When planning your next trip to Caribbean Island for your vacation, think about the vacation experience you are looking for and follow these essential tips!
The Caribbean is a fantastic place to visit, partly because there are so many islands and cultures in a relatively small area! If you want to relax, there are white and pink sand beaches, hundreds of miles of reefs to explore if you dive, and old forts and plantations for history lovers.
If you’re looking for adventure, outdoor activities abound, from waterfall hikes to cave tubing. There’s fantastic snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking in mangrove canals. For more intense pursuits, many islands have world-class windsurfing and kiteboarding spots. You can even swim with dolphins! Plus, there’s no shortage of resorts, luxury hotels, spas, and junior golf courses. With so much to see and do, the Caribbean is a destination that’s hard to beat!
With so many affordable options in the Caribbean, it’s a perfect destination for any traveler!
How to Choose the Right Caribbean Island for Your Vacation
Couple getaways
Puerto Rico might be the perfect romantic destination if you’re interested in a couple’s island getaway. This island’s lush natural beauty and ancient Spanish charm make it a top honeymoon destination for many Caribbean-bound couples.
During the day, lounge on the beach with a glass of Bacardi rum from the Cataño distillery or stroll the shaded Paseo de la Princessa. At night, dance the salsa in the cafes of Old San Juan or take a sunset cruise accompanied by champagne.
The magnificent Fortaleza Suites Old San Juan is in the heart of Old San Juan and close to some of the area’s trendiest restaurants and shops!
Family gateways
St. Maarten can be a great and affordable family vacation in the Caribbean, offering fun activities for kids of all ages. Orient Beach Butterfly Farm is home to thousands of brightly colored butterflies and is close to Le Galion family beach. Downtown Simpson Bay offers ice cream, duty-free shopping, and a famous carousel!
The Sonesta Maho Beach All-Inclusive Resort collection of Ascend hotels® members is right on Maho Beach and a short distance from all of the above highlights, where kids can watch planes land and take off (and parents can grab a drink from the pool bar).
For the adventurous, there are lush jungles with hidden waterfalls and secret coves waiting to be discovered, and of course, all the water sports like surfing, sailing, swimming, and fishing. You can also try out traditional local cuisine from the islands or explore the street food and outdoor markets. No matter what brings you to the Caribbean, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!
Solo travel
When we think of solo travel, Bonaire immediately comes to mind. This small island in the Dutch Caribbean is a safe yet welcoming destination for solo travelers worldwide.
Scuba diving is especially popular in Bonaire, making it the perfect place for beginners to get their feet wet. At the same time, experienced divers will love the variety of dive sites to explore. Plus, since the island is not as heavily developed and lacks the famous tourist spots found in other popular Caribbean destinations, it’s great for people who want to escape the crowds while still enjoying the sunshine and surf. Staying at the Plaza Beach Resort Bonair is a good experience in Bonaire.
Water sports
The Cayman Islands are home to some of the most stunning dive sites in the Caribbean, ranging from natural reefs to sunken ships of all ages. Situated off the northern coast of Grand Cayman lies a collection of sandbars known as Stingray City, an area popular among daring swimmers who come to pet and even feed the stingrays!
If that’s not enough, guests of Grand Cayman can take advantage of ski and boat rentals provided by local rental agencies. For visitors looking to access the great outdoors, many hotels like the Comfort Suites® Seven Mile Beach happily arrange for fishing, kayaking, and dolphin-watching excursions.
For those seeking activity, there are plenty of options as well. From water sports such as surfing, snorkeling, and kayaking to inland activities like hiking up the local mountains or zip lining through rainforests, the Caribbean has opportunities to explore and have fun. And, of course, the local nightlife should not be missed — from jazz and salsa clubs to reggae beach parties, there’s something to keep everyone entertained!
Relaxation
Sometimes, a getaway should be a chance to get away from it all and relax; Curaçao’s fantastic adventure opportunities offer travelers plenty of opportunities to rest and rediscover themselves. The island’s name comes from ‘Isla de Curacion,’ or Healing Island, and many of the resorts on the island have phenomenal restorative spas.
The Blue Bay Beach Villas gets great reviews and offers an outdoor pool, fitness center, and private beach.
Island hopper
Are you looking to visit multiple Caribbean island for your vacation in one trip? The Bahamas are the ideal destination.
It is very easy to book an island hopping tour to visit all the main islands of the Bahamas, and their proximity to the Florida Keys, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic makes it possible to take a boat or a pond to the greater Caribbean region. Yet, with over ten unique islands to explore, there’s hardly any need to leave the Bahamas!
The idyllic beaches, tropical climate, incredible seafood, and countless activities make the Bahamas an unparalleled journey of discovery. From snorkeling and diving to sailing and fishing, there’s something for anyone who visits. Tour operators offer excursions to explore the islands’ natural beauty; some even provide access to private resorts for extra luxury and pampering. There are countless other attractions and activities to enjoy, such as the exotic wildlife, delicious drinks, and interesting culture that have long delighted visitors worldwide. So, if you’re looking for a unique Caribbean vacation experience, look no further than the Bahamas!
Nightlife
Want to party? Aruba is one of the best party islands in the world! With great clubs like the Zombie Room, Club Hipsz, and the infamous Senor Frogs, there will always be somewhere to find a drink and a dance floor. If you’re not confident in your skills, you can brush up on Aruba Salsa and then take the Kukoo Kunuku party bus for dinner, an island tour, and non-stop partying!
For those looking for a more low-key evening, there are plenty of great bars and restaurants in Aruba. You can sip a glass of wine and watch the sunset at the Flying Fishbone or sit at the famous Moomba Beach Bar and Grill and enjoy some live music and delicious food. There’s something for everyone in Aruba, so you can always find the perfect spot to let loose and have a great time.
So choosing the perfect Caribbean island for your vacation is easy, whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a solo trip, or a vacation with the whole family!
