9 Places in the Caribbean To Visit on Spring Break

One of the best Caribbean islands for spring break is Barbados, renowned for its stunning shoreline, historical sites, and world-famous tipples (it’s considered the birthplace of rum). Start by exploring the Garrison Historic Area—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stop on many Barbados walking tours—to admire artifacts such as the island’s historic gun collection, or enjoy horse races at the Turf Club.

Surfing and scuba diving excursions are also popular activities in Barbados. Head to the Soup Bowl at Bathsheba Beach to ride the swells, or plan a trip to Carlisle Bay to spot shipwrecks on guided snorkeling experiences.

Insider tip: Make sure to hit the Mount Gay Rum Visitors Center only after doing water sports, not before.

St. Lucia is great for honeymooners and couples—among others—as it’s one of the most romantic destinations for spring break. (Plus, it’s ideal if you’re searching for luxury Caribbean resorts for spring break, thanks to its many high-end hotels.)

As long as your idea of the perfect spring break includes activities beyond just lounging by the resort pool, St. Lucia is the right island for you. Here, join a guided hike to the towering twin peaks of Gros Piton and Petit Piton, trek to the crashing Toraille Waterfall, zipline through the verdant St. Lucia Rainforest, or kitesurf at the breezy Cas en Bas Beach.

San Juan, Puerto Rico, offers an array of experiences for a well-rounded spring break vacation. While you can easily explore Old San Juan—the city’s colorful historic quarter—on your own, a sightseeing tour can offer further insight into popular attractions, such as the UNESCO–listed Castillo San Felipe del Morro or the Chapel of Christ.

Slightly outside of the city, you can lounge, dine, or swim on Condado Beach, one of the top Caribbean beaches for spring break. Slightly farther outside of San Juan still, hike the trails of El Yunque National Forest—it’s the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System.

Related: Know Before You Go: Visiting El Yunque National Park

Punta Cana is one of the most affordable Caribbean spring break getaways. You can book stays at many all-inclusive Caribbean spring break resorts at low prices, gaining access to swimming pools, spas, meals, entertainment, water activities, and Punta Cana’s most famous white sandy beaches, such as Bavaro Beach or Macao Beach.

If you’re traveling with the kids, Punta Cana is also one of the most family-friendly Caribbean vacations in the spring, thanks to its affordability and exciting day trips; options include boat trips to Saona Island and adventure excursions such as ziplining or ATV tours

There are plenty of options for adventure travel in the Caribbean, and Jamaica is one of the top spots to get outdoors. Here, you can tube or bamboo raft down the White River, cliff dive (or just sip tropical drinks) at Rick’s Cafe, or ATV through the Jamaican jungle.

On the other hand, you can also have a very chill, reggae-themed Jamaican spring break vacation, visiting the Bob Marley Museum and taking a walking tour of Bob Marley’s Nine Mile, the village where he was born and is now buried. And no trip to Jamaica is complete without digging your toes into the island’s inviting sands at spots such as Seven Mile Beach or Doctor’s Cave Beach.

If you’re after a spring break filled with Caribbean nightlife and beach parties, head straight to Cancun. While families, couples, or those looking for a more restful spring break can find plenty to do and see in the Riviera Maya and Tulum, along with sprawling beaches and inviting hotels, partiers or groups of friends should opt for Cancun proper, especially in and around the Hotel Zone.

For some lively fun out on the sea, consider a catamaran booze cruise—the best ones are during the day, while sunset cruises offer a more romantic experience.

Insider tip: Don’t miss Cancun’s most famous nightclub, Coco Bongo, which hosts everything from foam parties to music and shows.

Aruba is famous for its stretches of white sand: Palm Beach is backed by high-rise hotels, while Baby Beach offers gentle, shallow waters, perfect for families seeking a safe, family-friendly spring break, as well as snorkelers looking for coral and fish.

Divers also flock to the island for its wreck diving, and one of the most famous and largest shipwrecks in the Caribbean is the Antilla Shipwreck—a World War II cargo ship that sank in 1940. If you’d prefer to stay on land, consider a jeep tour or ATV ride through Arikok National Park, which features caves, cacti, and rock formations that cover almost 20 percent of the island.

Related: 9 of the top Beaches in Aruba for Every Traveler

The Bahamas is made up of thousands of islands and cays, but only 30 are inhabited. Still, 30 islands mean that there's plenty of choice for where to go, whether you want a far-flung, serene destination, such as Cat Island or Andros, or an island that welcomes tourists with luxury hotels and lots of amenities, such as Paradise Island.

The island of Nassau itself also offers many attractions and activities: families can visit the Pirates of Nassau Museum, active travelers can take day trips to snorkel and scuba dive, and couples can relax on sunset cruises.

The Caribbean is known for its perfect sands, but Anguilla takes this to the next level. It’s the ideal island for spending your spring break lounging in the sun and bathing in the ocean’s warm waters.

Start with a day at Shoal Bay, which is split into two sections: Lower Shoal Bay is calm and beautiful, but Upper Shoal Bay is better for snorkeling. Meanwhile, Meads Bay frequently appears on the top beach lists, thanks to its vast stretch of glistening white sand and clear water. For a wild, untouched stretch of sands, head to Cove Bay—just bring your own snacks, drinks, and sunscreen.

Insider tip: Catch the sunset from the western side of Meads Bay.