Caribbean: which island?
Caribbean vacations -- especially at all-inclusives-- are a hot topic year-round. Below, find an overview of popular islands. Use this clickable map of the Caribbean Islands to orient.
See also: Which Caribbean Islands have all-inclusives?.
Anguilla
- small, lesser-known destination for families
- eastern Carib'n, just east of the USVI
- don't expect mega-resorts
- beautiful beaches; good snorkeling, scuba
- British influence (incl. left-hand drive)
- good rating for friendliness and safety*
- see Family Fun, at the Anguilla Tourist Board site
Antigua
- small island, near Anguilla
- 365 beaches; snorkeling; scuba
- day trips to undeveloped sister island Barbuda
- British influence
- historic districts
- Jolly Beach is a prominent all-inclusive
- see Antigua-Barbuda site for more
- in the Dutch Carib'n, below the hurricane zone
- Oranjestad town has historic sections
- 43 nationalities
- local lingo Papiamento is fun to try
- don't expect lush terrain
- name-brand resorts
- A+ for friendliness, safety*
- see Aruba for families and Aruba Beach Resorts
Bahamas
- a hop from Florida (and technically not Caribbean islands)
- 700 islands!
- British influence; historic forts
- busy areas, quiet areas
- avoid during Spring Break
- many resorts, including the unique Atlantis with "waterscape" that includes a shark lagoons, large kids pool area, lazy river, and amazing waterslides
- See Bahamas tourism site for more
- most eastern Caribbean Island
- British influence; direct flights from UK
- much-developed, except for rugged Atlantic coasts
- resorts include ritzy Sandy Lane, all-inclusive Almond Beach
- "A" for safety, friendly atmosphere*
- see Barbados for families
Bermuda
- up north, 600 miles off N. Carolina; technically not Caribbean islands
- 180 small islands; seven are connected
- low season is Nov.- April, unlike Caribbean Islands
- safe, upscale, flowery destination
- British influence
- sightseeing: get a Heritage Passport
- known for pink sand beaches
- Barrier Reef nearby, for scuba and snorkeling
- resorts, inns, B&B's, cottages
- A for safety and friendly atmosphere*
- see Bermuda Tourism site
Bonaire
- one of the Dutch Caribbean Islands
- don't expect lush terrain, or big name-brand resorts
- known for diving
- the ocean is the big attraction, and Bonaire's fringe reef is a national park
- Buddy Dive Resort welcomes families
- see the Bonaire Tourism site for more
British Virgin Islands
- eastern Caribbean Islands
- best-known are Tortola and Virgin Gorda (with unique park, The Baths)
- much less developed than USVI
- take boat trips to empty beaches, coral reefs
- Bitter End Yacht Club & Resort likes kids and has boats for guest use
- A for safety, friendliness*
- see BVI tourism site
Cayman Islands
- western Caribbean Islands, about an hour from Miami
- Grand Cayman --a financial center--offers luxury; Little Cayman and Cayman Brac are small and secluded
- ringed by coral, good for scuba and snorkeling. Great beaches too.
- attractions on Grand Cayman include "Stingray City" and Atlantis submarine tours
- annual events include a Pirates Week on Grand Cayman, and a Family Week on Cayman Brac. Read more.
Curacao
- in the Dutch Caribbean, near Venezuela, and below the hurricane zone
- don't expect lush terrain
- fascinating town, Willemstad, is a World Heritage site
- 70 nationalities on this Caribbean Island
- local language Papiamento is fun to try
- all-inclusive Breezes Curacao has kids programs
- good snorkeling, diving
- A+ for safety, friendly atmosphere
- see Curacao Tourism site
--continue to more Caribbean Islands, p. 2--
