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Which Caribbean Island Is Right for You?

Choosing a favorite Caribbean island is almost impossible. They all offer something for everyone in a sunny tropical paradise. And, the steady climate means that you can travel to the Caribbean at any time of year. If you’ve never cruised to the Caribbean, here’s an overview of the top island vacation destinations to help you decide which ones are right for you.

Antigua

Legend says there’s a beach for every day of the year on this island. Activities include canopy tours, horseback riding, zip lines and snorkeling.

Ideal for: Thrill seekers, beachgoers and horse lovers.

Aruba

Cruise to Aruba for top shopping, island tours and beaches. Activities include snorkeling, island tours, beach getaways and discovering the natural wonders of the island.

Ideal for: Sightseers, nature lovers and explorers.

Barbados

This is the birthplace of rum, and the food is an experience in itself; sample flying fish, macaroni pie, breadfruit and more. Activities include distillery tours, pink-and-white sand beach relaxation and sailing excursions.

Ideal for: Foodies, sailors and beachgoers.

barbados bottom bay at sunset

Bermuda

Pristine beaches, pink sand and British afternoon teas welcome you. Activities include outstanding island golf, sail/snorkel/swim tours and playing with dolphins.

Ideal for: Sun lovers, golfers and sailors.

Bonaire

Coral reefs surround this island – great for snorkeling. Activities include scuba diving, glass bottom kayaking, mangrove safaris and semi-submarine underwater tours.

Ideal for: Fans of snorkeling, explorers and families.

Cozumel

This is a Mexican island with a Caribbean atmosphere. Activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, helmet diving, touring Mayan temples and ruins and swimming with dolphins.

Ideal for: Families, history buffs and divers.

Curacao

Bold colors and the cosmopolitan culture make Curacao a wonderful place to explore. Activities include unique shopping excursions, touring the island and sea adventures.

Ideal for: Families.

Dominica

A nature lover’s paradise. Activities include rainforest hikes and exploring the Caribbean’s most amazing waterfalls, mountains and streams.

Ideal for: Nature lovers, hikers and families.

Trafalgar falls in dominica

Hispaniola

Amber Cove is an island paradise with breathtaking scenery, shopping and a laidback atmosphere. Santo Domingo is a treasure-trove of sights to see. La Romana features a mix of culture, shopping, water adventures and pristine beaches.

Ideal for: Families, beachgoers and sightseers.

Freeport

This is the resort center of the Grand Bahama Island. Beaches and nature, casinos and music clubs, shopping and adventure are there for you to explore.

Ideal for: Couples, shoppers and explorers.

Grand Cayman

Part of the Cayman Islands, this island offers a marine paradise with exceptional scuba diving and snorkeling. Get up close to stingrays, turtles and dolphins.

Ideal for: Beach lovers, nature-lovers and divers.

Grand Turk

This lovely island is a great place to go to get away from the crowds. Activities include every type of water adventure you can think of, superb dining and relaxing beaches.

Ideal for: Couples, families and water enthusiasts.

Grenada

Explore historic Fort George or the Grand Etang National Park and go snorkeling, swimming or sailing. Tour the harbor of Carenage for shopping, restaurants and bars.

Ideal for: Beach goers and fans of snorkeling and sailing.

Half Moon Cay

Enjoy this island hideaway for relaxing on the white sand beaches, snorkeling or kayaking in the turquoise waters, and letting the kids frolic in the water park.

Ideal for: Beach goers, kayakers and families.

beach in half moon cay

Jamaica

Visit Montego Bay to catch the town’s cheerful energy. Ocho Rios offers the best of Jamaica’s culture. Falmouth is home to old sugar plantations and white sand beaches.

Ideal for: Singles, families and sightseers.

Isla Roatan

This island off Honduras is surrounded by the world’s second largest coral reef. Enjoy outstanding diving, fishing, beaches and Honduran dining experiences.

Ideal for: Scuba divers, nature lovers and foodies.

Martinique

Technically part of France, Martinique is the Caribbean with a French flair. You’ll find amazing beaches and water adventures, along with many opportunities to explore the varied history of the island.

Ideal for: Sightseers, hikers and beachgoers.

Nassau

This island in The Bahamas is a mecca for sightseeing, shopping, water parks, swimming with dolphins and delicious Bahamian cuisine.

Ideal for: Families, foodies and sightseers.

Puerto Rico

San Juan is a historic destination and capital of Puerto Rico. Explore the charming city of spirited cafes, galleries and designer boutiques. Or, enjoy the golden beaches and the rainforest.

Ideal for: History buffs, shoppers and families.

aerial view of puerto rico

Princess Cays

A private resort on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera, Princess Cays is a vacation paradise that caters to both adults and children. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, swimming and sailing, coastal cruises and glass-bottom boat adventures.

Ideal for: Couples, families and beachgoers.

St. Croix

Beautiful scenery, from deserts to rainforests, will call to you from this US Virgin Island. Go snorkeling, scuba diving, playing on the luscious beaches or sightseeing to explore the island’s culture.

Ideal for: Nature lovers, sightseers and divers.

St. Kitts

Laidback Caribbean vacations are the norm at St. Kitts. You can explore rainforests, waterfalls, volcanoes and old plantation houses. Or, get an adrenaline rush zip lining high over the rainforest.

Ideal for: Nature lovers, explorers and adventurers.

St. Lucia

St. Lucia offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the Caribbean from mountains to white-sand beaches. See the rainforest by zip-line or sky-ride and scuba dive, snorkel or go deep sea fishing.

Ideal for: Nature lovers, beachgoers and fishing enthusiasts.

st lucia at sunset

St. Maarten

French and Dutch influences shape the cosmopolitan atmosphere of this island. Enjoy the beach, hike to historic forts or take the kids helmet diving.

Ideal for: Families, hikers and beachgoers.

St. Thomas

Everything you could want in a Caribbean vacation. Try “Snuba” diving or helmet diving and go sightseeing, shopping, swimming with the dolphins or relaxing on the beach.

Ideal for: Families, sightseers and beachgoers .

Trinidad & Tobago

Cruise to Scarborough for small-town charm and local culture. Explore waterfalls and virgin rainforests. Go snorkeling and see incredible sunsets.

Ideal for: Nature lovers, explorers and beachgoers.

Tortola

Walk in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus on this mountainous island. Sail around the island or to Normal Island of Treasure Island fame. Explore beautiful coral reefs on a catamaran or take a drive through the spectacular scenery.

Ideal for: Explorers, sailors and families.

tortola beach

Could you choose a favorite? If not, just choose a place to start!