Caribbean Travel Guide
Find the Caribbean island that fits your trip
The Caribbean is not one destination. A quiet beach holiday in Anguilla, a hiking trip in Dominica, a diving week in Bonaire and Carnival in Trinidad are completely different journeys. CaribSurf helps you compare islands by the experience you actually want, using practical travel information, island-by-island guides and original photography.
Independent Caribbean travel information with original photography, personal island impressions and practical planning pages from CaribSurf.
GrenadaBeaches, mountains and island life
Saint LuciaRainforest, mountains and the Pitons
DominicaFor rainforest, waterfalls and hiking
TrinidadFor culture, Carnival, nature and local life
Not sure where to start? Use the island finder below if you are choosing between destinations, or go straight to beaches, diving, ferries or Carnival if your travel style is already clear.
Start with the kind of Caribbean trip you want
BeachesCompare standout beaches for swimming, snorkeling, scenery and facilities.
Diving & SnorkelingFind reefs, walls, wrecks and islands with strong shore-diving access.
Nature & HikingRainforest, waterfalls, volcanic scenery and mountain trails.
Culture & CarnivalCompare Carnival seasons, music traditions and festival islands.
Quiet Small IslandsLook beyond large resorts to smaller islands such as Bequia and Carriacou.
Sailing TripExplore island chains where the journey between islands is part of the holiday.
Which Caribbean island is right for you?
The most useful comparison is not which island is “best”, but which one is best for the experience you want.
| You are looking for | Start with | Why | Less suitable if… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectacular beaches | Anguilla, Antigua, Turks & Caicos | White sand, clear water and strong beach-focused travel. | You want mountain hiking or a large nightlife scene. |
| Diving | Bonaire, Curaçao, Cayman Islands | Established dive infrastructure and excellent marine access. | You want dense rainforest or a broad cultural city break. |
| Rainforest & hiking | Dominica, Saint Lucia, Grenada | Mountainous interiors, waterfalls and greener landscapes. | You want a dry climate and mostly flat, easy terrain. |
| Culture & music | Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados | Strong music, food, festivals and local cultural identity. | You mainly want a quiet resort beach and little urban activity. |
| Sailing & island hopping | Antigua, Virgin Islands, Grenadines | Natural island-hopping routes, marinas and protected waters. | You dislike moving between islands or using boats. |
| Small-island atmosphere | Bequia, Saba, Carriacou | Smaller scale and less resort density. | You want extensive resort infrastructure and nonstop entertainment. |
| First Caribbean trip | Barbados, Saint Lucia, Antigua | Accessible visitor infrastructure with very different combinations of beaches, scenery and culture. | You specifically want a remote or very small-island experience. |
| Independent travel | Grenada, Dominica, Curaçao | Good choices for travellers who want to explore beyond a single resort area. | You prefer an all-inclusive holiday with minimal local transport. |
| Drier climate | Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao | Generally drier conditions than many mountainous eastern islands. | You want lush rainforest and frequent mountain hiking. |
| Carnival | Trinidad, Barbados, Grenada | Three major but very different Carnival traditions. | You want a quiet trip unaffected by major festival crowds. |
Caribbean at a glance
A few basic facts help put the region into perspective before you choose an island.
| Largest Caribbean island | Cuba |
| Main travel languages | English, Spanish, French and Dutch, alongside Creole languages and many local varieties |
| Classic high season | December to April on many islands |
| Atlantic hurricane season | June 1 to November 30 |
| Driest well-known island group | Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao are generally much drier than the mountainous eastern Caribbean |
| Best way to choose | Match the island to your priorities: beach, diving, nature, culture, sailing, budget or festival season |
Four islands, four very different Caribbean experiences
AnguillaFor exceptional beaches and a quieter island atmosphere
MartiniqueFrench-Creole culture, beaches and mountains
BonaireClear water, beaches and marine life
BarbadosBeaches, island life and Caribbean culture
Original Caribbean photography by CaribSurf.
When to visit the Caribbean
Weather differs between islands, coasts and elevations. These periods are useful starting points rather than rules for the entire region.
December–AprilDrier on many islands, pleasant weather, peak demand and the highest prices.
May–JuneWarm weather, fewer winter visitors and often a good balance of price and conditions.
July–OctoberHotter and more humid, with a greater need to monitor tropical-weather forecasts.
NovemberA transition month before the main winter season, often with lower demand.
Hurricane season: The official Atlantic season runs from June 1 to November 30. Risk varies substantially across the region and from year to year, so check the specific island and current forecasts.
Caribbean events worth planning a trip around
Some festivals are important enough to determine when and where you travel. Exact dates can move, so verify the current calendar before making non-refundable bookings.
Plan your Caribbean trip
Once you have chosen an island, these practical pages help turn the idea into a workable journey.
BeachesSwimming & snorkeling
DivingDive destinations
AirlinesRegional connections
Caribbean FerriesIsland-to-island routes
CruisesCaribbean cruise travel
BirdwatchingNature & wildlife
MapsIslands & distances
RadioListen to the islands
AccommodationPlaces to stay
Digital NomadsLiving & working
StatisticsTourism data
Travel AdviceBefore you go
Explore the Caribbean by region
Lesser Antilles
Small islands can be remarkably different within a short flight or ferry ride, from dry Aruba and Bonaire to mountainous Dominica and Saint Lucia.
Greater Antilles and northern Caribbean
The larger islands offer cities, mountain interiors and long overland journeys, while the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos are more dispersed island groups.
Original photographyCaribSurf's own island photographs show places beyond generic resort advertising.
Island by islandThe Caribbean is compared as a region of distinct destinations rather than one interchangeable beach holiday.
Practical informationMaps, ferries, airlines, beaches, diving, events and specialist pages help with real trip planning.
More ways to explore the Caribbean
Travel Topics