If you’re planning a trip to the Caribbean, you may be wondering which are the safest Caribbean islands to visit. While a few islands have seen rising crime rates in recent years, the majority are quite safe for tourists.
To help you choose the best destination for you, here is our list of the 10 safest Caribbean islands.
Safest Caribbean Islands Overview
According to the U.S. State Department, there are about 20 Caribbean islands that are considered safe with a Level 1 “Exercise Normal Precautions” assessment. These are Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, Grenada, the French West Indies (St. Barts, Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Martin), Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The U.S. Virgin Islands are also considered safe to visit (despite a relatively high crime rate, very little of it affects tourists).
Read on to learn more about our picks for the top 10 safest Caribbean islands.
Bonaire
Not only is the crime rate low on Bonaire, it’s also located outside the hurricane zone so you never have to worry about storms. The smallest of the “ABC” islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao) off the coast of Venezuela, Bonaire is known as the shore diving capital of the world for its incredible 60 scuba diving sites that are accessible from the shore. It also features an amazing range of marine life, with 57 types of coral and more than 400 types of fish.
In fact, Bonaire is the answer to the question, which has better diving, Bonaire or Curacao? While Curacao makes the list of top 10 Caribbean dive destinations, it doesn’t offer quite as many opportunities as Bonaire. There are 26 other dive sites around Bonaire in addition to the shore sites, and a marine park that has been in existence since the late 1970s. For some of the best shallow diving in the Caribbean, check out the Salt Pier.
Since Bonaire is located outside of the hurricane belt, it’s one of the best Caribbean scuba dive destinations in the summer months. The other two “ABC” islands, Aruba and Curacao, are more developed but are also excellent safe bets for travel.
St. Barts
With a murder rate of zero, St. Barts is one of the statistically safest Caribbean islands you can find. It’s also one of the most fun to visit, offering breathtaking scenery, luxurious resorts, fantastic food, and a “jet set” atmosphere due to its popularity with celebrities and wealthy travelers.
This French territory (full name St. Barthelemy) is also one of the best honeymoon spots in the Caribbean, with its white sand beaches, lush green interior, and numerous romantic French restaurants.
One safety concern for St. Barts is the potential threat of hurricanes. Hurricane season in St. Barts is from August to October. However, it is rare for a tropical storm or hurricane to hit the island—but if you plan your trip here during this time, you’ll certainly want to get travel insurance.
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands is a group of three islands–the largest being Grand Cayman–and is widely considered one of the safest Caribbean destinations. For this reason, it’s a top family vacation spot as well as being popular with couples. There are plenty of luxurious resorts as well as delicious dining options.
The Caymans are known for spectacular scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities along vibrant coral reefs and around underwater shipwrecks as well as the popular Stingray City. The clear turquoise water is calm and great for all sorts of watersports, and the beaches are soft and white. There are even crystal caves inland. You can explore this island by helicopter, horseback, or even by submarine.
Along with a trail that runs North to South through the center of the whole island, there is also an island tour with a special visit to “Hell.” You can also go for a sunset sailboat ride then hit Seven Mile Beach for some nightclubs, dancing, and savory seafood.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia, often called “Little Hawaii” for its stunning tropical landscape, also has a low crime rate and plenty of amazing experiences to offer. This is another of the top honeymoon destinations in the Caribbean, as well as a fun family option.
This idyllic island is known for its beautiful beaches (which range from white to golden to black sand), jaw-dropping Piton mountains, and lush rainforests. It features plenty of adventurous outdoor activities including watersports, hiking, ziplining, scuba diving, and snorkeling. St. Lucia even has several beaches where you can swim and snorkel directly from the shore.
It’s also home to the world’s only drive-through volcano! Other fun things to do in St. Lucia are head to the therapeutic hot springs and take a mud bath, visit waterfalls, tour local historic sites and the botanic gardens, explore national parks, wander the charming towns, and take a sightseeing cruise.
St. Maarten/St. Martin
St. Maarten/St. Martin is one of the most visited islands in the Caribbean and for good reason. Not only is it safe, this tiny island boasts some of the most beautiful beaches, delicious food, and a lively yet laid back atmosphere. The island may only be 37 square miles, but it is divided into two separate territories, each with a unique vibe.
The Dutch territory of Saint Maarten uses US dollars and the primary languages spoken are English and Dutch. While many people visit briefly on a cruise, this area is well worth a longer stay. You’ll find a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of shopping, casinos, and nightclubs, as well as the charming Dutch colonial town of Phillipsburg.
The French side, St. Martin, offers incredible culinary experiences (as you might expect) along with a more upscale vibe, nicer beaches, and calmer water. St. Martin tends to be more expensive than St. Maarten.
Antigua and Barbuda
Famous for having 365 beaches, Antigua is a fun and safe Caribbean island. Although it’s small, it has a lot to offer to visitors and plenty of things to do, featuring a vibrant cultural scene, upscale shopping and resorts, fine dining, and nightlife. Because of this, Antigua is a popular choice for honeymoons.
Thanks to the constant winds, Antigua is a popular sailing destination–so much so that each year, between the end of April and the beginning of May, it hosts a sailing competition. The beaches are just picture-perfect with white, very fine sand; palm trees; and calm, clear water. You can also snorkel along the coral reef to admire local marine life.
Make sure to go on a road trip around the island for a day (that’s how small it is) to explore the interesting capital and the sugar mills. The best-kept one is Betty’s Hope. Among the most scenic spots in Antigua on the island are Devil’s Bridge, a beautiful rock arch directly on the ocean; and Shirley Heights, which is the perfect sunset spot.
Anguilla
Known for its breathtaking beaches, clear turquoise water, friendly hospitality, fabulous food, and fantastic luxury resorts, Anguilla is another favorite Caribbean destination for honeymoons that’s also very safe. Tranquil yet sophisticated, it has been named the best Caribbean island multiple times by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine.
Visitors to this British territory enjoy excellent snorkeling, scuba diving, lounging on white sand beaches, horseback riding, golfing, historic sites and museums, great local food, and nightlife including lots of live music. You can find both luxurious and lowkey resorts, and there are tons of excellent restaurants with many on the water.
Anguilla is not quite as easy to get to as some of the larger Caribbean islands; you’ll need to connect from a neighboring island like St. Martin or St. Barths. There’s also a ferry service that runs from St. Martin, which can be a fun and scenic way to arrive.
Grenada
Grenada, located in the eastern Caribbean just south of Barbados, is an increasingly popular destination for romantic and family trips alike, drawing vacationers who are interested in immersing themselves in a beach destination with a wealth of cultural and natural attractions plus the convenience of all-inclusive resorts.
Grand Anse Beach, widely considered one of the world’s best beaches, makes an ideal setting for your stay. This long, walkable stretch of white sand facing calm, turquoise clear water is situated near the charming capital city of St. George’s.
It also offers easy access to tours to inland attractions such as Belmont Estate, a 17th-century plantation located in the lush mountainous slopes of St. Patrick, as well as excursions on Grenada’s coast. Also, Grenada is outside the hurricane zone. All of this and a low crime level? What’s not to love!
Barbados
A member of the British Commonwealth, beautiful Barbados is a warm and welcoming Caribbean island with spectacular beaches, lush tropical forests, and plenty of wonderful resorts. It’s also a popular destination with both couples and families.
Visitors here enjoy the white sand beaches and clear turquoise water, watersports including snorkeling and scuba diving, the underwater marine park and reserve, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Historic Bridgetown, the botanic gardens, Harrison’s Cave, and of course the local rum (Barbados is the birthplace of this Caribbean liquor).
Another plus for Barbados is that it lies outside the hurricane belt, so you don’t have to worry about storms impacting your trip.
British Virgin Islands
Made up of multiple islands including the four largest, Anegada, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke, the British Virgin Islands are very popular destinations with sailors, snorkelers, and scuba divers.
Unspoiled and pristine with a very low crime rate, these islands offer spectacular scenery, tons of outdoor adventures, interesting historic sites, and breathtaking beaches. Island-hopping is easy and popular here as well.
The British Virgin Islands are equally perfect for romantic getaways, honeymoons, solo travel, group trips, and family vacations. Watersports, shopping, and dining are all excellent here. Don’t-miss spots include The Baths at Virgin Gorda, the Rhone Marine Park, Fort Charlotte on Tortola, the copper mine ruins, Cane Garden Bay and Smuggler’s Cove on Tortola, the Bubbly Pool, the Callwood Rum Distillery, the JR O’Neal Botanic Gardens, and Treasure Point.
Each of these safest Caribbean islands is unique and offers something truly special to visitors. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! And if you’d like help planning your trip, feel free to reach out to one of our trusted travel advisors!