Perhaps you are planning for an upcoming tropical trip and you might be wondering which are the safest Caribbean Islands for your travels. We would be glad to help you with our extraordinary list of vacation ideas and travel tips. The fact is that this tropical region has become a lot safer in recent times and the reality is that petty street crime may occur, but it is rare. Hence, if you are planning a visit, you have nothing to worry about.
The Caribbean islands can be quite safe, especially if you go to the right places. It’s good to know that the British Overseas Territories tend to be the safest amongst the others. The general rule here is that the smaller or richer the nation, the safer it is. When you click on an affiliate link below and buy something, we receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Our definitive guide will answer some of the most common questions and let you know the safest Caribbean Islands. Let’s give it a go!
Home to beautiful beaches, spectacular Spanish architecture, and soaring mountains, the Dominican Republic is well-known for its geographic diversity. You will also find a lot to discover and limitless tourism attractions on this large island. With that all being said, the risk of natural disasters in the Dominican Republic tends to be higher than in some of the surrounding islands. As you may imagine, hurricanes play a major role here, as well as earthquakes, floods, droughts, and more.
Being the third most populated island, the risk of terrorism is minimal. You can rest assured that most of Punta Cana and other popular tourist areas are relatively safe, as you take a trip off the beaten path, the odds would increase that you are putting yourself in danger. The US State Department suggests exercising caution in these situations. It might be over-obvious to say to avoid drug dealers here for many reasons, but it’s good to know that the legal system takes drug offenses very seriously here.
It may be no secret to you that the reggae land of Jamaica is one of the best islands to visit in the Caribbean Islands. The tourist hotspots are incredibly safe, which means that you get to have a great time in the resort areas. There should be nothing to worry about, as gang violence does not affect the tourist sections. Just don’t trust people that you don’t know, and you will do fine. In addition to the natural beauty of the country, the food is just as good and worth trying. The Jamaican jerk chicken is the specialty here, and if you have the opportunity to experience it, you will see why.
When you think of Jamaica, you tend to think of the warm weather, swaying palm trees, and hospitality welcome. However, some consider this nation the capital of weed. On that note, possession of fewer than 2 ounces of cannabis, without a medical prescription/recommendation, is punishable by a fine but not incarceration. 70 percent of all crime in Jamaica is also linked to the drug trade. The U.S. Department of State warns against traveling to troubled spots like downtown Kingston, Grants Pen, and Standpipe. Be sure you travel in groups or take taxis in these specific areas that have high crime rates, especially during the night.
Consisting of around 40 low-lying coral islands in the Atlantic Ocean, Turks and Caicos (TCI) are another British Overseas Territory that draws in about a million visitors each year. Crystalline turquoise waters and white sandy beaches are the trademarks here, where every island and cay in the archipelago is a destination on its own. There are around 30,000 residents, which means that the islands are just the place to escape from the mundane. Best of all, there are minimal hurricanes that you need to be concerned about. Providenciales, known as Provo, is the gateway of the island, as it’s lined with rich resorts, great shops and restaurants, and plenty of tourism ideas.
Compared to most other countries in the region, Turks and Caicos have a very low crime rate. It should come as no surprise that protecting the tourist industry is a major government priority. It is also deemed among the safest islands because it rarely experiences bad seasonal weather. As a bit of a warning, the vast majority of crime will occur on the main populated island of Providenciales. It’s good to know that crime against tourists occurs here and staying in a hotel or resort will reduce this risk. Thefts tend to be the most common crime committed against vacationers, so keep your eyes open.
Unlike many Caribbean countries, TCI has one of the lowest annual rainfall averages in the entire region, and consequently a high percentage of sunny days and fantastic weather. Some of the best places to stay here include the likes of COMO Parrot Cay, The Palms Turks and Caicos, Grace Bay Club, West Bay Club and Beaches Turks & Caicos, which features five spectacular villages boasting the architecture and ambiance of France, Italy, the Caribbean and the Key West.
Considered one of the safest Caribbean islands, Anguilla offers a laid-back vibe and is still a British territory, not an independent nation. Appealing to all that visit, Anguilla’s local charm combined with luxury tourism and breathtaking locations, all add up to an unforgettable stay. The brilliant coastline boasts miles and miles of white-sand beaches that will set your mind free. You’ll discover an endless array of water sports to enjoy as well, as well as kid-friendly activities like swimming with dolphins, glass-bottom boat tours, and horseback riding. Despite the rise in tourism numbers year by year, Anguilla still manages to retain that easygoing charm that you can count on.
The US Department of State reports that crime rates in Anguilla are some of the lowest on the islands, however, you should take standard precautions nevertheless. Hurricanes can be more of a threat here as opposed to local crime. For weather-related concerns. consider the time of year that you’re planning to visit. A popular hiding spot for many celebrities, the tiny island is so small that there is no public transport. Tourists can rent bicycles to see the entire island in just one day’s bike ride.
According to travel site Oyster.com, St. Martin is one of the safest Caribbean Islands. Making it an interesting place to visit, this breathtaking island is ruled by both the French and the Dutch. For centuries, both nations have welcomed foreign visitors, as can travel freely between both sides. The French side of the island is more laid back and offers a very sophisticated vibe and serves the tastiest French food that you will possibly find. If you are looking for something more fun, you can cross over to the Dutch side. It is home to the buzzing capital of Philipsburg and its array of nightclubs, restaurants, and chic boutiques.
The US State Department has no advisories about traveling here but advises that you should take precautions against petty crime. You should be warned that one of the biggest crimes here is passport theft. Because of this, it is recommended to carry a driver’s license and a photocopy of your passport with you, while leaving the physical passport in your hotel safe. You can go a step further and make two photocopies of all your travel documents, leaving them with friends and family members if the documents become lost.
Well-known as a party playground for the rich and famous, St. Barths or Saint-Barthélemy (officially,) is incredibly safe, as there is very little to no crime here. A sure bet with our look at the safest Caribbean Islands, this charming country also boats a very proud murder rate of zero. It is so safe that most locals and visitors even leave their car and house unlocked for this very reason. It still is general advice to exercise common sense and take basic precautions like being aware of your surroundings and avoid walking at night. Probably the greatest danger to travelers here should be overexposure to the sun and the seasonal hurricanes.
St. Barts is also the most expensive and exclusive island in the Caribbean. It is where the elites park their yachts and high-speed boats. This tropical haven also is home to the shortest airport runway in the world. There are two ways only to arrive here, either a small prop plane or by ferry. It’s good to know that they deeply care about their colorful coral reefs and animal preservation. Being a French Overseas Territory, it is a very liberal place to be. The swanky marinas, pristine beaches, designer boutiques, and luxurious hotels draw in the richest of the rich.
Just keep your belongings close to you at all times, and you’ll be just fine on this volcanic island in the northwest Caribbean. If you’re looking for the best hotels to stay at while visiting, try the luxurious Eden Rock – St. Barths, Le Sereno, and Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa.
Encompassing three islands in the western Caribbean Sea, the Cayman Islands is full of big encounters and little escapes. The largest island, Grand Cayman, is the most known and plays host to George Town, the capital city and a popular port for cruise ships. The two other islands include Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Another British Overseas Territory, the entire region is considered a major world offshore financial hub for wealthy individuals and international businesses. The country is home to a several stunning beaches and the most luxurious hotels as well, such as Seven Mile Beach, which incorporates the two.
For the most part, there is nothing to worry about when in the Cayman Islands. According to the U.S. Department of State, the Cayman Islands are very safe and barely experience any criminal activity affecting tourists. The stable economy and relative wealth of the country help keep it afloat. Robberies occasionally occur and it is recommended to always keep your doors and windows locked. It might be the reason why many rich people set up a base here. It also has one of the lowest homicide rates in the entire world and is considered one of the safest Caribbean islands to travel to.
Nicknamed the “Land of 365 Beaches,” Antigua and Barbuda is part of the Leeward Islands chain, where the northeastern Caribbean Sea meets the western Atlantic Ocean. The islands are best-known for their welcoming people, tropical rainforests, pink and white-sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. The charm here also lies in its small population, which makes it a perfect getaway for those who seek a peaceful private retreat. Antigua is an ideal place to try expeditions like zip-lining, hiking and trekking. Add to that, the breathtaking waters are perfect for water activities such as kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling and sightseeing tours.
Because of the low population, Antigua and Barbuda are also considered one of the safest Caribbean Islands and are not considered a high-risk factor for visitors. The level of petty crime is moderate here, making it a good idea to lock up any valuables and to always watch your back. Although there are some robberies and murders on the main island of Antigua, attacks on tourists here are extremely rare. There may be some parts of St. John’s where it may be a bit risky for you and your family. It is also recommended to visit isolated beaches in a group rather than on your own.
Once you visit Antigua and Barbuda, you will discover a world of splendor and beauty, and forget about all your worries at home. It truly leaves a spot on your heart. As Antigua is perfectly safe, you can travel with ease here. Some of our favorite places to stay on the two islands include the all-inclusive: Jumby Bay Island,Cocobay Resort, Hermitage Bay, The Verandah Resort & Spa, Royalton Antigua Resort & Spa and Sandals Grande Antigua, which has been voted the “World’s Most Romantic Resort” year after year.
Easily considered one of the safest Caribbean Islands, Barbados is not only free from crime, but it’s also very budget-friendly, especially for families. As you can imagine, tourism plays an important role here, as it draws over a million visitors every year. You will find generous locals who will welcome you and show you around. Part of the British Commonwealth, the tropical island is filled with family-friendly pink sand beaches and turquoise waters. More to the nation than just picturesque beaches, the delicious cuisine is a must-try, including the delicious flying fish dish.
The US Department of State places Barbados on its safe travel list. Most visitors traveling here will be staying in resorts and will be very unlikely to see any serious crime. It’s always a good reminder to stay sensible. You should keep in mind that camouflaged clothing is illegal and the rule is taken very seriously on the island. It also might be recommended to still keep an eye open while walking at night and when driving; use extra caution on the smaller roads which may be marked with informal signs.
Consisting from an archipelago of 90-some small islands, islets, and cays in the West Indies, the Virgin Islands offers more of an upscale and sophisticated vibe. All these add up to being one of the safest Caribbean Islands for your travels. It is divided up into two sections, the U.S. Virgin Islands (UVI) and the British Virgin Islands (BVI) These regions are very well-known for their scenic beaches, turquoise waters, and magnificent national parks. It is also a big boating port of call, where sailboats can make stops between popular cruise ports.
Leading up to a very low crime rate, penalties for a crime can be very severe across these two regions. The murder rate was last recorded at 2 per 100,000 back in 2006, all making it a very safe destination. So safe in the fact that it is not at all considered risky wandering through the streets alone at night. The largest island in the BVI is Tortola and it’s also considered one of the safest islands in the entire Caribbean. Unfortunately, the more densely populated cities of the U.S. Virgin Islands tend to be a bit riskier, so that may be the major decision in deciding between the two.
All in all, no matter which you chose, the picturesque views and the luxurious resorts all add up to making The Virgin Islands a fantastic place to visit and have fun. The best news is, if you are a U.S. citizen, you will not need a passport to visit the U.S. side. Recommended places to stay on the U.S. side, are Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove, Frenchman’s Reef Marriott Resort St. Thomas, and the redesigned Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. On the British side, book a memorable stay at Westin St. John Resort Villas.
The US State Department has no advisories about traveling here but advises that you should take precautions against petty crime. You should be warned that one of the biggest crimes here is passport theft. Because of this, it is recommended to carry a driver’s license and a photocopy of your passport with you, while leaving the physical passport in your hotel safe.
Best Online Travel Deals hopes you feel inspired by our incredible look at the safest Caribbean Islands and wishes that you have a worry-free vacation while visiting these safe and suggested places. You will not regret your trip at the very least. If you are interest, we also have an article on the best beaches in the Caribbean. Be sure to check it out.
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