Caribbean attractions

The lively streets of Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial—one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods—are ripe with the sights, smells, and sounds of Latin America. This tiny enclave is filled with traditional European-style architecture, well-kept parks, cobblestone streets, and artistic nods to adventurers past.

In the Dominican Republic's easternmost province of La Altagracia lies the city of Higuey. A busy, bustling area that has rapidly grown over recent years, Higuey is also home to some must-see historical and religious sites like the Basilica of Altagracia. Though the city may not have the footprint of neighboring Punta Cana, visitors can explore its charming streets, restaurants, and markets.

Located in the San Souci district of eastern Santo Domingo, the Columbus Lighthouse (Faro a Colón) is a massive concrete memorial to the famous explorer. Built in the shape of a cross and capable of projecting a bright cross-shaped beam that can be seen for miles, it also houses a mausoleum and museum.

YS Falls comprises seven waterfalls on the YS River, located in St. Elizabeth Parish on the lush south coast of Jamaica. Often overshadowed by Dunn’s River Falls, YS is worth a visit for its more secluded location and the promise of a less-crowded experience of Jamaica’s natural beauty.

Hip Strip, the lively stretch of Gloucester Avenue in Montego Bay, is the city’s most famed oceanfront strip. Framed by ocean views, beaches, cafés, bars, boutique shops, and local craft stalls, it blends Jamaica’s signature laid-back beach culture with unmistakable Caribbean energy. By day, stroll the colorful promenade and browse for souvenirs; by night, the strip comes alive with a bustling energy, featuring music, dining, and nightlife that capture Jamaica’s vibrant spirit.

Floating along the White River in an inflatable tube or kayak is one of the most relaxing adventures you can share with friends and family in Jamaica. Close to Ocho Rios, the tranquil and warm waters of this secluded river flow slowly enough for all ages to soak up the beautiful tropical atmosphere.

Located at the top of St. Peter Mountain is the oldest, highest, and one of the most popular attractions on St. Thomas, the aptly named Mountain Top. Mountain Top features a massive duty free shop, a bar known for its banana daiquiris, and an observation deck that offers sweeping views over Magens Bay from 1,500 feet (457 meters.

The blue-and-white Santa Catalina Palace (Palacio de Santa Catalina), otherwise known as La Fortaleza (The Fortress), is the official residence of the governor of Puerto Rico. Situated in Old San Juan, the UNESCO World Heritage Site occupies a spot that was long one of the most contested strategic positions in the Caribbean.

The evening fish fry is a much-loved tradition across many Caribbean islands, and Arawak Cay in Nassau, Bahamas, brings the custom to life. Find colorful huts selling fresh fish dishes, such as conch salad and lobster, along with vendors making tropical cocktails, and there’s often live music, too.

Built in 1801 on an estate on top of Mount Fitzwilliam, Government House is often considered the best example of Georgian Colonial architecture in all of the West Indies. The mansion is painted a vibrant pink with a bright white trim (a nod to Nassau’s famous conch shells) and is the residence of the Governor-General of the Bahamas.

“Luck” is the French name of this hill and military heritage site south of Castries in northwest Saint Lucia. Visitors will find the historic ruins of a former French military outpost overlooking the bay and the harbor below it. They will also find French and British burial sites and memorials for soldiers who met their unlucky ends in battles during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

The Green Grotto Caves are a labyrinth of limestone caves located in Falmouth, between the resort towns of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. Once used as shelter by the native Arawak Indians, the caves have since been employed as a hiding place for smugglers and runaway enslaved people, before serving as the site of a nightclub. Now, they're a Jamaican attraction you can tour in the company of a local guide.

Built in the early 16th century, the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor (Catedral Primada de América) is the oldest Catholic cathedral in the New World. Located in the Colonial Zone, the cathedral is one of Santo Domingo’s most famous religious sites, and contains a large collection of woodcarving and religious artifacts.

St. Maarten’s longest beach has all the ingredients of a perfect Caribbean paradise: soft white sand, clear and calm turquoise water, and gently waving palms. Though located just behind the Princess Juliana Airport, Simpson Bay is surprisingly quiet and unpopulated.

The tiny British Virgin Island of Jost Van Dyke is densely forested, with white-sand beaches tucked along the coastline. Private villas are scattered across the island, and the clear blue water is perfect for snorkeling, diving, or just floating. It’s become known as a bit of a party island, thanks to spots including Foxy's and the Soggy Dollar Bar, but there’s still plenty of peace and tranquility to be found.

The shipwrecks in Carlisle Bay, on Barbados’ west coast, make the protected natural harbor one of the island’s most popular snorkeling and scuba diving spots. Six sunken vessels dot the ocean floor and are home to hundreds of varieties of tropical fish, stingrays, and turtles that draw visitors from all over the world.

The Chapel of Christ (Capilla del Cristo) is a small, 18th-century sanctuary tucked away at the end of a pedestrian street in a corner of the old walled city of San Juan. Built to commemorate what believers say was a miracle, the chapel has become a place to pray and leave offerings, which decorate the walls.

Overlooking the city of Nassau from its vantage point atop Bennett’s Hill, Fort Fincastle was built in 1793 to protect the island of New Providence from outside invaders. Much of the imposing building remains intact today. Visitors come to explore the fortifications and enjoy the view from the highest point in Nassau.

Largely regarded as one of Jamaica’s best rum distilleries, the Appleton Estate has been producing the liquor since 1749. With its sprawling sugarcane plantations and facilities, the estate covers an 11,000-acre (4,452-hectare) plot and makes about 10 million liters of rum per year.

For many years, Aruba’s natural bridge was a top tourist attraction on the island. The bridge sadly collapsed due to erosion in 2005. However, its ruins still remain, along with a smaller natural span known as “baby bridge.” The surrounding landscape is wild and beautiful, and the smaller bridge still attracts large numbers of tourists.

American novelist James A. Michener called Marigot Bay “the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean” for its dream-like appeal. The bay is a postcard-worthy stretch that offers small white sand beaches, swaying palms, turquoise waters, and verdant green hillsides—exactly the kind of tropical paradise that the writer described.

Located on the eastern end of St. Thomas, Sapphire Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island. Featuring stellar views and a long stretch of pretty white sand, it’s an ideal beach for relaxing and sunbathing, snorkeling, and a variety of water sports. Numerous amenities and rentals make for an easy and enjoyable day out.

Among the most popular attractions in Jamaica, this former home and recording studio of musician Bob Marley is now a museum. Visitors can see Marley’s gold and platinum records, personal items such as articles of clothing, and his favorite guitar still resting beside his bed. The location offers a glimpse into Marley’s life, with many rooms much as the singer left them (including bullet holes in the wall from a failed 1976 assassination attempt).

Tiny Catalina Island (Isla Catalina), just 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) off the Dominican Republic’s mainland, is an idyllic sandy speck in the turquoise Caribbean waters. Known for its well-populated coral reefs, Catalina, not to be confused with the Catalina off the coast of Dana Point in southern California, is a peaceful respite for those looking to escape bustling Punta Cana and La Romana.

One of the most biodiverse nature reserves in the Dominican Republic, Los Haitises National Park is home to endemic birdlife, unspoiled beaches, and mangrove forests. Visit to enjoy hiking and kayaking, as well as the chance to spot winged creatures such as pelicans and frigatebirds. The park also contains an extensive cave network, where you can see Taíno petroglyphs thought to be at least 500 years old.

Arashi Beach, one of Aruba’s northernmost beaches, is a secluded spot popular with diehard divers and serious sunbathers alike. Arashi’s clear water, soft sandy bottom, and generally calm surf make it ideal for swimmers and snorkelers as well.

Located in the Dominican Republic, Amber Cove is one of the newest cruise ports in the Caribbean, but its nearby attractions are far from rookie. Built by Carnival Cruise Lines for its cruise ships and other large-capacity liners, this cruise terminal is the gateway to the beautiful beaches and local flavors of Puerto Plata, a popular Dominican Republic vacation destination.

High above the sun-drenched beaches and bustling fray of Ocho Rios, the lush Konoko Falls and Park are filled with innumerable species of tropical flora and birds, and streams that tumble into gentle waterfalls. The excellent on-site museum traces the history and culture of Jamaica’s original inhabitants, the Tainos and Arawaks.

Known locally as Iguana Island, Little Water Cay emerges from the crystal clear waters just outside Providenciales. The tiny islet is ringed by white sandy beaches—a tranquil habitat for the endangered Turks and Caicos Rock Iguana, a charismatic green lizard endemic to the islands.

One of the best historical sites on Antigua, Nelson's Dockyard National Park has been at the center of Antiguan activity since the first settlers arrived in 500 BC. Today, the centerpiece of the park is the actual dockyard itself, originally developed as a base for the British Navy in 1725. It is now home to old ships and numerous historical artifacts.