The Best Caribbean Islands to Vacation

The Turks and Caicos are quickly taking their place among the Best Caribbean Islands ... photo by CC user Ben Ramirez on Flickr

With winter quickly approaching, now is the time to plan your escape from the worst that this upcoming cold season has in store for you.

In this article, we will discuss the best Caribbean islands to vacation on, as it can be hard to pick from the dozens of outstanding isles that vie for your tourist dollar each and every high season. Let’s explore this subject more below…

1) Bahamas

The Bahamas is one of the more popular destinations in the Caribbean, and while some of that has to do with its proximity to the American mainland, the diversity of islands that one can choose from in this archipelago has solidified its reputation as a world class holiday hotspot.

Life here isn’t all white sand beaches and umbrella drinks though, as it has a rich culture that anyone willing to step beyond the gates of their resort will quickly discover.

If you happen to be visiting during the holiday season, be sure to check out Junkanoo, as it is a colorful street parade that has happy islanders strutting their stuff in elaborate costumes on Boxing and New Year’s Day.

Divers will enjoy descending into Dean’s Blue Hole, which is an underwater limestone pit that has a depth of 663 feet; this attracts a wealth of aquatic life at varying depths along its walls, but if all of that sounds like too much adventure for you, then the serene beaches found on Saddle Cay and at Xanadu beach will be a worthwhile way to spend your valuable vacation time.

2) Turks and Caicos

Politically independent from the Bahamas, but being the geographic southern terminus of this archipelago, the Turks and Caicos is the lazy beach hound’s of heaven.

Isolated beaches like the ones at Grace and Taylor Bay will mesmerize you on first sight, inevitably leading you to spend many days swimming, sunbathing and playing endless sets of paddleball within their picture perfect grounds.

Those that can muster the necessary motivation will want to go snorkeling off Smith’s and Bight Reef, as the colorful coral formations and schools of clownfish found here will deliver amazing value for minimal effort on your part.

Want to experience a taste of what’s its like to live in the rural Caribbean? Be sure to attend Thursday’s Fish Fry in Providenciales, as it will give you ample opportunities to mingle with the locals and to sample some of the region’s seafood (albeit, covered in crispy, golden batter).

Stuck on where to stay here? If you’re dead set on coming here, the Turks and Caicos villa rentals to blow your mind are plentiful … any one of them deliver killer views and a living environment that will exceed your expectations.

3) Anguilla

Not to be confused with Antigua, Anguilla contains some of the most pristine beaches you’ve seen in your life, a claim not easily made when you consider it has to compete against numerous other isles in the Caribbean Sea.

From the powder white sands and soft blue waters at Shoal Bay, to the seemingly endless expanses of Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla shifts from strength to strength when it comes to sandy seaside getaways.

Those wanting a unique view this island’s beautiful coast will want to hire a boat tour, while those looking to save a bit of cash can do the same from land, as a hike up Crocus Hill will give you an equally captivating view of all the shades of blue and green that shimmer in the ocean off Anguilla’s shores.