Grab your sunnies and slap on your flip-flops, because we're about to dive into the vibrant and laid-back world of Caribbean holidays. Picture it: sun-soaked beaches, exciting activities, mouth-watering food, and a whole lot of island charm practically begging to be explored!
Destination Highlights
Beaches straight out of a fantasy with lush white sands and crystal waters.
A couples paradise
Thousands of islands to hop around
Family-friendly activities hotspot
A tropical haven giving pure relaxation vibes
What are the best beaches to visit on your Caribbean holidays 2024?
Ah, the beach. Toes in the warm sand, listening to the gentle waves, soaking up the sun - a truly unmatched jolly feeling, so buckle up for some of the must-visit beaches in the Caribbean:
Grace Bay Beach (Turks and Caicos): it's on the list of the world's best beaches foe a reason guys. Crystal-clear waters and powdery sand that stretches for miles, you'll never wanna leave.
Seven Mile Beach (Cayman Islands): Sprawl out on soft white sand or walk along the calm, turquoise water surf of this stunning, world-renowned beach that spans... you guessed it, seven miles (almost).
Pink Sands Beach (Bahamas): Looks like Barbie fever is running rampant... or it could be the red coral in the sand giving the beach that famous pink hue, either way this is not one to miss for beach lovers who crave crystal waters and a flashy new Instapost.
Eagle Beach (Aruba): A serene paradise with pristine sand and plenty of water sports if you love seeking your next thrill - if you're lucky you might spot Turtles here too, Aruba is home to four different species that all make their lil' nests right here.
Shoal Bay Beach (Anguilla): Guess who's back? Pink-hued sands are back, except this time, it's personal. Two miles of Shoal Beach, perfect for a barefoot stroll, and with plenty of restaurants and bars lining the shore, there's no excuse to not make a day of it.
Playa Rincón (Dominican Republic): A beach only a postcard could love... and families... and couples... and groups - this gorge expanse of white sand is littered with palm trees and a 3 mile stretch of crystaline shoreline.
Which are the Tip-Top Hotels in the Caribbean?
It goes without saying that Caribbean holidays are at the top of everyone's bucket lists, that's why we feel inclined to say that there is truly something for all. When it comes to the hotels, we know you'll try your darndest to pick wisely, but with so many iconic destinations to choose from, we thought we'd give you a helping hand:
Dreams Dominicus La Romana - A five-star jolly for the whole fam complete with lush sea views, gorge sandy beach and more facilities than you can shake your tail feather at.
Moon Palace Jamaica - a family-friendly spot that has thought about all ages from a teens lounge to a kids club, there's even a Flowrider wave simulator, so what better way to vacay in Jamaica(y)?
Bahia Principe Fantasia Punta Cana- A perfect choice for families looking for a beachfront break with plenty to do, from spa and wellness facilities to an aqua park and kids club.
Negril Tree House - located right on the seven-mile beach we've already banged on about, this three-star beachfront haven is the perfect place to set up shop.
Fancy a jolly? We know you do. That's why if you browse through our last-minute holidays, you could be off on one quicker than you can ask the average price of a pint.
Caribbean weather, where have you been all our life? If you're looking for temperatures that shimmy between 24-30°C all year round, the Caribbean's the place to be! If only the weather back in Blighty were the same!
But hold your horses, the weather in the Caribbean isn't just about sipping piña coladas in the sun. It's got its mysterious side too, you know. From June to November, the Caribbean struts into hurricane season, and those tropical storms do be making a fierce appearance.
Outside of hurricane season, the dry season takes centre stage from December to April. Perfect for exploring those colourful colonial towns or discovering hidden coves. And the rainy season? May to November, but it's nothing to get your swimsuit in a twist about. The showers are quick, and you'll be back on the beach before you can say "more rum, please!"
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to the Caribbean?
It takes about nine hours to fly to the Caribbean from the UK/Ireland, although this can vary depending on your destination, plenty of movies and nap time to squeeze in.
What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and the Caribbean?
The majority of Caribbean destinations are 5 hours behind the UK/Ireland, but different time zones apply so make sure to check your chosen destination. Don't think about the jet lag yet... sorry, we guess you are now.
What currency do they use in the Caribbean?
The Caribbean doesn't have a central currency, but the American dollar is accepted in many areas. Make sure you check the local information for your chosen destination so you don't get caught out by a different local currency including the Barbadian dollar, the Cuban peso and the East Caribbean dollar.
What language do they speak in the Caribbean?
There is no official language of the Caribbean, but many islands speak English, French, Spanish or Dutch - you'll feel well travelled from one jolly! You are also likely to hear Creole and local dialects.
Hike El Yunque Rainforest
El Yunque offers a stun diverse ecosystem of unique fauna and thrilling wildlife waiting to be discovered by you while you stroll down the Angelito trail, enjoy a refreshing, well-deserved dip in the natural pool at the end and make sure you climb the Yokahu Observation Tower for the best views of the rainforest canopy.
Explore the Coral Reefs
We've mentioned the coral, but make sure you get into the reefs too if you like a bit of underwater adventure, slap on your snorkel or scuba equipment and explore colourful reefs, spy tropical fish or marvel at the caves and shipwrecks hiding beneath the surface.
Bathsheba Beach - A Surfers Delight
If you're an expert all about ripping waves, or a beginner that fancies trying to stay upright, you can do that here, with unspoiled vistas, natural rock formations and a quaint fishing village nearby to stroll through, this is the perfect place for a day of thrills and chills.
Pigeon Island National Park
If you're all about hiking, strap on your boots and get those step counters set, this picturesque nature reserve along the coast of St. Lucia is the place to be for sunny strolls and breathtaking views. Make sure you visit Fort Rodney on your route for a slice of culture and history too.
Swim with Stingrays
The Cayman Islands are the perfect place to get in the water with the local wildlife. One part exciting interactive experience, one part educational visit, full parts getting in the warm ocean shallows for a memorable experience you will rarely find elsewhere.
Wet your Whistle at Dunn River Falls
Take the easy way out and trek up the path alongside the cascading water, or bite the bullet and take the travertine waterfall steps, slips are inevitable, but at least you can say you've walked up a waterfall, and hey, you'll stay cool!
Culture in the Caribbean
With a rich cultural tapestry spreading across the entire region, you'll never be far from the next exciting event taking place on your Caribbean holiday, it's not always about the beaches (even if we wish it was), so no matter the time of year, you can broaden your horizons, here are just a few recommendations:
Carnival (February-March): Carnival is a huge celebration that happens across the Caribbean, if you're jollying in Trinidad and Tobago then you can expect a celebration complete with electrifying music, vibrant costumes, and non-stop partying.
Crop Over Festival (March): Celebrate the end of the sugar cane harvest, party in the streets with the locals, enjoy cultural events, and when the celebrations reach their climax during March pop on a splash of colour for the Grand Kadooment Day parade.
Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival (March): Calling all coffee lovers, this festival celebrates the famous Blue Mountain coffee with everything from tastings to workshops, to farm tours.
Jazz Festivals (April-May): Head to Tobago for an enigmatic festival of jazz, reggae and soca music performed by local and international musicians, and if you're in St. Lucia in May, the jazz festival here is one of the tip-top music festivals throughout the Caribbean.
Junkanoo Summer Festival (June-August): A lively celebration of Bahamian culture with colourful parades, dancing, local cuisine and a tonne of cultural exhibitions, the best way to get immersed in the traditions of your jolly destination.
Reggae Sumfest (July): If you're in Jamaica and you're partial to a bit of Bob Marley, then you absolutely must head to this, the ultimate reggae festival with top-notch performances by world-renowned artists.
Carifesta (August-September): An arts and culture festival that takes place every few years across the Caribbean, all you theatre nerds out there, this is your chance to glimpse culture and heritage through an artistic lens with performances, exhibitions and workshops.
Jamaica Food & Drink Festival (October): Enjoy a celebration of the rich and vibrant food on offer in the Caribbean with tastings, cooking shows, pop-up dining and even food tours.
Pirates Week Festival (November): If you find yourself in the Cayman Islands for a late year jolly, make sure you catch this annual celebration of the regions' pirate heritage, expect parades, street parties, live music and even mock pirate invasions - we see you Captain Jack Sparrow.
Christmas Festivities (December): No matter where in the world you are, there's always time to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, expect festive decorations, Christmas markets, concerts and plenty of cultural traditions.
Nightlife in the Caribbean
When the sun sets in the Caribbean, the party vibes ignite like fireworks on a starry night! The nightlife scene here is a vibrant mix of laid-back beach bars, pulsating clubs, and live music joints that will keep you shakin', groovin' and movin' till the early hours. Grab a rum cocktail, feel the rhythm of the Caribbean beats, and dance the night away at some of these spots:
Dune Preserve Beach Bar, Anguilla: Enjoy live music and delicious drinks at this unique beachfront hangout that embraces the shipwrecks surrounding it, only adding more to the vibe - talk about a unique selling point!
Da Conch Shack, Turks and Caicos: You can feast on fresh seafood here, but we're all about the rum, and this place is packing a big, rum flavoured punch.
La Placita, Puerto Rico: A two tier market square bursting with bars, stick around for the sun to set and party the night away in this must-see, must-drink, must-dance spot.
Le Ti St. Barth, St Barthelemy: a legendary nightclub frequented by celebrities, if that wasn't pull enough then maybe the exciting theme nights, delicious drinks and extravagant decor will do it for you.
Sky Beach Bar, Negril: you think we're joking when we say clifftop bar that offers stunning ocean views, live reggae music and tasty tipples, but we aren't lying, it exists and you have to go!
Froggy Jacks, Cayman Islands: a beachfront grill and bar that takes casual atmosphere to new heights, think succulent seafood, delicious cocktails and sand between your toes - sounds like heaven right?
Things to eat in the Caribbean
No trip to the Caribbean is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. The kind of flavours that stick in your brain, but that you can never quite recreate when you get home. Prepare your taste buds for a mouth-watering experience with some of these dishes:
Jerk chicken - Savour the spicy, smoky flavours of this traditional Jamaican dish, so good you'll never want chicken again unless it's been jerked.
Conch fritters - Try these delicious deep-fried balls of conch meat, anything deep fried is a win in our books, there's no wonder this is popular throughout the entire Caribbean.
Roti - Sink your teeth into the flaky, curry-filled goodness of this Trinidadian staple.
Coconut shrimp -Enjoy the perfect combination of crispy shrimp and tropical flavour that's sure to send your tastebuds into a fantastic frenzy.
Callaloo - Sample this rich and creamy spinach-like dish, often served with saltfish.
Pelau - a hearty dish hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, bests our classic tomato soup with a blend of spices, choice of meat, pigeon peas, rice and coconut milk - delish.
Plantains - a Caribbean staple, you can fry, boil or mash them and they can be served savoury or sweet, whoever said potatoes are the most versatile food had never heard of these bad boys.
Places to visit
Chacchoben Ruins
Roughly translating to 'the place of red corn' this is the place to be for any history buffs out there looking to get swept away in the culture of civilisation as it was in 200BC. Explore the ruins in all their marvel, from pyramids to temples, or just stroll around the ancient trees and let days gone by wash over you. Guided tours are available if you want someone else to take the reigns on this one, we reckon we'd do that... but that's just us.
Dark View Waterfall
The island of St. Vincent boasts worst kept secrets such as this gorgeous nature hike - don't worry nothing too strenuous, around 15 minutes - through a tropical paradise complete with dual waterfalls, a bamboo grove and river bridge crossings. Encounter the scenic waterfalls on your wander, plenty of space to snap some stun piccies before enjoying a well earned dip in the natural pools at the end of the trail.
Gros Piton
Calling all hikers! This is one for you, and it doesn't come without it's difficulty levels and challenges, but if you're up for it then this is a must. It can take between 4 and 6 hours to complete this hike up a near vertical staircase to the peak of the mountain, but with views over the entire of St. Lucia, and UNESCO Heritage Site stamp of approval, we reckon it might be worth taking a stab at. Make sure you have the essentials, water, good boots and sun cream for your neck, the place everywhere forgets and that hurts the most in our humble opinion.
Do I need any vaccinations to visit the Caribbean?
We're the experts on jollies, so best check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tourist tax on my holiday to the Caribbean?
Tourist tax varies from island to island in the Caribbean so don't leave yourself short, make sure you check the specific requirements. You can read more on this here.
