There is more to the Caribbean than sun, sand, and tropical drinks. The region is made up of many distinctive islands, each with its own culture, cuisine, and activities. From the Mayan ruins to the vibrant nightlife of Nassau’s Atlantis, the Caribbean is an amalgamation of unique experiences waiting for you to explore. We hope that by sharing our personal insights, we will help you find your perfect Caribbean getaway.
The Caribbean is one of our favorite places to visit. The warm waters and distinct locales call us to return year after year. We can’t say that one location is better than another. But, certainly, there are a few islands we have visited numerous times. When I think about why we return again and again to those destinations it is primarily because of the people, the culture, and the cuisine.
But, enough about us! Let’s examine a few stunning destinations to help guide you in creating the perfect Caribbean getaway.
Aruba
Aruba is 1 of 3 islands located off the coast of Venezuela that is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. These 3 islands, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, are sometimes referred to as the Dutch Caribbean and also as the ABC Islands.
You may also have heard Aruba referred to as ‘One Happy Island’. I don’t know about you, but this brings a smile to my face. This small island has a reputation for being a welcoming and joyful place for travelers to visit. It is an ideal vacation spot for the entire family, solo travelers, honeymooners, and LGBTQ travelers.
Travelers are often concerned with hurricanes that may disrupt their Caribbean vacation plans. This is especially between the months of May and November. But, it’s good to know that Aruba has the lowest precipitation levels among the 700 Caribbean islands. And, its location is beyond the hurricane zone, which generally ensures a pleasant climate throughout the year.
Aruba offers exciting diving opportunities. There is also Flamingo Island, a sanctuary for donkeys, and a choice of 40 pristine beaches. Aruba will effortlessly tick all the boxes for tourists. On top of that, the island speaks four languages, namely Papiamento, Dutch, English, and Spanish, which makes it a friendly and hassle-free destination for visitors to navigate.
The island also boasts a low crime rate. This is because Aruba has a stable political climate, and a strong economy, which contributes to its overall sense of security and stability. Safety is a major factor for travelers right now so visiting Aruba may be the perfect Caribbean getaway choice for you.
Mexico
Quintana Roo is a state in the eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, that borders the Caribbean Sea to the east. Like many U.S. citizens, we have made numerous visits to Quintana Roo. We traveled there certainly because the beaches are beautiful, but also because the time required to travel there was minimal.
Twenty-five years ago Cancun proper was still making a name for itself. And, beyond Cancun to the south, there was very little activity. Now, this region is packed with a wide range of resorts, hotels, and attractions, from the secluded Tulum ruins to the lively Cancun clubs.
Cancun’s Zona Hotelera is a bit crowded. You might want to explore further south towards Playa Del Carmen and beyond. You will still find spacious luxury resorts, but also charming boutique hotels, tranquil stretches of beach, and captivating ruins with a rich history.
Safety is an issue to be concerned about when visiting Quintana Roo and many other areas of Mexico. We have personally never experienced any issues, but at the present, the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4 to Quintana Roo, which means Do Not Travel.
If you do decide to visit the area, however, here are a few tips to keep safe:
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Use reputable transportation
- Avoid excessive drinking
- Look for places with good reviews and ratings
- Stay informed of potential safety risks or travel advisories.
Occasionally, hurricanes are a problem in this area during the summer and fall months. We recommend purchasing travel insurance just in case you need to make last-minute changes to your getaway.
If you want to learn more about Cancun or perhaps want to explore the Pacific Ocean side of Mexico, check out this blog post.
Bahamas
The Bahamas span over 100,000 square miles and boast some of the best beaches imaginable. The closest point in the Bahamas to Miami, Florida is only about 50 miles (80 kilometers) away. The country is made up of an archipelago of more than 700 islands and cays. This offers visitors an array of experiences, from the capital city of Nassau to the picturesque Eleuthera. You might want to swim alongside friendly pigs in Exuma. Or enjoy a fish fry at Arawak Cay, or dive into the barrier reef surrounding Andros.
The Bahamas has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, with the average high temperatures ranging from 75°F (24°C) in January to 89°F (32°C) in August. The coral reefs make the Bahamas a popular getaway for scuba diving and snorkeling.
One of our favorite Caribbean foods is Conch, which is the national dish of the Bahamas. Similar to calamari, Conch meat can be prepared in several ways, but Conch fritters are a must-try in our books!
Atlantis, located in Nassau, is the place to visit if you are looking for 24-hour excitement and entertainment. This mega-resort includes five distinctive hotels, a dolphin habitat, a marine park, a 141-acre waterpark, a casino, a marina, a golf course, a theater, and a shopping mall. It is highly recommended for families, honeymooners, and solo travelers.
Hurricanes also make their way across the Bahamas, so be prepared if you travel during hurricane season. It is also important to stay alert and follow common sense when it comes to safety.
Belize
Belize is a small country located in Central America. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The capital of Belize is Belmopan. But, the primary tourist spot is Belize City, located on the coast.
If you are interested in a Caribbean getaway, you will want to experience the beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and diverse marine life. This region is home to many small islands, known as Cayes, and several coastal towns and villages. One of the most popular destinations is the island of Ambergris Caye, located just off the coast of Belize City.
Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is known for its beautiful beaches and snorkeling and diving opportunities. Visitors can take a boat tour to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Here you will see a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and sharks. Renowned for hosting the second-largest barrier reef globally, Belize attracts divers, snorkelers, and biologists year-round who visit to discover its diverse ecosystem and UNESCO World Heritage sites scattered across the island.
Another popular destination on the Caribbean side of Belize is the town of Placencia. Placencia is located in the southern part of the country. It is known for its long, sandy beach and laid-back vibe. And is a popular spot for travelers looking to unwind and relax. Take a boat tour to the Silk Cayes Marine Reserve where you can snorkel or dive among coral reefs and see a variety of marine life.
Although the likelihood of a hurricane making landfall in Belize is relatively low, the country is still located in the hurricane belt. It is important for visitors to be aware of the potential risks. and to take necessary precautions. In terms of safety, Belize is generally considered a safe country to visit. However, be aware of petty criminal activities, such as theft and pickpocketing. Keep valuables in a safe place, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid walking alone at night.
Jamaica
Jamaica is the third-largest English-speaking country in the Americas, following the United States and Canada. It is one of the countries we have visited numerous times over the years. The island’s rhythm is palpable through its reggae music, jerk chicken, and delicious rum punch!
Negril
If soaking up the beach is high on your priority list, we strongly recommend you visit Negril and stay on or near Seven Mile Beach. This beach is one of the most famous beaches in the Caribbean. Incredibly beautiful, the beach is divided into several sections, each with its own vibe. The western end of the beach is quieter and more secluded, while the eastern end is livelier and more crowded. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, parasailing, and jet skiing.
In Negril, you will also not want to miss the stunning sunsets. As the sun sets over the Caribbean, the sky is painted in shades of orange, pink, and purple, creating a stunning backdrop for an evening stroll along the beach.
Ocho Rios
Another option is to visit Ocho Rios, which is on the opposite side of the island. This area has a different vibe but is just as beautiful. Besides lying on the beach, you will want to visit Dunn’s River Falls & Park. The highlight is climbing the falls so bring appropriate footwear if you plan to make the climb. Over the years the area has expanded and now includes a zipline, a beach for lounging, a kid’s splash pad, and nature trails for hiking.
In addition to the potential for hurricanes, you should also be aware of other safety concerns. The country has a high crime rate, particularly in urban areas such as Kingston and Montego Bay. Take precautions such as staying in well-lit and populated areas, not carrying large amounts of cash or valuables, and avoiding wearing flashy jewelry or clothing. As I said, we have traveled there many times, and honestly, we have never had a problem, but we know other visitors have.
If you are interested in Jamaica, we highly recommend you read our blog post entirely on finding the best getaway spot in Jamaica.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is located two hours south of Miami. It is a treasure trove of natural wonders, with national parks, rivers, beaches, and ancient relics. While popular tourist destinations like Punta Cana and Puerto Plata are a great way to unwind, there’s so much more to discover in this vibrant country.
During the winter mating season, Samana Bay comes alive as thousands of humpback whales come to play. Santo Domingo, the capital, is one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean, with a charming walled historic core known as the Zona Colonial, where you can find buildings dating back to the 1500s. Meanwhile, Barahona, often referred to as ‘the Caribbean’s Bride’, boasts some of the most stunning beaches and landscapes in the region, and an array of outdoor adventures thanks to its diverse ecosystem.
Like other islands in the hurricane belt, it is important to be prepared if you choose to visit the Dominican Republic during hurricane season. You might remember the country was hit hard in 2017 by both Hurricane Irma and Maria.
The country has a high crime rate, particularly in urban areas such as Santo Domingo and tourist destinations such as Punta Cana so stay alert. The Dominican Republic has also been in the news in recent years due to reports of illnesses and deaths of tourists from causes such as food poisoning and drinking tainted alcohol. Be cautious when consuming food and drinks and only patronize reputable establishments.
Nearly all these islands in the Caribbean have the potential for hurricanes and safety concerns are important to consider anywhere you travel. However, these islands remain popular getaway destinations for travelers. The beaches are beautiful, the culture is vibrant, and there are natural attractions everywhere.
Conclusion
Are one of these islands the perfect Caribbean getaway? If not, well, the good news is that these islands only represent the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Caribbean!
I’d love to chat more about finding your perfect Caribbean getaway tropical vacation! Feel free to reach out to me: travelwiththecrows@gmail.com.
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