The aim of this article is provide you with a summation of key events in the Caribbean in the month of October and the islands in which these are hosted.
Therefore, you can plan your Caribbean adventure with these amazing festivals in mind.
In this article, we cover 10 amazing islands in the Caribbean to visit in October and the events happening during that month.
Read on for further details and explanations on what are the best Caribbean Islands to visit in October. This article was written by a Caribbean National who lived and traveled throughout the islands.
1. Puerto Rico
The beautiful island of Puerto Rico is known for its unique and exotic cuisine with plantains forming a pivotal role in many day to day meals.
Local dishes such as Pastelon and Mofongo are made with plantains as the principal ingredient.
Annually, there is National Plantain Festival which features many plantain dishes and as well exhibitions and live entertainment.
Puerto Rico is an overseas territory of the United States of America and as such no passport is required for entry and exit.
Furthermore, the US dollar is the official currency of the island.
Puerto Rico is a fantastic destination for rainforests, waterfalls, amazing beaches and duty free shopping
2. St Vincent & the Grenadines
Annually, the island of St Vincent & the Grenadines celebrates its independence from United Kingdom on October 27, 1979.
The day is marked with celebrations which include a parade and picnics organized in communities.
Local entrepreneurs also get an opportunity to display their products as an expo is also hosted as part of the festivities.
St Vincent has a chain of 32 smaller islands which are called The Grenadines.
Some of the Grenadines are inhabited such as Bequia, Union Island and Canouan.
Alternatively, islands such as Petit Nevis and Tobago Cays are uninhabited.
The island is home to oldest Botanic Garden in the Western Hemisphere which was established in 1765.
3. Dominica
If you love creole food and music, then Dominica is the perfect island to visit in the Caribbean as the destination celebrates World Creole Music Festival.
This event features local, regional and international performers.
If this festival interests you, it is best to book early as accommodations and flights to the island are usually limited around this time of year.
Dominica is fondly known as the nature island of the Caribbean due to its majestic waterfalls and amazing rivers.
As such it is an excellent destination for individuals who enjoy hiking and the outdoors.
Additionally, if you are on a budget and enjoy island hopping, there are transportation services via boat to the neighboring islands of St Lucia, Guadeloupe and Martinique.
4. Barbados
If you are a foodie at heart, Barbados is definitely the place to visit in October.
The island is the host of an intimate culinary experience with dishes prepared by world renowned chefs.
Barbados is located in the Southern region of the Caribbean and is well loved for its beautiful white sand beaches.
The island is also home to Harrison caves which are a magnificent natural wonder.
A visit to the cave allows individuals to explore the inside via trams where you can see stalactites and stalagmite formation.
5. St Lucia
Affectionately known for its famous twin peaks called the Pitons, St Lucia gives visitors an opportunity to experience its unique flower festival called La Marguerite Flower Festival.
The La Marguerite Flower Festival is one of the two flower shows celebrated on the island. The other is La Rose which is hosted during the month of August
In St Lucia, the locals are divided based on flowers being Roses or Marguerites. Locals dress in purple and create displays of the Marguerite flower.
Additionally, there is also singing of traditional songs and dancing.
6. Jamaica
If you love food, head to the beautiful Caribbean island of Jamaica for its annual food and drink festival.
The event brings together the best of the culinary minds on the island.
In addition to food, Jamaica is an excellent destination for nightlife and beaches.
There are several great beaches located in the areas of Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril and Port Antonio.
There is also a Seven Mile Beach in Jamaica which is in Negril near the Norman Manley Boulevard.
This beach features seven miles of white sand and is perfect for children due to its shallow and calm waters. This beach is public so access is free.
7. Martinique
October 28 is celebrated globally as International Day of Creole.
Due to the creole heritage of Martinique, the island celebrates the occasion with special events such as storytelling and cultural performances.
The landmass of Martinique is 436 square miles and is a perfect destination for island hopping.
Travelers on a budget have easy access from Martinique to Guadeloupe, Dominica and St Lucia via the ferry services of L’Express Des IIes.
8. Cayman Islands
This is another destination that is ideal for food fanatics in the month of October.
The island hosts its annual restaurant month where there are drastically reduced prices at selected establishments on the island.
Also, the destination hosts Cayman Cocktail week where there are a number of parties, culinary activities and tastings.
If you love exotic meat, the Cayman Islands are the perfect place to visit with the national dish being green turtle stew.
This is often served with sides such as rice, beans, plantains and salad. Kindly note that it is not illegal to eat turtle in the Cayman Islands.
9. St Kitts & Nevis
If you love the flavor of Latin culture, then St Kitts and Nevis is the perfect place to be in October.
The Latin Festival is the only one of its kind in the Eastern Caribbean and is over ten years old.
At the center of the festival is Latin food and entertainment perfect for individuals of all ages.
St Kitts is an excellent destination for persons who love the outdoors.
There is a ferry services to the neighboring island of St Maarten for persons who are seeking a vibrant nightlife atmosphere and duty free shopping.
The island is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site Brimstone Fortress National Park.
10. Trinidad & Tobago
The sister island of Tobago is an awesome destination to visit in October for cyclists.
The Tobago International Cycling Classic provides professional and amateur riders an opportunity to display their skills while enjoying the amazing landscape of the island.
Additionally, in October the island hosts the Tobago Blue Food Festival where dasheen is used as the principal ingredient.
The festival includes various competitions and forms of entertainment.
Final Thoughts
October is a great month to visit the Caribbean as it is in the low period of the tourist season.
Therefore, most airlines and local resorts tend to have discounted prices for visitors to the region.
Additionally, it is the tail end of the hurricane season and the probably of tropical storm making landfall significantly reduces.
Need More Information?
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We have linked the following articles below which we think may also be valuable.
Best Caribbean Islands To Visit In March (8 Great Options)
Best Caribbean Islands To Visit In April (A Complete Guide)
Best Caribbean Islands To Visit In September
Best Caribbean Islands To Visit In November
Best Caribbean Islands To Visit In December
Best Caribbean Islands To Visit In May (The Ultimate Guide)
