The 9 Best Places in the Caribbean To Visit

Choosing the type of vacation you’ll go on is all about matching your vibe. Are you an adventurous spirit or a quiet soul? A culinary connoisseur or an art enthusiast? 

Whatever your travel interests, there is a Caribbean island for you, with a variety of experiences well-suited to your personal vacation style. Royal Caribbean cruises are a seamless way to not only get to these spots but also visit several of them on a single trip. The best places in the Caribbean to visit offer up a different adventure daily. 

Here, you’ll learn which Caribbean island to cruise to, so you can get more of what you love on your cruise vacation. 

Key Takeaways: Best Places To Visit in the Caribbean

●  Oranjestad, Aruba: Relax on spacious white-sand beaches or explore clear blue waters teeming with beautiful marine life.

●  Bonaire, Dutch Antilles: Enjoy wonderfully private snorkeling and diving adventures with over 3,000 hours of annual sunshine.

●  Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas: Find incredible duty-free boutiques, charming open-air markets and upscale brands along the beautiful waterfront.

●  Falmouth, Jamaica: Savor intensely spiced jerk chicken before hiking toward stunning waterfalls or wading through bioluminescent beaches.

●  San Juan, Puerto Rico: Taste classic mofongo before exploring the lush El Yunque National Forest to spot rare parrots.

●  Castries, St. Lucia: Hike the majestic twin volcanic Pitons and explore sprawling, unspoiled rainforests alongside palm-fringed beaches.

●  Roseau, Dominica: Canyon through beautiful gorges, view a bubbling lake or dive deep into volcanic reefs.

●  Labadee, Haiti: Experience thrilling adrenaline rushes by riding a coaster or flying down a long overwater zipline.

●  The Great Blue Hole, Belize: Dive into the Great Blue Hole or go tubing through ancient, narrow cavernous passageways.

●  Explore cruises and start planning your next exotic Caribbean beach vacation.

1. Best for Beaches and Weather

Oranjestad, Aruba

The Dutch-influenced island destination is a beachgoer’s dream, with plenty of space to spread out and relax on the white-sand beaches and soak up the sun’s rays. The clear blue water is a stone’s throw away from Oranjestad when it’s time to cool off, and it’s teeming with marine life you can see up close on a little midday underwater adventure. While Aruba has much to offer beyond its top-rated beaches, it is here that your senses come alive.

Bonaire, the Dutch Antilles

If the ocean really drives your heart wild, take a trip to Bonaire in the Dutch Antilles. While it’s best known for its snorkeling and diving adventures, this island is also recognized for its more private, tranquil settings, rather than busy, sandy stretches of beach.

Located outside the hurricane belt, Bonaire boasts over 3,000 sunshine hours per year and warm weather year-round. As you’re packing for your cruise to Bonaire, remember to bring light natural fibers and reef-safe sunscreen.

2. Best for Shopping and Laid-Back Vibes

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

St. Thomas is just as much a home to underwater treasures as it is to some of the best shopping the Caribbean has to offer. Where “duty free” is the name of the game, the island’s capital, Charlotte Amalie, is brimming with bauble-filled boutiques, art galleries and open-air markets.

Bargain at Market Square for locally made keepsakes and fresh produce or walk along the waterfront at Yacht Haven Grande, where you’ll find upscale shopping featuring brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

3. Best for Foodies and Nature

Falmouth, Jamaica

Falmouth, Jamaica, is a culinary paradise. Local dishes are packed with flavor, from popular, intensely spiced jerk chicken to sweet black cake (think the island’s version of a fruitcake) served best with another island staple — Blue Mountain coffee. You can put your taste buds to the test by seeking out each of these nine must-try Jamaican foods, including classics like ackee and saltfish.

Jamaica also boasts plenty of natural marvels, including countless waterfalls to hike to, freshwater pools to soak in and bioluminescent beaches to wade through during your cruise vacation.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

For even more exceptional island flavors, you can also head to Puerto Rico. There are classic dishes like mofongo, which combines fried plantains, creamy broth and chicken, beef or octopus.

In San Juan, an hour’s drive from the cruise port, you’ll find the El Yunque National Forest with a network of hiking trails for all experience levels. Keep an eye out for the rare Iguaca parrot, usually found high in the jungle canopy and endemic to this Caribbean island.

4. Best for Romance and Scenery

Castries, St. Lucia

Two ancient volcanic spires, named Le Gros Piton and Le Petit Piton, anchor St. Lucia’s landscape. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pitons are a prime hiking destination that stand at more than 2,400 feet and welcome adventurers year-round.

Beyond these twin peaks, you’ll find St. Lucia is sprawling with acres of unspoiled rainforests and palm-fringed beaches. When you’re preparing for your cruise, be sure to pack your camera to capture views you won’t want to forget.

Roseau, Dominica

In Dominica, you can check out volcanic peaks, a bubbling lake and underwater springs. Or, if you’re feeling more daring, try canyoning through Titou Gorge or diving on volcanic reefs. Both adventure and beauty await in this gorgeous Eastern Caribbean island!

5. Best for Families

Labadee, Haiti

Labadee is an adrenaline rush from the moment you set foot on the private destination. It’s an excellent Caribbean cruise destination for families and is home to the world’s longest Zip Line over water, aka Dragon’s Breath Flight LineSM. Brave travelers can launch themselves (safely and securely) from one end of the island to the next.

Once back on solid ground, it’s off to the next adventure, which could be climbing the only “icebergs” in the Caribbean at Arawak Aqua Park or coasting down the mountainside at 30 miles per hour on Dragon’s Tail Coaster^SM.

The Great Blue Hole, Belize

If you prefer a shorter Caribbean cruise getaway, set sail to Belize. From diving the Great Blue Hole and tubing through a narrow cavernous passageway in Nohoch Che’en Archeological Reserve, Belize is packed with family-friendly activities to laugh, splash and create new memories.

What Is the Prettiest Part of the Caribbean?

The prettiest part of the Caribbean depends on whether you prefer dramatic scenery, serene palm-dotted beaches or unique natural wonders. For exceptional, quiet beaches, head to Bonaire or Costa Rica. If you love interesting land formations, St. Lucia’s two Pitons provide a stunning backdrop for your cruise vacation. Or, if you love more unique natural wonders, the Great Blue Hole in Belize or Jamaica’s bioluminescent beaches are worth traveling to.

Natural Wonders, Warm Weather and Dramatic Landscapes Await

The Caribbean is bursting with opportunities to satiate any travel spirit. It doesn’t matter if you love dramatic peaks, rare natural wonders or turquoise lagoons, framed with white-sand beaches — you’ll find it all cruising through the Caribbean islands.

Explore Caribbean cruises — your next seaside vacation destination awaits!