The 25 most popular Caribbean islands get that way because they have unique attractions that increase their appeal. The popular resorts everyone wants to stay at sit on their own private islets, so theres no nightlife. Tobago has one of the highest densities of bird species in the world, with more than 200 varieties. Currently, the island has the third largest stock exchange in the Caribbean region. The rough waves will also ruin your relaxing swim. Approximately 69% of the island's GDP emanates from the service industry. 22, 2023, The Caribbean has long been known for its azure waters, tropical beaches and incredibly slow pace that makes finding peace and relaxation a breeze. The local organic produce in Market Square is one of the redeeming qualities though (the cheapest in town). . Located in the Grenadines, West Indies, the island has approximately 100 private villas and just two hotels. 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 . Snorkeling in lagoons and hiking up Mt. The bluest of blues and turquoise waters make for some of the worlds best beaches. A new airport is currently under construction on the island to improve accessibility and encourage the stability of the tourism industry. The manufacturing industry also plays an important role in sustaining the economy, as well as the tourism industry (the latter less so than most Caribbean islands). The local organic produce in Market Square is one of the redeeming qualities though (the cheapest in town). One Trip Advisor user felt when they went to restaurants, the attitude was drop three or four hundred dollars or leave quietly. Yikes. Also nearby in Belmont Falls in a small yard off the main road is the monument that pays tribute to reggae legend Peter Tosh who spent his early years there. You'll have ample of beaches to explore with over 95 miles of coastline, stunning coral reefs and crystal blue waters. Because of the multiple levels of altitude, the island also offers both skiing fields and beaches. That was the dirtiest, most disgusting island that I had ever been to. Nevis, in the Leeward Islands, is one of the Caribbeans best kept secrets. Some things are worth waiting for. Key West may seem like a glamorous Oceanside town, but this is one place where the book doesnt necessarily match the cover. Aruba: Family At Butterfly Farm. Business Insider said it best: everyone stays in Atlantis, but no one seems to actually enjoy it. The smaller of the dual-island nation ofSt Kitts and Nevis, its mystique is the inactive volcano, mountains, often shrouded in mist, and the Nevis Peak at more than 975m (3200ft). This island nation flies under the radar for many, meaning fewer crowds of tourists but sti l l plenty of activities on offer. This 300 acre private Caribbean island is located just off the coast of Antigua. But that amount of attention has started to tarnish this once low-key Greek isle. The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. This less-traveled paradise is a must for bird-watchers. Best Budget Option: TRS Yucatan, Riviera Maya, Mexico. (Langkawi Info). Banana production employs a third of the population. Hawaii may be a dream vacation for some, but many of those who do get to visit are pretty disappointed when they get there. Visit Iguana Island and the aquarium, a protected reef ideal for snorkeling, and get a glimpse of local life in old town Cockburn. Page 10. Barbados: Beautiful white sand beach in Turks & Caicos. Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, Dominica is one of the most unique Caribbean islands. Here are 10 underrated Caribbean islands that you need to visit. Besides the Caribbean islands, there are some great spots on the Caribbean coast of Central America offering good value. Sure, they have their redeeming qualities, but there are far superior regions like Antigua's Marinas or Virgin Gorda's "Baths.". Read our Privacy Policy. This native only to an island of Madagascar in Africa species lives a lazy and boring life. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. The British Virgin Islands (BVI) consist of Tortola (the largest and most inhabited island), Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, and more than 50 smaller islands and cays. I cooled off and started to get hungry so it was time to walk to redhook. Stroll the beaches of Montego Bay by day and dance to the latest reggae music at one of the citys nightclubs. Cuba offers an eclectic blend of old-world charm in its neoclassical and baroque architecture, mixed with post-modernist styles and natural landscapes. CNN . A fresh take on sports: the biggest news and most entertaining lists. The main island, Grande-Terre, has a vast limestone plateau fringed with magnificent, white sandy beaches and dozens of beautiful resorts. Unlike most Caribbean islands, Bonaire is located outside of Hurricane Alley and years go by without a single homicide on the island. One of the best Caribbean islands for nature lovers, it boasts with eco-resorts and protected areas. Nine of New Zealands national parks are located here, offering a virtually unlimited supply of trails for biking, walking and hiking. While most describe the beaches as clean and beautiful, they also describe them as very touristy. When hunger calls, you can find everything from a food truck on the beach to fine dining in Sebastians. Haiti. The nightlife is fun, traffic is horrible and the high-rise buildings are the opposite of what makes the Caribbean, Caribbean. COMO Cocoa Island is an intimate private resort island boasting just 33 suites sitting above turquoise waters. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. There are the islands weve all heard of, and there are the islands we never knew existed. The islands also offers an economic citizenship by investment, offering passports and visas in exchange for monetary investments. 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. Most criminal activity here is believed to be gang or drug-related. 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. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. But the lack of options on this small island doesnt seem to help with the crowd sizes, which are hefty year round. 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. 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. Tobagos Unesco World Heritage Site,Main Ridge Forest Reserve is the oldest protected forest in the western hemisphere, with nine trails to keep hikers happy. One thing about the Caribbean islands isthe laid-back police force (there's a 99% chance you wouldn't get a stolen item back). Explore 150 of the worlds most enchanting islands in this inspirational coffee table book that features beautiful photography, illustrations and maps. The Bahamas is also the third richest country in the Americas, following the United States and Canada. New Zealand is a nature-lovers dream, and South Island offers the best of everything to be explored. Bonaire, one of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaao), doesnt get the buzz of the other two. Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. High unemployment rates, a lack of economic development, and drug trafficking have made parts of this region susceptible to crime, violence, and gang activity. Belize is one of the most exciting up and coming investment locations in the region. The former French islands of Guadeloupe are a fascinating archipelago of 5 islands well known for their distinctive Creole culture, cuisine, and celebrations. Tourism has also taken off (though slowly), presenting itself as a particularly appealing destination for eco-tourists. Kingston shouldn't be confused as a tropical paradise (despite what Bob Marley tells you). However, the island remains a key exporter of spices, and is the second biggest exporter of nutmeg in the world. January 25, 2021, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The Cayman Islandsis another British Overseas Territory widely known as a haven for the wealthy. Fly into Providenciales and take a 30-minute flight to South Caicos. The keys dont boast a ton of family-friendly options, nor does it offer a lively nightlife or culinary scene for singles. Take an adventurous climb up Mt Nevis or a less intense hike to rainforest waterfalls. Looking to escape the everyday grind with a picture-perfect romantic holiday? 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. Recently named the most incredible Italian island youve never heard of by National Geographic, Ischia may not be as popular as other Islands thanks to the lack of easy transport. Nicknamed The nature island of the Caribbean, the thrills are loggerhead turtles, whales, hot springs, boiling lakes, mountains, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. Photo Credit: Cuba Tourist Board. Martinique: View of Saint Pierre Pelee. But over the past two decades, the one-time modern attraction seems to have lost its luster. The Caribbean Islands is a massive archipelago located in the Caribbean Sea, that can be subdivided into a few different regions: the Lucayan Archipelago, the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles and the ABC Islands. If you want to mix education and fun, St. Nicholas Abbey, one of the oldest distilleries in the Caribbean, is nearby. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. So, which of these top ten most visited Caribbean islands have you visited? Dominica has many nooks and crannies you might not discover on your own. Let nature soothe your soul. Tuvalu: The Most Boring Country on Earth Europe North America Central America South America Australia/NZ Asia Africa Caribbean Indian Ocean Middle East Oceania Antarctica Lee Abbamonte Home About Lee Pictures Travel Blog Travel Tips List of all the Countries in the World 30 Best Press Contact The Most Boring Country on Earth Bonairewhich forms the ABC Islands with Arubaand Curaaois a special municipality oftheNetherlands. Umbrellas line a tropical beach in the West Indies. Best for . Trek the parks trails with views of mountains and the rainforest. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Photo Credit: Martinique Tourism Board. Since, however, things have turned around for the island. Its much more quaint than most expect, with a high retirement population. If youre looking to lounge on the beach, choose from one of Granadas soft sand beaches. An island of just 10 square . 10 Kingstown, Saint Vincent & The Grenadines: A Simple Fishing Village Kingstown can get pretty busy all year round (being the main port and capital of St. Vincent) and can be a little overwhelming for people who are sensitive to crowds. 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 Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola withthe country of Haiti. Some parts are currently in a state of emergency. St. Martin. The statistic shows the largest island countries and territories in the Caribbean, based on land area. But with so many islands to choose from, you might want to consider crossing St. John off your list of options. So what is the best way to explore? Parrot fish, brain coral, Sergent majors. The resort is near the worlds third-largest barrier reef with acres of coconut palm groves and vegetation that competes with the bluest sea for what is most awesome. Still, though, the tropical region generally remains safe to visit. 1. This Caribbean nation is under a Level 2 Travel Advisory, citing armed robberies, homicides, and sexual assaults as the biggest issues. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. Planning tip: If after all that peace and solitude you want to liven things up a little, Negril is an hour away. The advantage though is you don't have to pay a fortune to live here. But this destination has been popular amongst more local visitors for much different reasons. If you want an island escape, this might just be it. Note: Originally published on September 10th, 2014, this post was updated on November 8th, 2022. Moskito Island. Everything in the BVI is so cut and dry and boring and the food is horrible. 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). Most hotels are not walking distance to the town center either, making getting around difficult. 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. For fun and fantastic food, make your way to Triple Js, a backyard barbecue restaurant only open on the weekends. 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). And even though the region is known for its nightlife, it still isn't advisable to venture out after dark, especially if you're bringing your family with you. 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. 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,. Island hop across cosmopolitan archipelagos and secret tropical paradises, discover fascinating stories about each destination, meet locals, encounter wildlife and find amazing island experiences. In 2009 the island's economy was hit hard by the economic recession which decreased the number of visitors to the island but in past years tourism has picked up again: in 2013, it accounted for approximately 60% of GDP and 40% of investments. Outside Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic offers abundant aquamarine adventures at Baha de las guilas and the Saman Peninsula. 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