Best Caribbean Islands to Vacation At

The numerous islands of the Caribbean are incredibly diverse. Although geographically close to one another, each island offers a unique experience. Visitors to the Caribbean should do their homework on what type of cities, beaches, culture, activities and environment each island boasts before booking their tickets.

Below, you'll discover some of the best places to visit in the Caribbean, whether you're interested in sandy beaches, daring dives, luxurious resorts, high-end shopping, fine dining or wildlife encounters. Learn about four of the top Caribbean getaway destinations and choose the best Caribbean island to visit in the summer for you.

4 Best Places to Vacation in the Caribbean

Check out these four popular Caribbean islands to visit: 

1. Anguilla

While the Caribbean is full of island beaches, the beaches of Anguilla stand apart. This tiny, 35-square-mile island has an impressive 33 beaches, many of which are secluded so you can enjoy the crystal clear Caribbean water privately. Cruise ships are not allowed on Anguilla, making the island considerably less touristy and less crowded than most of the other Caribbean islands.

At Anguilla, you can get a more authentic Caribbean experience by staying in one of the friendly villas on the beach. Specifically, Shoal Bay East, Meads Bay and Rendezvous Bay offer stunning sandy scenes. Of course, you can also choose to stay at one of the island's luxury resorts if you're hoping to be a bit more pampered during your tropical vacation.

In Anguilla, you'll find plenty of snorkeling and diving excursion opportunities, along with eco-tours around the island. After a full day of fun in the sun, you'll get to enjoy the island's outstanding cuisine. The dining scene in Anguilla comprises around 100 restaurants that serve up everything from lobster-like crayfish native to Anguilla to fruity rum punch. No matter what you order, every meal you have in Anguilla will be delicious and excite your taste buds.

2. St. Barts

St. Barts is dripping in opulence. The air of importance engulfing St. Barts makes just stepping foot on the island feel elegant and high-class. The wealthy and well-known are consistently drawn to the island for its luxurious hotel resorts, spas, exclusive boutiques and other attractions. Many of the resorts on St. Barts rank incredibly well among other top Caribbean hotels.

There's no question that this unique island experience is worth it. In particular, the island's capital, Gustavia, has premier fashion shops you can't find anywhere else, along with countless private yachts in its dock. Shell Beach also stands out for its glistening sands tucked between green headlands, and Colombier attracts snorkeling fans hoping to spy some gorgeous underwater flora and fauna.

In the evening, snorkelers and divers come back to land to dine on fresh lobster cuts or sip on exquisite cocktails at the bars of Grand Cul-de-Sac. The fine dining and sophisticated haute couture are two prime examples of the strong French influence on St. Barts. All throughout the island, you'll enjoy the distinct mash-up of Gallic chic and Caribbean cool culture.

3. The Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are an island chain situated between Cuba and Jamaica that consists of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Of these islands, Grand Cayman is by far the most popular to visit and draws the biggest crowds. Overall, Grand Cayman has a similar feel to South Florida, except more orderly and with less traffic. 

Tourists favor Grand Cayman for good reason — the island is most famous for its magnificent dive sites and up-close marine experiences like stingray encounters. More specifically, Grand Cayman's Stingray City gives tourists the chance to be near giant stingrays and even feed them out of their right hands. Over at Boatswain's Beach, visitors can catch a glimpse of rare sea turtles and multi-colored iguanas.

As far as dive sites, the USS Kittiwake shipwreck and artificial reef is a big draw for anyone in search of an unforgettable Caribbean dive. Visitors can also unwind at Seven Mile Beach, a tranquil expanse of sand known as one of the Caribbean's best beaches. You can even make your Caribbean vacation educational by checking out one of Grand Cayman's colonial forts or museums about British maritime history.

Grand Cayman is also home to a variety of fine dining restaurants and sophisticated resorts. For a fabulous vacation, stay at one of the countless resorts on Grand Cayman and take day trips to the other two islands. Little Cayman and Cayman Brac are each just a short flight away, making it easy to visit and be back before dinner. Head to these sister islands on days you want untouched beaches free of the hustle and bustle.

4. Turks and Caicos

Another collection of small islands in the Caribbean, Turks and Caicos provides postcard-perfect beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters. These minuscule islands and small cays in the midst of the Lucayan Archipelago should be your top destination if your Caribbean getaway is beach-focused. The powdery sands and foamy waves of Turks and Caicos are unmatched.

If your goal is to hang out on one of the best beaches in the world, head to Grace Bay in Providenciales. Commonly referred to as Provo, Providenciales is also home to luxury resorts to make your stay as relaxing as possible. When you stay in Provo, you'll get to explore Grace Bay Beach, coral gardens, old pirate carvings and other stunning sites.

In addition to laid-back beaches, Turks and Caicos offer activities for the more adventurous. If you're interested in snorkeling or diving, you can find spectacular underwater reefs and colorful fish swimming around Bight Reef. Despite boasting world-class dives sites, nowhere on Turks and Caicos is extremely busy or overly crowded.

While you're at Turks and Caicos, you'll also want to check out Chalk Sound National Park. Chalk Sound is a highly scenic natural lagoon with colors so vibrant you have to see it to believe it. In the evening, treat yourself to some local cuisine like deep-fried conch clams to wrap up the perfect day in Turks and Caicos.

Request a Private Charter Flight Quote From GrandView Aviation

Now that you've figured out the best Caribbean destination for you, you can start planning your dream island vacation. When it's time to book your flights, fly privately with GrandView Aviation. At GrandView Aviation, we provide safe and reliable private charter flights, so you can enjoy reclining leather seats, unlimited internet, sizable cabins and complimentary food and drinks on your way to your island getaway.

If you're ready to be relaxing on a beach and sipping on a cocktail somewhere tropical, get your quote from GrandView Aviation today.