Information To A Caribbean Island Hopping Journey [Suggested Itinerary]

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With swaying palm bushes, elegant seashores at each flip, and essentially the most stress-free of vibes, it’s no shock {that a} Caribbean island hopping journey is on most traveler’s bucket lists.

The Caribbean is an archipelago of over 7,000 particular person islands, and it’s extremely seemingly that you simply’ll have by no means have even heard of many of the Caribbean Islands.

Add to this the logistics of getting between each, it could make planning a headache, and the entire prospect of the journey overwhelming.

If you happen to’re caught placing collectively your listing of islands to go to within the Caribbean and understanding the way to get from A to B, we’re right here to take the laborious work out of planning for you.

Under are the most effective locations to go to within the Caribbean, and likewise the way to get from island to island, in addition to our counsel Caribbean island hopping itinerary, so you possibly can take pleasure in your first journey to the archipelago whereas leaving the stresses at residence.

The Final Caribbean Island Hopping Itinerary

The next itinerary covers the Western fringe of the Caribbean archipelago, because it’s simpler to island hop between these islands by ferry and direct flight, as they’re shut to one another.

It will also be lower down to fit your journey time-frame, since we aren’t all blessed with the luxurious of infinite time.

The excellent news is you possibly can just about get a direct flight from every of those islands, so you possibly can lower locations out for those who don’t really feel prefer it’s someplace you’d like to go to.

We’ve made a be aware on the finish of every vacation spot if it has direct inside flights obtainable, so you possibly can resolve whether or not to chop it out or add it to your individual island hopping itinerary.

Cease 1: St Vincent and The Grenadines

The primary island of St Vincent is a good place to start out your Caribbean island hopping journey. Why?Argyle Worldwide Airport gives direct flights from the US, Canada, Central and South America, and Europe.

Don’t miss the vigorous market within the capital of Kingstown and for those who like getting up excessive, take a hike up the energetic, however secure sufficient for now, volcano La Soufrière.

Scattered south of St Vincent are 32 Grenadine islands identified for his or her powdery white sand seashores and relaxed vibes. You possibly can take day journeys to those islands from Kingston by boat, or for those who’re brief on time, go for a ship tour which takes you to a few them.

We predict the most effective Grenadine islands to go to are Bequia, which is mellow and pleasant, Canouan – a hikers paradise, and the unique Mustique.

Cease 2: Union Island

Time to get off the overwhelmed monitor and head to Union Island. This may be reached by way of inter-island ferries from St Vincent.

Union Island is a small island with a laid-back allure and gorgeous pure magnificence. It boasts pristine seashores, crystal-clear waters, and plush hillsides.

Some in style issues to do listed below are go snorkeling and diving within the Tobago Cays Marine Park, mountaineering Mount Taboi, the very best level on the island, or simply benefit from the ambiance.

Cease 3: Grenada

From Union Island, it’s a brief hop to Grenada, you could virtually odor the nutmeg within the air.

From limitless rainforest mountaineering trails to stress-free sunsets on inviting seashores, there are such a lot of issues to do in Grenada you possibly can fill your time for per week or extra.

Be sure you take within the panoramic views of the island from Fort George within the elegant capital of St George, swim within the refreshing swimming pools of Annandale Waterfall, or chill out on Grand Anse Seaside.

Another notable seashores to take a look at on Grenada are the aptly named Journal Seaside, which appears like one thing out of a journey brochure, and Morne Rouge.

Cease 4: Trinidad and Tobago

The dual-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago is a vibrant island with a tradition woven from African, Indian, European, and indigenous influences. It beckons vacationers with its fascinating mix of historical past, tradition, and pure magnificence.

From the bustling steelpan rhythms of Port of Spain to the serene seashores of Tobago, there may be by no means a scarcity of issues to do right here.

A number of the island’s hottest seashores embody Pigeon Level Seaside, Maracas Seaside, and Manzanilla Seaside. All of which have unimaginable sunsets, turquoise water, and fringed by lush, mountainous rainforest.

Historical past buffs can delve into the UNESCO World Heritage Website of the Chaguaramas Navy Base, a testomony to the area’s strategic significance, whereas journey seekers will love exploring the plush rainforests of the Northern Vary, residence to numerous wildlife, or dive into the crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life.

Trinidad and Tobago is known for its annual Carnival, a riot of coloration and music, a large spectacle that pulls revelers from everywhere in the globe.

Cease 5: Barbados

Barbados is one other island that gives the right mix of tradition, leisure and journey. From the balmy sands of Crane Seaside to the dramatic cliffs of Harrison’s Cave, Barbados has no scarcity of pure magnificence.

Wander across the UNESCO World Heritage-listed metropolis of Bridgetown, taking within the colonial structure and studying in regards to the island’s pivotal function within the transatlantic slave commerce, or strive your hand at world-class browsing at Soup Bowl.

Another in style issues to do in Barbados are take pleasure in rum distillery excursions, bask on the seashores, and attend vigorous festivals like Crop Over, a three-month celebration of music, dance, and meals.

Cease 6: Martinique

Martinique is a French island nation identified for its dramatic landscapes. From the slopes of Mount Pelée, an energetic volcano, to the pristine sands of Les Salines Seaside, to the historic and charming Fort Saint-Louis in Fort-de-France, there may be a lot to see and do.

Artwork lovers ought to take a look at the colourful murals adorning the streets of Saint-Pierre, whereas journey seekers ought to go for diving within the underwater caves round Diamond Rock.

The island’s distinctive mix of French and Caribbean influences spreads to its delicacies. Be sure you strive some native delicacies, resembling accras and colombo, which even the fussiest eater will take pleasure in.

Cease 7: Dominica

Dominica isn’t the primary island most individuals consider after they consider the Caribbean, nevertheless it shouldn’t be skipped off any island hopping journey – it’s a lush island paradise with pure magnificence at each flip.

It’s nickname is the “Nature Island,” so you may get an concept of what to anticipate from this Caribbean gem.

A few of its largest points of interest are the Boiling Lake, the second largest on the planet, and the breathtaking Trafalgar Falls. There are additionally loads of pure sizzling springs you could slip into if you need complete leisure.

Dominica’s tradition is interwoven by the indigenous Kalinago folks and European colonization, creating a singular id. Individuals flock to Dominica not just for its pristine landscapes and numerous ecosystems, but in addition for the heat of its folks.

There are many alternatives to go mountaineering alongside the Waitukubuli Path, a 115 mile trek that may completed in phases, or get off the overwhelmed monitor within the unexplored rainforest (two thirds of the island is rainforest).

Alternatively, strive diving in among the clearest waters within the Caribbean, or basking on the seashores, significantly Batibou Seaside, essentially the most lovely seaside on the island.

Cease 8: Guadeloupe

Butterfly formed Guadeloupe is an a fascinating butterfly formed archipelago. It has forest cover rope bridges and spectacular waterfalls, the breathtaking La Soufrière volcano, which gives exhilarating mountaineering trails and panoramic views of the plush rainforest.

The island can be residence to the attractive Grand Anse Seaside, identified for its golden sands and turquoise waters, and appears like a scene out of journey brochures and nature documentaries.

Visiting Guadeloupe isn’t just about basking on idyllic seashores and exploring pure wonders, but in addition to take a look at the vigorous Creole festivals, dive into the scrumptious delicacies, and expertise the nice and cozy hospitality of its folks.

Pointe-à-Pitre Worldwide Airport on the northernmost island of Guadeloupe has worldwide flights from the US, Canada and several other European locations.

Cease 9: St Lucia

St Lucia is an island that gives extra journey within the type of zip lining by means of the rainforest and bathing in mud swimming pools fashioned by the Soufrière Drive In Volcano.

This emerald jewel is known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and tropical seashores. Discover the enduring Pitons, two mountainous volcanic plugs and a UNESCO World Heritage Website, or swim within the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Some high issues to do are admire the waterfalls and flora of Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens & Mineral Baths, or go mountaineering by means of the plush rainforest, kayak by means of mangrove forests, or chill out on Reduit Seaside.

St. Lucia’s distinctive mix of pure magnificence, wealthy historical past, and vibrant tradition creates an unforgettable escape for these searching for an genuine Caribbean expertise.

Cease 10: Antigua and Barbuda

Dotted with 365 pink and white-sand seashores, subsequent up is Antigua and Barbuda, the shimmering jewel of the Caribbean Islands.

The atmospheric, colonial Nelson’s dockyard is the one working Georgian dockyard on the planet and is unmissable.

Cease 11: Nevis and St Kitts

St Kitts island is famed for the views from the highest of Brimstone Hill Fortress Nationwide Park and boasts the final functioning passenger practice within the Caribbean, with a stunning 3 hour shoreline route with unrivalled views over the ocean and sugarcane fields.

Don’t miss an opportunity to hike to Majors Bay Seaside, a distant and gorgeous seaside with powdery white sand and a sheltered reef, excellent for snorkelling.

A forty five-minute crossing over The Narrows away is Nevis, and there are many day by day ferry choices.

Nevis has a really chilled vibe the place you possibly can bathe in therapeutic volcanic spring waters after taking up the Nevis Peak, one of many hardest trails within the Caribbean.

This island is critically nice for journey lovers wanting some escapism.

Cease 12: Saba

Then in your subsequent cease, take a 90-minute ferry journey from 2.5 hour ferry to enigmatic Saba, a small island solely accessible by boat.

The tiny island of Saba is actually the highest of a dormant volcano, Mount Surroundings. A panorama of unspoilt magnificence, the underwater mountains surrounding it present among the finest scuba diving and snorkelling spots on the planet.

The islands of St Martin, Anguilla, St Barth and Saba are all inside simple attain of one another and will be visited by way of ferry, however direct flight is less complicated.

Cease 13: Saint Barthélemy (St Barths)

The white seashores and fascinating colonial cities of French talking Saint Barthélemy, also called St Barths or St Barts, are additionally price exploring for a number of days.

Identified for its charming villages, and a contact of French stylish, and the enduring Gouverneur Seaside, with its powdery white sand and turquoise waters, St Barths gives a allure not like anyplace else within the Caribbean.

Discover the stylish boutiques and artwork galleries of Gustavia, the most effective place to buy groceries, or discover the ruins of Fort Karl, a strategic outpost, or simply bask on the seashores for search sun-drenched leisure!

Cease 14: St Martin

Get a 30-minute ferry from St Barts to Oyster Pond on St Martin. Famed for the planes flying straight over the seaside, the most important worldwide airport within the space is on St Martin.

St Martin is a twin nation island with a colonial and cosmopolitan environment. The French north facet is extra reserved, whereas the Dutch South facet is certainly the place the events occur.

Don’t miss the bustling harbor of Marigot, with its vibrant markets and French aptitude, or some duty-free buying in Philipsburg, with its Dutch allure.

Discover Fort Amsterdam, a reminder of the island’s colonial previous, or hike by means of the plush hills of Pic Paradis.

Cease 15: Anguilla

From right here nip throughout the channel to remoted Anguilla, a British Territory identified for its lengthy stretches of sandy seashores, secluded coves and guarded nature websites resembling Large Spring Cave, identified for its prehistoric petroglyphs, and East Finish Pond, a wildlife conservation web site. 

Get pleasure from sunbathing on the smooth sands, or become familiar with some watersports within the clear blue waters of Rendezvous Bay or Barnes Bay.

If you happen to’re touring as a pair, sneak away on a romantic boat journey to Little Cay or Prickly Pears Cays for some secluded paradise spots.

Cease 17: British Virgin Islands and US Virgin Islands

Fly into Henry E. Rohlsen airport in St Croix island to start your journey within the British and US Virgin Islands.

Be sure you go to the Cruzan Rum Distillery and the historic websites of Christiansted whereas in St Croix. You received’t be dissatisfied.

Then hop on a ferry or a seaplane to discover the pleasant seashores and snorkelling spots of St Thomas, adopted by a 20 minute ferry journey to the pure attract of St John.

With a lot of it a protected nationwide park, this island has a distinctly wilder really feel to it and Trunk Bay is constantly voted probably the greatest seashores in the entire world.

From right here take a brief boat journey throughout the border to the British Virgin Islands. A volcanic archipelago, the British Virgin Islands is made up of 40 islands.

The primary island of Tortola is the gateway to this space and the island must be used as your hub for visiting in style neighboring islands of Jost Van Dyke, Peter Island and Virgin Gorda.

Cease 18: Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is essentially the most accessible island within the Caribbean and is thought for its fascinating mix of Caribbean allure and Latin aptitude.

From the cobblestone streets of Outdated San Juan, a UNESCO World Heritage Website, to the plush rainforests of El Yunque Nationwide Forest, you’ll by no means run out of issues to do.

Don’t miss an opportunity to discover Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a Sixteenth-century fortress or hike to the summit of El Yunque.

Puerto Rico’s has an alluring tradition, which beckons you to decelerate a tempo and benefit from the finer issues in life. From the infectious music blasting from the bars to the scrumptious delicacies, and heat hospitality, it’s the place to go fo an genuine Caribbean journey.

Cease 19: Dominican Republic

One other accessible island to go to is the Dominican Republic, a vibrant island with a tradition mixing indigenous Taino heritage with its Spanish colonial historical past and African influences.

Benefit from the pristine seashores of Punta Cana, the plush rainforests of Jaragua Nationwide Park, or the colonial allure of the Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo, a UNESCO World Heritage Website.

If you happen to desire journey, strive a hike up the Pico Duarte, the very best peak within the Caribbean, or dive into the crystal-clear waters of Playa Macao and Bavaro Seaside.

Cease 20: Turks and Caicos Islands

Airways provide direct flights from the US, Canada and Europe a number of occasions per week into Providenciales Worldwide airport, identified regionally as Provo – your first island right here is ringed by smooth white sand seashores.

Head to Bight Reef or Smith’s Reef for wonderful snorkeling and take a kayak out to discover the tiny cays across the turquoise lagoon of Chalk Sound Nationwide Park.

From Providenciales, go to the tiny tropical paradise of West Caicos and Little Water Cay or as it’s higher identified, Iguana Island, for shut proximity encounters with reptiles.

Then catch a brief 30 minute flight to the place wild horses roam free on Grand Turk Island within the south of the 40 odd island archipelago.

From right here you possibly can discover the very nice Salt Cay and South Caicos Island.

Simply don’t count on to be doing far more than lazing on the powdery white sands and among the finest Caribbean seashores, or exploring crystal clear underwater shipwrecks with sea turtles on this a part of the world.

The tropical, quiet and shallow seashores across the Turks and Caicos make them excellent for households.

Cease 21: Exuma, The Bahamas

The Bahamas is an archipelago of over 700 islands and cays, all of them filled with jaw-dropping seashores, crystal-clear waters, and journey.

We love the Exuma Islands, identified for its vibrant coral reefs, iconic pink sand seashores of Harbour Island, and distinctive points of interest – resembling visiting the endangered Bahamian Rock Iguanas in Exuma.

The gateway is the historic metropolis of Nassau, the place you possibly can admire Fort Charlotte and the Queen’s Staircase, whereas ocean seekers can dive with sharks, swim with pigs, or just chill out on the seaside.

The Bahamas makes for the right ending level in your Caribbean trip because it has direct flights to many main USA and Canada cities, in addition to London to attach it to Europe.

Map of this Caribbean Island Hopping Itinerary

That can assist you navigate your means round this itinerary, here’s a map which exhibits every location and the points of interest.

Finest Time To Go to The Caribbean

Earlier than you go, we now have to share slightly be aware on the most effective time to go to in your trip, as you wish to keep away from the hurricane season which might massively break your journey – and be unsafe.

One of the best time to go to the Caribbean is throughout its dry season, which falls between mid-December and April. This time of 12 months has nice climate, low humidity, and minimal rainfall.

Nonetheless, it’s additionally excessive season for tourism, and may drive costs increased, and have extra crowds.

The shoulder seasons (Might-June and late October-mid-November) will also be nice occasions to go to, as they’ve fewer crowds and nonetheless has nice climate.

The moist season (July-November) coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season, so that you wish to keep away from these months.

Closing Ideas

From an final honeymoon getaway, or as a part of a long run backpacking journey, we hope this itinerary offers you some inspiration for the way to journey to this lovely a part of the world.

The Caribbean Islands actually are some of the magical locations on the planet.

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