"People didn't care about the garbage they throw around." Antigua and Barbuda. Planning tip: Consider spending a day in Providenciales. 1. Get to Nassau, hop on a commuter flight, take a cab to the dock and board a water taxi that takes you to Kamalame Cay, a private island in Andros in the Bahamas. At 28,000 square acres, El Yunque is the only year-round tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system and is the oldest forest reserve in the Western Hemisphere. SAN ANDRS, COLOMBIA. Stay-Over Tourists: Year 2021: 1,464,399 / Year 2020: 880,404 Jamaica remains the third most visited island in the Caribbean. If you want an island escape, this might just be it. Belize, Costa Rica, and Mexico all have Caribbean coasts. Nature lovers will want to hike to the 301-acre Jack and Isaac Bay Preserve, home to some 400 species of fish and endangered green and hawksbill turtles. Agriculture - particularly banana crops - are central to this regained prosperity. On top of that, several reviewers on TripAdvisor note how littered the beaches are. Let nature soothe your soul. From the over-commercialized to the virtually undiscovered, to the accessible resorts to the most private islands youve never heard of. Tortola is okay but not the best. The beaches are nothing special when compared to the ones in Florida and there are other, more scenic places in the Caribbean. From the crowded beaches ofPuerto Rico to the dangerous streets of Jamaica,join us as we count down 15 Caribbean destinations that are overrated, if these tourist photos are anything to go by. Nine of New Zealands national parks are located here, offering a virtually unlimited supply of trails for biking, walking and hiking. However, the island remains a key exporter of spices, and is the second biggest exporter of nutmeg in the world. The former French islands of Guadeloupe are a fascinating archipelago of 5 islands well known for their distinctive Creole culture, cuisine, and celebrations. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. But dont let filters and good angles fool you, many of these destinations may leave you underwhelmed. Check Rates and Availability for: Hotels in Cuba | Tours in Cuba. It's a friendly spot where the music is pumping. Located in the Caribbean about 65 kilometers off the northern coast of Honduras, this small island rose in popularity for those trying to strike a balance between backpacking and beach lounging. Bora Bora should officially change its name to Boring Boring. Additionally, the islands are British Overseas Territories. Barbados: Beautiful white sand beach in Turks & Caicos. Is Belize Safe? It is known as being a haven for diving and snorkeling because of the reefs surrounding the island. The beautiful Caribbean has countless places where couples can discover romance. According to some forums on the net, particularly Fodor's, Aruba is an overrated region. Bearing in mind a wet season, possible hurricanes and a stretch of super-humid weather, here's when to visit Everglades National Park. While that will entertain you for a few hours, this small island doesnt have much else to offer. Exuma Island picked up some travel steam a few years ago thanks to its famous Pig Beach. This 300 acre private Caribbean island is located just off the coast of Antigua. Puerto Rico: 16th-century citadel in San Juan named Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Sosua Beach only looks good in postcards; it's actually overrun by tourist shops according to Trip Advisor. The resort is near the worlds third-largest barrier reef with acres of coconut palm groves and vegetation that competes with the bluest sea for what is most awesome. One of the most popular is Captain Bills Blue Hole inBlue Holes National Park. Dominican Republic: Beach Day at Hard Rock Hotel Casino Resort Punta Photo Credit: Dominican Republic Tourist Board. Everything in the BVI is so cut and dry and boring and the food is horrible. There are also many land-based options, such as horseback riding and hiking. Antigua Antigua offers peace, quiet and 365 gorgeous beaches to boot. Most describe this popular Italian island as overpriced and touristy. Shops here are more expensive than those in most of the countrys other destinations and do not stay open year round. (Langkawi Info). Nicknamed "The nature island of the Caribbean", the thrills are loggerhead turtles, whales, hot springs, boiling lakes, mountains, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. She enjoys uncovering niche culture scenes wherever she goes, and spreading the word about them. More than 50 countries across the world host Carnival, but it's in Latin America and the Caribbean that you will find its beating heart. Belize, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Mexico all offer islands off their Caribbean coastsislands that share the same turquoise-blue waters and powder-white beaches you expect when you hear. This native only to an island of Madagascar in Africa species lives a lazy and boring life. ? South Islands also boasts the countrys highest mountains, largest lakes and biggest glaciers. Dine at The Rocks that sits 300m (1000ft) above sea level on the grounds of theGolden Rock Inn, where you can enjoy magnificent sea views, cascading ponds, and lush gardens. And if you need a break from all of that activity, the South Island hosts the countrys most significant wine-producing region (New Zealand Travel Insider). This is a list of islands in the Caribbean by area. Tourists are more at risk of petty crimes and pickpocketing than anything. The two volcanic peaksGros Piton and Petit Pitonare the most iconic landmarks on the island, and visitors can enjoy them in a variety of ways. This suggests that despite its growing economy, marked internal inequalities have yet to be resolved. The sandy beaches are generally wide and flat with waves meant for jumping and body surfing. Banana production employs a third of the population. Paradise Island in the Bahamas boasts the famous Atlantis resort, which began reopening towers after a massive renovation in 1998. Big Island booooring, all you can do is take an helicopter and see the volcano, you spend $1000 in a one day "vacation" and it is boring. What could be more glamorous than a luxurious vacation in The Maldives? Source: flickr. Separated by a short gap of sky-blue Caribbean Sea in the midst of the Leeward Islands, the duo that makes up Antigua and Barbuda represent one of the region's most well-rounded tourist draws. Aside from one incident in which two people were murdered within 24 hours in 2017, Bonaire doesn't have much major crime. Check Rates and Availability for: Hotels in the Dominican Republic | Tours in the Dominican Republic. With summer approaching, many of us are dreaming of the soft sandy beaches and shining blue shallows promised by sunny Caribbean islands but for some lucky people, these exotic islands are home all ye. Most hotels are not walking distance to the town center either, making getting around difficult. Ranked as the number one honeymoon destination by US News Travel, St. Lucia is a solo traveler or adventure seekers nightmare. The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. Barbados. There are bars, vintage cars, and plenty of hole in the wall shops selling the eponymous Cuban cigars. All rights reserved. Cuba: Palacio de Valle. Experience the best of Puerto Ricos vibrant capital, San Juan, with this guide to the top things to do. The Caribbean Islands. Key West may seem like a glamorous Oceanside town, but this is one place where the book doesnt necessarily match the cover. If you do travel to the Dominican Republic, do not exhibit signs of wealth by wearing expensive jewelry. Aruba: Family At Butterfly Farm. When youre done sunbathing at one of its uncrowded beaches, take a dip in the natural pool at the Arikok National Wildlife Park or stroll through the capital, Oranjestad, and gaze at the citys unique colonial-era architecture. Thanks to an endless supply of bloggers and influencers flooding our social media feeds, practically anywhere in the world can look like the most luxurious place weve ever seen. Explore 150 of the worlds most enchanting islands in this inspirational coffee table book that features beautiful photography, illustrations and maps. TheU.S. Department of State's crime warningswhich take into account the number of crimes and homicides reported to law enforcement agencies per 100,000 inhabitantsare a pretty reliable indication of which islands have lower rates of violent crime. 9. She loves traveling the region in search of the best cultural and foodie adventures, places to stay and live/work opportunities. Take a trip to The Exumas to see the swimming pigs and explore other islands between sips of Bahama Mama, one of many rum-based cocktails on the island. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. Havana is well known for its lively entertainment featuring jazz, Latin music, dance, and copious amounts of rum-flavored drinks. Tourists are advised to take normal precautions, such as not walking alone, carrying valuable possessions, or leaving anything unattended at the beach. Photo Credit: Bahamas Tourist Board. Parrot fish, brain coral, Sergent majors. It's a big commercialized beach. Kingston shouldn't be confused as a tropical paradise (despite what Bob Marley tells you). 5. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Jumby Bay Island, Antigua and Barbuda. If youre looking to lounge on the beach, choose from one of Granadas soft sand beaches. millions of visitors to the Caribbean region, 26 Sandals Resorts International Properties For Your All-Inclusive Luxury Caribbean Vacation. The island whereThe Pirates of the Caribbeanwas filmed does not gather its riches from gold-filled treasure chests, but from agriculture. Island hopping between St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas is a breeze with regular ferries between the islands. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. The Tobago Cays, which are protected as a marine park, offer some of the finest snorkeling in the Caribbean. Cuba offers an eclectic blend of old-world charm in its neoclassical and baroque architecture, mixed with post-modernist styles and natural landscapes. To boot, the economy boasts a flourishing financial services industry which accounts for around 15% of GDP. A decrease in the pricing of bananas as a result of increased competition from Latin America has also thwarted export figures. While we love the soft, sandy beaches of the Caribbean, there's more to the best Caribbean islands than sun and the surf. Keeps Mexico and Several Caribbean Islands on Travel Advisory List, 2020 Travel Warnings for Countries in Africa, 16 Cheapest Islands in the World to Visit. Stay-Over Tourists: Year 2021: 806,534/ Year 2020: 368,322 Visitors to the Dutch enclave of Aruba can enjoy ultimate relaxation on its breathtaking white-sand beaches or embark on thrilling escapades to explore the natural landscape. Check into theMandarin Oriental, Canouan and you may feel like youre in a private-island sanctuary, a secret escape, with just 26 suites and 13 villas on the 1200-acre estate thats on Godahl Beach. Just missing out on the top spot is Trinidad and Tobago, a twin-island nation with a GDP per capita income of 33, 026. That was the dirtiest, most disgusting island that I had ever been to. On the surface, the private island of Mustique seems like a dream. A black sand beach on St Kitts (Getty Images) 1. Unlike most other Caribbean nations, its high-income economy is dependent, not on tourism, but on industry, with petrochemical and petrochemicals fueling a solid GDP growth. The Bahamas soars to the top of our list thanks to its prosperous tourism industry. Looking to escape the everyday grind with a picture-perfect romantic holiday? And with a limited amount of easily accessible coastline (about 13 kilometers), the crowds at up quickly. Fill up on jerk pork, chicken, ribs, grilled lobster, fish and conch, and of course peas and rice. In 2009 the island's economy was hit hard by the economic recession which decreased the number of visitors to the island but in past years tourism has picked up again: in 2013, it accounted for approximately 60% of GDP and 40% of investments. Basseterre's crime rate is still soaring to new heights (it was named the most violent city in 2011). Larger than most Caribbean islands, both in terms of population and land mass, the Bahamas is reliant on tourism to drive its economy - with everything from budget-friendly hotels to luxe lodgings available. Also see: Best things to do in Cuba. It offers a gorgeous array of mountains, hot springs, waterfalls and fresh water lakes which have earned it the enticing nickname of 'Nature Isle of the Caribbean'. If you're planning to come, the weekdays are less crowded. Puerto Rico is a little more progressive and commercialized than most of the ads you see on TV. Unfortunately, this overly commercialized Island seems to have lost its charming Caribbean vibe (Trip Advisor). Capri is one of those places you go to say you went there, but nothing more. Beyond Che Guevara and Guantanamo Bay, there is a fledgling tourism industry in Cuba. Trek the parks trails with views of mountains and the rainforest. Undeniably, tourism is the industry that has flourished the most in the region but many of these islands are also agricultural strongholds, or have opened up to manufacturing and financial industries. An absolute bucket list experience has to be. Overseas Security Advisory Council. If you want to enjoy a little privacy, why not try the nearby Cabarete beach instead, where you can enjoy windsurfing and stroll peacefully without vendors trying to harass you. From the iconic pitons of St. Lucia and tropical rainforest of Puerto. So, if youre in the mood for the beauty without the bustle, heres where to go. Published by. There is only so much snow shoveling you can do before you need a break. Caribbean Travel Guide: Dominica. One of the best Caribbean islands for nature lovers, it boasts with eco-resorts and protected areas. Photo Credit: napa74 via 123RF.com. 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