Unlike most Caribbean islands, it's located outside of Hurricane Alley, making it safe in several senses. Jost van Dyke. Published by. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Antigua and Barbuda, nicknamed the Land of 365 Beaches,is a sovereign statein the Americas and British Commonwealth. Canouan has bragging rights for being surrounded by the Caribbeans largest living coral reef and theres good fly-fishing and kitesurfing here too. From the crowded beaches ofPuerto Rico to the dangerous streets of Jamaica,join us as we count down 15 Caribbean destinations that are overrated, if these tourist photos are anything to go by. Sit seaside, nestled by rocks watching the sunset at the resorts Mango restaurant. But divers know this part of the Dutch Caribbean is where the action is, with nearly 90 dive sites, coral reefs, and sea caves. The third largest Caribbean island, Jamaica is one of the most popular and well-known tourist destinations in the region. For a quieter experience, head to theAndrosia Batik Factory where you can learn about the art of batik-making and try your hand at it. Beyond their beautiful beaches, each of these most popular Caribbean islands has a wide range of top attractions, all just waiting to be explored! There are also many land-based options, such as horseback riding and hiking. Here are eight of the best. Most locals will suggest Newport Beach Balboa Island instead, which is less crowded and more accessible (Insider). Barbados: Beautiful white sand beach in Turks & Caicos. Not that anyone wants to socialize anyways, as most travelers are on their honeymoon. Youll have to check them out somewhere else, because Capri has none (Everywhereist). "Assault or Homicide." Ambergris Caye, Belize - US $319,900. Key West may seem like a glamorous Oceanside town, but this is one place where the book doesnt necessarily match the cover. The British Virgin Islands (BVI) consist of Tortola (the largest and most inhabited island), Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, and more than 50 smaller islands and cays. Get to Nassau, hop on a commuter flight, take a cab to the dock and board a water taxi that takes you to Kamalame Cay, a private island in Andros in the Bahamas. For an authentic Jamaican experience, mix it up with locals at Bluefields Beach Parkwhere, at the weekends, families will be picnicking and the reggae music will be blasting. June 16, 2020. Come to St Kitts and neighbouring Nevis for the quiet Caribbean life a mellow itinerary of golf, delicious meals and lazy . Snorkeling is the most popular water activity on the island, and the crowds of people practically swimming on top of one of another proves it (Trip Advisor). In order to get to this volcanic islands main village of SantAngelo, youll have to take an hour-long ferry from Naples through the Tyrrhenian Sea. Big Island booooring, all you can do is take an helicopter and see the volcano, you spend $1000 in a one day "vacation" and it is boring. It enforces relatively strict gun laws, which make it especially safe for travelers. Culture, art and travel are crucial to her lifestyle and central to her writing. The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola withthe country of Haiti. Revitalize yourself at the Bamboo Spa with the signature Jungle Bay Massage with coconut, castor and bay essential oils. Keeps Mexico and Several Caribbean Islands on Travel Advisory List, 2020 Travel Warnings for Countries in Africa, 16 Cheapest Islands in the World to Visit. What you will find plenty of on this 3.5-mile island inSt Vincent and the Grenadines, is boats, incredible ones at theSandy Lane Yacht Club. The island's best beaches include Buccoo Bay and Englishmans Bay, or cool off with a bold jump into Argyle Falls, Tobagos highest waterfall. The crime rate in Montego is taking a toll on tourism, and the traffic is unbearable (the army constantly searches cars), according to a Trip Advisor review. Kayak and snorkel inSoufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve. Jumby Bay Island, Antigua and Barbuda. But how good of a beach is it? Check Rates and Availability for: Hotels in Puerto Rico | Tours in Puerto Rico. Food was good but everything else was bad. Vacationing on a luxurious private island in The Maldives. It ranked lowest among all Barbados nations in sexual assaults, shootings, and residential burglaries, too. With its serene, laidback atmosphere, pristine waters, and rich, vibrant culture, the Bahamas is perfect for a quick weekend getaway or an extended tropical vacation. Dine at The Rocks that sits 300m (1000ft) above sea level on the grounds of theGolden Rock Inn, where you can enjoy magnificent sea views, cascading ponds, and lush gardens. In fact, it is the most crowded of all the Caribbean Islands. Grand Cayman Island has become one of the most popular cruise destinations, meaning it is usually overrun with passengers of the docked ships. Possibly one of the most well-known Caribbean islands among Brits, this "paradise island" is actually an archipelago of islands made from coral. For a unique golfing experience, play on Bonaires natural golf desert course (where wild goats and donkeys roam). St. Martin. Even though it isn't entirely crimeless, the U.S. Department of State deems Puerto Rico safe to visit. And even though the region is known for its nightlife, it still isn't advisable to venture out after dark, especially if you're bringing your family with you. Caribbean Travel Guide: Dominica. It is also the area of the world that gets hit by hurricanes more often than other areas. But that amount of attention has started to tarnish this once low-key Greek isle. "Police won't do anything," a woman claimed on Trip Advisor as she was verbally assaulted on Magen's Bay beach. The bungalows, villas, cottages, and beach houses are spread out for miles. Explore the rich cultural diversity of the islands through mouthwatering local dishes and historical European architecture. The nightlife is fun, traffic is horrible and the high-rise buildings are the opposite of what makes the Caribbean, Caribbean. 1. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. Wheel around in your golf cart on white sand roads and its mostly you and Mother Nature with just enough people to have a little atmosphere. The New York Post named this uber popular destination one of the most overrated travel spots on the planet. She loves traveling the region in search of the best cultural and foodie adventures, places to stay and live/work opportunities. Planning tip: Consider spending a day in Providenciales. Soak up the sounds on a Sunday night at the legendary street party,Buccoo Sunday School in Buccoo. Sosua Beach only looks good in postcards; it's actually overrun by tourist shops according to Trip Advisor. Photo Credit: Cuba Tourist Board. St. Kitts and Nevis: 120,000. 4. Santa Catalina Island, typically referred to as simply Catalina, is a small island just off the coast of southern California. There is much to enjoy as Puerto Rico is an island with old Spanish charm and modern attractions and accommodations. Bearing in mind a wet season, possible hurricanes and a stretch of super-humid weather, here's when to visit Everglades National Park. Several of the major tourist destinations fail to live up to the hype. Bruna Alves , Jun 21, 2022. Waikiki Beach has been described by tourists and locals alike as dirty, overcrowded and stuffed with a plethora of kitschy souvenir shops. Trinidad is beloved for its iconic carnival, but sister island Tobago is often overlooked. The Caribbean is a diverse region with significant economic potential and growth opportunities. It's "extremely crowded," one reviewer on Trip Advisor recalled. Source: flickr. Also see: Best things to do in Cuba. Montserrat is nicknamed the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean both for its terrain and the heritage of its inhabitants. Everything in the BVI is so cut and dry and boring and the food is horrible. Grenada. TheBritish Virgin Islands(BVI) consist of Tortola (the largest and most inhabited island), Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, andmore than 50 smaller islands and cays. 2. Break in case of a budget emergency. Read on to find out why, and to learn more about this year's top 25 islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas. The volcanic island is home to swift waterfalls, winding . Tourists are more at risk of petty crimes and pickpocketing than anything. Moskito Island. The petroleum industry lies at the heart of Trinidad and Tobago's newly flourishing economy: oil and gas generate approximately 40% of GDP and 80% of exports. Not only does it have one of the highest murder rates in the Caribbean, but this region is also notorious for being a hangout of petty thieves. It seems that these islands are so relaxed their almost, The Tate Way: Here's How Internet Sensation Andrew Tate Earns And Spends His Fortune, 8 Outrageous Ways Joel Osteen Spends His Massive $100 Million Fortune, The Spielberg Way: 10 Ways Steven Spielberg Earns & Spends His Billions, Sylvester Stallone And Jennifer Flavin Canceled Their Divorce And Reconcile Their Marriage, The 10 Most Expensive Superyachts In The World, As Of 2022, Emancipation Will Smiths Apple Thriller Get Its First Screening, She May Be Engaged! If youre into snorkeling, Grenada offers over 30 dive sites. Dominica. Here you'll find hipster haunts likeRicks Caf where you can dance and watch folks jump from cliffs into the sea. From the Seychelles to Santorini and the Caribbean to Capri, find your very own Shangri-la in this list of the most beautiful islands in the world. Getting there isnt the quickest commute, either. Part of the British Empire up until 1966, since gaining independence Barbadoshas transformed itself from a low-income economy highly dependent on sugar production, into a well developed economy built on tourism and the offshore sector. Aside from one incident in which two people were murdered within 24 hours in 2017, Bonaire doesn't have much major crime. The island has also attracted foreign investment in petroleum storage and transshipment. Most describe this popular Italian island as overpriced and touristy. Shops here are more expensive than those in most of the countrys other destinations and do not stay open year round. According to Trip Advisor, the beach can get pretty crowded most of the time, "with people cramped into small patches of sand." 15 Overrated Islands Crowds Flock To (And 10 We'd Actually Recommend), Overrated: Mustique Island, Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, in our dreams: Cocoa Island, The Maldives, overrated:Grand Cayman, the Cayman Islands, Overrated: Santa Catalina Island, California. This is a list of islands in the Caribbean by area. For a wellness themed retreat theresJungle Bay on nearly 20 acres of lush landscape. The spot to be on the weekend is Triple J's Grill, which feels like a backyard barbecueand is. Nevis, in the Leeward Islands, is one of the Caribbeans best kept secrets. Dont look for bars and mega resorts, but wild donkeys and salt flats with pink flamingos. It's no secret that the Caribbean has some of the most beautiful islands in the world. Trek the parks trails with views of mountains and the rainforest. (Langkawi Info). If you do travel to the Dominican Republic, do not exhibit signs of wealth by wearing expensive jewelry. While that will entertain you for a few hours, this small island doesnt have much else to offer. There are 13 sovereign states and 17 dependent territories in the Caribbean, and the predominant languages are English, Spanish, French, Dutch and . Ginger beer and coffee are Jamaica's two most famous drinks. South Islands also boasts the countrys highest mountains, largest lakes and biggest glaciers. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Drug trafficking is a major concern here. Learn more about coverage options for frequent travelers and those with multiple upcoming trips. Whether a family vacation or a romantic getaway, these mesmerizing islands provide many options to create perfect memories. With his expertise in the literary field and passion for the arts, he aims to give back to the community of like-minded individuals and introduce more people to the arts. These 13 things to do in San Juan won't cost a thing. Morne Trois Pitons is an active volcano, one of nine in Dominica. The islands breathtaking beauty includes three of only seven bioluminescent bays in the world. Also nearby in Belmont Falls in a small yard off the main road is the monument that pays tribute to reggae legend Peter Tosh who spent his early years there. It also attracts visitors looking for beach and water sports holidays. Quite a turn off for tourists but it's true, Jamaica's assessment concluded with a level 2 crime warning (travelers should exercise increased caution). On top of that, several reviewers on TripAdvisor note how littered the beaches are. Ranked as the number one honeymoon destination by US News Travel, St. Lucia is a solo traveler or adventure seekers nightmare. Although homicide rates are high on a few Caribbean islands, most are lower than the United States' (according to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2019 there were 5.8 homicides per 100,000 people in the U.S.). The manufacturing industry also plays an important role in sustaining the economy, as well as the tourism industry (the latter less so than most Caribbean islands). Their popularity depends on whether people are visiting there on a cruise or to stay for multiple nights in a hotel or resort. Take a thrilling bobsled ride through the forest and go swimming with dolphins in the resort town of Ocho Rios. But the lack of options on this small island doesnt seem to help with the crowd sizes, which are hefty year round. Tourism has also taken off (though slowly), presenting itself as a particularly appealing destination for eco-tourists. Though the historic section of Macao sits on a peninsula that is now connected to the Chinese mainland, the Macao island of Cotai is a huge tourist draw due to its grand casino complexes,. . It also exports cocoa, bananas and citrus fruits. An ideal dual-island for luxury holidays, Antigua's economy prospers thanks to its tourism industry. Of course, the earthquakesand poor infrastructure aren't helping, either. Agriculture - particularly banana crops - are central to this regained prosperity. Puerto Rico is a large island without a whole lot of public transportation. Bahamas: Exuma Swimming with Pigs. 22, 2023, The Caribbean has long been known for its azure waters, tropical beaches and incredibly slow pace that makes finding peace and relaxation a breeze. Barbados. Traditionally, St Lucia gained most of its riches from banana cultivation. Due to its perfect weather all-year long, turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife and tropical flavors, the Caribbean is the best place to escape with your friends for an unforgettable holiday. Besides the occasional theft, which is a concern for any tourist-popular region, St. Barts doesn't have much crime. Rank Island Area (km 2) Area (sq mi) Country or Countries . Umbrellas line a tropical beach in the West Indies. Check Rates and Availability for: Hotels in the Dominican Republic | Tours in the Dominican Republic. An island of just 10 square . With more than 170 attractions spread over the island, theres something for people of all ages to enjoy. Bahamas. "I almost drowned there," a tourist recalled on Trip Advisor. The local organic produce in Market Square is one of the redeeming qualities though (the cheapest in town). But with so many islands to choose from, you might want to consider crossing St. John off your list of options. Stop at a coffee shop for a cup of Blue Mountain coffee. However, the island remains a key exporter of spices, and is the second biggest exporter of nutmeg in the world. High unemployment rates, a lack of economic development, and drug trafficking have made parts of this region susceptible to crime, violence, and gang activity. It is one of the most boring animals in the ocean and the most uncool squid on the planet. Looking to escape the everyday grind with a picture-perfect romantic holiday? Best Beach: Zemi Beach House, Anguilla. When looking for the cheapest airports in the Caribbean, fly into Santo Domingo via Las Amricas. Martinique. Bonairewhich forms the ABC Islands with Arubaand Curaaois a special municipality oftheNetherlands. Business Insider said it best: everyone stays in Atlantis, but no one seems to actually enjoy it. The British government states that "although most visits to the BVI are trouble-free, serious incidents, including armed robbery, do occur." 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