Caribbean: Islands

ABC Islands Near Venezuela, Dutch-owned Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao are far-enough removed from the hurricane belt to have dry, balmy weather year-round. Casino-filled Aruba is known for beach tourism, Bonaire for diving, and Curaçao for its sophisticated, international vibe. See our Aruba Travel Guide

Anguilla Tiny, secluded Anguilla, located at the northern fringe of the British Leeward Islands, almost rivals St. Barths when it comes to luxury. Visitors come for the upscale resorts and villas, pristine, uncrowded beaches and laid-back vibe. See our Anguilla Travel Guide

Antigua & Barbuda Antigua is famous for coral reefs, sugar-white sand, calm waters and high-end resorts. Cricket’s popularity and historic forts reveal the island’s British past. Tiny, largely undeveloped Barbuda, 25 miles away, has pink-and-white sand beaches and barrier-reef-protected waters.

Bahamas The easily-accessible Bahamanian archipelago’s beautiful sands, barrier-reef-rimmed waters and nearly year-round sunshine are Caribbean-worthy, if not technically “Caribbean.” Glitzy casinos, shopping and nightlife define popular stops like Paradise Island. Unspoiled Eleuthera is tops for beaches, diving and fishing villages. See our Bahamas Travel Guide

Barbados Long popular with British expats, the advent of package trips knocked this easternmost Caribbean island down a notch in the luxury department. Nonetheless, it still boasts superior resorts, beaches, dining and golfing. Nightly calypso parties and historic plantations are other draws. See our Barbados Travel Guide

Bermuda Bermuda is closer to D.C. than the Caribbean. Being so far north, this balmy British isle only kicks into high-season in late spring and summer (avoid the cold winters).  Come for fantastic golf, pink-sand beaches, and endearing pastel-colored houses. See our Bermuda Travel Guide

British Virgin Islands The pristine British Virgin Islands are a true escapist’s paradise, with a slower place of life. The largest of the 60 islets are restaurant-and-bar-filled Tortola, Virgin Gorda with its mysterious Baths, and the coral atoll of Anegada.

Cayman Islands The three British islands that form the Caymans--Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman--have long been popular with divers and celebrities. Lying between Cuba and Jamaica, the chain is one of the closest isles to the U.S. See our Grand Cayman Travel Guide

Dominica Dominica has no beaches worth mentioning. Instead, visitors come to this eco-tourist haven for whale-watching, diving and the opportunity to explore one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled rainforests. The region’s few remaining Carib Indians reside in a reserve here.

Dominican Republic The DR, with its beautiful coral-lined coast and status as the Caribbean’s second largest country (first prize goes to Cuba) vies with Cancun in affordability and atmosphere. Vegas-style casinos and nightlife, all-inclusive resorts and amazing beaches draw visitors of all stripes. See our Dominican Republic Travel Guide

Grenada Striking, unspoiled beauty is the essence of Grenada (pronounced gre-nay-dah), where sheltered white-sand beaches, cascading waterfalls, dense rainforests, and crystal-clear waters abound. It’s part of an independent, three-island nation that includes Carriacou and Petit Martinique.

Guadeloupe Visitors come to this butterfly-shaped island for its fine beaches, exquisite Creole cuisine, and encounters with the laid-back, French-speaking locals. The area is also the access point for Pigeon Island Underwater Park, one of the region’s best dive sites.

Jamaica Come March, it becomes spring-break central, but this reggae-centric, Rastafarian island’s deep history and vibrant culture make it fascinating year-round. Despite a turbulent history, prudent travelers enjoy white-sand beaches, great diving, and some of the West Indies’ best golf courses. See our Jamaica Travel Guide

Martinique France’s tropical outpost is, unfortunately, best known for the tragic 1902 volcanic eruption that leveled the cosmopolitan town of St. Pierre. The island has bounced back though, with a colorful capital city, Fort-de-France, beautiful botanical gardens, charming fishing villages and splendid beaches.

Puerto Rico US-affiliated Puerto Rico, with its sandy beaches, bioluminescent bays, and rainforest, is the smallest of the Greater Antilles islands. The Spanish-Caribbean-infused culture expresses itself through cutting-edge dining, dancing, and casinos. It’s also easily accessible from the U.S. See our Puerto Rico Travel Guide

Saba Sleepy Saba (pronounced say-bah), just south of St. Martin, proves that good things do come in small packages. One of the smallest islands of the Netherland Antilles, its hilly landscape recalls San Francisco's. Beaches are few, but underwater exploration is tops.

St. Barts Ironic that a tiny, rocky Caribbean island ill-suited to agriculture and populated by poor fishermen, should wind up luring Rockefellers, rock stars, and royalty. Still, French-owned St. Barts is surprisingly laid-back, attracting high society mainly for its cafes, shopping and sunsets. See our St. Barts Travel Guide

St. Kitts & Nevis The two islands that form the federated nation of St. Kitts and Nevis couldn't be more different – bustling St. Kitts is a leading all-inclusive, cruise-ship destination, while smaller Nevis (pronounced nee-vis) attracts visitors with plantation-style inns and intimate restaurants.

St. Lucia Outside of the tourist-developed section between the capital, Castries, and the island’s beach-lined northern edge, British-owned St. Lucia remains mostly untouched, with lush rainforests, green mountains, a simmering volcano, banana plantations, and miles of white- and black-sand beaches.

St. Martin/St. Maarten Partially Dutch-owned, partially French-owned, the island attracts package tourists and Europeans. Dutch St. Maarten has more resorts, shops and activities, while French St. Martin is known for sophisticated resorts and gourmet cuisine. Beautiful beaches and duty-free shopping exist throughout.

St. Vincent & the Grenadines These sleepy, romantic British outposts are popular among the yacht/boat set for superb sailing conditions. St. Vincent shelters high-end Petit St. Vincent Resort, while the Grenadines are known for Creole-flavored Bequia and glamorous Mustique.

Trinidad & Tobago This two-island nation near Venezuela offers a very different Caribbean experience. Trinidad’s cultural melting pot makes for an interesting variety of cuisine and festivals (the island’s Carnival is the region’s best). Laid-back Tobago is known for sand and diving.

Turks & Caicos The Turks and Caicos islands are tailor-made for long-weekend beach vacations. While diving and snorkeling are popular here, there's not a whole lot else to do but hit the beach with a good book.

U.S. Virgin Islands The U.S. Virgin islands are comprised of St. Thomas, which is tops for sailing, diving, fishing and duty-free shopping, the former Danish outpost of St. Croix with its beautiful beaches, and St. John, known for its snorkel trails and scenic sands. See our U.S. Virgin Islands Travel Guide