Dominican Republic
Best island for Diverse experiences and resorts
The Dominican Republic is a diverse paradise, offering everything from luxurious resorts in Punta Cana to the historic charm of Santo Domingo, the oldest European city in the Americas. It's known for its vibrant nightlife, merengue music, and exquisite beaches like Playa Rincón. Adventurers can explore the Pico Duarte mountain trails or the mysterious depths of the Hoyo Azul cenote.
Visit from December to April. The climate is ideal for beach vacations, whale watching in Samaná (from January to March), and enjoying the cultural festivities of Carnaval in February.
Haiti
Best island for Rich historical heritage
Haiti is a hidden gem with a profound historical significance. It's the site of the Citadelle Laferrière, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Haitian art is globally acclaimed, and its unique vodou culture provides a fascinating spiritual dimension. Jacmel's beaches offer serene beauty, and the Bassin Bleu waterfalls are a natural wonder. The island's cuisine, a blend of African, Taino, and French influences, is an unexplored delight for foodies.
The best time to visit is from November to March. This season offers cooler temperatures, making it comfortable to explore historical sites and attend events like the Jacmel Carnival in February.
Jamaica
Best island for reggae music and nightlife
Jamaica is synonymous with a laid-back vibe and rich reggae culture. The island's music legacy, marked by Bob Marley's influence, permeates through lively beach bars and Kingston's music museums. Jamaica's Blue Mountains offer breathtaking views and world-famous coffee, while Dunn's River Falls provides a stunning natural setting. The island's spicy jerk cuisine and rum distilleries like Appleton Estate add to its allure.
Ideal from December to April. The weather is perfect for beach activities and outdoor adventures, and you can also experience the Bob Marley Week in February.
Trinidad
Best island for Carnival and street parties
Trinidad the life of the Caribbean party with its legendary Carnival, a spectacle of music, dance, and vibrant costumes. The island's diverse cultural makeup reflects in its cuisine, from Indian curries to African stews. Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the Asa Wright Nature Centre and the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, home to the scarlet ibis.
Visit in February for the best experience, coinciding with the famous Trinidad Carnival, the island's most significant and vibrant event, in addition to enjoying the dry season weather.
Tobago
Best island for Serene nature and bird-watching
Tobago offers a tranquil contrast to its sister island, with unspoiled rainforests and quiet, coral-rich beaches like Pigeon Point. It's a haven for birdwatchers and scuba divers seeking to explore its rich underwater world, including the famous Buccoo Reef.
Best from January to May. This period avoids the rainy season, offering great conditions for diving, bird watching, and the Tobago Jazz Experience in April.
Barbados
Best island for Action and water sports
Might just be one of the best all-rounder islands in the Caribbean. Some of the top hotels in the region are found here, as are some of the best beaches, all accessible to the public—there are no private beaches in Barbados. Poolside beverages are spiked with rum, distilled on the island, and best learned about at St. Nicholas Abbey, a plantation house, museum, and rum distillery. Those looking for more diverse action can find it at the heritage railway, the racing car circuit, and the Garrison Savannah, a popular horse race that takes place throughout the year. And then there are the surrounding reefs, where you can swim with turtles, snorkel with seahorses, and spy whales in the winter months.
Visit from December to April. Besides the ideal beach weather, you can enjoy cultural events like the Holetown Festival in February and the Barbados Reggae Festival in April.
Saint Lucia
Best island for Romance and natural beauty
A romantic escape, famous for its striking twin peaks, the Pitons, which rise majestically from the sea. Luxury resorts are nestled in stunning landscapes, offering world-class spa experiences. The island's drive-in volcano and Sulphur Springs provide a unique geothermal experience, while its rainforest trails and waterfalls beckon nature lovers.
Optimal from December to April. The weather is perfect for exploring the Pitons, enjoying outdoor activities, and experiencing the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival in May.
Excursions
Soufrière Island Delight Excursion With Sulphur Springs & Volcano
Rainforest Adventures: Ultimate Three Combo Tour
Saint Vincent
Best island for Sailing and exploration
Saint Vincent is an adventurer's delight with its lush volcanic landscapes. The La Soufrière volcano is a challenging hike with rewarding views. The island's botanical gardens, among the oldest in the Western Hemisphere, showcase exotic flora. Yacht charters are popular, offering access to secluded coves and nearby smaller islands.
Best time is from December to April. It's the dry season, ideal for hiking the La Soufrière volcano and enjoying the beaches without the rainfall.
Dark View Falls Tour & Beach Shore Excursion
The Pirates Package
The Grenadines
Best islands for Exclusive resorts and private islands
The Grenadines are a string of unspoiled islands, ideal for those seeking a private island experience. Mustique and Canouan offer exclusive resorts and villas, while the Tobago Cays are a dream for sailors and snorkelers, with crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.
Visit from December to April. This period offers excellent sailing conditions, fewer rain showers, and the perfect climate for island hopping.
Grenada
Best island for Spices and scenic beauty
Known as the 'Spice Isle', is abundant in nutmeg, cinnamon, and cocoa plantations. Visitors can indulge in spice tours and chocolate-making experiences. Grand Anse Beach is a postcard-perfect coastline, and the island's underwater sculpture park offers a unique snorkeling and diving adventure. Ideal from January to May. You'll find the weather most pleasant for exploring the spice plantations, and waterfalls, and attending the Grenada Chocolate Festival in May.
Antigua
Best island for Sailing and beach variety
Antigua boasts 365 beaches, one for each day of the year, making it a beach lover’s paradise. The island's rich sailing tradition is celebrated annually at Antigua Sailing Week, an international regatta that attracts sailors and spectators from around the globe. Beyond the beaches and sailing culture, Antigua offers a wealth of history and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Nelson's Dockyard, a beautifully restored naval base and the only Georgian dockyard in the world.Best visited from December to April. During these months, the weather is dry and sunny, perfect for enjoying the island's renowned beaches and sailing events like Antigua Sailing Week in April.
Barbuda
Best island for Seclusion and untouched beaches
Might be the best island for untouched natural beauty in the Caribbean. Home to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, it's a haven for birdwatchers. The island's pink and white sandy beaches offer a serene escape, and the clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and observing the vibrant marine life. Barbuda's low-key resorts provide a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Best visited from December to April. This period avoids the rainy season, offering sunny days perfect for exploring the island's pristine beaches and the Frigate Bird Sanctuary.
Dominica
Best island for Eco-tourism and hiking
Known as the 'Nature Island' of the Caribbean, ideal for eco-tourists and adventurers. With boiling lakes, lush rainforests, and numerous waterfalls, including the spectacular Trafalgar Falls, it's a paradise for hikers. The island's rich Kalinago heritage adds a unique cultural dimension, and its whale-watching opportunities are among the best in the region.
The ideal time is January to April. These months are drier, enhancing hiking experiences in the rainforest and the enjoyment of natural attractions like the boiling lakes and waterfalls.
Saint Kitts
Best island for Historical sites and festivals
offers a blend of scenic beauty and historical richness. The Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides insights into the island's colonial past. Saint Kitts is also home to beautiful beaches and a scenic railway that offers breathtaking views of the island’s landscapes.
Visit between December and May. The weather is perfect for enjoying the island's outdoor festivals, like the famous Carnival, and exploring historical sites in comfortable conditions.
Nevis
Best island for Relaxation and thermal spas
Is a charming and secluded island, perfect for a relaxing getaway. It's known for its geothermal hot springs and the Nevis Peak hike, offering stunning views. The island's history can be explored through the Alexander Hamilton Museum and the old sugar plantations.
Optimal from December to April. This season provides the best weather for enjoying the island's natural hot springs and outdoor activities like hiking at Nevis Peak.
New Providence (Bahamas)
Best island for Luxury resorts and casinos
home to the capital city Nassau, is a hub of activity with its bustling markets, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife. The island is also known for its rich pirate history, showcased at the Pirates of Nassau Museum, and the stunning waters of Cable Beach.
The best time is November to April. The weather is ideal for enjoying Nassau's outdoor markets and the beautiful beaches without the summer crowds.
Grand Bahamas
Best island for Family vacations and shopping
This Caribbean island offers a mix of natural attractions and urban amenities. The Lucayan National Park, with its extensive underwater cave system, is a highlight, as are the beautiful beaches and the bustling Port Lucaya Marketplace.
Visit from mid-December to mid-April. You'll enjoy pleasant weather, perfect for exploring the Lucayan National Park and enjoying the island's many outdoor activities.
Puerto Rico
Best island for Vibrant nightlife and historical forts
Puerto Rico is a melting pot of cultures, offering historic charm in Old San Juan and modern luxury in its resort areas. The island is known for its vibrant music scene, delicious cuisine, and natural wonders like El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.
Ideal from mid-December to April. This period offers sunny, dry weather, perfect for exploring the El Yunque National Forest
Saint Thomas
Best island for Shopping and cruise ports
Known for its beautiful beaches and world-class shopping. The island's bustling capital, Charlotte Amalie, offers a mix of historic landmarks and modern conveniences, while Magens Bay Beach provides a picturesque setting for relaxation and water sports. Best visited from December to May. This is the dry season, offering excellent conditions for beach activities and exploring the island's shopping destinations.
Saint John United States Virgin Islands
Best island for Nature reserves and tranquility
A peaceful paradise, with two-thirds of the island designated as a national park. It's known for its hiking trails, like the Reef Bay Trail, and stunning beaches such as Trunk Bay, famous for its underwater snorkeling trail. Visit from December to April. It's the best time for hiking through the Virgin Islands National Park and enjoying the beaches with fewer rain interruptions.
Saint Croix
Best island for Cultural diversity and rum distilleries
offers a unique blend of cultural influences, evident in its architecture and cuisine. The island's diverse landscapes range from the rainforest of the Northwest to the desert-like East End. Notable attractions include the historic towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted and the Cruzan Rum Distillery. The optimal time is from December to April. The weather is ideal for exploring the island's cultural landmarks and enjoying outdoor activities like the famous Crucian Christmas Festival.
Tortola British Virgin Islands
Best island for Sailing and water activities
A sailing paradise, with numerous marinas and beautiful bays like Cane Garden Bay. The island’s lush mountainous landscape offers excellent hiking opportunities, and Road Town, the capital, is known for its charming boutiques and local eateries. Best visited from December to April. This period offers great sailing conditions and pleasant weather for exploring the island's beaches and hiking trails.
Virgin Gorda British Virgin Islands
Best island for Luxury and natural rock pools
Famed for the Baths, a geological wonder consisting of giant granite boulders forming sea pools and grottoes. The island combines natural beauty with luxury, offering secluded beaches and upscale resorts.
Best visited from December to April. This period offers great sailing conditions and pleasant weather for exploring the island's beaches and hiking trails.
Anguilla
Best island for Beaches and upscale dining
The epitome of laid-back luxury, known for its stunningly white beaches like Rendezvous Bay and high-end accommodations. The island's vibrant music scene and exquisite dining options add to its charm.
Visit from December to April. This is when the weather is most favorable for beach activities and experiencing the island's renowned music festivals.
Montserrat
Best island for Volcanic landscapes and hiking
Offers a unique experience with its active Soufrière Hills Volcano. The island's Exclusion Zone can be explored with a guide for a fascinating glimpse into modern-day Pompeii at Plymouth. Montserrat's lush green hills and secluded beaches make it a tranquil retreat.
The best time is January to April. This period avoids the hurricane season, offering clearer views of the Soufrière Hills Volcano and the Exclusion Zone.
Grand Cayman
Best island for Snorkeling and financial services
A blend of sophistication and natural beauty. It's famous for the Seven Mile Beach, one of the Caribbean's most beautiful shorelines, and the Stingray City, where visitors can swim with stingrays. The island is also a financial hub with a cosmopolitan vibe.
Optimal from November to April. It's the best time for snorkeling at Stingray City and enjoying the Seven Mile Beach with less humidity.
Cayman Brac (Cayman Islands, UK)
Best island for Adventure sports and scuba diving
Known for its dramatic bluff and excellent diving opportunities, including the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts wreck. The island offers a more rugged experience compared to its sister islands, with hiking trails and cave explorations.
Visit from November to April for ideal diving conditions at the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts wreck and comfortable weather for exploring the island’s nature trails.
Little Cayman (Cayman Islands, UK)
Best island for Tranquility and bird-watching
The smallest and most tranquil of the Cayman Islands, ideal for those seeking solitude and unspoiled nature. Renowned for its world-class diving at sites like Bloody Bay Wall, it's a haven for marine life enthusiasts. The island's quiet beaches, like Point of Sand, offer perfect settings for relaxation and birdwatching, especially at the Booby Pond Nature Reserve.
Best visited between November and April. This season offers the best visibility for diving and pleasant weather for enjoying the island’s serene environment.
Turks and Caicos Islands UK
Best islands for Luxury resorts and barrier reefs
Known for their luxurious resorts and some of the best beaches in the world, including the famous Grace Bay Beach. The islands are a top destination for snorkeling and diving, with pristine coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. Providenciales, the most developed island, combines natural beauty with upscale amenities.
Ideal time is from December to April. This period offers great weather for beach activities and exploring the coral reefs without the risk of hurricanes.
Saint Barthélemy France
Best island for Glamour and fine dining
Synonymous with luxury and exclusivity. Known for its designer shops, gourmet restaurants, and stunning beaches like Gouverneur and Saline, it's a favorite among celebrities. The island's French influence is evident in its chic culture and cuisine.
Visit from December to April to enjoy the island's luxury offerings in the best weather, perfect for beach lounging and water sports.
Saint Martin France
Best island for Vibrant market life and nightlife
Offers a delightful blend of French and Caribbean cultures. Marigot, the capital, is known for its charming streets, fine dining, and luxury boutiques. The island's northern beaches, like Grand Case, are perfect for water sports and sunbathing.
Optimal from December to April. This season provides the best weather for exploring the island’s beaches and enjoying its vibrant nightlife.
Sint Maarten (Netherlands)
Best island for Vibrant nightlife and duty-free shopping
Vibrant and lively, famous for its duty-free shopping, bustling nightlife, and casinos. Maho Beach is uniquely known for its close-up views of airplanes landing. The island's Dutch influence brings a unique flavor to its culinary and cultural scene. Best time is from December to April, offering ideal conditions for enjoying the island’s popular beaches and outdoor markets.
Aruba (Netherlands)
Best island for Windsurfing and desert landscapes
A desert island known for its stunning white-sand beaches, like Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. The island's consistent trade winds make it a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Aruba's capital, Oranjestad, is colorful and lively, offering a mix of historical sites and modern conveniences. Visit any time of year, but especially from April to August. You'll experience less crowded beaches and enjoy perfect weather for windsurfing and outdoor exploration.
Curaçao (Netherlands)
Best island for Cultural diversity and architecture
Stands out with its colorful Dutch architecture in Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island is also known for its diverse culture, vibrant art scene, and beautiful beaches like Playa Kenepa. The Curaçao Sea Aquarium and the Hato Caves are other popular attractions. Ideal to visit from May to November. This off-peak season offers fewer crowds, making it perfect for exploring the colorful streets of Willemstad and the island’s beaches.
Bonaire (Netherlands)
Best island for Scuba diving and marine life
A diver's paradise, famous for its easily accessible marine life right from the shore. The island's commitment to conservation is evident in its well-preserved coral reefs. Bonaire's Washington Slagbaai National Park offers a rugged landscape, ideal for hiking and birdwatching. Best visited from April to November. These months offer excellent conditions for diving and snorkeling, with less chance of rain interrupting your underwater adventures.
Saba (Netherlands)
Best island for Eco-tourism and hiking
Known as "The Unspoiled Queen" of the Caribbean due to its pristine landscapes and commitment to conservation. It's a top destination for hiking, especially to the summit of Mount Scenery, the highest point in the Netherlands. The island's small size and lack of beaches offer a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience. Optimal from May to November. This is the best time for hiking and enjoying the island’s natural beauty with fewer tourists around.
Sint Eustatius (Netherlands)
Best island for Historical ruins and diving
Offers a rich history, evident in its well-preserved fort and ruins. It's a quiet island, perfect for those interested in diving and exploring historical sites. The Quill, an extinct volcano, provides challenging hikes and panoramic views. Visit from May to November. This period offers good weather for exploring historical sites and enjoying diving without the crowds.
Martinique (France)
Best island for French cuisine and lush gardens
A slice of France in the Caribbean, known for its exquisite French-Caribbean cuisine, stylish boutiques, and beautiful beaches like Les Salines. The island's diverse landscape includes rainforests, mountains, and the famous Mount Pelée volcano. Ideal from December to April. It's the perfect time to enjoy the island's outdoor adventures, like hiking Mount Pelée, in comfortable weather conditions.
Guadeloupe (France)
Best island for rainforests and waterfalls
Butterfly-shaped island offering a mix of beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and impressive waterfalls like Chutes du Carbet. The two main islands, Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, provide a contrast of landscapes and activities, from the bustling markets of Pointe-à-Pitre to the serene beauty of the Parc National de la Guadeloupe.