Which Caribbean Island to visit for the perfect vacation?

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Travelcentre US Blog > Destination guides > Which Caribbean Island to visit for the perfect vacation?

It is always a perfect time to plan an island getaway and there is no better option than the Caribbean islands. Your journey is going to be filled with everything from white sand beaches to beautiful sunsets and cocktail parties. Wondering which Caribbean island to visit? We’ve got you covered based on your interests as well!

Let’s explore our options and see what the Caribbean holds for us –
  • Jamaica
  • Barbados
  • Dominica
  • Saint Lucia
  • The Bahamas

And let’s get right into choosing the best one out of all these gems that are perfect for you!

Jamaica

which Caribbean island to visit - Jamaica

Perfect for – Nature-Lovers, adventure-seekers, family vacations, and luxury resort finders.

Every nature admirer’s go-to spot for an amazing time away from the busy city scenes. It’s the best Caribbean Island for families, just in case you were looking to get adventurous.

It might not be the closest Caribbean island to the UK but it sure is one of the fun-filled spots for everyone in the family!

Not just the basics like enjoying spicy food and going to fancy resorts Jamaica provides, but also you might need to tie your shoelaces a little bit tighter for non-stop hiking and bird watching in the jungle. Yes, it’s Tarzan calling!

And not just on land, Jamaica cools you off with a little splash as well. From stunning waterfalls to golden sand beaches, it doesn’t matter if you are traveling solo or with your family, these water-filled spots are a charmer.

Here are some to look out for –
  • Reach Falls
  • YS Falls
  • Somerset Falls
  • Doctor’s Cave Beach
  • Winnifred Beach
  • Boston Bay Beach

But if you are not all up for beaches and waterfalls, there are much more experiences that await you to take your vacation by surprise. Try rafting in the Rio Grande River or get the adrenaline rushing with some Zipline adventures, and still, there is so much more to do.

You might have different favorites on experiences on land or water but something we all love is food! Jamaican food brings out the magic with its seasoning and spices marking its territory on the question of which Caribbean island to visit if you are looking for the best food that your whole family will enjoy.

Start off the dining scenes with an amazing delicacy like the Fish Escovitch and then try the Brown stew chicken, Pepper Pot Soup, Jamaican Corn Soup and much more that awaits to surprise you on the food journey.

If you are thinking about which Caribbean island to visit with your family then Jamaica welcomes you with all of its best adventures and natural wonders.


Barbados

which Caribbean island to visit - Barbados

Perfect for – Budget-friendly vacations and water activities.

Barbados is one of the southern Caribbean islands that offer you a wide range of experiences perfect for all sorts of travelers. You can be a history buff, a relaxing beach lover or someone looking for activities that will keep you on the run throughout your vacation, Barbados answers all your needs. And it is also the closest Caribbean island to UK, convenient right?

If you love surfing, make your way to Bathsheba Bay and see what the waves have for you. If you are ready for some explorations in Barbados or some cave experiences that will make your jaw drop, let’s start with Animal Flower Cave and Harrison’s Cave.

Here are some spots to visit – 
  • St. Nicholas Abbey
  • Barbados Wildlife Reserve
  • Farley Hill National Park
  • Hunte’s Gardens
  • Welchman Hall Gully

And that is not all of it!

If you are bored of relaxing all day, then take a stroll on the Richard Haynes Boardwalk to admire some seascapes and enjoy some fine seaside dining. Keep your eye open for Tapas Restaurant and Naru Restaurant, where you can get some jaw-dropping views.

But we’re not done with the water activities for you yet!

Adding to the list are places like Folkestone Marine Park & Museum where you can go snorkeling and diving. 

After all of the exploring, Barbados has the perfect culinary treat for you! This gem is one of the Southern Caribbean islands that offer a unique food journey.

As the sharp flavours and spiced aroma let your imagination run wild, these are some of the food you will fall in love with –
  • Cou-Cou and Flying Fish
  • Yellow Split Pea Rice & Salt Fish Gravy
  • White Rice and Sea Eggs
  • Chicken Pilau
  • Cassava Pone

Along with some drinks that are on the must-try list like the Sorrell and Mauby.

In the end, if you are looking for an all-rounder experience you know which Caribbean island to visit!


Dominica

which Caribbean island to visit - Dominica

Perfect for – Hikers, divers, and travelers interested in culture.

You may love an island getaway for the adventures or spend some quality time relaxing to the sound of the waves, but you will love Dominica for an entirely new reason!

Filled with lush rainforests, lakes, gorges, hot springs, and volcanic landscapes, and not to forget the mountains that decorate most of the views that your eyes catch.

Is it fun to visit Dominica as a nature lover? Yes! Is it one of the best Caribbean islands for families? Also, yes! Get ready to get your mind refreshed by all the very green sceneries that surround you. If you are looking for the closest Caribbean island to the UK, Dominica is not the answer but it is the answer to all your other vacation dreams!

Also, it is one of the Southern Caribbean islands that offers a wide range of unique spots that blend with nature dramatically.

You will admire its unspoiled beauty as you explore! Being highly photogenic, some of the locations like Victoria Falls and the Papillote Tropical Gardens are going to be loved by your cameras. Or if you are up for something thrilling, take the 3-hour hike to the Boiling Lake and learn its story!

But the exciting experiences doesn’t stop there, check these out too –
  • Cabrits National Park
  • Trafalgar Falls
  • Roseau
  • Morne Trois Pitons National Park
  • Batibou beach

If the regular beach experiences bore you, get ready for something extra magical! Visit the black sand beaches like the Rosalie Bay Beach, Purple Turtle Beach and Number One Beach.

After all, this adventuring let’s stop to explore Dominica’s cuisine! Being a mix of Caribbean, French, Asian and African dishes, the result that comes to your table would make you drool. 

From the Mountain Chicken which is a fried chicken leg with spices and seasonings and served along with local vegetables such as yams, yucca, pumpkin and plantains to the Codfish sandwich that can create magical moments on your taste buds. 

Here are some more foods to get your hands on – 
  • Sancocho
  • Chatou Water
  • Callaloo Soup
  • Agouti
  • Manicou

Don’t forget to explore what kind of beverages it has for you as well.

So, imagine your perfect day by visiting Mero Beach and then grabbing a sorrel punch to end the day on a good note. If you are thinking of all the wholesome things to do on vacation you know which Caribbean Island to visit!


Saint Lucia

which Caribbean island to visit - St Lucia

Perfect for – Couples, Honeymooners and explorers.

Which Caribbean Island to visit if you are looking for romance and relaxation? It would be Saint Lucia! Don’t let just the sulfur hot springs and a drive-in volcano take you out by surprise but this island will delight every traveler according to their needs.

One of the best Southern Caribbean islands for all-rounder beaches?

Starting with spots like Marigot Bay and Rodney Bay for some time with the sea, and not just for the relaxation in the morning, these spots heat it up at night by turning into hot spots for nightlife.

Oh, hold up, we’ve got more!

All the adventure-seekers visiting this island are thrilled all day to try everything out, from Hiking, ziplining, diving, snorkeling, and many more, you would need to start early for some exploring.

If you are all done with the sea and want to see some jaw-dropping vistas, then hike the Tet Paul Nature Trail or if you are in the mood for history and culture, you get it at Morne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park.

Saint Lucia has its best game to make your vacation the best one! See some of the other activities you can try –
  • Visit the historic sites of Pigeon Island National Park
  • Get a water taxi to Anse Chastanet Beach
  • Explore and see the beauty of Toraille Waterfall
  • Rejuvenate and enjoy the Sulphur Hot Springs
  • Go shopping at Castries Market

and many more fun things await you!

As we’re speaking about how it keeps you entertained, do you know which of the Southern Caribbean islands brings all sorts of flavours to your plate? Some traditional soups like Callaloo soup and Bouyon let you begin the food journey smoothly and get you on the spicy side with Pepperpot and Lambi. Even snacks and desserts like Accra, bakes, avocado balls and banana bread have a story for your appetite. 

At last, if your wanderlust, doesn’t crave Saint Lucia, you might want to ask again!


The Bahamas

which Caribbean island to visit - Bahamas

Perfect for – sea-lovers, cruisers, and families looking for a hot vacation.

Don’t just look for the closest Caribbean island to the UK, let your wanderlust take you to enchanted places.

From crescent-shaped shores to museums and boating opportunities, your itinerary being packed with activities is guaranteed by the best Caribbean island for families, The Bahamas.

Not just over the sea, we dive under it as well!

If you are a little curious about what happens under the sea, we welcome you to the ultimate underwater wonderland! Andros Island is where your dreams come true.

Or if you just want to add a magical feel to the tour, get to Blue Lagoon and swim with the dolphins. Something right out of a fairytale movie? Yes, please! 

For more reasons why it’s one of the best Caribbean islands for families, we’re not missing out on water slides and splash pools here! Get to Paradise Island Water Park right away!

Even the shopaholics love it here at the Port Lucaya Marketplace; as the atmosphere is busy and colorful, you might want to stop at a boutique outlet for something memorable you can take back home.

Here are some other fun spots to visit in The Bahamas –
  • Cable Beach
  • Eleuthera Island
  • Stocking Island
  • Treasure Cay Beach
  • Elbow Cay

And each of these spots holds many beautiful moments that you will cherish forever, and look out for more as well.

After all the adventuring, stop for some traditional Bahamian food! These delights will make you explore more on the menu each time you visit a new restaurant!
  • Conch salad
  • Boiled fish
  • Bahamian crawfish
  • Souse
  • Conch fritters
  • Baked crab
  • Bahamian stew fish
Along with some Bahamian side dishes and snacks to try –
  • Bahamian hot patties
  • Peas ‘n rice
  • Johnnycake
  • Baked Mac and Cheese

and that is how we made a foodie’s dream come true!

If you want to experience all of this, now you know which Caribbean island to visit. 

It might be a tough decision to make on which Caribbean island to visit when running behind the vacation needs, but anything for some magical moments in the sun right? Even if you are looking for the closest Caribbean island to the UK or even the best Caribbean islands for families, our options make sure you come back home from the most amazing vacation! Are you ready for it!

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