Ultimate Caribbean Backpacking Travel Guide

1. Cuba

The sugar-white beaches and tobacco fields are the specialty of Cuba. Enjoy the salsa music, cabaret shows, and Spanish-colonial architecture, lined with pastel houses. Main destinations include the historical El Capitolio, sea fortress of Castillo De Los Tres Reyes Del Morro, Cayo Largo del Sur, salsa and lighthouse of Malecon, and the beautiful farming area of Vinales valley.

2. Jamaica

The island has a huge variety of sites worth visiting. Lush green rainforests, mountains, reef-lined beaches, diving and snorkeling sites, botanical gardens and zoos, and British-colonial architecture of Montego Bay are some of the highlights. The island is the origin place of reggae music. Enjoy local food specialties like jerk chicken, curry goat and the mixing rum cocktails at the night clubs.

3. Aruba

A small Dutch island with its sunny and dry weather is popular for its gentle surf and blonde beaches. The West coast is famous for shopping from outdoor markets, restaurants, casinos, and nightclubs, while the north side contains most of the sprawling resorts. The national archeological museum, unique Ayo and Casibari rock formations are worth visiting.

4. Saint Lucia

The coast of this Eastern Caribbean island nation contains various reef-diving sites, fishing villages, volcanic beaches, and luxury resorts. You can take a helicopter tour to have an overhead look of the beautiful region. Enjoy the warm mud pools at the Sulphur Spring Park, the Creole cuisine, swimming and beach bars, and snorkeling and dividing in the compact beaches.

5. Barbados

This independent British Commonwealth nation is home to calm waters, golf courses, and many upmarket beach hotels. You may experience Cliff side hiking at the rugged eastern coast or enjoy big waves of the southeast and east coast. The Harrison cave formation, 17th-century plantation houses, beaches, and botanical garden are specialties of this island country.

6. Grand Bahama

The northernmost island of the archipelago of Bahamas and is famous mainly for its mangrove swaps and reef-lined coves. You can do duty-free shopping from the international bazaar in Freeport after exploring the Xanadu beach. Gold Rock Beach and limestone caves of Lucayan National Park, snorkeling and diving among the Peterson Cay National Park’s coral reefs, and the diverse bird habitat of Rand Nature Center are worth visiting sites.

7. The British Virgin Islands

This British overseas territory is part of a volcanic archipelago of the Caribbean. Indulge in the bubbly pools, bars, and beaches of Jost Van Dyke, the beachside boulders labyrinth of Virgin Gorda, rock formation beaches of The Baths, beautiful resort amenities of Peer Island and snorkeling caves and eateries of the Norman Island.

8. Dominica

This mountainous island has a specialty in tropical rainforests and hot springs. Visit the steam-covered boiling lake of Morne Trois Pitons National Park, bubbles emerging from the shallow seafloor of Champagne Reef, hiking-trails and Fort Shirley of the Cabrits National Park, and tranquil natural waterfall and pool of Emerald.

9. Saint Thomas

This island held its importance from being the gateway isle of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Not only does it have beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots, but it is also home to various historical building like Fort Christian, Blackbeard’s castle, etc. The aquariums and ocean-centric attractions of the Coral World Ocean Park, water sports in Magens Bay, and Skyride aerial of the Paradise Point are must-visit destinations.

10. Antigua and Barbuda

This independent Commonwealth country is comprised of 2 major islands. The various important sites include Nelson’s Dockyard, Dickenson Bay, Galley Bay, and Fort James. Apart from hiking, beaches, and reefs, the most energetic and panoramic view is the sunset parties with live music.