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Are you wondering what are the best English Speaking Caribbean Islands to visit?
Well this article provides a detailed answer to your burning question.
As Caribbean nationals, we are confident that you will find an English Speaking Caribbean island to make your vacation memorable.
From hiking trails, to white sand beaches, extensive dining options, the Caribbean islands have much to offer.
In this article, we summarize each island as well as unique things to do to help you choose which will be best for upcoming vacation.
So let’s explore each of the option below.
1. Grenada
Our first recommendation is the beautiful Caribbean island of Grenada. This destination is perfect for persons who are seeking white sand beaches, hiking trails, waterfalls and exotic cuisine.
Grand Anse Beach located in the South of the island is loved for its two miles stretch of white sand. There are amenities such as lifeguards and bathroom facilities.
The beach is near malls, hotels, supermarkets, restaurants, bars and public transportation.
In terms of cuisine, the national dish of Grenada is oil down which is uniquely made on the island.
Breadfruit is the main ingredient and it is simmered in coconut milk with various types of meats and vegetables.
In terms of nightlife, Grenada is a more laid back and quiet destination. Nevertheless, most of the entertainment areas are in the South of the island.
There is a bowling alley called Lavo Lanes which is near the Maurice Bishop International Airport which is a hot spot for young adults.
Peradventure you like island getaways, a visit to Grenada will not be complete without exploring the sister isle of Carriacou.
2. St Lucia
This Caribbean destination is known globally for its stunning twin peaks called the Pitons.
Designated as UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004, the Gros Piton is 2,462 feet while the Petit Piton is 2,619 feet.
However, the Gros Piton is the designated hiking trail while the Petit Piton is rarely climbed.
Other remarkable hiking trails include Tet Paul Nature Trail, Edmund Rainforest Trail and the Pigeon Island National Park Hiking Trail.
St Lucia is also home to stunning waterfalls. Some of the magnificent spots to visit include Diamond, La Tille, Sapphire and Toraille Waterfalls.
In terms of nightlife, activities are primarily concentrated in the Gros Islet and Rodney Bay areas which include restaurants, hotels and marinas.
Every Friday in Gros Islet there is a local street party called Fish Friday. Here you will find live music, local cuisine and natives socializing.
It is an exciting activity to experience to immerse yourself in the culture of the island.
3. Dominica
Affectionately known as the nature island of the Caribbean, Dominica is an excellent Caribbean destination to visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
There are numerous extraordinary hiking trails such as the Scotts Head Trail, the Emerald Pool Nature Trail and the Boiling Lake Trail.
The boiling lake trail is located in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park which is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
Boeri Lake is one of two freshwater lakes located in this park and Dominica’s second largest lake which is at an altitude of 2,800 feet.
Alternatively, due to the terrain of the island there are not long stretches of white sand beaches as in neighboring Caribbean islands of Grenada and Barbados.
Nevertheless, Champagne Beach is truly a rare spot to visit as due to volcanic activity the multiple bubbles can be seen in the sea.
Mero Beach is the most popular beach on the island and is situated near to hotels and restaurants.
Furthermore, the island is located between the French Caribbean territories of Martinique and Guadeloupe.
High speed ferry services are available which is great for island hopping.
4. Barbados
The beautiful Caribbean island of Barbados is a favorite for visitors especially from the United Kingdom.
It is a great island to visit if you require more up to date amenities when compared to its Caribbean counterparts such as Grenada and St Lucia.
Barbados is an excellent destination for nightlife, white sand beaches and excursions.
The iconic Harrison caves is one of the most visited attractions where visitors can gaze at stalactities and stalagmites.
Trams are available to explore the caves and be sure to wear appropriate clothes and shoes as there is a considerable amount of water when inside the caves.
The nightlife on the island is predominantly concentrated in the South.
Every Friday in the community of Oistins there is a Fish Friday event which is similar to the one described in St Lucia above.
Locals prepare a range of dishes where there is music as well as vendors selling handmade souvenir items.
5. St Kitts & Nevis
Our next recommendation is the dual island state of St Kitts and Nevis.
Located in the Northern Caribbean, St Kitts & Nevis is a popular tourism island especially for cruise passengers to the region.
One of the most popular attractions to this island is the UNESCO Heritage site called Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park.
The construction of the park began in 1690 with the main aim of defending the island.
There are ramps and rails available for persons who may be using a wheel chair.
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park provides breathtaking views of the capital city of Basseterre along with Nevis and surrounding Dutch Caribbean islands.
If you are a budget traveler, you will be delighted to hear that there is a ferry service which provides high speed connection to the neighboring Dutch Caribbean island of St Maarten.
Unlike St Kitts & Nevis, St Maarten provides the opportunity for high end luxury shopping and numerous nightlife entertainment options.
When it comes to beaches, Cockleshell Bay Beach on the Southern coast is the best beach on the island.
The water is calm which is excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent.
Kindly note that there are lots of shells on the shoreline. Therefore, for a more comfortable experience, it is best to wear water shoes.
6. St Vincent & the Grenadines
St Vincent & the Grenadines islands are located in the Eastern Caribbean Sea and comprises of the mainland St Vincent and a chain of 32 smaller islands known as the Grenadines.
Visitors to mainland St Vincent enjoy the many hiking trails and waterfalls that the island has to offer.
The most popular hiking trail is La Soufriere Hiking Trail which is difficult and hence is not suitable for novice trekkers.
The last eruption of this volcano was in 2021.
Due to the volcanic nature of the island, there are numerous black sand beaches.
Wynne Beach is one of the best black sand beaches locations which is exceptional for snorkeling.
For white sand beaches, the Grenadines are actually much better to explore.
Princess Margaret Beach on the island of Bequia is an excellent location for its calmness and clear waters. It is an ideal location for snorkeling.
Another of the most famous coasts in the Grenadines is Salt Whistle Bay. This site is found on Mayreau, an isle even further South than Bequia which is in fact closer to the islands of Petite Martinique and Carriacou which are dependencies of Grenada.
The amazing Salt Whistle Bay has acquired multiple awards over the years. The sea here is exceptionally peaceful and transparent too, plus it’s also relatively shallow and therefore suitable for novice swimmers.
7. Antigua & Barbuda
Another amazing English speaking location in the Caribbean is Antigua & Barbuda.
This destination is ideal for beach bums as it boasts of having 365 beaches being one for every day of the year.
Dickenson Bay Beach is one of the best beaches in Antigua.
Water activities are numerous, and the shallow, calm waters are ideal for swimming and paddle boarding.
If you prefer peace and serenity, take the ferry or a small aircraft and head over to Barbuda.
The island is only 62 square miles with 1,500 inhabitants and is home to one of the longest beaches in the Caribbean being Low Bay Beach.
8. Anguilla
Its tourism slogan describes the island as tranquility wrapped in blue and this is truly describes Anguilla.
The island is blessed with some of the best beaches with turquoise waters in the Caribbean.
One of the most popular and well-loved beach on the island is Shoal Bay East Beach.
This beach is long strip about 2 miles with perfect white sand and clear blue waters.
Other well-known beaches on the island are Sandy ground Beach and Rendezvous Beach.
Anguilla is also a close ferry ride away from the Dutch Caribbean island of St Maarten and the French Caribbean island of St Martin.
Therefore, if you are craving French cuisine or entertainment you can seamlessly head over to these islands.
9. Bahamas
The Bahamas consists of about 700 islands, cays and islets and is only approximately ninety minutes flying time from Miami International Airport.
Therefore, this option is excellent for persons seeking a weekend getaway.
This destination is well loved for its nightlife and amazing white sand beaches.
Gold Rock Beach, Cable Beach and Tropic of Cancer Beach are three of the amazing spots to visit for beautiful white and powdery sand in the Bahamas.
Moreover, The Bahamas is also known for having pink sand beaches with one of the most famous one being Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island.
This island is only 3.5 miles long and 1.5 miles and is popular stop for affluent visitors.
The sand on pink sand beach has its distinct pink color due to the presence of foraminifera.
For a unique experience, Pig Beach on the island of Exuma is the perfect for those who want to swim with pigs.
10. St Thomas
St Thomas is the perfect destination for persons seeking to vacation in the Caribbean but still remain on US soil.
The island is the commercial hub for the US Virgin Islands which is an overseas territory of the United States of America.
The other islands that form part of the group are St Croix, St John and Water Island.
St Thomas is an ideal destination for white sand beaches, island getaways, hiking and luxury shopping.
International brands such as Rolex, Diamonds International and Little Switzerland have a retail presence on the island.
Magens Bay Beach is the most visited white sand beach which is loved for its calm waters and gentle waves.
Island hoppers will love the easy access by ferry that St Thomas has to Tortola which is the largest of the British Virgin Islands (BVI).
Kindly note that US Citizens are required to have a passport to enter and exit the BVI by ferry.
11. Montserrat
Fondly referred to as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean, Montserrat is the perfect destination for persons seeking a relaxing vacation.
The best way to get to Montserrat is via a small aircraft from the V C Bird International Airport in Antigua.
The most popular thing to do on the island is to tour the ruins of the Soufriere volcanic eruption which destroyed the former capital city of Plymouth in 1995.
Today, tours are available where you can visit the boundaries of the exclusion zone. Abandoned hotels, homes and buildings are still visible.
For more information about the history of the volcano, the Montserrat Volcano Observatory is a superb spot to visit.
While in Montserrat do not forget to try the national dish, Goat water which is a stew often served with bread or rice.
12. Jamaica
Affectionately known as the land of water, Jamaica offers visitors one of the most diverse experiences in the Caribbean.
From extensive dining options to UNESCO heritage site to reggae music, a Jamaica vacation will truly be memorable.
Dunn’s River Falls is one of the most popular attractions on the island which is situated in Ocho Rios or “Ochi” as it is commonly referred to by the locals.
Located near to Dunn’s River Falls Dolphin Cove is another wonderful excursion where you can swim and interact with the dolphins.
Additionally, this venue also has a night dolphin and shark extravagant show in the ocean which is a unique attraction to Jamaica.
In addition to the local dishes such as ackee and saltfish as well as bammy, Jamaican patties and festivals, vegans will find that there are a diverse number of restaurants to choose from.
Stush in the Bush is a location that offers local gourmet vegan lunches and dinners.
This restaurant is located on a stunning fifteen acre farm in St Ann.
The business also sells a line of vegan friendly sauces and preserves as well as tours of the farm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Safest English Speaking Caribbean Islands?
Grenada, Antigua, Barbados, St Lucia, St Thomas and Turks and Caicos are some of the safest English speaking Caribbean islands to visit. Nevertheless, care and due diligence must be exercised as in larger Caribbean islands such as Jamaica where the crime rate is high. Valuables should not be left unattended.
What Are The Cheapest English Speaking Caribbean Islands To Visit ?
Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines and St Lucia are three of the cheapest English speaking Caribbean islands to visit. Agriculture still plays a significant part in the day to day life of the people and as such fruits and vegetables can be purchased at a much lower costs when compared to other islands.
What Are The Best Caribbean Islands For First Timers ?
The best Caribbean islands for first time visitors are Barbados, Grenada, Antigua, Aruba, St Lucia, and St Thomas. These are selected mainly because they have a relatively low crime rate, friendly people, public transportation and direct and non-stop flights from major international cities.
Final Thoughts: Best English Speaking Islands In The Caribbean To Visit
We trust that this article helps you decide which English speaking Caribbean island is the best for your Caribbean vacation.
Peradventure you are considering a visit during the hurricane season which starts in June and ends in November every year, it is prudent to consider travel insurance.
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