The Caribbean is an excellent group of islands to consider for retirement as many of them can offer a relaxing and peaceful quality of life than living in a large country.
In this article, we dive deeper into nine islands that you should consider for retirement.
The post highlights local historic landmarks as well as those that provide an opportunity for citizenship.
Read on for further details on the best Caribbean Islands to retire. This article was written by a Caribbean National who lived and traveled throughout the islands.
1. Grenada
Known fondly as the Isle of Spice, Grenada is a magnificent choice for retirement. It is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean and the locals are warm and welcoming.
The island is the world’s second largest exporter of nutmeg, according to the World Bank (2003), holding 20% of the global market.
The best currency to use in Grenada is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar which is pegged to the US (United States) dollar since July 7th, 1976 at a rate of USD $1 to XCD $2.70.
Furthermore, the country offers an attractive Citizenship by Investment programme which allows individuals to access a Grenada passport either by making a deposit into a special fund or through the approved project route.
2. Dominica
Referred to as the nature island of the Caribbean, Dominica is 289.5 square miles. It is an exceptional choice for individuals who love hiking and the outdoors.
Additionally, due to its location with Guadeloupe to its North and Martinique to the South, there are regular ferry services between these islands which can provide varied experiences and culture if you retire in Dominica.
Furthermore, ferry services are also available between the island of Dominica and St Lucia.
Dominica is the only island in the Caribbean with pre-Columbian Carib Indians knows as Kalinago. They are usually very welcoming and willing to share their history and culture.
If you are considering making Dominica your long term home, there is an easy route to citizenship.
Dominica’s passport is well respected globally with access to approximately 143 countries visa free around the world.
3. St Lucia
The Pitons are a synonymous with St Lucia and are represented on its national flag in the form of triangles.
St Lucia is an excellent island to consider as a retirement destination as it is safe with a stable currency being the Eastern Caribbean dollar and easy access to major international cities.
Every week on Fridays with the exception of Good Friday in the village of Gros Islet, Fish Friday is hosted.
During this event many local dishes are sold by various vendors with fish as the principal ingredient.
This is an ideal opportunity to meet and interact with locals on the island.
Furthermore, St Lucia also has a citizenship by investment option which can be accessed via three routes.
The St Lucia passport offers individuals visa free access to about 145 countries worldwide.
4. Barbados
Barbados is most Easterly of all the Eastern Caribbean islands. It is known for its flat terrain and is a favorite destination of tourists to the Caribbean.
Barbados is more developed than many of the other islands in the Eastern Caribbean such as Grenada and St Vincent & the Grenadines.
Therefore, if you are seeking better amenities such as healthcare and general access to more specialized goods and services, Barbados is the island to consider.
The island has a rich history as a previous British Colony with sports such as cricket and horse racing still playing a major role in the way of life of Barbadians.
Every Friday in the village of Oistins, there is a fish Friday hosted which provides an opportunity to socialize with the locals.
At the time of writing, the island does not have a citizenship by investment programme.
5. Antigua & Barbuda
Affectionately known as the island with 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, the beautiful island of Antigua and Barbuda is definitely one to consider if you love the clear and turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
The island has excellent access to major international cities with non- stop flights from Miami International being about three and a half hours.
Additionally, the island nation is located East South East of Puerto Rico and is known for the historic Nelson’s Dockyard.
The island is also 54 km from Montserrat which is a British overseas territory that can be accessed via ferry services.
Antigua and Barbuda also has a citizenship by investment programme which gives individuals a local passport which has visa free access to about 150 countries globally.
6. St Kitts & Nevis
The twin island nation of St Kitts and Nevis is 69 square miles and 36 square miles respectively and located in the North of Eastern Caribbean region.
At the time of publication, the population was 54,021 as stated by worldometer. The island is small which makes it extremely easy to navigate upon relocation.
The island is also home to the UNESCO heritage site Brimstone Hill. The Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is a 17th and 18th century military fort that is of historical, cultural and architectural importance on the island.
The fort officially became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999 and was built by African slaves to protect the island from attacks.
If you are considering retiring in St Kitts & Nevis, the island offers a citizenship by investment opportunity which includes a local passport.
The St Kitts & Nevis passport provides access to 155 countries visa free worldwide.
7. St Maarten
Home to the iconic Airplane Beach, St Maarten is another amazing destination to consider for retirement.
The island shares its landmass with St Martin so living on the island gives an individual a taste of both the French and Dutch cultures.
Furthermore, St Maarten has easy access to major international cities as well as ferry services to neighboring islands.
Transportation is available to St Barths, Anguilla, Saba and St Eustatius so it is easy to take regular day trips.
8. Belize
Located in Central America, Belize can be accessed via a 2 hours and fifteen minutes non-stop flight from Miami International Airport.
Despite its location in Central America, Belize is a Caribbean nation through its ties with the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM).
Belize is part of the Commonwealth and as such the Head of State is King Charles III.
Belize has a landmass of 8,867 square miles and is relatively undeveloped which makes the price of real estate cheaper when compared to other Caribbean islands such as Barbados.
Belize is bordered by Mexico to its North and Guatemala to the West and South. This allows a visitor to access these countries via taxi or bus.
From Guatemala, a visitor can continue overland to El Salvador and Honduras.
Moreover, the country offers a citizenship by investment programme for individuals 45 years and above.
9. St Vincent & the Grenadines
St Vincent & the Grenadines is home to the oldest botanical garden in the Western Hemisphere.
This garden was established in 1765 where visitors can admire various species of local flora and fauna.
The nation has 32 Grenadine islands of which 9 are inhabited which provide individuals many options to explore.
The inhabited islands include Bequia, Union Island and Canouan. Alternatively, islands such as Petit Nevis and Tobago Cays are uninhabited.
One advantage of retiring in St Vincent & the Grenadines is that real estate is much cheaper when compared to other Eastern Caribbean islands such as Grenada.
At the time of writing, St Vincent and the Grenadines does not have citizenship by investment programme.
Final Thoughts
We trust that this article provides valuable insight for individuals who are considering retiring to the Caribbean.
Need More Information?
Feel free to browse our website for more content on the Caribbean by using the search bar located at the top of this page.
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