This Is the Best Caribbean Island for You
- noblige
Anguilla
As flat as a pancake, this British Overseas Territory just north of the dual-nation island of St. Maarten/St. Martin has come to be known as the place to really get away from it all—and not do much once you're there.
Fly to AXA from St. Maarten (SXM) or take the ferry from Marigot in St. Martin.
- cworthy
Antigua
With a much-touted 365 beaches to chose from, this former British colony still treats cricket near religiously, and is known as one of the Caribbean's premier sailing spots.
Fly to V. C. Bird International Airport (ANU) just north of the capital, St. John's.
BEST FOR: ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS | HISTORIC INNS | ROMANCE | SAILING
- Nisangha
Aruba
The second largest of the Dutch 'ABC' islands, outside of the region's hurricane belt, Aruba couldn't be a better choice if you're looking for a sunny vacation with long beaches and full-service resorts. The Arikok National Park, comprising 18% of the island, is a hidden treasure—a cacti-filled landscape well worth exploring.
Fly to Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) in Oranjestad.
- peeterv
Bahamas
More than 700 islands and thousands of deserted cays make up this sprawling island nation, barely 60 miles east of Florida. Although technically in the Atlantic, the crystal clear turquoise waters here are on par with anything found farther south.
The Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau is the island nation's main point of entry with connections to dozens of smaller airports and airstrips (some also served nonstop from the U.S. mainland).
BEST FOR: AFFORDABLE VACATIONS | CASINO | FAMILY | FILM BUFFS | GOLF | PRIVATE ISLANDS | QUICK ESCAPES | SAILING | UNSPOILED
- Bob Thomas
Barbados
Barbados has something for everyone: pink sand beaches, exotic wildlife (think monkeys, sea turtles, and eight species of bats), and sunsets just begging to be enjoyed with a fresh cocktail.
Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) is the island's main point of entry on the south shore.
- Reinhard Dirscherl
Bonaire
Only 50 miles from South America, Bonaire scuttles the notion of the ABC Islands by being the farthest east in the chain. It's foreboding dry, desert landscape barely hints at the wonders just below the waters that surround the tiny island. Its entire coral reef is a national park. Lac Bay is one of the best spots in the world to windsurf.
Delta flies nonstop from Atlanta to the Flamingo International Airport (BON) in Kralendijk. Connections are also available through Aruba (AUA) and Curaçao. KLM flies daily from Amsterdam.
- IreneCorti
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands—Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman—have some of the best beaches in the entire Caribbean. Most people head to resorts on Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman but it's well worth exploring the others: Cayman Brac for underwater adventures, and Little Cayman for a splendidly relaxed way of life.
Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) on Grand Cayman is the country's main point of entry. Cayman Airways Express can get you to the other two in just under an hour.
BEST FOR: DIVING | PIRATES | QUICK ESCAPES | SNORKELING
- Bim
Cuba
Like any trip, your experience will be drastically different depending on your interests. In Cuba, even more so. Whether you're on a tour exploring smaller beach towns like Varadero or sipping a Hemingway daiquiri in a Havana jazz club, the country's best offerings depend on your preferences—and access.
After a spell that allowed American visitors easy entry to Cuba, taking a cruise again remains the easiest way to visit. Multiple lines make stops in Havana, Cienfuegos, and Santiago de Cuba for shore excursions. Those who are able to fly, usually arrive at the José Martí International Airport (HAV) in Havana.
- sorincolac
Curaçao
Although Curaçao has often been dwarfed by its sister island Aruba, it is heavily investing in tourism and every day brings a new hotel or restaurant to the scene. Downtown Willemstad, with its colorful Dutch and Portuguese-inspired buildings, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Much like its sister island, Bonaire, Curaçao International Airport (CUR) in Willemstad is served most frequently by American Airlines and KLM.
- Angelo Cavalli / robertharding
Dominican Republic
You'd be hard pressed to find as much to see or do anywhere else in the region. Options in the DR range from sleepy beach towns in the north to mega-resorts along its southern shores. Add the colonial splendors of the city of Santo Domingo, and it's a getaway that appeals to everyone in your group.
The five most useful airports are La Romana (LRM), Puerto Plata (POP), Punta Cana (PUJ), Santiago (STI), and Santo Domingo (SDQ). It all depends on where you're heading.
BEST FOR: AFFORDABLE VACATIONS | ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS | CASINOS | FAMILY | GOLF | NIGHTLIFE | SHOPPING | SURFING | TENNIS
- Orietta Gaspari
Grenada
Grenada is short on bad views. No matter where you stand on the island, it is invariably green, moody, and pulsing with plant life. A multitude of spices, grown and harvested here, are sold in colorful markets and directly from small farms along country roads.
The Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) is located in St. George's parish with flights on all major U.S. carriers, plus British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
BEST FOR: HEALTH & SPA | SHOPPING | SNORKELING
- SOBERKA Richard / hemis.fr
Guadeloupe
It's easy to see why Guadeloupe has long been a favorite vacation spot for French tourists. The butterfly-shaped territory has staggering waterfalls, white sand beaches, and clear water perfect for snorkeling. And thanks to new nonstop flights from New York, Providence, and Fort Lauderdale, there's never been a better time to visit.
Fly to Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP) on Grande-Terre.
BEST FOR: UNSPOILED
- Jupiterimages
Haiti
Often overlooked, Haiti rarely ceases to amaze with its vibrant modern art scene, dozens of near-empty beaches, and fantastic hiking. It's not for the timid, that's for sure, but the rewards of any visit are immense.
Two airports serve the country from the U.S.: the Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and the Cap-Haïtien International Airport (CAP) on the north coast.
- Doug Pearson
Jamaica
Jamaica may be your entry into the Caribbean, be it on spring break or an exclusive trip to GoldenEye, the former estate of Ian Fleming and now one of our favorite resorts in the world. You can also come just to eat...and eat...and eat.
Kingston (KIN), Montego Bay (MBJ), and Ocho Rios (OCJ) are the island's three major points of entry from the U.S.
BEST FOR: AFFORDABLE VACATIONS | ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS | FILM BUFFS | FOOD | HONEYMOONS | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | OFF THE BEACH | PIRATES | SURFING | TENNIS
- Marc Dozier
Martinique
This large island belongs to France, making it feel even more faraway and exotic as you put your French skills and euros to good use. Authentic Creole flavors and architecture, abundant wildlife, and great hiking are the big draws. Did we mention the rum?
The Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF) is much like that in neighboring Guadeloupe, with nonstop flights on Norwegian Air from New York, Providence, and Fort Lauderdale.
- MichaelUtech
Montserrat
Montserrat changed forever when the formidable Soufrière Hills volcano buried the southern half of the island in a Pompeii-like layer of ash, including its capital, Plymouth, in the late '90s. The north, however is completely unspoiled with surprises like the deeply-dark black sand beach at Bottomless Ghaut.
In the village of Geralds, the John A. Osborne Airport (MNI) is served by short flights from Antigua.
BEST FOR: QUIRKY OPTIONS
- shakzu
Puerto Rico
Still on the road to recovery after last year's hurricanes, Puerto Rico shouldn't be overlooked. The lights are on in most of San Juan, and the laid-back island of Culebra is one of those hidden secrets you almost don't want to share with the world.
The island's three major, international airports are in San Juan (SJU), Aguadilla (BQN), and Ponce (PSE).
BEST FOR: HISTORIC INNS | UNSPOILED
- swedishmonica
Saba
Rising from the sea like something seen in a King Kong movie, tiny Saba might not have any beaches but it's a must for skilled scuba divers, energetic hikers, and anyone looking for a quieter slice of life.
The Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport (SAB) has the shortest commercial runway in the world. Flights to and from St. Maarten (SXM) are beyond thrilling.
BEST FOR: DIVING | HIKING | QUIRKY OPTIONS
- cdwheatley
St. Barts
A remarkably quick recovery from recent hurricanes means that tony St. Barts is very much open for business. The island's largest hotels won't reopen until later in 2018, but companies like WIMCO Villas can set you up with a splendid villa on par with any five-star hotel room on this chic French outpost.
The approach to Gustaf III Airport (SBH) is simply extraordinary, as tiny planes (mostly from St. Maarten and San Juan) nose-dive towards a runway that ends rather abruptly at St. Jean Beach.
BEST FOR: BEST BEACHES | FOOD | JET-SET
- Nellmac
St. Kitts & Nevis
This twin-island nation is bursting at the seams with charm. St. Kitts, the larger of the two, is best first explored on a open-air train along the south coast. Nevis is almost perfectly round with gentle slopes rising to the peak of its dormant volcano.
American flies daily from Miami, and once weekly from New York and Charlotte to the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB). Delta and United have Saturday flights from Atlanta and Newark. To get to Nevis (NEV), hop a quick flight or ferry, or try Tradewinds with flights from San Juan and St. Barts.
BEST FOR: HISTORIC INNS | OFF THE BEACH | TENNIS
- Reed Kaestner
St. Lucia
This deeply green and mountainous island is a favorite for those looking for adventure and romance. Climb the pitons, scuba and snorkel, or simply hole yourself up in rooms with some of the most stunning views in the Caribbean.
The country's main airport is Hewanorra International (UVF), at the very southernmost tip of the island. Inter-island propeller-driven flights use the George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) at the northern tip.
BEST FOR: HEALTH & SPA | HIKING | OFF THE BEACH | ROMANCE
- Flavio Vallenari
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Not the easiest scattering of islands to get to, which makes them a favorite for the international jet-set intent on ultimate privacy. Bonus: The islands look like they could easily be in the South Pacific.
The quickest way to get here is via Barbados (BGI) and connecting flights to Argyle International Airport (SVD) on St. Vincent, J.F. Mitchell (BQU) on Bequia, Mustique (MQS), or Union Island (UNI).
BEST FOR: BEST BEACHES | FILM BUFFS | JET-SET | PRIVATE ISLANDS | SAILING
- Walter Bibikow
Sint Eustatius
Statia, as this eight-square-mile island is often called, is a great example of how sleepy the Caribbean used to be, with a few simple places to stay and eat, a little bit of history to contemplate, and some great diving.
The tiny F.D. Roosevelt Airport (EUX) is served by short flights to and from St. Maarten (SXM) and Saba (SAB) on Winair.
BEST FOR: QUIRKY OPTIONS
- Blacqbook
Trinidad & Tobago
Vibrant and multicultural, this is as far south as you can get in the Caribbean, only seven miles from Venezuela. This dual-island nation has a lot going for it, but most tourists stick to the beaches on Tobago (and the majority are British). Annual Carnival celebrations are world renowned.
Fly to either the Piarco International Airport (POS) on Trinidad or the A.N.R.Robinson International Airport (TAB) on Tobago.
- mikolajn
Turks and Caicos
Far and away one of the best picks for a quick escape, this British Overseas Territory checks most every box, from private island spa retreats to miles of empty beaches and crystal-clear water. Turks and Caicos consists of 40 islands (eight of which are inhabited), but it's still hard to go wrong here. Providenciales has some of the world's loveliest white sand beaches, particularly near Grace Bay on the north shore.
Providenciales International Airport (PLS) will be your first stop, offering connections on to other islands in the Lucayan Archipelago.
BEST FOR: HEALTH & SPA | PRIVATE ISLANDS | QUICK ESCAPES | SNORKELING