The four main islands are Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. There's nothing special about Pigeon Point's beach, aside from the Carnival after-parties. "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. The Bahamas soars to the top of our list thanks to its prosperous tourism industry. St Kitts. Its blissful beaches, 23 golf courses, and captivating culture attract scores of visitors to Puerto Rico every year. Check Rates and Availability for: Hotels in the Dominican Republic | Tours in the Dominican Republic. And Buck Island Reef National Monument, located 1.5 miles off St. Croix's northeast coast, offers even more excellent hiking and snorkeling. One thing about the Caribbean islands isthe laid-back police force (there's a 99% chance you wouldn't get a stolen item back). Bahamas. In fact, it is the most crowded of all the Caribbean Islands. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. High unemployment rates, a lack of economic development, and drug trafficking have made parts of this region susceptible to crime, violence, and gang activity. The smallest of the US Virgin Islands, it lacks the same level of luxury hotels and resorts than its counterparts. Tortola is okay but not the best. Most hotels are not walking distance to the town center either, making getting around difficult. Spend time on the 18-hole golf course or relaxing in the spa. An absolute bucket list experience has to be. Photo Credit: Aruba Tourism Authority. Maria is a French-British English literature graduate. 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. SAN ANDRS, COLOMBIA. If youre in chill mode, watch a movie at the alfresco cinema, climb in a hammock along the beach or head to the Bahamas only overwater spa. Most describe this popular Italian island as overpriced and touristy. Shops here are more expensive than those in most of the countrys other destinations and do not stay open year round. Photo Credit: napa74 via 123RF.com. While we love the soft, sandy beaches of the Caribbean, there's more to the best Caribbean islands than sun and the surf. Check Rates and Availability for: Hotels in Puerto Rico | Tours in Puerto Rico. There are no secret Caribbean resorts, but there are places where you can get away from it all fokkebok / Getty Images, The 8 best under-the-radar places to visit in the Caribbean. Besides the occasional theft, which is a concern for any tourist-popular region, St. Barts doesn't have much crime. Maho Beach is only known for literally blowing tourists away (being adjacent to the runway), you've probably seen this on video. From the crowded beaches ofPuerto Rico to the dangerous streets of Jamaica,join us as we count down 15 Caribbean destinations that are overrated, if these tourist photos are anything to go by. Take a thrilling bobsled ride through the forest and go swimming with dolphins in the resort town of Ocho Rios. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. The rough waves will also ruin your relaxing swim. Martiniqueis an overseas collectivity of Francelocated in the Lesser Antilles. Break in case of a budget emergency. Stay-Over Tourists: Year 2021: 806,534/ Year 2020: 368,322 Visitors to the Dutch enclave of Aruba can enjoy ultimate relaxation on its breathtaking white-sand beaches or embark on thrilling escapades to explore the natural landscape. Consider staying at theFour Seasons Resorton Pinneys Beach. St. Lucia. Although some of the GDP figures may seem low, they present promise for a region that has undergone huge development over the past two decades after a history of struggle. Grenada. Source: flickr. Answer (1 of 4): ___CARI"BB"EANS ABDOLUVIGRETT south KN The 6 ABDOLUVIGRETT countries are on a straight line from north to south. The vendors are "a little too aggressive," and Sosua is very crowded during the weekends. Everything in the BVI is so cut and dry and boring and the food is horrible. Best for a luxurious private island getaway. Surprisingly, these 15destinations fall short of expectations and are more commercialized than everyone might think. Try Guadeloupes delectable creole cuisine, which serves a mouthwatering blend of flavors in dishes like Fricasse de Lambi Queen Conch stew, and Calalou a spicy soup of spinach, pork, and land crab. The beautiful Caribbean has countless places where couples can discover romance. The island's best beaches include Buccoo Bay and Englishmans Bay, or cool off with a bold jump into Argyle Falls, Tobagos highest waterfall. Cuba offers an eclectic blend of old-world charm in its neoclassical and baroque architecture, mixed with post-modernist styles and natural landscapes. . Poor in natural resources however, the island is very dependent on exterior trade with the US, Ireland and Japan for materials. But this destination has been popular amongst more local visitors for much different reasons. The locals are welcoming, the island is surrounded by white sand beaches, turquoise waters and swaying palm trees (Very Hungry Nomads). 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. Belize is one of the most exciting up and coming investment locations in the region. And if you need a break from all of that activity, the South Island hosts the countrys most significant wine-producing region (New Zealand Travel Insider). The French island is a nature lovers paradise with spectacular waterfalls, natural rivers, and magnificent landscapes. The crime rate in Montego is taking a toll on tourism, and the traffic is unbearable (the army constantly searches cars), according to a Trip Advisor review. She enjoys uncovering niche culture scenes wherever she goes, and spreading the word about them. 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. Youre also in good hands at the Great House restaurant, where the conch fritters, Asian barbecue spareribs, and the coconut green vegetable curry are crowd-pleasers. Get Updates And Stay Connected to the latest offers and news from the Caribbean. So what boosts these island's economies? Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. On the IG stories, Magen's Bay looks like heaven but is actually hell for tourists. According to the Security Advisory Council, do not travel to parts of Montego Bay and Kingston because there is a serious risk of crime. "Police won't do anything," a woman claimed on Trip Advisor as she was verbally assaulted on Magen's Bay beach. 1. Business Insider said it best: everyone stays in Atlantis, but no one seems to actually enjoy it. Reviewers on TripAdvisor have overwhelmingly similar sentiments, with bad food, rude staff and a general feeling of the whole place being overpriced. Getting there isnt the quickest commute, either. Since, however, things have turned around for the island. Varadero pales in comparison to the other Caribbean beaches (see Punta Cana), and the recent travel ban will surely hurt tourism in all of Cuba. For this list, were exploring the best and the worst of island vacation destinations. Not everyone is going to like it, as it is too "desert-like," according to one disgruntled reviewer. Irresistible beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and a cornucopia of vibrant cultures continue to woo millions of visitors to the Caribbean region. Stay-Over Tourists: Year 2021: 892,997 / Year 2020: 445,879 The beautiful island chain of The Bahamas is a haven for relaxation, and its sun-drenched beaches are among the worlds best. Another good choice isThe Hermitageat the foot of a rainforest covered mountain. Bora Bora should officially change its name to Boring Boring. The southern portion of Martinique has its pros and cons. While there are plenty of islands to choose from, Rarotonga is the largest and most visited. A black sand beach on St Kitts (Getty Images) 1. Most visitors share the same sentiments about this Caribbean destination: overpriced and underwhelming. Adventure seekers have abundant activities to choose from, including hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, diving, snorkeling, and kitesurfing. In general, this includes many of the Caribbean Islands and tropical regions in North America. Word is the pigs are pretty friendly too, as theyve gotten used to all the human attention. The beaches are beautiful and uncrowded where wild donkeys, goats, and green vervet monkeys roam. The island is also pretty spread out, so youll have to learn how to use the public transportation system to get from one side of the island to the other. Antigua. St. Kitts is the larger . St. Vincent and . This means that the Puerto Rican economy is highly sensitive to the fluctuations of the world economy. To boot, the economy boasts a flourishing financial services industry which accounts for around 15% of GDP. The sandy beaches are generally wide and flat with waves meant for jumping and body surfing. The keys dont boast a ton of family-friendly options, nor does it offer a lively nightlife or culinary scene for singles. Photo Credit: Martinique Tourism Board. In November of 2011, Trinidad and Tobago was removed from the OECD's list of developing countries. Physical features Geology The geologic age of the Caribbean is not known with certainty. Sean Pavone/Shutterstock. Those with a sweet tooth might want to book a tour of theTobago Cocoa Estate. It also exports cocoa, bananas and citrus fruits. Read our Privacy Policy. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention moved five Caribbean island destinations into its highest-risk travel category for Covid-19 on Monday. And more importantly, which of these do you plan to visit next? #1 The Best Caribbean Island: Cuba Cubans love their cars. On the surface, the private island of Mustique seems like a dream. The Caribbean's greatest known depth is Cayman Trench (Bartlett Deep) between Cuba and Jamaica, approximately 25,216 feet (7,686 metres) below sea level. Rachel Cooper is a travel writer who has lived in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 25 years. Most visitors have the same sentiments: overpriced and underwhelming. Check Rates and Availability for: Hotels in the US Virgin Islands | Tours in the US Virgin Islands. Skip the masses and head to Bluefields on the south coast instead. From Negrils Seven Mile Beach in the west to breathtaking waterfalls in the east, Jamaica is well known as the playground of the English-speaking Caribbean. Belize, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Mexico all offer islands off their Caribbean coastsislands that share the same turquoise-blue waters and powder-white beaches you expect when you hear. This is your guide to exactly what they are, where they happen, and how you can join the party. It is one of the most boring animals in the ocean and the most uncool squid on the planet. Make sure you venture back to Andros, with its underwater cave systems and the highest concentration of blue holes in the world. Culture, art and travel are crucial to her lifestyle and central to her writing. Santorini, Greece has blown up on social media over the last couple of years. Also see: Best things to do in Cuba. Long Cay is also where youll find tons of Rock Iguanas. If you do travel to the Dominican Republic, do not exhibit signs of wealth by wearing expensive jewelry. Banana production employs a third of the population. A nation made up of 15 islands in the South Pacific, The Cook Islands have the undeveloped charm Hawaii did 50 years ago, but with modern conveniences that compete with any other popular destination (Cook Islands Travel). Nicknamed The nature island of the Caribbean, the thrills are loggerhead turtles, whales, hot springs, boiling lakes, mountains, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. Nicknamed "The nature island of the Caribbean", the thrills are loggerhead turtles, whales, hot springs, boiling lakes, mountains, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. Most criminal activity here is believed to be gang or drug-related. From the Seychelles to Santorini and the Caribbean to Capri, find your very own Shangri-la in this list of the most beautiful islands in the world. Its much more quaint than most expect, with a high retirement population. The volcanic island is home to swift waterfalls, winding . Ranked as the number one honeymoon destination by US News Travel, St. Lucia is a solo traveler or adventure seekers nightmare. After a short drive, make your way through the pine forest, get up your nerve and jump from the platform into the fresh water. EUGENIO CELEDON VIA FLICKR // CC BY-ND 2.0. It is paradise. 5. Prices vary across the island, and are lower in non-tourist areas. Starting with the Bahamas and Cuba, located off the tip of Florida, the string of . "Assault or Homicide." Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. The Dominican Republic is one of the most popular islands in the Caribbean When flying into the Dominican Republic, there are three main airports: Punta Cana International (PUJ), Las Amricas International (SDQ), and Puerto Plata International (POP). Wheel around in your golf cart on white sand roads and its mostly you and Mother Nature with just enough people to have a little atmosphere. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. Located in the Grenadines, West Indies, the island has approximately 100 private villas and just two hotels. 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 Ocho Rios would be a safer choice (with its 180m tall waterfalls and lagoons) and is just an hour away from Montego Bay. Here are eight of the best. For a unique golfing experience, play on Bonaires natural golf desert course (where wild goats and donkeys roam). It seems that these islands are so relaxed their almostcut off from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world. However, the island remains a key exporter of spices, and is the second biggest exporter of nutmeg in the world. Planning tip: Have the concierge hook you up with a local guide. Dominican Republic: Beach Day at Hard Rock Hotel Casino Resort Punta Photo Credit: Dominican Republic Tourist Board. Waikiki Beach has been described by tourists and locals alike as dirty, overcrowded and stuffed with a plethora of kitschy souvenir shops. For this list, were exploring the best and the worst of island vacation destinations. Kayak and snorkel inSoufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve. The Caribbean is a diverse region with significant economic potential and growth opportunities. Stay-Over Tourists: Year 2021: 824,461/ Year 2020: 415,749 Theres so much to do in the US Virgin Islands (USVI), from exhilarating adventures to tranquil relaxation and a host of activities in between. Moskito Island. Note: Originally published on September 10th, 2014, this post was updated on November 8th, 2022. The local organic produce in Market Square is one of the redeeming qualities though (the cheapest in town). Haiti. 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