More and more people are asking which Caribbean island is safest to travel to. Get a quick overview of where’s safe – and where’s not – with this guide.
Its tourist-brochure image depicts idyllic days spent at the beach, but bad press about crime has colored the perception of the Caribbean for years. So which Caribbean island is safest for you and your loved ones to travel to? We’ve done the research to help answer some commonly-asked questions. Read the whole guide or skip straight to the island you’re interested in using the menu below.
If you’re interested in visiting the Caribbean, try to book accommodation at one of the many secure and gated Caribbean villas. You’ll find all kinds of great places to stay, from budget-friendly condos in fun-packed resorts to standalone villas set in their own private estates. What’s more, many rentals come complete with airport transfers, arrival drinks and a private chef included in the price.
This article refers to crime in the Caribbean – for updates related to COVID-19 we urge you to check the websites of the relevant embassies for information on travel restrictions and health protocols.
*Please bear with us, we are working hard to be accurate but these are unusual times, so check your plans before traveling.
The safest Caribbean islands to visit
- Barbados
- The Dominican Republic
- Jamaica
- Anguilla
- St. Maarten/St. Martin
- St. Barts
- Antigua
- Turks & Caicos
- Cayman Islands
Does the Caribbean have a high crime rate?
While the Caribbean is generally a very safe destination, high-profile incidents can quickly leave travelers worrying. According to research though, the fear of crime in the Caribbean is generally overblown.
Statistics show that violent crime rarely touches the 28 million or so tourists who visit the Caribbean every year. And reports of violence are mainly confined to inner-city areas which see few tourists. Like many vacation destinations, petty street crime does occur, and valuables left unattended at beaches, in rental cars or in hotel rooms are vulnerable to theft.
To avoid becoming the victim of crime, the US Department of State recommends taking common sense precautions whilst on vacation in the Caribbean. These include traveling in large groups, staying in well-lit tourist-friendly areas, and not traveling with large amounts of cash or flashy jewellery.
Should I be worried about hurricanes?
You’d have to have had your head in the sand if you didn’t hear about recent hurricanes affecting the Caribbean. And it’s no secret that the region is prone to rain and storms – but that doesn’t make it unsafe to visit.
Bad weather in the Caribbean is typically confined to hurricane season which lasts from June to November. But the risk of storms generally peaks in an even smaller window, roughly from August through October. Statistically speaking, even if you travel at this time of year, the odds are excellent that you’ll enjoy a hurricane-free vacation. But of course it pays to take precautions and be aware that there are some risks.
Don’t want to chance it? Then consider booking your vacation outside of hurricane season. If you’re happy to travel during hurricane season then you’ll make excellent savings on flights and accommodation, compared with peak periods. Just make sure you get a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover you if the weather prevents you from travelling. Also check out the hurricane forecast before travelling. You may also be tempted to book an island outside of the hurricane belt, such as Aruba, Barbados and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
So, which Caribbean island is safest to travel to?
There is no ‘safest’ island, but research shows that some places in the Caribbean have higher crime rates than others.
Of course, it’s always a good idea to look for updated government-issued advisories before booking a vacation, and to follow standard safety precautions when in unfamiliar surroundings, especially at night.
There are other things to consider too, like whether or not your resort is gated, whether the beaches are child-friendly, and what kinds of activities are on offer. For instance, St. Lucia has a low rate of crime, but if you’re planning on hiking through the forest and climbing the Pitons it may be better to leave the kids at home.
The safest Caribbean islands for families tend to be those that have the best beaches, the calmest seas and the most child-friendly activities and amenities.
Barbados
Considered one of the safest places in the Caribbean for families, Barbados is an independent British Commonwealth nation and welcomes around 1 million visitors each year. The tourism industry is a huge part of the island’s economy, and the locals are said to be some of the friendliest in the entire Caribbean.
There are dozens of family friendly beaches along the west coast boasting miles and miles of white powdery sand and pristine turquoise waters. Beyond the beach, the island offers an array of delights including delicious cuisine, a fantastic line-up of activities, and a lush interior dotted with picturesque gardens.
According to the US Department of State, Barbados is generally a safe place to travel but there are certain things to be aware of. It’s illegal to wear any kind of camouflaged clothing in Barbados, for example – and they take this rule very seriously.
Another factor to bear in mind is that some of the island’s smaller roads are not marked clearly except for informal signs at road junctions, so take extra care if you’re driving around.
If you’re visiting Barbados you’ll find some great places to stay, including vacation rentals in private and gated resorts. From family condos to sprawling mansions, many of the vacation rentals in Barbados are located in the safest areas.
The Dominican Republic
Located on the island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic is of one of the most geographically diverse places in the Caribbean. It has beautiful beaches, soaring mountains and fascinating Spanish architecture to discover.
The capital city is home to gorgeously restored monasteries and quaint cobblestone streets – Spanish landmarks like the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor in the Colonial Zone; this is the oldest cathedral in the Americas, begun in 1512 and completed in 154. The island also has powder-white beaches, some are backed by palm trees while others are lined with rocky cliffs, wind-swept dunes and pretty mangrove lagoons.
Accommodation-wise, the best advice for tourists is to stay in a gated tourist resort. One of the busiest and best is Casa de Campo Resort, a tropical playground of beaches, sports facilities and exotic gardens. One of the most luxurious resorts in the entire Caribbean, the resort boasts 3 golf courses, 7 restaurants, a marina, an equestrian center, a shooting course and 3 private white-sand beaches.
According to the U.S. Department of State visitors to the Dominican Republic should exercise increased caution due to a rise in crime. Use a hotel safe whenever possible and take particular care in remote areas, especially at night.
Jamaica
If you’re wondering if it’s safe to travel to Jamaica, the general advice is that it is safe for tourists as the issues with gang violence that have made the news don’t impact the tourist resorts.
Areas to avoid in Jamaica are generally the ones that are under military occupation – these are places like Denham Town in Kingston and even Mount Salem in Montego Bay. In each of these areas you’ll find things like curfews and police presence.
No matter what you’re planning to do in Jamaica you can still have a great time and enjoy yourself. It’s all about avoiding risky areas and following general safety guidelines such as keeping aware of your surroundings, staying in busy areas, not wearing expensive jewellery and not showing large amounts of cash.
As long as you stay within the tourist hotspots and avoid venturing into non-tourist destinations, staying safe in Jamaica shouldn’t be an issue.
Is Anguilla safe?
If you’re wondering is Anguilla safe then the answer is yes, it’s one of the safest places in the Caribbean. Like many of its neighboring islands, Anguilla has experienced a growth spurt over the past few decades as evidenced by the rise of swanky hotels and upscale villa resorts. And while this British Overseas Territory relies on its luxury tourism (the rich and famous frequently travel to Anguilla) it hasn’t lost any of its laid-back charm.
There are miles of soft white-sand beaches all around the coast, as well as innumerable coves that can be reached by boat. You’ll find a seemingly endless array of water activities to enjoy, and away from the beach there are plenty of family friendly restaurants and low-key nightspots.
The US Department of State reports that crime rates in Anguilla are some of the lowest in the Caribbean, but you should take standard precautions nevertheless. The UN Office of Drugs and Crime also listed Anguilla among the safest Caribbean islands.
Accommodation-wise, Anguilla is home to a wide range of vacation homes located in all of the best destinations. Book a private Anguilla villa and enjoy watching the island’s famous sunsets from the privacy of your own pool terrace.
St. Martin/St. Maarten
The French and Dutch have been neighbors in the Caribbean for centuries, and both countries welcome foreign visitors to the island (they’re able to travel freely between both sides).
The French side (St Martin) is quietly sophisticated with colorful cliffside vistas and some of the tastiest French food you’ll find in the Caribbean. Cross over to the Dutch side and you’ll find the buzzing capital of Philipsburg which has an abundance of shops and nightspots. All around this 37-square-mile island there are white-sand beaches which are great for families. There are also plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and day trips.
The US State Department has no issues or advisories about traveling to St Martin or St Maarten but advises that you should take precautions against petty crime. Similarly, Trip Advisor states that the island is generally a safe place to visit, but as with any tourist destination you should be aware of your surroundings at all times.
St. Barts
When you consider that it’s the Caribbean’s most exclusive and expensive island, it’s not surprising that St. Barts is one of the safest places in the Caribbean. Pulling in the rich, famous and well-heeled by ferry or by small prop airplane, this French Overseas Territory is home to pristine beaches, swanky marinas, designer shops and luxury spas.
In terms of safety, visitors report that very little crime occurs on the island. In fact, many of the locals leave their houses and cars unlocked. The general advice is to exercise common sense and take basic precautions, including being aware of one’s surroundings, avoiding walking alone after dark, and locking your valuables away in a safe.
Antigua
Increasingly popular for family vacations, this Eastern Caribbean island offers thrilling zip-line tours, exciting island safaris and 365 gorgeous beaches – that’s one for every day of the year. It also has a new airport and some fantastic family friendly resorts.
The Rainforest Zipline Tour will have you flying along the island’s highest trees; you can even stop off and enjoy a drink in the treetop bar. There’s also a children’s museum, a restored sugar plantation and an inflatable water park moored just offshore.
Antigua is not generally considered an island with a high risk factor to visitors, although petty crime rates do increase over carnival, which takes place in July. Visitors are advised not to visit remote beaches after dark, and not to flaunt their wealth or leave valuables visible in a car, house or unattended on the beach.
Turks and Caicos
This British Overseas Territory is comprised of 40 islands and cays – only a handful of which are inhabited by the 30,000 or so local residents. This number is a stark contrast to the half a million tourists who arrive by plane each year and the 650,000 cruise ship tourists who visit the Grand Turk cruise port annually. It should come as no surprise then that protecting the tourist industry is a major government priority.
The Turks and Caicos are very popular with families due to their soft sandy beaches, gentle seas and warm year-round temperatures. The region’s rainfall level is low compared to some of its counterparts, and hurricanes are few and far between.
The main island Providenciales is home to the 12-mile-long Grace Bay Beach which tops polls as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. ‘Provo’ also has great shops and restaurants, plus a good selection of family friendly resorts to choose from.
The US State Department reports that visitors should exercise increased caution when visiting the islands due to crime. In general you should avoid walking alone at night and be sure not to leave your valuables unattended.
Cayman Islands
With its stable economy, relative wealth and strict gun laws, the Cayman Islands are some of the safest destinations in the Caribbean. The region consists of three separate islands located to the west of Jamaica.
Here you will find some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches, as well as some of the world’s most luxurious vacation rentals.
The US Department of State says: “The Cayman Islands are a relatively safe place with little criminal activity affecting tourists. Robberies can occur occasionally, and we recommend that you always keep your doors and windows locked.”
For the most part, you would probably lock your doors at home, so do bear that in mind before you worry about travelling to the Caribbean.
What are the worst Caribbean islands to visit?
On the basis of crime rates, some of the least safe Caribbean countries to visit include Puerto Rico, Haiti, Trinidad, Tobago and some inner city areas of Jamaica.
As we noted though, most crime in the Caribbean is an internal problem and is linked to inner-city areas well away from tourist resorts. In short, if you’re heading out from your resort, make sure you do your research and stay away from bad neighborhoods.
Apart from a few isolated incidents in the press, tourists are rarely victims of violent crime while on vacation in the region, and most Caribbean islands are perfectly safe to visit as long as you follow common sense precautions.
Looking for the safest places to stay in the Caribbean?
If you’re looking for the safest places to stay in the Caribbean then contact our friendly team. Our Caribbean experts know all of the safest areas and are on-hand to help you plan the perfect trip.
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