Island Hopping: The Top 10 Caribbean Destinations for Your 2024 Bucket List
Island Hopping: The Top 10 Caribbean Destinations for Your 2024 Bucket List - Jamaica: More Than Just Bob Marley and Reggae
Close your eyes and picture Jamaica. Palm trees, white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and of course, the rhythmic beats of reggae music. While the island nation is the birthplace of Bob Marley and home to iconic destinations like Negril and Montego Bay, there's much more to discover beyond the stereotypes.
Venture into the Blue Mountains, a rugged region full of hiking trails, coffee plantations, and lush rainforests. Take an off-road adventure to reach the peak of Blue Mountain Peak, the island's highest point at 7,402 feet. Zip line through the canopy or go river tubing along the Rio Grande. The inland region around Port Antonio boasts breathtaking waterfalls and secluded swimming holes to escape the heat.
Jamaica has an incredibly diverse ecosystem and plenty of ecological attractions to explore. Hit the beach in Ocho Rios to swim with dolphins and stingrays at Dolphin Cove. Tour the bioluminescent Luminous Lagoon, where microorganisms light up the water at night with an ethereal glow. Or visit the Hope Botanical Gardens to see some of the island's 1,200 native plant species and hybrid orchids.
Of course, no trip to Jamaica is complete without indulging in jerk chicken and other local cuisines. But the island's culinary scene goes far beyond traditional fare. In recent years, Jamaica has seen an influx of creative chefs putting modern spins on classics. Trendy restaurants in Kingston are dishing up farm-to-table dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. You can even dine on authentic Jamaican street food inside a converted VW bus at Kingston's Chill Zone Grill.
When you need a break from the sun, get to know Jamaica through its rich culture and history. Tour the historic Devon House mansion or learn about the island's Afro-Jamaican roots at the Port Royal Museum. Take a street art tour of Kingston or attend a live concert to hear contemporary reggae, dancehall, and ska. From music festivals to plays and art exhibits, Jamaica has a thriving arts scene.
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- Island Hopping: The Top 10 Caribbean Destinations for Your 2024 Bucket List - Jamaica: More Than Just Bob Marley and Reggae
- Island Hopping: The Top 10 Caribbean Destinations for Your 2024 Bucket List - Eco-Adventures Await in Dominica, the "Nature Island"
- Island Hopping: The Top 10 Caribbean Destinations for Your 2024 Bucket List - Cuba Calls: Experience the Magic Before Big Changes
- Island Hopping: The Top 10 Caribbean Destinations for Your 2024 Bucket List - Puerto Rico Rises: Support the Recovery and Party On
- Island Hopping: The Top 10 Caribbean Destinations for Your 2024 Bucket List - St. Lucia and Grenada for Scenery and Seclusion
- Island Hopping: The Top 10 Caribbean Destinations for Your 2024 Bucket List - Barbados: Cricket, Rum, and British Traditions
- Island Hopping: The Top 10 Caribbean Destinations for Your 2024 Bucket List - USVI and BVI: America's Caribbean Backyard
- Island Hopping: The Top 10 Caribbean Destinations for Your 2024 Bucket List - Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire: The ABC Islands Bucket List
Island Hopping: The Top 10 Caribbean Destinations for Your 2024 Bucket List - Eco-Adventures Await in Dominica, the "Nature Island"
Far less developed than many of its Caribbean neighbors, Dominica has escaped mass tourism and retained its rugged, unspoiled beauty. Nicknamed the “Nature Island,” this volcanic island is covered in lush rainforests, punctuated by cascading waterfalls, natural hot springs, and 365 rivers. For the intrepid traveler seeking active adventures, Dominica delivers endless opportunities to explore the great outdoors.
Start by hiking through Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the island’s iconic triple peaks. Trails wind past fumaroles, hot springs, and scenic lookouts of the volcanic landscape. For birdwatchers, guides lead groups in search of Dominica’s rare Sisserou parrot and other endemic species like the purple-throated carib hummingbird. The more daring can try canyoning—rappelling and jumping into river gorges—or take a plunge down waterfalls like Middleham Falls, one of the tallest in the Caribbean.
Dominica’s calm waters and vibrant reefs draw snorkelers and divers from around the world. Marine reserves like Cabrits National Park and Scotts Head offer excellent visibility to spot sea turtles, colorful fish and even resident sperm whales. Paddle along the Indian River, winding through ancient mangroves where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed. Book a kayaking tour to spot wild dolphins or whales. For the ultimate underwater thrill, cage dive with great white sharks in their migratory habitat off the island's Atlantic coast.
Inland, zipline from platform to platform for bird's-eye rainforest views at Rosalie Bay or Tiriko River. Daredevils can also book heart-pounding buggy adventures: specialized 4x4 vehicles that tackle rough backcountry roads through the mountains and valleys. Or take a more leisurely but equally scenic ride aboard the Emerald Pool Excursion Train through Dominica’s beautiful central interior.
Island Hopping: The Top 10 Caribbean Destinations for Your 2024 Bucket List - Cuba Calls: Experience the Magic Before Big Changes
Cuba has cast a spell on visitors for decades, yet this fascinating Caribbean nation remains shrouded in mystery for many Americans. As Cuba continues opening up tourism and undergoing massive changes, now is the time to experience its singular magic before the tide turns.
While travel restrictions have eased up, U.S. tourism to Cuba is still limited but legal under Support for the Cuban People category. My fellow travelers who've been fortunate enough to visit have described Cuba as a country frozen in time. Along Havana's crumbling, colorful streets, classic cars remain from the 1950s heyday when American tourists flocked there. Music and art seem to flow freely as locals gather to sing, dance and converse over Cuban cocktails.
Beyond the pulsing energy of Havana, Cuba's natural beauty astounds. Rent a classic convertible and cruise west to Viñales Valley for jaw-dropping vistas of limestone cliffs called mogotes rising from tobacco fields. Further west, turquoise waters and pristine beaches like Playa Larga await where you can snorkel vibrant reefs or dive among shipwrecks. Inland, explore caves like Caverna de Santo Tomás with guided tours.
Wandering Old Havana, it's easy to slip into the past, imagining Hemingway typing away at his corner table in La Floridita. Yet you'll also find a dynamic food scene as paladares, family-run restaurants, create innovative spins on classics like ropa vieja and moros y cristianos alongside mojitos. Between meals, hunt for treasures at Cuban art galleries and talk with local painters.
While Cuba has been inching towards modernization and private enterprise, visiting now provides a rare window into its history and culture before widespread change arrives. As travel restrictions eventually lift, many rightfully have concerns about protecting locals and preventing exploitation. But mindfully engaging with Cuban people reveals incredible warmth and vibrancy. Now is the time to ethically connect with locals, enjoy the arts, and support small businesses before more drastic shifts unfold.
Island Hopping: The Top 10 Caribbean Destinations for Your 2024 Bucket List - Puerto Rico Rises: Support the Recovery and Party On
Though Puerto Rico is no stranger to hardship, the resilience and spirit of the Puerto Rican people continues shining through. Despite the devastating blow of Hurricane Maria in 2017, this beautiful island has rebounded and is eagerly welcoming visitors to celebrate its vibrant culture.
Touching down in San Juan feels like you’ve discovered a hidden gem of classic Spanish colonial architecture, explosive street art and creative bars and restaurants. Wander the blue cobblestone streets of Old San Juan to take in colorful buildings like blue-domed Catedral de San Juan Bautista. Peek inside historic sites like the 16th-century El Morro fort overlooking the sea. Stop for a mojito along the way and you’ll quickly pick up on the city’s infectious energy.
Venture beyond the capital to discover Puerto Rico’s stunning natural landscapes. Tour a ranchón, a traditional countryside home, and learn about coffee harvesting in the central mountains. Along the south coast, relax on tranquil beaches tucked into coves like Playa Santaella. Here the pace slows down as you kayak into the bioluminescent Bahía Mosquito or explore seaside caves.
Island Hopping: The Top 10 Caribbean Destinations for Your 2024 Bucket List - St. Lucia and Grenada for Scenery and Seclusion
Ruggedly beautiful, St. Lucia feels like it was made for romance. Dramatic Pitons mountains tower over sugary beaches tucked into coves, accessible only by boat or more adventurous jeep rides and hikes. Splurge on a stay at Jade Mountain, an architectural marvel of open-air suites sans fourth walls for epic Pitons views. Couples indulge in private plunge pools, spa treatments and stargazing from their beds. Or choose beachfront resorts like Sugar Beach hiding among the palms of remote Soufrière.
Beyond romance, St. Lucia lures adventurers with Sulphur Springs for cleansing mud baths beneath the volcano. Brave hikers can conquer the climbing trails of UNESCO World Heritage Site Pitons Mountains. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, zip line over waterfalls and thick jungle. Out at sea, cruise alongside humpback whales or sail between the Pitons and neighboring islands. Pro tip: rent a speedboat and pack a picnic lunch to discover your own secluded beach.
For a taste of authentic island life, visit local fishing towns like Anse la Raye along the west coast. Grab lunch at street food stalls serving up fried fish, plantains and curry in Gros Islet. Or head inland to working cacao plantations and botanical gardens surrounded by rainforest.
South of St. Lucia, Grenada beckons those chasing unspoiled tropical beauty. Known as the “Spice Isle,” Grenada overflows with waterfalls, lush rainforests and white sand beaches unmarred by big resorts.
In Grenada’s interior, hike through Grand Etang National Park and the verdant grounds of historic plantations like Belmont Estate. For birdwatching, spot toucans in the treetops or look for the national bird, the Grenada dove. Out at sea, scuba dive to explore vibrant reefs or view underwater sculpture gardens.
With fewer crowds, Grenada’s dreamy beaches feel like your own private slice of paradise. Head to Morne Rouge Beach for excellent snorkeling or play spot-the-celeb on secluded Pink Gin Beach. Holetown Beach boasts talcum powder soft sand, gentle surf and beachside vendors selling fresh lobster rolls.
Island Hopping: The Top 10 Caribbean Destinations for Your 2024 Bucket List - Barbados: Cricket, Rum, and British Traditions
Beyond its beautiful beaches and lush interior, Barbados captivates with its rich culture blending British colonial influences and Afro-Caribbean roots. Cricket matches unfold across the island in this sport-obsessed nation that has produced some of the game's greatest legends. Grab a Banks beer and cheers on the local team with passionate Bajan fans. Polite British customs endure with afternoon teatimes and driving on the left side of the road. Yet Barbados also boasts a vibrant calypso and jazz scene rooted in its complex history as a former slave colony.
Bridgetown’s UNESCO-listed Garrison Historic District immerses you in the colonial era. Tour the George Washington House where the future U.S. president stayed in 1751, now a museum with period furnishings. Nearby barracks and cannons recall British military presence while African influences show at the Nidhe Israel Synagogue, dating back to 1654.
Venture into the countryside to discover old plantation great houses like St. Nicholas Abbey. Its Jacobean mansion offers a window into gilded sugar plantation life with mahogany antiques and rum aging in the cellar. Nearby Farley Hill National Park hosts the island’s famous Cropover festival, a carnival celebrating emancipation from slavery. Sample rum cake and traditional Bajan cuisine while costumed troupes parade to calypso beats.
You can’t mention Barbados without paying homage to rum, the local elixir. Tour Mount Gay, the world’s oldest surviving rum distillery dating back to 1703. Learn centuries-old distillation methods on an in-depth visit or keep it light with samples in the tasting room. On the scenic east coast, tour the Fairfield Great House surrounded by lush sugar cane fields and taste award-winning Foursquare Cask rum.
Barbados also prides itself on afternoon British-style tea service with finger sandwiches and scones at lodgings like the regal Coral Reef Club. For a more hands-on experience, tour a plantation like Coconut Court Beach Hotel to see coconut trees tapped for their sweet water. Learn the whole process from tree to cup, then enjoy fresh coconut water and juice paired with scones baked using coconut milk.
Island Hopping: The Top 10 Caribbean Destinations for Your 2024 Bucket List - USVI and BVI: America's Caribbean Backyard
With their white sand beaches, colorful coral reefs, and laidback vibes, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands feel like your own private tropical oasis. Despite being located right in America's backyard, these islands transport you worlds away with their lush rainforests, stellar sailing, and hidden beach bars.
First up, the U.S. Virgin Islands. St. Thomas captivates cruise passengers with its duty-free shopping and postcard-perfect Magens Bay. But venture beyond the port to experience island life. Head to Red Hook for lazy days on uncrowded beaches before feasting on fresh fish tacos and rum punch. At night, listen to live reggae at Duffy’s Love Shack or join the raucous happy hour crowd at Shambhala.
Over on St. John, escape to even more pristine shores within Virgin Islands National Park. Snorkel the coral gardens of Trunk Bay or hike the Reef Bay Trail to petroglyphs left by indigenous peoples. Reward your adventure with Painkillers at the island’s iconic beach bars. Or splurge on an eco-friendly stay at Concordia resort, whose open-air restaurant Treehouse overlooks salt ponds glowing by moonlight.
Now onto that British territory just across the sea. The BVI, particularly Tortola and Jost Van Dyke, are a sailor’s paradise. Charter a boat and hop between uninhabited islands ringed by white sand. The Baths on Virgin Gorda inspires awe with its otherworldly granite boulders. Anegada offers flamingo sightings, lobster grills and bone-white Cow Wreck Beach.
Wherever you drop anchor, look forward to sunset happy hours that erupt into full-blown parties. On Jost Van Dyke, sip Painkillers at the Soggy Dollar Bar, so named because patrons swim ashore. At Foxy’s Tamarind Bar on Great Harbour Cay, chat up locals while CALYPSO music plays.
Above all, don’t expect glitzy resorts or nightclubs. The laidback BVI scene is all about reveling in natural beauty by day, then laughing with new friends well into the night. As island regular Lee Thurman described to me, “You think you’re in paradise, then you meet the locals and realize the real treasures are the people that live in this amazing place.”
Island Hopping: The Top 10 Caribbean Destinations for Your 2024 Bucket List - Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire: The ABC Islands Bucket List
First up, Aruba, with its trademark divi divi trees bending in the constant trade winds. Families flock to Eagle Beach, consistently ranked one of the Caribbean’s best, where thatched palapas offer shade. At Manchebo Beach, the Ritz Carlton is the place to splash out on oceanfront luxury. Surfers riding the waves congregate around Hadicurari Beach after hanging ten.
Inland from the beaches, Arikok National Park spans a surreal desert landscape of cacti, rock formations and hidden caves waiting to be explored on DIY adventures or ranger-led hikes. Refuel on local fare like keshi yena, a cheesy meat stew, and pan bati, a sweet bread, before visiting the California Lighthouse marking Aruba’s rugged northern tip. Along the way, keep an eye out for wild ostrich, donkeys, iguanas and goats.
Next on our ABC tour is Curaçao, with its own eclectic mix of over 55 beaches. Picturesque Spanish Water Beach boasts mangrove walks and excellent snorkeling in the calm bay. For more solitude, tucked-away Daaibooi Beach requires a bumpy drive down dirt roads that keeps crowds away. Luxury seekers indulge at the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort on a vast stretch of sand.
Beyond the shores, Curaçao boasts a wild, largely untouched windward coast. Shete Boka National Park reveals the island’s explosive natural forces through massive waves crashing against seaside grottoes and caves. Follow goats along the trails, then stop for lunch in the fishing village of Westpunt. Don’t miss trying keshi yena and funchi, a polenta-like cornmeal staple.
No matter where you roam across Curaçao, you’ll find art and architecture reflecting diverse cultural influences. In the capital Willemstad, fancy pastel buildings along Handelskade were constructed by the Dutch, while nearby Punda radiates Afro-Caribbean energy. Get lost wandering quaint neighborhoods where you never know what colorful scenes you’ll stumble upon.
Last but not least, we reach Bonaire, diving mecca of the ABC's. Explore an underwater world protected as a national marine park, catching sight of seahorses, spotted eagle rays and hawksbill turtles. With calm, clear waters, Bonaire offers stellar shore diving and snorkeling straight from the beach at sites like 1,000 Steps and Salt Pier.
Out of the water, Washington-Slagbaai National Park spans the island’s wild northern half. Trek through cactus forests and lagoons frequented by flamingos, or climb Mt. Brandaris, Bonaire’s highest peak. Further south, towering windmills are remnants of the island's past salt production. That salty history infuses local cuisine—be sure to try funchi topped with fresh catch like wahoo or mahi-mahi.