9 Caribbean Islands I’d Revisit Faster Than You Can Say “Rum Punch” — Plus 3 Bonus Isles That Stole My Heart For Good

The Caribbean Sea holds more treasures than a pirate’s chest, with over 700 islands scattered like jewels across its azure waters.

I’ve been lucky enough to sink my toes into the sands of many, but some have left such an impression that I’d pack my bags tomorrow if given half a chance. From hidden coves to mountain peaks that touch the clouds, these 12 islands have cast their spell on me in ways I never expected.

1. Jamaica: Where the Rhythm Never Stops

My heart started beating to a reggae rhythm the moment I landed in Montego Bay. Between bites of jerk chicken so spicy it made my eyes water, I discovered Jamaica isn’t just about beaches – it’s a full-sensory experience.

Climbing Dunn’s River Falls with water rushing around my ankles remains one of my most exhilarating memories. The guides held our hands, forming human chains as we conquered 600 feet of cascading water.

Evenings in Negril brought sunset cliff jumpers at Rick’s Café and impromptu dance parties where locals taught me moves I still attempt (badly) at weddings. Jamaica doesn’t just welcome you – it adopts you.

2. Aruba: Desert Island Dreams Come True

Trade winds caressed my face as I drove along Aruba’s rugged northern coast, a landscape so different from typical Caribbean scenery it felt like being on another planet. Unlike its lush neighbors, Aruba’s desert-like terrain features twisted divi-divi trees and towering cacti alongside perfect beaches.

Snorkeling the Antilla shipwreck introduced me to a world where fish use German WWII history as their playground. The crystal-clear waters made it feel like floating in a giant natural aquarium.

What captivated me most was how Dutch, Caribbean, and South American influences blend in everything from architecture to cuisine. Eating keshi yena (stuffed cheese) while watching the sunset at Eagle Beach? Pure magic.

3. St. Lucia: The Mountains Meet the Sea

If you asked me to paint paradise, I’d recreate the view from my hammock in St. Lucia – those twin volcanic peaks (the Pitons) rising dramatically from the sea. Hiking Gros Piton nearly broke me, but reaching the summit to see the entire island spread below was worth every drop of sweat.

Mud-bathing in the sulfur springs near Soufrière left my skin baby-soft for days, though the rotten-egg smell lingered in my nostrils longer than I’d have liked!

Sailing along the western coast revealed hidden beaches accessible only by boat. When a local fisherman sold us freshly caught mahi-mahi and taught us to prepare it with local spices, I understood why they call this island the Helen of the West Indies – irresistibly beautiful.

4. Puerto Rico: Island of Enchantment Indeed

Wandering through Old San Juan’s blue cobblestone streets felt like stepping into a 16th-century Spanish painting – if that painting included people sipping piña coladas and salsa music spilling from colorful doorways. The fortress of El Morro stood sentinel over the Atlantic, whispering tales of pirates and conquistadors.

Kayaking through Vieques’ bioluminescent bay became an otherworldly experience as my paddle stirred up millions of microorganisms that glowed electric blue in the darkness. It was like rowing through liquid stars.

Hidden treasures appeared everywhere – from roadside kiosks serving the best mofongo (mashed plantains with garlic) to the unexpected wonder of El Yunque rainforest, where waterfalls cascade through ancient trees. Puerto Rico didn’t just enchant me – it bewitched me completely.

5. Barbados: Rum, Refinement, and Rihanna

Barbados grabbed me by the taste buds first – flying fish sandwiches at Oistins Fish Fry while locals and tourists alike danced to soca music under string lights. This island somehow balances British proper with Caribbean cool in a way that feels effortlessly authentic.

Touring the Mount Gay Rum distillery taught me why Bajans proudly claim they invented rum. The tasting session afterward ensured I’d never forget the lesson! Swimming with sea turtles off Carlisle Bay became a meditation in slow motion as these gentle creatures glided past, completely unbothered by my presence.

From cricket matches that stop the island to the wild Atlantic coast where surfers challenge waves at Soup Bowl, Barbados offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. No wonder Rihanna shines so bright – she comes from diamond country.

6. Dominican Republic: Beyond the All-Inclusives

Most travelers never leave their resort compounds in the Dominican Republic – their loss! Venturing into the colonial zone of Santo Domingo rewarded me with centuries-old architecture and the kind of chocolate that makes you close your eyes when you taste it.

Climbing aboard a rickety motorbike taxi to explore the waterfalls of Damajagua created memories I still can’t believe. Twenty-seven natural waterslides carved by nature, requiring jumps into emerald pools that made my heart stop momentarily.

The northeastern peninsula of Samaná offered whale watching experiences so intimate I could see the barnacles on humpbacks breaching just yards from our small boat. Dominican merengue lessons in a local’s living room proved I have no rhythm whatsoever, but the rum flowed freely enough that nobody seemed to mind!

7. Curaçao: Dutch-Caribbean Color Explosion

From the airplane window, Curaçao appeared as a desert island until we banked over Willemstad – suddenly, a rainbow of Dutch colonial buildings lined the harbor like a box of crayons had exploded. The floating market where Venezuelan boats sell fresh produce directly from their decks became my morning ritual.

Diving at Mushroom Forest introduced me to coral formations that looked like something from an alien landscape. Friendly sea turtles and curious parrotfish made appearances as if scheduled by the tourism board.

Hiking the rugged northern coast led to hidden beaches where I was completely alone except for iguanas sunning themselves on rocks. When I discovered the local liqueur named after the island – bright blue and citrusy – I wondered why everyone rushes to other Caribbean destinations when this Dutch masterpiece sits waiting to be properly appreciated.

8. Grenada: The Spice Isle’s Sweet Secrets

Walking through St. George’s harbor, the scent of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves literally perfumed the air – no wonder they call Grenada the Spice Isle. My rental car struggled up steep mountain roads where spice plantations clung to impossible slopes, but each hairpin turn revealed views more spectacular than the last.

Grand Anse beach stretches for two miles of perfect white sand, yet somehow never felt crowded. Local vendors selling spice necklaces and fresh mango juice became friends by my third day.

Underwater sculpture park off Moliniere Point provided the most surreal snorkeling experience of my life – concrete figures standing in silent witness as colorful fish darted through them. When a fisherman invited me to help pull in his nets at sunrise, I discovered muscles I didn’t know I had and a connection to island life that resort vacations never provide.

9. Antigua: 365 Reasons to Return

Locals proudly told me Antigua has 365 beaches – one for every day of the year. I managed to visit seven in a week, each with its own personality. Half Moon Bay’s wild Atlantic waves contrasted with the gentle lapping at Darkwood Beach where I dozed under palm trees after too much lobster for lunch.

Hiking to Shirley Heights for Sunday sunset party introduced me to steel drum music that somehow makes rum punch taste even better. The entire island gathered to watch the sun sink into the sea while dancing to island rhythms.

Historical Nelson’s Dockyard revealed Antigua’s strategic importance during colonial times, with restored buildings housing modern restaurants serving traditional pepperpot stew. When I spotted Eric Clapton having coffee in English Harbour like any regular person, I realized celebrities know exactly where to find paradise too.

10. Bonaire: Diver’s Paradise with Flamingo Flair

Bonaire doesn’t try to seduce you with fancy resorts or nightlife – it simply presents the most accessible coral reef system in the world and lets nature do the talking. Yellow stones marking dive sites along the roadside meant I could literally park my truck, grab my gear, and step into an underwater wonderland without boats or guides.

Watching wild flamingos gather in the salt flats created a surreal pink tableau against white salt pyramids. These elegant birds seemed unbothered by my presence as they balanced on impossibly thin legs.

Windsurfing at Lac Bay proved harder than the pros made it look, but falling repeatedly into warm turquoise water hardly counts as hardship. When a local restaurant served me goat stew and explained how the island’s Dutch, African, and indigenous influences created their unique cuisine, I realized Bonaire’s charms run far deeper than its famous reefs.

11. Nevis: Alexander Hamilton’s Sleepy Gem

If you’ve belted out Hamilton lyrics lately, you should know his birthplace remains one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets. Nevis (pronounced NEE-vis) sits quietly in the shadow of its sister island St. Kitts, offering an old-world Caribbean experience that’s increasingly rare.

Staying in a converted sugar plantation where monkeys visited my balcony each morning felt like stepping back in time. Hiking through rainforest to reach Nevis Peak’s summit revealed both islands in panoramic splendor – worth every mosquito bite acquired along the way!

Golden Rock Inn’s garden designed by Raymond Jungles provided a magical setting for dinner, with hummingbirds darting between tropical flowers as fireflies emerged at dusk. When I discovered Hamilton’s childhood home (now a small museum), the musical’s opening lines took on new meaning against the backdrop of this sleepy volcanic island.

12. Saba: The Unspoiled Queen of Dramatic Landings

Flying into Saba requires nerves of steel – the shortest commercial runway in the world (1,300 feet) ends with cliffs dropping into the sea on both sides. But this dramatic entrance sets the stage for an island experience unlike any other in the Caribbean.

Hiking through cloud forest to the aptly named Mount Scenery revealed moss-covered trees draped in mist, more reminiscent of Lord of the Rings than tropical paradise. The island has no beaches, which keeps cruise ships away and preserves its pristine character.

Cottage-style homes with red roofs and white gingerbread trim dot the impossibly steep hillsides of villages with fairytale names like Windwardside and The Bottom. When local ladies invited me to their weekly quilting circle and shared stories of island life that spans generations, I understood why Sabans proudly call their home The Unspoiled Queen.