Things to Do in the Caribbean
Waterfalls, forts, rainforest, reefs and rum, for travelers who stay a week rather than a day.
See things to do »Six Islands, Six Different Trips
The best things to do in the Caribbean depend completely on the island, and that is the point of this guide. A week in Jamaica, with its waterfalls, mountains and music, is a different trip from a week on Aruba's dry, sunny beaches, and neither is much like the forts and cobblestones of Old San Juan. We cover six of the most visited islands and island groups for travelers staying on land: Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Aruba, Barbados, St. Lucia and the Turks and Caicos.
Each island page starts with what makes the place itself, from Dunn's River Falls and the Blue Mountains in Jamaica to El Yunque's rainforest in Puerto Rico, Arikok National Park in Aruba, the UNESCO-listed old town of Bridgetown in Barbados, the twin Pitons of St. Lucia and the long white sweep of Grace Bay in Providenciales. Below that come live, bookable tours and tickets from Viator and Tiqets ranked by traveler reviews, so you can see what is popular and plan your days before you fly.
Picking an island is the first decision. Puerto Rico is a US territory, so American citizens need no passport, and San Juan has the most nonstop flights from the mainland. Aruba sits south of the usual hurricane track and is the most reliable choice for sun. Jamaica and St. Lucia have the most dramatic landscapes, Barbados has the deepest mix of history, food and beaches, and the Turks and Caicos are about clear water above all else. Our home-page FAQ below has a quick comparison.
Weather follows a simple pattern. December through April is the dry season and the busiest and most expensive time to visit. June through November is hurricane season, with the greatest risk from August to October; trips then are cheaper but need flexible plans and good travel insurance. Every island on this site has a festival worth timing a trip around, from Crop Over in Barbados to carnival in Aruba, and our events page lists them.
If you are visiting these islands on a cruise rather than staying, our sister site Caribbean Cruise Ports covers port days and shore excursions. To compare resorts and all-inclusive options with a specialist, see Plan It Caribbean, or ask for free trip quotes for any island here.
A few habits make any island trip go more smoothly. Rent a car only where driving is easy, as in Aruba, Barbados and Puerto Rico; on Jamaica and St. Lucia, mountain roads and left-hand driving make a hired driver or tour the better choice. Carry reef-safe sunscreen, since several islands now discourage or ban products that harm coral, and keep some cash for beach vendors, rum shops and tips. Sailing between islands instead? Our Southern Caribbean cruises guide covers Aruba, Barbados and St. Lucia by sea, and our free newsletter sends island offers.
Explore the Caribbean by Area
Top-Rated Things to Do in the Caribbean
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. See & Do Caribbean may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
Where to Eat in the Caribbean
Jerk chicken from a roadside pit in Montego Bay, mofongo in Old San Juan, fish eaten with your feet in the sand in Aruba, flying fish and cou-cou in Barbados, Creole cooking with a view of the Pitons and conch at a Blue Hills beach shack: our dining guide covers each island.
Festivals and Events in the Caribbean
January brings a street festival to Old San Juan, Aruba's carnival builds through the winter, Saint Lucia Jazz fills Pigeon Island in spring, Reggae Sumfest takes over Montego Bay in July and Barbados ends its Crop Over season in early August.
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Get free trip quotes »Plan Your the Caribbean Trip
the Caribbean — FAQ
What are the best Caribbean islands to visit?
For first-timers from the US, Puerto Rico and Aruba are the easiest. Jamaica and St. Lucia suit travelers who want mountains, waterfalls and adventure, Barbados suits food and history lovers, and the Turks and Caicos are for beach and snorkeling trips.
When is the best time to visit the Caribbean?
December to April is the dry season with the most reliable weather. Hurricane season runs from June through November, with the highest risk from August to October. Aruba lies south of the main hurricane belt and has the most consistent weather year-round.
Do I need a passport for the Caribbean?
US citizens need a passport for Jamaica, Aruba, Barbados, St. Lucia and the Turks and Caicos. Puerto Rico is a US territory, so no passport is needed for US citizens flying from the mainland.
Which island is best for families?
Aruba and the Turks and Caicos have calm, shallow beaches that suit young children, and Puerto Rico combines beaches with forts, rainforest and easy logistics. Jamaica has many large family resorts.
Does this site cover cruise port days?
No. This guide is for land vacations. For port days and shore excursions, see our sister site Caribbean Cruise Ports.