Top 5 Southern Caribbean Islands To Visit On Your Next Cruise

What's better than exploring a beautiful, sunny island in the Southern Caribbean? Hop onboard a Southern Caribbean cruise and find yourself in paradise. Sip on tropical cocktails on white-sand beaches after spending an afternoon swimming with sea turtles or wandering down colorful streets. From culture to cuisine, these five Southern Caribbean islands are bound to impress. This region includes vibrant destinations like Aruba, Barbados, Curacao, St. Lucia and Puerto Rico — each offering its own blend of natural beauty, history and Caribbean flair.

Key Takeaways: Best Southern Caribbean Islands to Explore by Cruise

● Aruba: Dutch-Caribbean charm, national parks, conchi pools and vibrant street art in San Nicolas.

● Barbados: Beaches, rum distilleries, UNESCO Heritage Site and coral reef snorkeling.

● Curaçao: Dutch colonial history, vibrant architecture, over 35 beaches and top-tier cuisine.

● St. Lucia: Rainforests, waterfalls, mountains and golden-sand beaches.

● Puerto Rico: Rich culture, Spanish colonial forts, foodie heaven and El Yunque rainforest.

● Learn more about the top Southern Caribbean islands to visit.

Aruba: History, Culture And Cuisine

Aruba isn’t just a beach destination; it’s a cultural hub with culinary diversity and rugged desert landscapes.

When you think of the island of Aruba, your thoughts may turn to white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. The diverse country is also home to people from more than 90 different countries, including Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Colombia. This melting pot has greatly influenced the cuisine and culture of Aruba, making it one of the best Southern Caribbean islands to visit.

Mouthwatering Aruban Food

You'll be able to sample food from all over the world when you visit the capital city of Oranjestad, encountering cuisine influenced by countries in the Mediterranean as well as Peru and Brazil. If you're looking for food with a particularly local flavor, try a traditional Aruban dish like:

● Pan bati (cornflour flatbread).

● Carni stoba (beef stew).

● Keshi yena (stuffed cheese).

Don't forget about fresh seafood, which is the cornerstone of Caribbean cuisine.

Captivating Culture

If you visit Aruba on a Tuesday, head to Fort Zoutman for the Bon Bini Festival — discover the perfect way to experience the island’s lively history and culture. The festival features dancers wearing traditional costumes as they twirl through the streets to the sound of drums. If you're looking for something a little more mellow, you can step back in time at the National Archaeological Museum Aruba.

If you're a nature lover, 20% of the island’s land is designated as a national park, so there's plenty to explore. Arikok National Park covers almost 8,000 acres of the island. A key feature of Arikok is the beautiful conchi pools — natural pools nestled within rock formations — that are protected from waves, creating a fun and relaxing swimming experience. Once you've dried off, hop in a jeep for a tour, where you'll be able to see volcanic coastlines and towering dunes. You'll be wondering if you're in the desert or on a tropical island as you drive by cacti and iguanas.

Street Art and Aruba’s Sunrise City

For stunning street art, head to San Nicolas, also known as “Sunrise City.” Located on the southeastern tip of Aruba, the town’s streets are covered with vibrant murals created by both local and international artists. Try to plan your visit to this colorful capital of culture so it coincides with the Aruba Art Fair, which celebrates music, dancing and local food as well as world-class art over the three-day event.

Barbados: A Small Island With Big Personality

Barbados may not be the biggest island, but it packs a big punch when it comes to things to do. From gorgeous weather to stunning beaches with clear blue water to colorful neighborhoods and UNESCO Heritage Sites, Barbados really has it all. It’s the perfect location for a Southern Caribbean vacation.

Seafood, Rum, Yum

Dining in Barbados is an event for both locals and tourists. People flock to Speightstown to enjoy some fresh lobster and rum punch on the beach. Oistins Fish Fry is a must-do for the catch of the day, which is fried to perfection. Enjoy local flavors while steel drums play in the background for an unforgettable dining experience. No matter what you choose to sink your teeth into, it's guaranteed to be flavorful.

Hop on board a catamaran for the day and explore the coast of the island of Barbados. Snorkel through colorful coral reefs and shipwrecks and get up close and personal with sea turtles.

You can also visit North Point, a scenic spot where waves crash along a rocky coast. North Point offers a striking contrast to the calm, white beaches of the south. If you're looking for something in between the two, Crane Beach is the place to be with its turquoise water and manageable waves.

Colonial History in Colorful Bridgetown

If you're interested in learning a bit more about the history of Barbados, spend the day in the capital of Bridgetown. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with colorful and vibrant buildings that are an outstanding example of British colonial architecture built in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Visit the Chamberlain Bridge, built between 1865 and 1872 and one of the most popular photo spots in Barbados. If you want to mix education and fun, visit nearby St. Nicholas Abbey, one of the oldest distilleries in the Caribbean. It still produces rum and offers tours of the facility six days a week.

After a rum of two, you may want to extend your Caribbean vacation. The good news is that it’s easy to explore Caribbean islands near Barbados, including St. Vincent and Grenada.

Curacao: Colorful Charm in the Southwestern Caribbean

Curacao is one of the most colorful and culturally diverse Caribbean islands.

Colorful houses line the harbor in Willemstad, Curacao. Legend has it that a governor of the city got headaches from the sun reflecting off all the white buildings in the city and ordered that the buildings had to be painted colors other than white. However, it’s rumored that his order may have been influenced by the fact that he owned a local paint factory.

Curacao Cuisine: From Cashew Cake to Goat Burgers

Located near the southwestern Caribbean, Curacao offers a unique blend of Dutch heritage and island flair. From the savory kabritu — goat — burger to the sweet bolo di kashupete —cashew cake — there are many delicious traditional foods to taste in Curacao. Examples include:

● Fresh-caught fish paired with fried plantains.

● Arepa di pampuna — a pumpkin pancake — a recipe influenced by the Dutch on the island.

● Keshi yena — a large ball of cheese stuffed with spiced meat, olives, capers, onions and tomatoes that’s baked until it's crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.

If you're interested in a very relaxing day complete with beach chairs and service, head to Playa Knip, the most famous beach on Curacao. You can also grab an ice-cold beer at one of the many beach bars on Porto Mari, a bustling sandy oasis with a beautiful pier nearby that makes for a great photo spot. If you're looking for something more adventurous, hike through the mountains of Christoffelpark and take in the views while keeping an eye out for wildlife, including stunning birds found in the towering trees.

Art, History and Multinational Influence

Located only 40 miles from the coast of Venezuela, Curacao's culture has been influenced by several different countries. Over its history, the island has been under the rule of the Spanish, British and Dutch. You can learn about the history of the slave trade at the Museum Kurá Hulanda. If art floats your boat more than history, then you must visit the neighborhoods of Otrobanda and Pietermaai, where murals line the streets.

With so much to do, you may be interested in expanding your itinerary. Consider visiting a Caribbean vacation island near Curacao, like Aruba or Bonaire, as they’re both easily accessible by cruise.

St. Lucia: A Lush Island Paradise for Adventure Lovers

Known for its natural beauty, St. Lucia is one of the best Southern Caribbean islands for nature and adventure lovers.

With towering mountains and lush rainforests surrounded by babbling brooks and cascading waterfalls, you're guaranteed to see something breathtaking no matter where you look on St. Lucia, making the island a great pick for a Southern Caribbean vacation. It's the perfect place to grab your hiking boots and go on a big adventure, followed by a swim and sunbathing with a drink in hand.

Flavorful Dishes from the Garden Isle

From juicy mangoes and creamy avocados that grow in the rainforests to the green bananas featured in many dishes, you'll be hard-pressed to find something that isn't incredibly satisfying on the menus in St. Lucia. Enjoy fresh lobster or callaloo soup, a Caribbean delicacy which is made from the leaves of local vegetables. No matter what you choose, you won't leave St. Lucia hungry.

Swimming and Sight-Seeing

From relaxing on golden sands and staring up at tall palm trees to jumping into gurgling waterfalls to zip-lining over the treetops, both holiday loungers and adrenaline junkies will be happy when visiting St. Lucia. One of the most popular beaches is Reduit Beach, which has tranquil waters and restaurants nearby once you've worked up an appetite with your swim.

Colonial Influence

You can also head to the capital city, Castries, for a glimpse into the history of St. Lucia. The city has a mix of colonial and Caribbean architecture, heavily influenced by centuries of colonial rule by the French and British. Or visit the Soufriere Estate, featuring a restored mansion and sugar mill where you can learn about what it was like to live on a plantation at a time when slavery was prevalent on the island.

Extend your adventure by visiting islands near St. Lucia. Take a detour to Martinique or Dominica to explore more natural wonders.

Puerto Rico: Colonial Flair in the Southern Caribbean

While technically a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico’s San Juan is a common stop on Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries.

The vibrant capital city of Puerto Rico is buzzing with life. From the energy that flows through Old San Juan to the incredible foodie scene to the striking beaches and historical forts that line the coast, it's simply magical. The small island is the perfect place to stop off while on a Southern Caribbean cruise.

Old San Juan: Color and Cocktails

Grab a piña colada from the Barrachina Restaurant in Old San Juan or from the Caribe Hilton — both claim to be the birthplace of the classic Caribbean cocktail. Why not try both and decide for yourself which establishment makes it best?

You can also enjoy tasty plantains served fried or as mofongo, a dish of plantains cooked with olive oil, broth, salt and garlic. Or sink your teeth into a salty bacalaitos, a codfish fritter served with dipping sauce. If you're craving something sweet, finish off your meal with arroz con dulce — a creamy rice pudding commonly served in Puerto Rico.

Natural Wonders

There are many beautiful beaches to choose from, but Condado is likely the best. Located right next to San Juan, at Condada, you can lounge on a beach chair, hang with locals or play a game of beach volleyball. If you want to get closer to nature, head to El Yunque National Forest, where you can spot colorful birds as they swoop through the trees and hear the rushing sound of waterfalls as you meander on trails.

Explore Puerto Rico’s Colonial Forts

For history and culture, head to Old San Juan, a neighborhood rife with gorgeous 16th-century Spanish colonial architecture. With candy-colored buildings lining the cobblestone streets, the ambiance transports you back in time. Make sure to pack your camera and snap a few photos of the technicolor streets.

After you've had your fill of pretty houses, head to Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a fortification boasting beautiful views of the rocky coastline. The fort, which has stood for almost 500 years, can help you better understand the history of Puerto Rico.