. The Caribbean is also a stone’s throw from the United States, with direct flights from Florida to destinations in the Caribbean taking just two to three hours.
Additionally, you don’t need a passport to travel to the Caribbean when visiting countries like the US Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico as a US citizen or when traveling on a closed-loop cruise.
Top Caribbean Destinations to Visit
Jamaica
Jamaica is not only one of the Caribbean’s but also one of the world’s most famous destinations for music. The country’s cultural influence is present around the world and is apparent when you land on the island. Whether you’re into reggae music, Jerk flavors, or beautiful waterfalls, Jamaica has it all.
Top attractions
- Dunn’s River Falls
- Blue Mountains
- Bob Marley Museum
- Seven Mile Beach
Dominica
Dominica may be overshadowed by iconic destinations like Jamaica and popular countries like the Dominican Republic, but sustainable tourism and boutique Dominica hotels break the mold of typical all-inclusive Caribbean tourism. Among things to do in the Caribbean, a hike to the Boiling Lake is one of the rarest.
Top attractions
- Boiling Lake
- Trafalgar Falls
- Champagne Reed
- Morne Trois Pitons National Park
Barbados
Barbados is a favored tourism destination and is considered one of the best Caribbean islands to retire. Though the island is small and the terrain doesn’t offer the scenic views of other destinations offering Caribbean tourism, its tourism sector is known for service excellence, and it has perfectly clean beaches and waters in coastal areas.
Top attractions
- Harrison’s Cave
- Bathsheba Beach
- St. Nicholas Abbey
- Oistins Fish Fry
St Lucia
St Lucia tourism pushing its way to the top of of the Caribbean comes as no surprise. Gros Piton is a real-life screensaver, and the tourism sector has been boosted by St Lucia citizenship by investment funds that have expanded eco-friendly accommodation, upgraded Hewanorra International Airport, and improved hospitality.
Top attractions
- Gros Pitons
- Sulphur Springs
- Marigot Bay
- Tet Paul Nature Trail
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is the go-to destination for budget-friendly tourism and cheap Caribbean hotels. Cities like Punta Cana and La Romana attract a swathe of tourists for their low-cost all-inclusive resorts.
Top attractions
- Damajagua Waterfall
- Altos de Chavón
- Samaná Peninsula
- Los Haitises National Park
St Kitts and Nevis
St Kitts and Nevis may be famous for its Caribbean citizenship by investment program, but the growth in the St Kitts tourism industry and continued tourism development are gradually diversifying the country’s economy. This is down to volcanic peaks like Mount Liamuiga, well-preserved colonial towns like Basseterre, and plenty of luxury hotels in St Kitts becoming more widely known.
Top attractions
- Scenic Railway
- Brimstone Hill Fortress
- Nevis Culturama
- Wingfield Estate Sugar Plantation
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Planning Your Caribbean Trip: A Step-by-Step Guide
Visiting the Caribbean any time of year offers a rich experience, as the region is a year-round travel destination, but there are some things to consider during travel preparation to get the most out of a visit.
When to visit the Caribbean?
Weather
The rainy season starts in June and ends in November, when the region experiences heavier rainfall and the threat of hurricanes. Summer months sit between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The weather varies slightly depending on the region. Eastern Caribbean islands like Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda tend to be windier and drier due to being closer to the Atlantic Ocean, whereas Southern Caribbean islands like Trinidad and Tobago and Curaçao are outside the Caribbean’s hurricane belt and experience less harsh weather conditions.
Crowds and events
The peak tourist season in the Caribbean runs from December to May, coinciding with drier months and flocks of US, Canadian, and European tourists escaping winter. Tourist numbers surge during cultural celebrations, meaning visitors can expect higher rates for hotels in Grenada and other islands.
Trinidad and Tobago Carnival: Dating back to the 1700s, Trinidad and Tobago Carnival was the world’s first carnival celebration. The event is held annually on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, seeing tens of thousands of foreign tourists descend on the island to enjoy street parties and parades with lively Soca music.
Crop Over: One of the Caribbean’s oldest and most celebrated festivals, Crop Over was introduced to mark the end of the sugar cane harvest. The population grows 10 to 15 percent during the event, which features parades, calypso dancing competitions, and street parties across the country.
Spice Mas: Held after Emancipation weekend in the second week of August, attending Spice Mas is one of the best things to do in Grenada. The event schedule includes Jab Jab, an aspect of J’Ouvert celebrations featuring devil-like figures covered in black oil or tar with horns.
Visa Requirements
Dominica visa requirements for tourists include presenting proof of accommodation and a return ticket, whereas non-US and Canadian passport holders must have an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) to travel to Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands.
Holding a Grenada, St Lucia, or St Kitts and Nevis passport, or any other Eastern Caribbean passport will facilitate travel between member states of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) with a national ID card.
Getting there
The Caribbean generally offers good connectivity to global hubs to support tourism, though there are some considerations depending on where you plan to travel. Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Barbados are well-connected, with direct flights to North America, Europe, and Asia.
Most flights arriving in the Caribbean depart from:
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- Panama Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Some destinations require taking regional flights from other Caribbean countries. Airlines offering regional flights include Caribbean Airlines, InterCaribbean Airways, Winair, and Sunrise Airways.
Where to Stay: Resorts and Accommodations in the Caribbean
Jump Bay Resort: Jump Bay Resort is one of the best hotels in Antigua and Barbuda. Due to its remote location, only accessible by boat, and world-class hospitality, the resort is famous for its A-list guests, such as Paul McCartney, Will Smith, and Mariah Carey.
Golden Eye Resort: The original escape of Ian Fleming, the Golden Eye Resort is a luxury, private accommodation on Jamaica’s north coast. Transformed into a hotel for travelers who want to experience the spirit of James Bond, it combines luxury and exclusivity.
Caribbean Travel Tips and Safety Advice
Safety
Safety considerations in the Caribbean depend on which island you’re traveling to. Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, and the Cayman Islands are some of the world’s safest countries, with consistent Level 1 travel advisories from the US Department of State.
Other popular destinations like the Dominican Republic and Jamaica demand more careful preparation from travelers. A Level 2 travel advisory indicates that travelers should exercise increased caution due to the high-risk criminal activity.
In certain destinations, staying in the compounds of hotel accommodation is the wiser option, only leaving on guided tours. When leaving your accommodation alone, take only licensed taxis and avoid traveling through secluded or poorly lit streets.
Culture and customs
Islands like Dominica maintain indigenous local communities, and the Kalinago Territory is one of the Caribbean’s last remaining official indigenous territories. When visiting specific regions like the Kalinago Territory, it is important to respect the community’s traditions.
The main languages spoken in the Caribbean are English, French, and Spanish; some territories also speak Dutch. Most islands have also developed their own creole.
Certain aspects of Caribbean travel may require extra awareness for LGBTQ individuals. Islands like Aruba and the Dominican Republic are generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Other islands like Jamaica and Grenada maintain deeply rooted prejudice against LGBTQ+ individuals, criminalizing same-sex relations, which should be considered when looking at Jamaica or Grenada tourism.
Money-saving tips
- Travel in the off-peak season: Hotel and short-term rental rates in the Caribbean drop significantly in the off-peak season.
- Rent a car: For those who plan to travel frequently across a Caribbean country, a rental car is a more budget-friendly option.
- Eat local: Local eateries and family-run restaurants offer authentic cuisine at a lower cost.
- Take a cruise: Caribbean cruise ships bundle transportation, accommodation, meals, and entertainment into one upfront cost, with no additional expenses to visit multiple islands.
- Use a SIM card: Local providers like Flow and Digicel offer prepaid data packages for as little as $15.
