If you’re eyeing up the Caribbean, chances are you’ve already settled on dazzling-white beaches, turquoise waters, swaying palms and easy-going vibes. With over 700 islands though, choosing where to go in the Caribbean can open up lots of questions. Do you want total seclusion, hidden coves and beachfront shacks? Or, is somewhere with more established resorts and lots of dining options more up your street? So which Caribbean island is for you?
The beauty of the Caribbean is that no two islands are alike. From the big-name destinations to the unknown Caribbean gems, this tropical stretch of paradise has something for everyone.
After The Complete Caribbean Package?
Antigua, Barbados and St. Lucia frequently wind up on lists for the best Caribbean islands (and with good reason). Medium-sized, they offer just the right balance of developed resorts and vibrant local culture. Barbados has secluded shores and is famous for its boutique hotels and fine dining restaurants. St. Lucia offers rugged rainforest covered landscapes and excellent Creole cuisine, while Antigua boasts 365 stunning beaches and luxurious resorts. Prices can be higher than lower-profile islands, but the experience is unbeatable.
The Authentic Caribbean Experience…
Caribbean authenticity conjures up images of rum bars with steel bands, crab shacks and bustling outdoor markets. We’re still picturing the Calypso beach lifestyle, but lush rainforest backdrops or dirt roads are also part of it. If fine dining and designer boutiques are less important to you, consider “Spice Island” Grenada or the smaller island of Tobago. Stepping out of your hotel might offer less comforts, but there are now a range of accommodation options that cater for everyone’s tastes.
For The Modern Traveller (With Their Eye On Luxury)
If gentle lapping waters and pristine sands seem that little bit better with full-service resorts, you’re probably best off in the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, the Virgin Islands or dynamic Puerto Rico (which comes with its own Hispanic flair and all the open-air bars in the world). With casinos and shopping centres, you’ll find a distinctly American feel in the other three, plus loads of land and water-based attractions as well as international dining options. The Bahamas and US Virgin Islands are larger, while the British Virgin Islands and Cayman are smaller and more exclusive.
If Chic And Boutique Are Calling Your Name!
Secluded, powder-white beaches fringed by lush palms will always be romantic. Pinning down the best Caribbean islands for couples though, often comes down to selecting the right accommodation. With 33 beaches like Rendezvous Bay and Shoal Bay East, Anguilla is the answer for total seclusion, intimate restaurants and stylish boutique pads. It’s trickier to reach, but combining it with another island or the US makes things easier.
For somewhere easier to access, stunning Turks & Caicos offers total seclusion and some of the most exclusive hotels in the region. If beachfront hotels combined with cocktail nightlife speak to you, St. Barths is where it’s at. With its elegant Gustavia capital, mega-yacht marina and picturesque landscapes, this island is the pinnacle of Caribbean chic.
For Something Unique…
Cuba is an island like no other. The colour and musical flair here spans across fascinating towns and relaxing shores, but exploring Havana, Trinidad and Santa Clara is like a step back in time. Think vintage cars, pastel hues, colonial architecture and seafront promenades as lovely as the beaches. Hotels range from the large all-inclusive to casa style properties, all offering great value for money.
St Martin / Saint Marteen is literally split in two. The French half offers relaxing, upmarket hotels and more nature, while the Dutch half’s boutique-lined cobbles and party scenes offer a bit more nightlife. For two islands in the same country, try St. Kitts and Nevis. This duo offers everything from mountain backdrops and tropical rainforests to splendid plantations, calm swimming waters, scenic railways and a range of resort hotels. Nevis is the island we recommend for luxury, seclusion and a total relaxation escape.
Unspoiled, Untouched, Away From The Tourist Trail
Unspoiled islands can be trickier to reach, but the result is 100% worth the effort. For Caribbean islands that just haven’t been changed by mass tourism, Bonaire, Curaçao, Guadeloupe and Martinique have a “just like it always was” feel. Beautiful, fine-sanded beaches, quaint towns and cultural treasures here come the stamp of authenticity. Take the colorful, Dutch-like capital of Willemstad in Curaçao. Or Francophone Guadeloupe with its bridged, crystalline waters and crowd-free beach towns. Bonaire’s sleepy settings and cactus landscapes nestle shallow reef bays, while gold-sanded Martinique is a foodie heaven (complete with rum distilleries and hidden coral islets).
The Best Value Islands
If you’ve got your eye on your wallet, you won’t need to compromise on beauty with destinations like the Dominican Republic, Jamaica or Aruba. Large, beach-set resorts with lots of facilities might mean there isn’t much to do outside the hotel in the Dominican Republic, but at a fraction of the cost of other islands, it’s got a lot of appeal. With plenty of flights and just a touch pricier, Jamaica’s rum shacks, reggae beats and spicy Creole eats offer more outside of the resort. You’ve also got plenty of island tours (we recommend organised ones, as venturing out on your own can be unsafe). Sheltered Aruba is outside the Hurricane Belt. It’s got a low crime rate, high-rated beaches and gorgeous turquoise horizons. Aruba might not offer massive variety, but trusted favourites like the main beach, popular bars and restaurants, and shopping make it a great pick. Chain-style hotels here also offer comfort, good food and an affordable price tag.
If Beaches Aren’t Your Main Focus
If dramatic rainforest settings and mountain trails are more up your alley than stunning beach resorts, Dominica is calling your name. Nature-centric guesthouses and small hotels are more what’s on offer here, and it’s the perfect escape for a thirst-quenching waterfall experience or even some whale watching.
Getting To The Caribbean
Choosing where to go in the Caribbean might be a little easier after you’ve read this, but you’ll still need to get there. Easiest, with multiple direct flights a week and some regional airport options, are Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. No awkward calendar tweaking- basically, a doddle.
Bermuda, Aruba and the Bahamas also offer direct flights, but they’re limited (and mostly only from London). Likewise with direct flights from London at least a few times a week are Tobago, Grenada, Grand Cayman and Turks & Caicos – expect short stops at other islands with these (basically a long-haul flight that’s a little longer, but no changing planes).
The trickiest islands can require changing planes or combining your stay with another island or US city since flights don’t connect with the UK. That could just be the ticket though if you’ve never done Caribbean Island Hopping or a US and Caribbean twin centre holiday. Where there’s a will, as anything is possible!
Matt has been working for eShores since 2012. He has worked in the industry for the last 24 years and has extensively travelled the globe, so has a wealth of experience when it comes to giving advice on holidays.Matt knows everything there is to know about the USA but he is also very knowledgeable of the Caribbean, Asia and Australia.Matt’s an easy-going guy, a fun member of the team who is always up for a laugh, he loves to shop and is a secret fan of the Karaoke!
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4.93 Average 1907 Reviews
Linda
Fabulous service. I rang to ask about our short break to Istanbul and it was booked for us within the hour. You can’t get better service than that. Thank you Dave Felton
Posted 9 hours ago
Stephen
Kelly arranged my recently booked multi centre holiday, having used eShores on a couple of occasions previous the usual high standards remain! They get an understanding of you requirements, pull together a proposed itinerary, and then happily amend/ provide alternative costings for different hotels/ flights as required once you get in to the detail of what you want (easier to do with their proposed itinerary!). Great service, and at a good cost!
Posted 17 hours ago
TinaSmyth
Just returned from a trip to Singapore and Bali arranged by Andy had a brilliant time, couldn’t fault the service I had he arranged everything from flights accommodation and transfers. I would highly recommend eShores and would definitely use them again. ThankYou Andy
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Stephen
Kelly from eshores listened and understood what we wanted from our holiday of which she was fantastic,very patient and set the whole holiday up. Very professional. Thank you.. Ste Leather
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SarahC
Used eShores to book a multi destination holiday for 4 days in Miami then 10 days Jamaica. Really pleased with the hotels chosen especially Shelbourne in Miami and the service received especially follow up call to check everything was ok. Whole trip when smoothly
Posted 6 days ago
Stephen
We are looking forward to our 3 centre holiday in November to the USA, everything has been set up for us Chris was excellent in giving us all the details. We changed a few things after the first quote like you do but sorted it straight away. Excellent service, reasonable price and quick response just looking forward to the trip
Posted 1 week ago
ANDREWand Caroline McKie
We recently travelled to Bali much delayed by covid restrictions but found eshores very good with excellent communication keeping us up to date with advice on travell restrictions as circumstances changed. Our holiday when we were able to travel was fantastic exceeding our expectations ,and we feel certain that we will be using eShores for our next trip .
Posted 1 week ago
Tom& Gloria
We have just returned from a fantastic holiday at the Habtoor Grand Resort in Dubai - all organised by Kadie. The location of this hotel is at the end of the beach, near to the Sky Diving school, and the new Marina. It's also close to The Walk which has many shops and restaurants. Staff and service at the hotel were 5* and we would reccommend the upgrade to Club Rooms. We have travelled several times with eShores to different regions all of which were organised by Kadie. From our initial enquiry we are always given options on where to stay, activities and excursions and any potential offers that are available. The service provided by Kadie and eShores is exemplary and we have never had an issue using them. Looking forward to our next adventure to Australia - organised by Kadie of course.
Posted 1 week ago
Patricia
I can’t rate eShores enough and Andy in particular. Not only did he find us the best package for the best value but he was also very supportive and reassuring when I needed to contact him before and even during the trip with a couple of questions. Everything was organised like clockwork and took all the stress out. Next time I won’t bother shopping around and will go directly to eShores.
Posted 1 week ago
Liz
Matthew has looked after our holidays for several years and is very efficient and friendly. I always feel we have got the best deal and have never had any cause for complaint with E Shores