Caribbean attractions

Situated in the heart of Barbados’ capital of Bridgetown, the Parliament Buildings date from 1874 and house the island’s two chambers of Parliament. The Victorian-era complex—which comprises the East Wing, West Wing, and clock tower—reflects the island’s time under British colonial rule and is notable for its fine neo-Gothic architecture.

Straddling Man-O-War Bay and Pirate’s Bay on the northern end of Tobago, the fishing village of Charlotteville is a great spot for travelers who'd prefer to forego bigger resorts in favor of low-key rest and relaxation. It's also usually a good place for snorkeling, with crystalline waters and an abundance of colorful fish.

The first stop for many visitors to Barbados, Bridgetown Cruise Port (Deep Water Harbour) is located just outside of Bridgetown, the country's capital city. Every cruise ship docking at the island anchors here, and there can be up to eight ships in port at the same time.

Front Street is the main street and activity hub of Philipsburg, St. Maarten’s Dutch-side capital. Running along the inside of the bay, Front Street (Voorstraat) is home to some the island’s finest restaurants and shopping—including duty-free jewelry, electronics, and cigars—as well as historic wooden buildings.

It’s not so much Buck Island itself that draws in visitors, but what lies beneath its waters just offshore. The elkhorn coral barrier reef system surrounding the island, protected within Buck Island Reef National Monument, features some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the US Virgin Islands.

A protected beach within a deep cove and flanked on both sides by sheer cliffs, Playa Lagun is near the northern end of the island, far enough from Willemstad to avoid the cruise crowds. This off-the-beaten-path strand is known as one of the best spots for diving and snorkeling from the Curacao shore.

Although Roseau is the largest city in the island nation of Dominica, it’s still small by most travelers’ standards: it has just 15,000 residents. Come here for both a charming retreat into cozy island vibes and a peek into the bustling culture that is life in Dominica’s capital city. Of course, most visitors don’t stay here for long, and choose to venture farther into Dominica’s wilds.

The highest peak, the longest range, the best coffee—Jamaica’s Blue Mountains rightfully claim a handful of superlatives. The mountain range spans 28 miles (45 kilometers) across the rugged eastern portion of Jamaica and offers views of the island’s north and south coasts, and on a clear day, even all the way across the Caribbean Sea to Cuba.

Leafy trees line the stretch of golden sand along Paynes Bay, a quiet beach in Saint James Parish. Unlike many of the more popular beaches in Barbados, where tides can be strong, the water at Paynes Bay is typically calm, making it one of the best beaches on the island for swimming and snorkeling.

Virgin Gorda may not be as well known as other British Virgin Islands, but its natural beauty is worth the off-the-beaten-path adventure. While you’re there, don’t miss the geological wonder known as the Baths, where you can swim and snorkel in grottoes and tide pools.

A commercial hub spread across 9.5 acres (3.8 hectares), the Port Lucaya Marketplace is one of Freeport’s most popular attractions. After browsing dozens of handicraft vendors and specialty stores, unwind at one of the restaurants or bars, then head to Count Basie Square—the heart of the market—for live Bahamian music.

Located within the UNESCO-listed Morne Trois Piton National Park, this tranquil grotto in Dominica’s dense rainforest features a refreshing waterfall cascading into a gorgeous emerald-green pool. Cool down in the chilly pool, accessible via a short rocky trail, after—or before—a long day exploring the island. Or simply come to enjoy the waterfall and greenery setting, as it’s one of Dominica’s finest.

The Turks & Caicos National Museum in Cockburn Town is a family-friendly attraction that explores the history of the Caribbean with a focus on the Turks and Caicos Islands. Established in 1991, it houses a fascinating collection of exhibits and artifacts relating to the tropical Atlantic archipelago.

Billed as the first open-water sports park in the Eastern Caribbean, St. Lucia’s Splash Island Water Park is a popular spot for family-friendly thrills and fun. Located right off Reduit Beach in Rodney Bay, this inflatable obstacle course features everything from climbing walls to water volleyball area, swings, slides, monkey bars, and trampolines.

Since 1994, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park has showcased the natural wonders of the Cayman Islands. Wander this 65-acre (26-hectare) park to see the plants and animals that call the islands’ wetlands and woodlands home, including butterflies, orchids, and parrots. The gardens are also well known for their conservation efforts, particularly the Blue Iguana Habitat, which has helped save these endemic creatures from extinction.

Jardin de Balata is a botanical garden created by the poet and horticulturalist Jean-Philippe Thoze, who designed the space to reflect his childhood memories and celebrate Martinique’s natural beauty. The traditional Creole house at the center of the garden also offers views of the ocean, lush jungle, and giant palm trees.

Located in the Cibao Valley, Santiago de los Caballeros is the Dominican Republic’s second-largest city—and one of its oldest. Surrounded by mountains, the city stands in sharp contrast to the many beach resorts found in other parts of the country. Known for agriculture and industrial businesses, Santiago is also rich in art and culture, sports, and nightlife.

Situated at the southernmost point of Antigua, English Harbour is one of the island’s oldest and most historic landmarks. Buildings along the waterfront date back to the colonial era, while the harbor itself is an internationally acclaimed sailing location.

Standing on a prominent bluff, the rusty cannons of craggy Fort Nassau point out to sea. Over the centuries, the fort has protected Curacao from the Spanish, French, English, and buccaneers. Built in 1797, the fort was only called upon in battle when the English invaded. Now decommissioned, it remains an important signal station for vessels in St. Anna Bay.

Punta Rucia (Punta Rusia) is a cape-end beach and fishing village in the Dominican Republic province of Puerto Plata. It’s near the town of La Isabela in the Bay of La Isabela, and diving and snorkeling are popular pastimes. The shallow cove is serene and a good spot to see colorful fish without needing to venture too far from shore.

With a vast variety of tropical fish and coral thriving within the protected zone, pristine Montego Bay Marine Park is a snorkeling paradise. Water sports are prohibited in this area that stretches west from Tropical Beach to Rum Bottle Bay in Jamaica to protect the park’s coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds.

Established in 1775 by the indigenous Taino people, the city of Caguasa is located within Puerto Rico’s the largest inland mountain valley. Rich in Creole heritage, the city boasts a nice combination of shopping opportunities, nature trails such as the Route of the Creole Heart, and is a nice jumping off point to excursions to the island’s lush interior.

On Trinidad's northern shores, flanked by hilly woodlands and rocky outcropping, sits Las Cuevas Beach. This lovely expanse gets its name from its sea-facing caves (Las Cuevas is Spanish for "the caves") and draws in plenty of visitors with its turquoise waters and soft white sands.

Established in the building once belonging to the parents of Alexander Hamilton, the waterfront Museum of Nevis History is one of the most important museums on the island. The two-story museum features memorabilia from the U.S. statesman’s life on the island alongside exhibits about Nevis’s unique geology and pre-colonial history.

On the northwestern shores of Dominica, Portsmouth is the island’s second-largest city after the capital, Roseau. A quaint port town with around 4,000 or so residents, the town’s main drawcards are all about the outdoors—it’s a great hub for whale watching and diving. Curious visitors will also enjoy the historic nature of Cabrits National Park, on the city’s northern fringe.

On the northern tip of St. Lucia’s windward shore, Cas en Bas Beach is one of the best kite-surfing spots on the island, with regular trade winds blowing onshore and a protected cove where the water stays calm and glassy. It’s also the spot for horseback riding trips.

For a look at both the undersea and landlocked life of the Bermuda island archipelago, head to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo. From pink flamingos to sharks and even a living coral reef, there’s plenty to entertain all ages here.

With its highest point located some 1,716 feet (523 meters) above sea level, Sage Mountain National Park on the island of Tortola is considered a hiker’s paradise, complete with majestic overlooks, tropical trees, and swaths of forest that have been untouched for over 500 years. Plus, wildlife such as Bo Peep tree frogs, lizards, crabs, and elusive bananaquits call it home.

White sand, blue water, and a celebratory spirit characterize Dickenson Bay. As one of Antigua’s most popular beaches, it's ideal for people-watching, meeting new friends, and embracing the vibrant Caribbean culture. You’ll spot kayakers, swimmers, and windsurfers enjoying the calm bay waters, while others relax at beachfront eateries.

Barbados’ Bottom Bay—known for its coral cliffs and scenic views—is a much-loved nature spot for locals and travelers alike. From the bay’s rustic coconut tree-lined shore, you can spot sea turtles, whales, and wealthy locals who have built homes overlooking the ocean. Its rolling waves, while less than ideal for swimmers and surfers, make for a peaceful retreat.