"The Caribbean" covers a remarkable variety of islands – some lush and mountainous, others flat and fringed with endless white sand; some lively and colourful, others quiet and exclusive. Choosing between them can feel overwhelming, so we've put together an honest comparison of the islands most popular with British travellers, to help you find the one that fits.
The basics first
Most Caribbean islands share a similar climate. The main dry season runs roughly from December to April, which is also peak season and lines up nicely with the British winter. The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June to November, with the greatest risk typically from August to October. Many people travel happily during the summer months, but travel insurance is essential. Direct flights from the UK to many of the islands take around eight to ten hours, and the islands are four or five hours behind the UK depending on the time of year.
Barbados
Barbados has long been a British favourite, and it is easy to see why. English is spoken, cricket is a national passion, and there's a strong sense of familiarity alongside genuine Caribbean warmth. The west coast, often called the Platinum Coast, has calm, clear water and elegant hotels; the south coast is livelier, with more bars and restaurants; the east coast is wild and Atlantic-facing, beloved by surfers.
Best for: first-timers, couples, families, food lovers and those who like a little life after dark.
Antigua
Antigua is famous for having 365 beaches – "one for every day of the year". It has a strong sailing heritage, centred around the historic Nelson's Dockyard at English Harbour, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island is particularly well known for its all-inclusive and adults-only resorts, and is easily combined with its quieter sister island, Barbuda.
Best for: beach lovers, honeymooners, sailing fans and all-inclusive holidays.
St Lucia
St Lucia is the most dramatic-looking of the popular islands, with the twin volcanic peaks of the Pitons rising from the sea, rainforest-covered mountains and black and golden sand beaches. Many hotels are built into the hillsides with spectacular views, and some have private plunge pools. There are drive-in volcanic springs, waterfalls and rainforest walks to explore.
Best for: romance, honeymoons, scenery and active couples. It is one of the Caribbean's great honeymoon islands.
Jamaica
Jamaica has an energy all of its own: reggae, jerk cooking, waterfalls and a powerful sense of culture. Montego Bay and Negril on the north and west coasts are home to many large all-inclusive resorts, while Ocho Rios is known for Dunn's River Falls. The island is big, varied and full of character.
Best for: all-inclusive value, music and culture, families and groups.
Grenada
Known as the "Spice Isle" for its nutmeg and other spices, Grenada feels unhurried and authentic. Grand Anse beach is one of the region's most beautiful stretches of sand, and there is an underwater sculpture park off the coast for snorkellers and divers. It is generally quieter and less developed than some of its neighbours.
Best for: those seeking a gentler pace, nature lovers, snorkellers and repeat Caribbean visitors.
Turks and Caicos
A British Overseas Territory, Turks and Caicos is renowned for Grace Bay on Providenciales – a long, powder-soft beach often featured in lists of the world’s finest beaches – and for its exceptionally clear turquoise water. The islands are flat and low-lying, so the focus is firmly on the beach and the sea, with excellent snorkelling and diving. It is generally regarded as one of the more upmarket Caribbean choices.
Best for: luxury, families wanting calm water, and pure beach holidays.
The Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, and its Punta Cana coast is lined with large all-inclusive resorts and long, palm-fringed beaches. Spanish is the main language, and the capital, Santo Domingo, has the oldest European colonial city in the Americas, also a UNESCO site. It is a popular choice for families and groups wanting an easy, everything-included holiday.
Best for: all-inclusive families and groups, and value for money.
The Bahamas and the Cayman Islands
Technically in the Atlantic rather than the Caribbean Sea, the Bahamas are often included in the same conversation – think pink-sand beaches, swimming pigs on the Exumas and big resorts on Paradise Island. The Cayman Islands, another British Overseas Territory, are famous for Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman, superb diving and Stingray City, where you can stand in shallow water among southern stingrays.
A quick way to choose
- For romance and scenery: St Lucia.
- For a little bit of everything: Barbados.
- For beaches, beaches and more beaches: Antigua or Turks and Caicos.
- For all-inclusive value: Jamaica or the Dominican Republic.
- For something quieter: Grenada.
- For diving and snorkelling: the Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos or Grenada.
Two islands are better than one
One of the joys of the Caribbean is how easy it is to combine islands. Island-hopping by short flight or ferry, or pairing a land stay with a Caribbean cruise, lets you enjoy contrasting experiences – perhaps the energy of Barbados followed by the seclusion of a smaller island. We are always happy to suggest combinations that work well together.
Hotel style matters as much as the island
Within every island there is a wide range of places to stay, from intimate boutique hotels to family resorts with kids' clubs, and from adults-only all-inclusives to elegant villas. Consider whether you want to explore and eat out, or relax and have everything on site. Tell us how you like to holiday and we'll match you with somewhere that feels just right.