Caribbean Travel Guide: Islands, Culture & Adventure

A Captivating Introduction

The Caribbean is a sun-drenched mosaic of white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, lush rainforests, and colorful colonial towns. Whether you’re chasing adventure, craving relaxation, or seeking cultural depth, the Caribbean has a tropical island tailored just for you.

Ideal for beach lovers, honeymooners, cruise-goers, digital nomads, and culture seekers, this Caribbean travel guide will explore must-visit destinations, best times to go, top things to do, and hidden gems across this breathtaking region.

Destination Overview & Regional Breakdown

The Caribbean spans more than 7,000 islands across the Caribbean Sea, divided into three major island groups.

Independent Caribbean Countries:

Antigua and Barbuda

• Capital: St. John’s
• Overview: Known for its 365 beaches, one for each day of the year, Antigua and Barbuda offers crystal-clear waters, luxurious resorts, and a relaxed island atmosphere. It’s a paradise for beach lovers and history enthusiasts alike, with a rich colonial past and vibrant local culture.

The Bahamas

• Capital: Nassau
• Overview: Comprising over 700 islands and cays, The Bahamas is famous for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. Nassau, the capital, is a bustling city with historic landmarks and a lively arts scene. The Bahamas is a popular destination for water sports, boating, and diving.

Barbados

• Capital: Bridgetown
• Overview: A blend of stunning beaches, rich history, and a lively cultural scene, Barbados is a fantastic destination for sun-seekers and history buffs alike. Visitors can enjoy local festivals, rum tours, and explore plantation houses while relaxing on the island’s white sand shores.

Cuba

• Capital: Havana
• Overview: Cuba is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and classic 1950s cars. Havana, the capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its colorful architecture, historic plazas, and thriving arts scene. Visitors can explore colonial streets, beaches, and experience Cuba’s unique blend of Spanish and African influences.

Dominica

• Capital: Roseau
• Overview: Dominica is an island of natural beauty, with volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and lush rainforests. Known as the “Nature Island,” it’s perfect for eco-tourism, hiking, and diving. The island is also home to the world’s second-largest boiling lake.

Dominican Republic

• Capital: Santo Domingo
• Overview: The Dominican Republic offers a combination of beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and historical landmarks. Santo Domingo, the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the Americas, is full of colonial architecture and lively nightlife, while the country’s beaches and mountains cater to all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts.

Grenada

• Capital: St. George’s
• Overview: Known as the “Spice Island” for its production of nutmeg and other spices, Grenada offers lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture. Visitors can explore the island’s spice plantations, rainforests, and coral reefs, making it a great destination for nature lovers and beachgoers.

Haiti

• Capital: Port-au-Prince
• Overview: Haiti is a country with a rich history, from its revolutionary past to its vibrant culture and art scene. Visitors can explore the Citadelle Laferrière, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy the country’s beautiful mountain landscapes and bustling markets.

Jamaica

• Capital: Kingston
• Overview: Known for its reggae music, beautiful beaches, and rich culture, Jamaica is a favorite Caribbean destination. Kingston, the capital, is home to the Bob Marley Museum, while the island’s stunning beaches, waterfalls, and vibrant nightlife attract visitors from around the world.

St Kitts and Nevis

• Capital: Basseterre
• Overview: This twin-island nation is known for its charming landscapes, from rainforests to volcanic peaks. Saint Kitts has a historic sugar plantation and the famous Brimstone Hill Fortress, while Nevis offers tranquil beaches and the historic bath hotel.

St Lucia

• Capital: Castries
• Overview: Known for its stunning natural beauty, Saint Lucia is famous for its dramatic Pitons, volcanic beaches, and luxurious resorts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, diving, and relaxing in natural hot springs or on the island’s secluded beaches.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

• Capital: Kingstown
• Overview: This island nation is famous for its stunning chain of islands and pristine beaches. Saint Vincent offers a rich cultural heritage and lush landscapes, perfect for exploring nature, hiking, and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.

Trinidad and Tobago

• Capital: Port of Spain
• Overview: Trinidad and Tobago are known for their vibrant carnival, diverse culture, and rich natural beauty. Trinidad is lively with its bustling cities and festivals, while Tobago offers peaceful beaches and nature reserves, perfect for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Caribbean Territories:

Anguilla (UK)

• Capital: The Valley
• Overview: A British Overseas Territory, Anguilla is renowned for its stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. With a laid-back atmosphere, the island offers excellent water sports, fine dining, and luxury resorts.

Aruba (Netherlands)

• Capital: Oranjestad
• Overview: Aruba, with its stunning white-sand beaches and year-round sunshine, is a popular destination for beach lovers. Oranjestad, the capital, is known for its colorful Dutch colonial buildings, while the island’s desert landscapes and crystal-clear waters offer excellent opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Bermuda (UK)

• Capital: Hamilton
• Overview: A British overseas territory, Bermuda offers pink sand beaches, a mild climate, and a rich colonial history. Hamilton is a charming city with vibrant cultural sites, while the island offers outdoor activities such as golfing, snorkeling, and exploring historic forts.

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius & Saba (Netherlands)

• Capital: Kralendijk (Bonaire)
• Overview: These three Dutch Caribbean islands are known for their stunning marine life and exceptional diving opportunities. Bonaire is especially famous for its marine park, Sint Eustatius for its volcanic landscapes, and Saba for its hiking and nature reserves.

British Virgin Islands (UK)

• Capital: Road Town (Tortola)
• Overview: Famous for its sailing, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters, the British Virgin Islands offer a relaxed atmosphere with a variety of water activities, luxury resorts, and opportunities for island-hopping.

Cayman Islands (UK)

• Capital: George Town
• Overview: Known for its world-class diving spots and crystal-clear waters, the Cayman Islands are a premier destination for water sports enthusiasts. The islands are also famous for their upscale resorts, luxurious shopping, and vibrant marine life.

Curacao (Netherlands)

• Capital: Willemstad
• Overview: Known for its colorful Dutch colonial architecture, Curacao is an island with vibrant culture and a rich history. The capital, Willemstad, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, while the island offers beautiful beaches, water sports, and a lively nightlife.

French Guiana (France)

• Capital: Cayenne
• Overview: French Guiana, an overseas region of France, is known for its dense rainforests, diverse wildlife, and unique French influence. Visitors can explore the infamous Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands), including the historical Devil’s Island prison.

Guadeloupe (France)

• Capital: Basse-Terre
• Overview: An overseas region of France, Guadeloupe is famous for its diverse landscapes, from rainforests and volcanic peaks to beautiful beaches. It offers rich culture, French cuisine, and an abundance of outdoor activities like hiking, diving, and exploring nature reserves.

Martinique (France)

• Capital: Fort-de-France
• Overview: Martinique is known for its tropical beaches, lush rainforests, and French Caribbean culture. Visitors can enjoy French-inspired cuisine, explore beautiful botanical gardens, and hike to the summit of Mount Pelée, an active volcano.

Montserrat (UK)

• Capital: Brades (formerly Plymouth)
• Overview: Known as the “Emerald Isle of the Caribbean” due to its Irish heritage, Montserrat offers dramatic volcanic landscapes and lush greenery. The island was significantly impacted by a volcanic eruption in the 1990s, but it remains a fascinating destination for history and nature lovers.

Puerto Rico (USA)

• Capital: San Juan
• Overview: A beautiful mix of Spanish colonial history, vibrant culture, and tropical landscapes, Puerto Rico is known for its stunning beaches, historic forts, and lively festivals. San Juan boasts colorful architecture and exciting nightlife, while the island’s nature reserves and rainforests provide opportunities for hiking and adventure.

Saint Barthelemy (France)

• Capital: Gustavia
• Overview: A French overseas territory known for its glamorous lifestyle, Saint Barthelemy offers luxury resorts, fine dining, and world-class shopping. The island’s stunning beaches and turquoise waters attract both the elite and sun-seekers.

Saint Martin (France)

• Capital: Marigot (French side) / Philipsburg (Dutch side)
• Overview: This unique island is shared between France and the Netherlands. Famous for its blend of French and Dutch cultures, Saint Martin offers beautiful beaches, fine dining, duty-free shopping, and a variety of water activities like sailing, snorkeling, and kite surfing.

Sint Maarten (Netherlands)

• Capital: Philipsburg
• Overview: The Dutch side of the island is known for its lively atmosphere, shopping, and casinos. Sint Maarten offers a combination of luxury resorts, beaches, and adventurous water activities, along with a vibrant nightlife scene.

Turks and Caicos Islands (UK)

• Capital: Cockburn Town
• Overview: Famous for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs, the Turks and Caicos Islands are perfect for water activities like snorkeling, diving, and sailing. The islands also offer secluded resorts and a laid-back atmosphere for visitors seeking relaxation.

US Virgin Islands (USA)

• Capital: Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas)
• Overview: Famous for their beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, the US Virgin Islands offer a mix of relaxation and adventure, with rich history and stunning landscapes. Visitors can explore historic sites and enjoy various water activities.

Best Time to Visit the Caribbean

• High Season (December–April): Perfect weather, fewer rain showers, but higher prices and crowds.
• Shoulder Season (May–June, November): Great balance of price and pleasant weather.
• Low Season (July–October): Fewer tourists, best hotel deals, but higher risk of hurricanes.

Pro Tips:

• Travel in early December or late April to enjoy good weather and lower prices.
• Book in advance if visiting during Christmas or Carnival.

Top Things to Do in the Caribbean

• Island-Hopping Tours – Book multi-stop day trips by catamaran or ferry.
• Snorkeling and Scuba Diving – Explore coral reefs in Belize, Bonaire, and Turks and Caicos.
• Rainforest Hikes – Visit El Yunque (Puerto Rico), Dominica, or St. Vincent.
• Cultural Tours – Discover rum distilleries in Barbados or historic sugar plantations in St. Kitts.
• Waterfall Chasing – Swim beneath Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica or Emerald Pool in Dominica.
• Wildlife Encounters – Swim with pigs in Exuma or spot flamingos in Bonaire.

Explore these experiences on Viator Caribbean Tours.

Culture & History

The Caribbean’s cultural fabric is woven from African, European, Indigenous, and East Indian roots.

• Carnival: Trinidad hosts the region’s most famous Carnival – a must-see for music, costumes, and street parades.
• Creole Influence: Islands like Guadeloupe and Martinique blend French colonial heritage with African traditions.
• Pirate Lore: Port Royal in Jamaica and Nassau in the Bahamas were once pirate strongholds.

Today, cultural fusion is seen in music (reggae, calypso, soca), food, and religious practices.

Beaches, Nature & Outdoor Experiences

• Grace Bay Beach (Turks & Caicos) – Ideal for families and luxury travelers.
• Pink Sands Beach (Bahamas) – Unique rose-colored sand and Instagram-worthy shots.
• Boiling Lake (Dominica) – One of the world’s largest hot springs, perfect for serious hikers.
• Humpback Whale Watching (Dominican Republic) – Seasonal tours in Samaná Bay.

Nature Tips:

• Bring eco-safe sunscreen to protect coral reefs.
• Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.

Viewpoints & Photo Opportunities

• Shirley Heights (Antigua) – Sunset views and steel drum music on Sunday nights.
• Mount Liamuiga (St. Kitts) – Panoramic crater views after a rewarding hike.
• Brimstone Hill Fortress (St. Kitts) – A UNESCO site with sweeping vistas of neighboring islands.

Bring:

• Hiking shoes
• Wide-angle lens
• Refillable water bottle

Local Food & Drink Guide

Must-Try Dishes:

• Jerk Chicken (Jamaica)
• Flying Fish and Cou-Cou (Barbados)
• Callaloo Soup (St. Lucia)
• Conch Salad (Bahamas)

Top Culinary Experiences:

• Street food at Oistins Fish Fry in Barbados
• Rum tasting at Mount Gay Distillery
• Food tours in San Juan or Kingston

Find bookable Caribbean food tours here.

Getting There & Getting Around

Airports:

• Major hubs include San Juan (SJU), Montego Bay (MBJ), Nassau (NAS), and Bridgetown (BGI).

Cruises:

• Many travelers arrive via Caribbean cruise lines with stops across multiple islands.

Transport Tips:

• Ferries run between some islands like St. Martin–Anguilla or St. Lucia–Martinique.
• Use local taxis (negotiate the rate), shared minibuses, or car rentals depending on the island.

Apps like Rome2Rio and Google Maps help navigate public transport routes.

Hidden Gems & Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots

• Isla de Vieques (Puerto Rico) – Home to the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay.
• Bequia (St. Vincent & the Grenadines) – A quiet island with unspoiled charm.
• Cabo Rojo (Dominican Republic) – Pristine beaches away from Punta Cana crowds.
• Pigeon Island (St. Lucia) – A tranquil historic park with minimal tourists.

Custom Experiences & Safety Tips

Custom Tours:

• Book private yacht charters or custom island-hopping adventures via Viator.

Safety Tips:

• Stick to reputable transport providers.
• Avoid isolated beaches after dark.
• Drink bottled water where advised and use mosquito repellent in forested areas.

Nearby Destinations & Add-On Trips

• Florida Keys – An easy U.S. add-on after visiting the Bahamas or Cuba.
• Central America (Belize, Panama) – Accessible from Jamaica and the Western Caribbean.
• South America (Venezuela, Colombia) – Explore Cartagena or Margarita Island via short flights.

Practical Travel Tips

The Caribbean is a paradise of sun, sea, and soulful culture. Perfect for every type of traveler, it delivers everything from luxury resorts and cultural landmarks to thrilling adventures and beach bliss.

Before You Go:

• Check visa requirements (varies by island).
• Pack reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent.
• Bring cash in small denominations for local vendors.

Ready to dive in? Start planning your Caribbean escape today—book your tours on Viator!