For the last 3 months, I’ve been dreaming of tropical islands specifically The Caribbean Islands with their white sands and clear blue waters! Lounging on the beach, sipping some exotic drink or two while watching the sunset over the horizon. Sigh!
Island destinations are those peaceful escape where the days drift by and the problems of the world melt away. With travel restrictions slowly being lifted, these beautiful paradises are reopening for the summer.
Here are the 10 best Caribbean Islands to visit this year!
Antigua and Barbuda
First on the list is Antigua and Barbuda. This is a twin-island state located in the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean. Antigua is the larger of the two islands with its highest point at 402 m. Barbuda on the other hand is relatively flat.
The best time to visit this Caribbean island is between November and April. However, the weather is still good enough to enjoy between June & November if you don’t mind a storm or two.
Known as “the land of 365 beaches”, one for every day of the year, Antigua & Barbuda also has a little more to offer the explorer at heart. A variety of natural and historical sites will keep interested and inspire you. In additional you can also;
- Swim with the stingrays
- Zipline through the rainforest
- Go kayaking through the mangrove lagoon at South Coast Horizons
- Hike through one of the many trails
Interesting Facts about Antigua and Barbuda
- Mount Obama (named after Barack Obama) is the island’s highest point at 402 meters (1319 feet)
- Christopher Columbus discovered the island in 1943 and named after the Church of Santa Maria de la Antigua in Seville.
- For almost 5,000 years the tropical islands of Antigua and Barbuda have been inhabited!
COVID-19 Update:
From June 1st, it has opened its international airport and welcomed tourists in a phased plan. All visitors are required to wear masks in all public places.
48 hours prior to arrival, you must take a COVID-19 test and be able to present documentation of negative results. If you cannot do so, then you must pay for a test locally or be quarantined at a hotel for 14 days.
Visa:
Requirements for entry into Antigua and Barbuda differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Find out if you need a visa here.
Aruba
Aruba is a territory of the Netherlands and along with the Netherlands, Curaçao, and St. Maarten form the Kingdom of Netherlands.
This Caribbean island is not your typical tropical island - it is dry and arid. Less lush trees and more desert fact. It’s beaches however are the total opposite with crystal clear, turquoise waters!
There is a lot to enjoy other than the idyllic tropical beaches and warm weather. The capital Oranjestad is awash with color and colonial-era architecture.
If you plan on spending all your vacation time at the beaches, make sure you visit these:
- Palm Beach - the most popular beach
- Eagle Beach - is the most beautiful beach on the island
- Arashi Beach - great views and perfect for snorkeling
- Hadicurari Beach - perfect for kite surfers and windsurfers
- Malmok Beach & Boca Catalina Cove - an excellent spot for snorkeling
- Flamingo Beach - named for the pink flamingos that can be found here.
Interesting Facts about Aruba
- Everyone native Aruban speaks four languages; English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamento
- Aruba is a former Dutch colony. It is now its own country. However, Aruba is still part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Iguana meat is a local delicacy
COVID-19 Update:
From July 1st, it has reopened its borders. First, tourists from the Caribbean (except the Dominican Republic and Haiti) will be allowed along with those from Europe and Canada. July 10 onwards, visitors from the U.S. will be allowed to come.
Visitors will have to complete a self-health declaration 72 hours before arriving in Aruba. Travelers will also have to show a negative COVID-19 test or pre-pay for a test to be completed in Aruba.
Those coming to the island will also have to wear a mask on the flight.
Visa:
Find out if you need a visa here for Aruba. Prior to departure, always check with your government and your nearest Aruba embassy or consulate what documents you need to travel to Aruba.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas is an archipelago of about 700 islands, 2,400 islets, and cays.
This Caribbean island enjoys a semi-tropical climate with warm weather all year round. And, the best time to visit is between March and September.
Everyone knows about the Atlantis, but there are so many other amazing things to explore
- Visit Ardastra Gardens and Wildlife Conservation Center
- Get up close and personal with stingrays at Stingray City
- Shop at world-famous Straw Market
- Snorkel, dive and wave in Thunderball Grotto
- Swimming with Pigs on Pig Beach
- Go horseback riding on the beach
These are just a few things that make the Bahamas one of the best Caribbean islands for families.
Interesting Facts about The Bahamas
- There are 120 species of plants that are found exclusively in the Bahamas!
- This stunning country is home to the deepest blue hole in the world, Dean’s Blue Hole, at an unimaginable 202 meters deep!
- If swimming with pigs takes your fancy, just head down to Pig Beach!
COVID-19 Update:
Travelers arriving between July 1 and July 7 will have to show a negative COVID-19 no more than 10 days old. After July 7, that test needs to be no more than seven days old. Visitors will also have to fill out an electronic Health Visa before their departure.
Visa:
Requirements for entry into the Bahamas differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Find out if you need a visa here.
Barbados
Barbados is such a beautiful island country in the Caribbean Sea… and I want to go there, now!
This is one of the best Caribbean islands to visit at any age! Here you will find amazing beaches like Carlisle Bay Beach, Crane Beach, and Welches Beach. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy;
- snorkeling with sea turtles
- surfing, kayaking, and scuba diving
- adventure & nature tours
Barbados also has a great nightlight with Bridgetown being the nightlife capital. The food is amazing, and you will be able to enjoy both expensive, delicious meals alongside budget-friendly meals.
While there is plenty of luxury to be found here, you can also visit on a moderate budget making this one of the more affordable tropical islands in the Caribbean.
Interesting Facts about Barbados
- Residents here are known as Barbadians or Bajans.
- In Barbados, it is considered good luck if a Mongoose crosses your path!
- The name ‘Barbados’ actually derives from the Portuguese ‘Los Barbados’ meaning ‘Bearded ones’. This was due to the number of Bearded Fig trees found on the island.
COVID-19 Update:
This island destination opens its borders from July 12th to tourists. They encourage all visitors to take a COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to departure and have negative results on hand at the airport. Visitors can also undergo a test at the airport and quarantine until the test results come in.
Visa:
Find out if you need a visa here. Prior to departure, always check with your government and your nearest Barbados embassy or consulate what documents you need to travel to Barbados.
Bermuda
Another Caribbean island to visit is Bermuda but I won’t lie to you, it won’t come cheap. Unfortunately due to the banks, and the rich & powerful, the cost of living has gone up resulting in resorts catering to an upscale market.
But that doesn’t mean you should not visit!
On the contrary, with a respectable budget, you can find plenty of things to keep you busy. There are tons of snorkeling opportunities, caves to explore, trails to hike, and parasailing over the turquoise waters.
Interesting Facts about Bermuda
- The official language of Bermuda is English. Nice and easy!
- The Bermuda Triangle is a treacherous expanse that claimed many ships and planes have allegedly disappeared in extraordinary circumstances
- Bermudian Dollar is the official currency and is set at the same rate as the US Dollar
COVID-19 Update:
The British territory has reopened for international travel on July 1 and require entering visitors to show a negative COVID-19 test from no more than five days before departure, according to the Bermuda Tourism Authority.
Additionally, visitors have to fill out a travel authorization process online. Travelers will also undergo testing at the airport and have to quarantine at their accommodation until the results are ready, which usually takes between four and eight hours.
Travelers then have to be retested every few days and are required to take their temperature twice each day and report it online
Visa:
Requirements for entry into Bermuda differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Prior to departure, always check with your government and your nearest Bermuda embassy or consulate what documents you need to travel to Bermuda. Find out if you need a visa here.
Printable Kid's Travel Journal
It’s time for your next family adventure―and kids will remember every second of fun-filled adventure. You went WHERE? is packed with journaling prompts and activities so that no memory goes unwritten. Young adventurers can write down everything they see, taste, hear, and more with prompts to guide observations.
Keep this travel journal at the ready to let kids create their very own souvenir for multiple family adventures
When you’re back home and bags are unpacked, your little adventurer can always open You Went Where? and relive every minute of every adventure.
Cuba
Did you know that Cuba is one of the inexpensive destinations in the Americas? There’s rarely been a better time to visit Cuba.
The vast majority of Cuba’s tourists gravitate to the attractive arcs of white sand that pepper the country’s north coast and offshore islands. But, explore beyond the beaches and you’re in a different domain, a land of fecund forests and crocodile-infested swamps, abandoned coffee plantations, and rugged mountains as famous for their revolutionary folklore as their endemic species.
If you are worried about the weather, don’t as it is still good up till September.
Interesting Facts about Cuba
- Cuba is actually an archipelago as it boasts around 4,000 islands and cays!
- Hitchhiking is commonplace in Cuba and government officials must (by law!) pick up hitchhikers if they have a spare seat!
- Amazingly, Christmas did not become an official holiday until 1997!
COVID-19 Update:
American Airlines has said it will start operating flights to the island on July 7, The Miami Herald reported.
While U.S. citizens are not allowed to travel to Cuba for tourism, they are allowed to legally travel there under several criteria, including activities that “enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban people’s independence from Cuban authorities.”
Reuters reported that tourists heading to Cuba will be tested for coronavirus upon arrival.
Visa:
Requirements for entry into Cuba differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Find out if you need a visa here.
Jamaica
Jamaica is one of the best Caribbean islands to visit for families! This destination boasts wide strips of beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear waters!
Here, boredom is not a problem with many of the all-inclusive hotels offering kids clubs, kiddie pools, and even mini-waterparks. Outside the hotel walls’ is where the real fun lies. Take your older kids zip-lining over the island’s rainforests or give your toddler an educational experience on a toddler-friendly nature walk.
Interesting Facts about Jamaica
- Ian Fleming wrote the majority of the James Bond novels in Jamaica
- In 1988, a Jamaican bobsleigh team was formed, making it the first tropical country to enter a winter event! They even made a movie about it - ‘Cool Runnings‘
- Thanks to the introduction of the Mongoose in 1872, snakes are a rare sight in Jamaica!
COVID-19 Update:
Jamaica has been open for tourists since June 15th with specific rules at restaurants and hotels to ensure safety for guests. A nightly curfew, however, remains in place.
Visa:
Find out if you need a visa here for Jamaica. Prior to departure, always check with your government and your nearest Jamaica embassy or consulate what documents you need to travel to the country.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a place where the Old World is mashed up with the new on an island that is small in size but offers an immense bounty of one-of-a-kind experiences. Officially known as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico), is an unincorporated territory of the United States.
Puerto Rico has a lot to offer visitors. From sun-drenched beaches to remote tropical islands and diverse coral reefs, Puerto Rico can be a tropical dream for vacationers.
It’s a place for adventurers, water sports lovers, divers, and beach lovers and every day it’s possible to try new activities or to explore a new and ever more beautiful part of the island. There is truly no shortage of epic things to do in Puerto Rico.
Interesting Facts about Puerto Rico
- There have been five Miss Universes’ who have come from Puerto Rico!
- Puerto Rico is home to world’s largest telescope, the Arecibo Observatory
- November 19th is a national holiday as that is the date of the discovery of Puerto Rico.
COVID-19 Update:
Jamaica has been open for tourists since June 15th with specific rules at restaurants and hotels to ensure safety for guests. A nightly curfew, however, remains in place.
Visa:
Requirements for entry into Puerto Rico differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Find out if you need a visa here.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia is no ordinary island. For hundreds of years, this bubbling, brooding volcanic mass of an island has been a melting pot of cultures. Her landscape is as diverse as her heritage – beaches, jungles, and mountains whisper echoes of her colorful pirate history and colonial past.
St. Lucia is home to tons of incredible wildlife to be seen and the island also boasts some world-class diving. Whether you’re looking for a lazy escape or an active holiday, St. Lucia will be able to keep you entertained!
Interesting Facts about St. Lucia
- St Lucia is home to some of the best scuba diving spots in the world
- The official languages of St Lucia are English and French Patois.
- St Lucia grows bananas, coconuts, citrus fruits, cacao, and vegetables – a haven for vegetarians and vegans!
COVID-19 Update:
St. Lucia started welcoming visitors back to the island on June 4, requiring them to show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken within 48 hours of boarding a flight.
Visitors will also have to wear face masks and health authorities could conduct temperature checks on arriving passengers.
In addition, the island is requiring hotels to apply for a COVID-19 certificate from the government that addresses several safety protocols like cleaning measures and enforcing social distancing.
Visa:
Requirements for entry into St. Lucia differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Find out if you need a visa here.
Turks and Caicos Islands
Over the years Turks and Caicos Island (TCI) has become a popular travel destination and for good reason! You will find an abundance of beautiful beaches, luxury, and paradise. Turks and Caicos is also home to the third largest coral reef system in the world!
Turks and Caicos is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, all offering white sand and vibrant turquoise waters. There are no private beaches in Turks and Caicos so take your pick! Here’s a list of some of our favorites:
- Grace Bay Beach
- Taylor Bay Beach
- Sapodilla Bay Beach
- Long Bay Beach
- Half Moon Bay
- Mudjin Harbour
St. Lucia is home to tons of incredible wildlife to be seen and the island also boasts some world-class diving. Whether you’re looking for a lazy escape or an active holiday, St. Lucia will be able to keep you entertained!
Interesting Facts about Turks and Caicos Islands
- Turks and Caicos is home to the only commercial conch farm in the world!
- Head to Turks and Caicos to watch the annual Humpback whale migration!
- There are no lakes or rivers found here! The country’s freshwater supply relies on rainfall and desalinated water.
COVID-19 Update:
Turks and Caicos plan on reopening to tourists on July 22, utilizing new protocols for things like personal protective equipment and training, which officials said will be detailed in the coming weeks. The Grand Turk Cruise Center, however, will remain closed until August 31.
There is currently a nightly curfew in place on the islands, face masks are required to be worn in public places. Restaurants are expected to reopen on July 6.
Visa:
Requirements for entry into Turks and Caicos Islands differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Find out if you need a visa here.
Prior to departure, always check with your government and your nearest Turks and Caicos Islands embassy or consulate what documents you need to travel to the islands.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the best Caribbean Islands to visit. There are many other tropical islands worthy of attention and it would take multiple lifetimes to visit them all (though I’d be happy to try!).
Each one of these is a bonafide paradise in its own right. You’ll be hard-pressed to find more beautiful surroundings than some of these islands.
But don’t take my word for it. Plan your trip and experience a slice of paradise for yourself!
Additional Reading: Top 10 Summer Vacation Destinations for Families
Note: With the pandemic situation is constantly changing, it best to check with the tourism board of each Caribbean country on their current travel protocols. You can also check the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Caribbean according to Johns Hopkins University.
Pin it if you loved it!
So many beautiful beach options! I have only been to two so there are lots more to see. Thanks for the current updates for 2020.
you are welcome Patrice!
Great info about the Caribbean islands, Tarun. Especially the COVID updates. I’ve always dreamed to visiting Barbados - so enchanting to see movies and books set in these islands. The pandemic has put a damper on everyone’s travel plans. Hope the world heals soon and we’re able to lead normal lives! Take care and stay safe.
I agree Vidya! It’s been so long since I went on a holiday, that when I do take a holiday it’s gonna be so long, I will need a holiday to get over the first holiday!
These islands look so mesmerizing. I want to visit Bermuda the most!
Yeah! The Bermuda Triangle is 1 place I want to visit ever since I read about it as a kid! Just the possibility it is a gateway to an alternative universe makes it worth a visit!
omg take me there now!!! I would love to spend a week or a lifetime there, that would be amazing..
pick lifetime Chad, you won’t regret it! LOL
I have been to a few islands in the Caribbean - but none of these. I cannot wait to get to some of these in the future.
Oh! which ones did you go to? Got any tips for our readers Angela?
I would love to go see the Caribbean Islands, you definitely gave me something to think about.
I could spend the rest of my life on these islands! sigh!
Beautiful and relaxing pictures.
I guess I’m not the only one who’ll be heading out to one of these locations once the travel issues are over.
Thanks for sharing this valuable information.
Thanks a lot for this exhaustive yet comprehensive list. If I ever travel to Carribean will try and refer your list
Hi Anindya, one has not vacationed until one has done it in the Caribbean!
Wow, I can’t believe that some of these places are opening back up to tourism. It’s a pitty that they’re on the other side of the world for me.
and hopefully, other places will follow suit and we can go back to normal! 🙂
Beautiful pics of the Caribbean islands, loved the sunset one.
I can’t wait to finally be able to go on vacation again! Just looking at these is making me crave the sun.
me too Nyxie! I miss the sand, sun, and warm waters! sigh!
great info! i can’t wait to start traveling again
Oh what an Awesome blog , I will surely visit again, keep on the good work.