All 28 Caribbean Countries, Ranked (and What to Do in Each)

If you’ve only been to Cuba or the Bahamas and think you’ve “done” the Caribbean, you might want to reconsider. After all, no two Caribbean countries are alike.

The Caribbean boasts about 700 Caribbean islands, but only 28 of them are deemed sovereign states and dependent territories.

Starting with the Bahamas and Cuba, located off the tip of Florida, the string of Caribbean countries arc down towards Venezuela. Each one has its own unique combination of history, geography, culture and attractions. Though most of them offer sun-centric activities like swimming in beaches, aquatic sports, fishing, hiking, bird watching and soaking up some rays.

Not sure which Caribbean island’s best for you? Here we list all 28 Caribbean countries and territories, ranked from try-to-visit to book-a-flight-right-now.

28. Haiti

Coastline and blue water in Ouest Province in Haiti

tropicalpixsingapore / Getty Images

Population: 11.4 million

Annual visitors: 1.3 million

*Note: Given the COVID-19 pandemic, annual visitors are based on 2019 numbers.

Bottom Line: Haiti

Old Fishing Boat, Jacmel, Haiti

dmc5080 / Getty Images

Haiti gets a bad rap for political instability and is still recovering from a devastating earthquake that happened in 2010.

But if you look past negative media coverage, you’ll find a beautiful country where tourists can snorkel, zipline, enjoy delicious food and visit landmarks like mountaintop Citadelle la Ferrière and the Sans-Souci Palace.

Best Thing to Do in Haiti

Basin Bleu, Haiti

Petter Sandell / Flickr

Bassin Bleu is a serene sanctuary with three natural plunge pools of pristine blue water and a beautiful waterfall.

Part of the fun is the hike that takes you to this secluded spot, which you will likely not have to share with many other people.

Where Is Haiti?

Haiti map

27. Montserrat

Monserrat Island, Caribbean

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Population: 4,992

Annual visitors: 9,000

Bottom Line: Montserrat

Beach in Monserrat

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This small British Overseas Territory has the best features of a Caribbean island: coral reefs teeming with life, caves along the shoreline, mountain ranges you can hike and, of course, beautiful beaches. What it lacks is the number of tourists that overrun other islands.

Don’t misunderstand its ranking, Monserrat is an amazing destination. But its size and a volcanic explosion that created a large exclusion zone leave it with fewer attractions than other islands in the region.

Best Thing to Do in Monserrat

Montserrat Volcano

Montserrat Volcano Observatory / Facebook

Get close to nature’s power at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory. Visitors get to observe the details of the Soufriere Hills Volcano and the aftermath of the 1994 large eruption that devastated Plymouth, the island’s capital of 300 years.

Once you’ve learned about the volcano, you can see it with your own eyes — from a safe distance.

Where Is Monserrat?

Monserrat map

26. Caribbean Netherlands

Port of Bonaire at Sunset

dbvirago / Getty Images

Population: 20,915 (Bonaire); 3,139 (Sint Eustatius); 1,933 (Saba)

Annual visitors: 157,800

Bottom Line: Caribbean Netherlands

Beaches and salt flats in south Bonaire

Alexis Gonzalez / Getty Images

Are you ready to be a little confused? The Caribbean Netherlands are three official overseas territories: Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. Their status is different from the other two Dutch Caribbean islands of Curacao and Aruba (more on them later), despite Bonaire being more geographically close to them than to Sint Eustatius and Saba.

Now, let’s get to why you should book a flight to these islands as soon as you can: Bonaire provides you with the fun of Curacao and Aruba but with an even more laid-back attitude. And Sint Eustatius and Saba are islands most people haven’t even heard of, so they’re really as off-the-beaten path as it gets.

If you want something different where you won’t run into too many other foreigners, these islands are secluded and oh-so-beautiful.

Best Thing to Do in Caribbean Netherlands

Coral reef off the coast of Bonaire

johnandersonphoto / Getty Images

Visit Bonaire National Marine Park during nesting season to see the majesty of baby sea turtles hatching and paddling their way into the sea.

The reserve protects colorful coral reefs that are teeming with marine life.

Where Are the Caribbean Netherlands?

Caribbean Netherlands

25. Anguilla

Caribbean: Anguilla Caribbean Island

Anguilla Beaches / YouTube

Population: 15,003

Annual visitors: 55,000

Bottom Line: Anguilla

Palm trees and beach in Anguilla

anguilla_tourism / Instagram

Another British Overseas Territory located very close to the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla is made up of a main island and several small islets that surround it. The experience is pretty much straight out of a brochure, as most of your time will be spent at the beach or on a boat.

We’d also recommend taking time to dive or snorkel the lively reefs around the island.

Best Thing to Do in Anguilla

Anguilla Sandy Island beach

You can also hop on a boat and take a fun day trip to Sandy Island.

With a restaurant on the island, live music to enjoy and room to relax on the beach, this is an oasis to escape to within the already small island of Anguilla.

Where Is Anguilla?

Anguilla map

24. Saint Barthélemy

Saint Barths at sunset

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Population: 9,961

Annual visitors: 295,000

Bottom Line: Saint Barthélemy

Anse des Flamands,St. Barthelemy

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Where do rich French people who are tired of St. Tropez go? Saint Barthélemy, better known as St. Barts, another island located near the British Virgin Islands.

With a harbor lined with yachts and high-end restaurants catering to the pickiest of palates, if you’ve ever been here, we’re guessing money isn’t an issue for you.

Besides boating around the Caribbean on their private yachts from white-sand beach to white-sand beach, visitors enjoy shopping in designer stores.

Best Thing to Do in Saint Barthélemy

Shell Beach, St. Barts

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There is no shortage of astonishing beaches in St. Barts — this is the Caribbean after all. But for something a bit different, visit Shell Beach, where the ground is completely covered in sea shells.

We highly recommend bringing water shoes, as walking won’t be comfortable, though that shouldn’t deter you from coming to this unique spot.

Where Is Saint Barthélemy?

St Barts map

23. St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Kingstown, Saint Vincent island

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Population: 110,940

Annual visitors: 80,000

Bottom Line: St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Grenadines

Flavio Vallenari / Getty Images

The main island of St. Vincent and the smaller Grenadines islands that accompany it are luxury Caribbean at its best. You’ll find the harbor of the nation’s capital, Kingstown, lined with boats and yachts.

Even Princess Margaret — Queen Elizabeth’s late sister — owned a grand residence on the private island of Mustique.

Best Thing to Do in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

La Soufriere Volcano in Saint Vincent

Hiking up La Soufriere Volcano will give you a chance to get active while reaching a stunning lookout point of the island and a huge volcanic crater. The panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and sea are absolutely worth the trek.

On a really clear day, you can even see the neighboring island of St. Lucia.

Where Is Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

Saint vincent map

22. St. Kitts and Nevis

Small Nevis town

Nevis Tourism Authority

Population: 53,199

Annual visitors: 116,000

Bottom Line: St. Kitts and Nevis

Paradise Beach Villas in Nevis

Nevis Tourism Authority

Encompassing two sister islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis has its fair share of mountains and beaches. The rainforests invite hikers to go wildlife watching or to summit Mount Liamuiga to see its astonishing crater lake.

Besides enjoying the sand and sailing around, people often head to the former sugar plantations to learn about the country’s painful history of slavery.

Best Thing to Do in St. Kitts and Nevis

Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park

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Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park. As one of the best-preserved historical fortifications in the Americas, the site never fails to impress visitors.

It doesn’t hurt that the large fortress is surrounded by ocean views that stretch into the horizon.

Where Is Saint Kitts and Nevis?

Saint kitts map

21. Grenada

Grenada island

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Population: 112,523

Annual visitors: 161,000

Bottom Line: Grenada

Grenada

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Grenada is nicknamed the “Spice Isle” because of its nutmeg plantations. The spice is both exported and used liberally in the local cuisine. Traditional architecture is colorful and simple, though you’ll also find historical buildings like Fort George, vestiges of the island’s history as a British colony.

Divide your time between the forested mountains and the beach. Pro tip: Grand Anse Beach is the most touristy, but it is also one of the most beautiful in the country.

Best Thing to Do in Grenada

Grenada underwater sculpture park

Dive into Grenada’s unique underwater sculpture park, the first of its kind in the world. These sculptures capture the culture of the island while providing an opportunity to enhance reef life.

The enormous sculptures are beautiful. Some are haunting, others are thought-provoking. Letting nature take over, wildlife, currents and sea surges have given their own touches to these works of art.

Where Is Grenada?

Grenada map

20. British Virgin Islands

Cane Garden Bay on Tortola in the British Virgin Islands

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Population: 30,231

Annual visitors: 192,000

Bottom Line: British Virgin Islands

British Virgin Islands

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This archipelago is a British Overseas Territory and has four main islands: Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke.

In total, it has more than 50 islands of varying sizes, making it an absolutely perfect destination for avid boaters who want nothing more than to island-hop in the Caribbean.

Best Thing to Do in the British Virgin Islands

The Baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

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Head to Spring Bay National Park and the Baths, which are right next to each other and make for a relaxing day in the sun.

The national park is dotted with giant boulders that line the beach. It is a popular place for snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. The Baths are huge granite rock formations brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions that make a beautiful grotto and tranquil pools.

Where Are the British Virgin Islands?

British virgin islands map

19. Antigua and Barbuda

St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda

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Population: 97,929

Annual visitors: 269,000

Bottom Line: Antigua and Barbuda

Horseback riding in Antigua

antiguaandbarbuda / Instagram

This dual-island nation boasts some of the prettiest architecture in the Caribbean, particularly in its colorful capital of St. John’s. An upscale beach destination, the country is popular with people sailing in their own boats and yachts, as well as people looking to relax in a luxury resort.

And while there’s nothing wrong with that, you should also make sure you save time to taste the local cuisine, visit the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, climb Mount Obama and explore mysterious sea caves.

Best Thing to Do in Antigua and Barbuda

Darkwood Beach on Antigua

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Darkwood Beach offers iridescent waters with one of the longest stretches of soft sands on Antigua. It is a hangout for beach bums and busybodies alike, with its inflatable floating obstacle course.

If you plan to be here when no cruise ships are docking, it’s a very quiet beach to simply soak up the sun. On a clear day, you’re able to see Montserrat.

Where Is Antigua and Barbuda?

Antigua map

18. The Bahamas

Colorful houses in the Bahamas

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Population: 393,244

Annual visitors: 1.6 million

Bottom Line: The Bahamas

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With around 700 islands, the Bahamas is a country you can visit again and again without stepping onto the same beach twice. It has soft-white-sand as well as pink-sand beaches, islands where wild pigs swim in the ocean and fantastic snorkeling spots. Its pirate history and free-flowing rum add to the charm.

If the Bahamas has one major flaw is that it’s too beautiful and accessible, which has made it prey to overtourism and overcommercialization. But if you can swing it and head to one of the less popular islands, you definitely won’t regret it.

Best Thing to Do in the Bahamas

Pink sand beach in the Bahamas

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Found in Harbour Island, the pretty Pink Sands Beach delivers soft rose sands away from the busyness of nearby Nassau.

There are small clusters of palm-topped umbrellas and sunbeds to unwind on, along with some of the island’s most enticing boutique hotels, all hidden in the dunes and blooms.

Where Is the Bahamas?

Bahamas map

17. Trinidad and Tobago

Caribbean Bay, Trinidad

DebraLee Wiseberg / Getty Images

Population: 1.4 million

Annual visitors: 375,000

Bottom Line: Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago

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Unlike most Caribbean islands, the economy of Trinidad and Tobago doesn’t depend on tourism. Because of this, don’t expect to be catered to while you visit. Instead, see the trip for what it is: being lucky enough to be welcomed into an amazing yet underrated country.

Enjoy pretty beaches that are not overcrowded, Tobago’s beautiful Nylon Pool in the middle of the sea and food so good you’ll want to call your mom to tell her about it. Make sure you stay up all night dancing to soca and calypso at least once — after all, the country is said to have the best carnival in all the Caribbean.

Best Thing to Do in Trinidad and Tobago

Asa Wright Nature Centre & Lodge

Asa Wright Nature Centre & Lodge / Facebook

The Asa Wright Nature Centre is tucked away in the mountains of the Trinidad rainforest. It has a large variety of wildlife and plant species to marvel at.

You might indulge in high tea on the veranda or, if you’re feeling active, go on a guided walk with a professional naturalist guide.

Where Is Trinidad and Tobago?

Trinidad map

15/16. St. Maarten/St. Martin

St.Martin

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Population: 42,729 (St. Maarten); 38,466 (St. Martin)

Annual visitors: 402,000

Bottom Line: St. Maarten/St. Martin

St.Martin

visitstmartin / Instagram

One island, two cultures. One-half of this single island is St. Maarten, a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The other half, St. Martin, is a French territory. This unique division (which can also be seen with Haiti and the Dominican Republic in the island of Hispaniola) offers rich cultural and culinary diversity for tourists.

Both sides are known as luxury destinations, with casinos, duty-free shopping and great nightlife.

Best Thing to Do in St. Maarten/St. Martin

Pinel Island, St. Maarten

Sara Kendall / Getty Images

Pinel Island is a short ferry ride off the main coast of St. Maarten and has something for everyone.

There are easy hikes with stunning views, great snorkeling, kayaking and two restaurants to lounge at — or you can simply enjoy a book on the quiet sandy beaches.

Where Are St. Maarten/St. Martin?

St martin map

14. Curaçao

Curaçao

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Population: 164,093

Annual visitors: 432,000

Bottom Line: Curaçao

Curacao beach

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One of three Dutch West Indies islands, Curaçao is famous for its architecture, which blends bright Caribbean colors with Dutch style. As in most of the region, the beach is where most things happen. Spend your days visiting different beach coves and diving in the reefs.

As it’s located outside of the hurricane belt, Curaçao doesn’t suffer the windy wrath of nature as often, making it a safe destination.

Best Thing to Do in Curaçao

Queen Emma Pontoon pedestrian bridge, Curacao

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Stroll along the Queen Emma Pontoon pedestrian bridge while it swings open to enter or leave the bay.

With the stunning and vibrantly painted buildings of Punda in the background, it makes for an extremely picturesque day.

Where Is Curaçao?

Curacao map

13. Cayman Islands

Cayman Islands dock

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Population: 65,722

Annual visitors: 463,000

Bottom Line: Cayman Islands

Cayman Islands snorkeling with manta rays

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Your experience in this British Overseas Territory will largely depend on which of its three main islands you visit. The largest and most frequented, Grand Cayman, is dotted with all-inclusive resorts and can sometimes feel like a beachy Disneyland. That said, this is one of the world’s best snorkeling spots and you can find cool places if you manage to escape the snares of tourist traps.

For a calmer trip, head to Little Cayman, which only has four hotels and is known more for its diverse land and sea wildlife than for all-inclusive packages.

Best Thing to Do in the Cayman Islands

Cayman Turtle Centre

Visit Cayman Islands

Visit the Cayman Turtle Centre, the only institution in the world that has released captive-bred sea turtles into the wild and that allows visitors to see them up close.

Touching is, of course, prohibited, but you’ll get to share the water with these gentle and beautiful creatures.

Where Are the Cayman Islands?

Cayman map

12. Martinique

Caribbean Islands: Fort-de-France, Martinique

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Population: 375,265

Annual visitors: 537,000

Bottom Line: Martinique

Martinique

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Europeans are attracted to this French overseas department because of its convenience. With French as the official language (though Creole is more widely spoken) and the Euro as currency, Martinique is easy to navigate.

Still, this isn’t anything like mainland France, given its strong indigenous, Black and Creole roots. Visit the pretty gardens at Jardin de Balata, hike up Mount Pelee and relax at one of the various cafes in the capital, Fort-de-France.

Best Thing to Do in Martinique

Les Gorges de la Falaise

Get immersed in nature in the alluring Gorges de la Falaise. Enjoy waterfalls hidden in the jungle and rivers you can refresh in.

Keep your eyes open for the native wildlife that inhabits the area.

Where Is Martinique?

Martinique map

11. Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe

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Population: 400,124

Annual visitors: 650,000

Bottom Line: Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe waterfalls

guadeloupeislands / Instagram

Another French overseas department, Guadeloupe is known for its beaches, its cliffs and its rum. What more could you even ask for?

One of the coolest experiences you’ll have here is at the Parc National de la Guadeloupe, famed for its La Grande Soufrièr volcano. As the tallest peak in the Lesser Antilles, the peak offers incomparable views.

Best Thing to Do in Guadeloupe

Îles des Saintes

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While visiting, make sure to check out Îles des Saintes.

It has a rich green volcanic landscape with coral-rich waters inviting visitors to sail in the rich blue waters of the bays.

Where Is Guadeloupe?

Guadeloupe map

10. Aruba

Flamingos on the beach in Aruba

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Population: 106,766

Annual visitors: 1.08 million

Bottom Line: Aruba

Aruba

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Another Dutch Caribbean island, Aruba stands out for a couple of things — namely, the pink flamingos that frequent some of its beaches and the cave paintings you can find at Arikok National Park.

You can also visit a butterfly farm, go horseback riding or rent an ATV to explore the somewhat arid land away from the pristine beaches.

Best Thing to Do in Aruba

Baby Beach, Aruba

The shallow waters of Baby Beach seem man-made, but they definitely are not.

Enjoy a swim and the fact that this beach seems like an infinity pool with a natural protective wall to the ocean where it drops off. This unique landscape is one to experience.

Where Is Aruba?

Aruba map

9. U.S. Virgin Islands

U.S. Virgin Islands

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Population: 104,425

Annual visitors: 1.9 million

Bottom Line: U.S. Virgin Islands

St. John

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With some of the most breathtaking beaches in the Caribbean, this U.S. territory is made up of over 50 islands. Many are uninhabited and are usually visited by boaters on a day trip.

Of the inhabited islands, the three main ones are St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. The first is often thought to be the most beautiful, but you’ll find deep blue water, lush green hills and prosperous corals in all of them.

Best Thing to Do in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden

Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden spans two acres filled with beautiful varieties of tropical flowers, lizards, butterflies, birds, parrots, tortoises, peacocks and chickens.

Check two things off your list by catching magnificent views of Magens Bay from here as well.

Where Are the U.S. Virgin Islands?

Virgin islands map

8. Dominica

Dominica, Caribbean island

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Population: 71,986

Annual visitors: 63,000

Bottom Line: Dominica

Dominica

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Though it has beautiful beaches and clear-blue water, Dominica also has several things that other Caribbean islands lack. Mountains define the geography of the country as much as the water, blessing it with thick tropical rainforests where visitors can go on safari, bathe in natural hot springs and rappel down waterfalls and canyons.

Yes, spend time at the beach, but don’t neglect to visit the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, where you’ll see the second-largest boiling lake in the world.

Best Thing to Do in Dominica

Swimming with whales in Dominica

Discover Dominica

Dominica is known as the whale-watching capital of the Caribbean. After all, it is the only country in the world where sperm whales reside all year long.

Sightings are most common between November and March, when you have a 95 percent chance of seeing these majestic mammals.

Where Is Dominica?

Dominica map

7. Turks and Caicos

Caribbean Islands: Turks and Caicos

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Population: 38,717

Annual visitors: 1.4 million

Bottom Line: Turks and Caicos

Grand Turk Island Wild Horses

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Forty coral islands make up this British Overseas Territory. Intimate luxury resorts spring up along its shores and boats take tourists out to enjoy the water and the sunsets.

A vacation here certainly won’t be cheap, but it’s all worth it for unlimited time on perfectly soft white-sand beaches.

Best Thing to Do in Turks and Caicos

Bight Reef Turks and Caicos

Visit Turks & Caicos Islands

Bight Reef has an incredible amount of wildlife and is considered to have some of the best snorkeling spots on Provo Island. Here, you’ll spot turtles, stingrays, a variety of fish and coral.

It’s truly unbelievable that the experience is free of charge, and if you don’t have your own gear for snorkeling, you can rent it.

Where Is Turks and Caicos?

Turks and caicos map

6. Barbados

Barbados beach

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Population: 287,375

Annual visitors: 680,000

Bottom Line: Barbados

Bridgetown, Barbados.

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Rihanna’s home country is an extremely popular Caribbean destination, which is saying a lot given how much people love the region.

Barbados simply doesn’t miss a beat: great food, sandy beaches, clear water, good snorkeling, amazing nightlife, friendly people — it truly has it all.

Best Thing to Do in Barbados

Harrison’s Cave

Harrison’s Cave

Harrison’s Cave is a crystalized limestone cave with pools of crystal-clear water and flowing streams.

You can explore the cave by tram or foot. Or you can choose an eco-adventure tour that’ll take you through the cave’s natural passages — sometimes even on hands and knees!

Where Is Barbados?

Barbados map

5. St. Lucia

Beautiful Caribbean Islands: St. Lucia

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Population: 183,627

Annual visitors: 396,000

Bottom Line: St. Lucia

Saint Lucia waterfall

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A perfect honeymoon destination, St. Lucia is one of the most romantic islands in the Caribbean. One major highlight is the imposing volcanic Pitons mountains, whose pointy peaks set them apart from the rolling hills of other Caribbean islands.

Besides the typical white-sand beaches, you’ll find volcanic beaches, which are rougher but less common, waterfalls hidden in the rainforest and small picturesque fishing villages.

Best Thing to Do in St. Lucia

Sulphur Springs Park, St. Lucia

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Visit Sulphur Springs Park to see the world’s only drive-in volcano and take a cleansing dip in the sulphur mud baths.

Visitors can also see the iconic Pitons volcanic mountains from here.

Where Is St. Lucia?

St lucia map

4. Jamaica

Dunn's River Fall, in Ocho Rios Jamaica

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Population: 2.96 million

Annual visitors: 2.47 million

Bottom Line: Jamaica

Jamaica

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Two words: jerk chicken. Yes, Jamaican food is in itself enough of an excuse to travel to this country.

But if you need more convincing, let us remind you of its turquoise waters, famously friendly culture, jungle cascades and upbeat music. Relax in the water and eat as much as you can by day, then spend the night dancing until the sun comes up.

Best Thing to Do in Jamaica

Bamboo raft in Jamaica

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Unwind by hopping on a bamboo raft, and ride downstream a lazy lagoon while your local raft captain steers, stopping to smear clay mud all over your legs that you will clean off at the end of the journey.

It’s certainly a relaxing and calm way to spot wildlife and enjoy the local scenery.

Where Is Jamaica?

Caribbean Islands: Jamaica map

3. Puerto Rico

El Morro Fortress, Puerto Rico

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Population: 2.86 million

Annual visitors: 3 million

Bottom Line: Puerto Rico

Old San Juan

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Puerto Rico may officially be a U.S. territory, but the island’s history and culture have little to do with the mainland. San Juan, its capital, is one of the prettiest cities in the Caribbean, filled with beautiful historic architecture and landmarks, like the famed 16th-century El Morro Fortress.

Away from the city, there is El Yunque National Park, which boasts impressive biodiversity and endemic species like the tiny coqui frog. There are also more beaches than you could ever visit in an entire lifetime.

Best Thing to Do in Puerto Rico

Bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico

@interconsanjuan / Twitter

Kayak or swim in glowing waters, a natural phenomenon called bioluminescence that is created by algae.

Puerto Rico is home to several bioluminescent bays, but one of the most magical experiences is in Mosquito Bay on the southern shore of Vieques Island, a quick ferry ride from the main island. You’ll be able to see the ocean glow as if it were made of a million stars.

Where Is Puerto Rico?

Caribbean Islands: Puerto Rico map

2. Cuba

Havana, Cuba

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Population: 11.3 million

Annual visitors: 4.68 million

Bottom Line: Cuba

Cuban beach

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Cuba’s charm is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking. The beaches are astonishing, but locals are often banned from enjoying them; the classic cars make for pretty pictures, but people have to fight to keep them going with few resources; everything is in dollars, but everyone earns in pesos.

Instead of a mindless getaway, Cuba presents an opportunity for deep travel, the kind that is often accompanied by contradicting yet co-existing truths that bring you out of your comfort — and that’s the best kind of travel.

Best Thing to Do in Cuba

Classic car in Havana

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Take a guided tour in a classic car around Havana for the day.

The buildings, the car and the charm of the country will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Where Is Cuba?

Caribbean Islands: Cuba map

1. Dominican Republic

Lighthouse in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic

Marek Bubenik / Getty Images

Population: 10.85 million

Annual visitors: 6.57 million

Bottom Line: Dominican Republic

Caribbean beach in Dominican Republic

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Though the competition is extremely tough, the Dominican Republic comes out on top as the best Caribbean nation island (or, rather, half-island).

The country has been blessed with an unfair amount of beauty, flavorful food, abundant fruits, rhythmic music and general liveliness. Its relatively large size means it has something for absolutely anyone — from the all-inclusive tourist to travelers looking for great parties to adventurers who only want to go to secret places.

Best Thing to Do in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

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The capital of Santo Domingo is a must-see because of its breathtaking looks.

Ancient cathedrals, cobblestone streets and Spanish architecture make the city pretty while serving as living reminders of the country’s colonial history.

Where Is the Dominican Republic?

Dominican Republic map

Honorable Mention: Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel aerial view

Jonathan Ross / Getty Images

Population: 88,626

Annual visitors: 5 million

Bottom Line: Cozumel

Cozumel Sign

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Though not a country or territory, we want to highlight the Mexican island of Cozumel.

Located a mere 45-minute ferry ride away from Playa del Carmen, Cozumel is a must-see destination in the Yucatan Peninsula. Besides day-trippers coming in from Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Cozumel is a frequented cruise-ship stop. This contributes to it being one of the most visited islands in the entire Caribbean, with 5 million yearly visitors — considering the island only has a bit over 88,600 residents, that is quite impressive!

Water activities are the main draw here, with people enjoying the beach, snorkeling and kayaking.

Best Thing to Do in Cozumel

Coral reefs Cozumel

Damocean / Getty Images

While you’re enjoying the beauty of Cozumel, why not give back a bit?

If you’re an experienced diver, you can do a six-hour voluntourism excursion to help restore the coral reefs that bring life to the island.

Where Is Cozumel?

Caribbean Countries: Cozumel map

Honorable Mention: Roatan, Honduras

Coral Reef Roatan Honduras

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Population: 110,000

Annual visitors: 800,000

Bottom Line: Roatan

Jungle rope bridge hanging in Roatan, Honduras

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Another non-independent island worth mentioning, Roatan has many of your typical Caribbean qualities: gorgeous white-sand beaches, colorful coral reefs and shipwrecks you can dive.

What it doesn’t have, however, are the suffocating crowds. While it is relatively well-known, it is not the easiest island to reach, a fact that saves it from the usual chokehold tourists can have on the region’s best beaches. That said, Roatan does get its fair share of cruise-ship visits. To get a real sense of the island, we suggest staying at least one night, so you can revel in its quiet beauty when the ships have floated away.

Best Thing to Do in Roatan

Swimming with whale sharks

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Roatan is one of a handful of places on the planet that has a permanent colony of whale sharks. Suffice to say: The absolute best thing to do here is to jump at the chance of swimming with the world’s largest fish.

Just make sure that you find a local tour company that practices responsible ecotourism. If a company allows you to feed, get near or touch the whale sharks, avoid it at all costs.

Where Is Roatan?

Caribbean Countries: Roatan map

Honorable Mention: San Andres and Providencia, Colombia

Crab Caye San Andres and Providencia

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Population: 61,280

Annual visitors: 45,590

Bottom Line: San Andres and Providencia

Old boat in Providencia

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This department of Colombia is unique in many ways: It is actually off the coast of Nicaragua, its main languages are English and patois (a form of creole) rather than Spanish, and non-islanders are not allowed to stay for more than three months, not even Colombian mainlanders!

The archipelago is made up of three islands: San Andres, the largest island; Providencia, the smaller island; and Santa Catalina, a tiny cay connected to Providencia by a bridge. You must fly into San Andres and then choose whether you want to stay there and enjoy its more modern vibe or take a ferry or a small plane to Providencia.

In our opinion, you should spend a day in San Andres, then head on to Providencia without hesitating. With a single road around the island that you can complete in 40 minutes, this tiny place is truly paradisical. Your days will be spent at the beach or deep in the sea. There are no luxury hotels or chains, and that’s exactly what we love about it.

Best Thing to Do in San Andres and Providencia

The Peak, Providence, Colombia

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While it’s difficult not to choose one of the places that wink to the archipelago’s pirate history, for the best thing to do, we have to go with climbing the Peak in Providencia.

The island is really a single mountain whose peak produces perfectly at the center. A short hike to the summit will give you a 360-degree view of the island as well as the astonishing Sea of Seven Colors. On the way, you’ll encounter gorgeous tropical vegetation and unique animals, like the blue iguana.

Where Are San Andres and Providencia?

San Andres and Providencia map

Honorable Mention: Bermuda

Jobson Cove Beach, Bermuda

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Population: 62,278

Annual visitors: 282,000

Bottom Line: Bermuda

Swimming in Bermuda?

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Though Bermuda is not in the Caribbean, we wanted to give it a shout out, given that it’s on the Atlantic Ocean and shares similar qualities to Caribbean islands.

In this gorgeous British territory, you can sunbathe in pink-sand beaches and see humpback whales making their way up to the Arctic.

You can also visit Fort Hamilton for an unexpected jungle-like moat.

Best Thing to Do in Bermuda

Crystal Cave, Bermuda

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Descend 120 feet below the Earth’s surface to the Crystal and Fantasy caves. You’ll see large selenite gypsum crystals hanging from the ceiling of the cave or sprouting from the ground.

Clear underground azure pools make the caves even more magical.

Where Is Bermuda?

Caribbean Countries: Bermuda map

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The Caribbean boasts about 700 Caribbean islands, but only 28 of them are deemed sovereign states and dependent territories.

Starting with the Bahamas and Cuba, located off the tip of Florida, the string of Caribbean countries arc down towards Venezuela. Each one has its own unique combination of history, geography, culture and attractions. Though most of them offer sun-centric activities like swimming in beaches, aquatic sports, fishing, hiking, bird watching and soaking up some rays.

Not sure which Caribbean island’s best for you? Here we list all 28 Caribbean countries and territories, ranked from try-to-visit to book-a-flight-right-now.

28. Haiti

Coastline and blue water in Ouest Province in Haiti

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Population: 11.4 million

Annual visitors: 1.3 million

*Note: Given the COVID-19 pandemic, annual visitors are based on 2019 numbers.

Bottom Line: Haiti

Old Fishing Boat, Jacmel, Haiti

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Haiti gets a bad rap for political instability and is still recovering from a devastating earthquake that happened in 2010.

But if you look past negative media coverage, you’ll find a beautiful country where tourists can snorkel, zipline, enjoy delicious food and visit landmarks like mountaintop Citadelle la Ferrière and the Sans-Souci Palace.

Best Thing to Do in Haiti

Basin Bleu, Haiti

Petter Sandell / Flickr

Bassin Bleu is a serene sanctuary with three natural plunge pools of pristine blue water and a beautiful waterfall.

Part of the fun is the hike that takes you to this secluded spot, which you will likely not have to share with many other people.

Where Is Haiti?

Haiti map

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