Caribbean
Go for beaches, snorkeling and island-hopping, plus forts and historic towns such as Old San Juan and Bridgetown.
The Caribbean is a chain of islands in the Caribbean Sea, between North America and South America. Some are independent countries; others are British, French, Dutch or US territories, so language, currency and entry rules change from one island to the next. Spanish is spoken in Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. English is used in Jamaica and much of the Eastern Caribbean, French in Guadeloupe and Martinique, and Dutch in Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire.
Most trips center on beaches, snorkeling and diving. Jamaica is known for its music, and Havana for its old streets and classic cars. A week on one island works well, as does a beach stay with day trips, or a longer trip that hops between islands by short flight or ferry. The drier months from December to April are the usual choice for beach travel. Hurricane season runs from June to November, so check the forecast and your travel insurance before booking late summer or fall.
Top destinations in Caribbean
CountryMartiniqueExplore
CountryPuerto RicoExplore
CountryTrinidad & TobagoExplore
CountryGrenadaExplore
CountrySt-BarthélemyExplore
CountrySt LuciaExplore
CountrySint EustatiusExplore
CountryCayman IslandsExplore
CountrySt Vincent & the GrenadinesExplore
CountryJamaicaExplore
CountryBonaireExplore
CountryBarbadosExplore
CountrySt-Martin & Sint MaartenExplore
CountryBermudaExplore
CountryDominican RepublicExplore
CountryDominicaExplore
CountryCubaExplore
CountryArubaExplore
CountryBritish Virgin IslandsExplore
CountryUS Virgin IslandsExplore
CountrySabaExplore
CountryHaitiExplore
CountryAntigua & BarbudaExplore
CountryMontserratExplore
CountryAnguillaExplore
CountryCuraçaoExplore
CountrySt Kitts & NevisExplore
CountryTurks & CaicosExplore
CountryGuadeloupeExplore
CountryThe BahamasExplore
Caribbean travel guides
The questions every first trip to the region starts with.
Season dates, watch versus warning, and what insurance pays once a storm is named.
Read the guideDominican Republic e-ticketWho files the free entry and exit form, when, and how the tourist card is charged.
Read the guideESTA explainedNeeded for Puerto Rico and the USVI, and how Cuba affects it.
Read the guideCuba tourist visa and D'ViajerosThe eVisa, the D'Viajeros form and its timing, for a trip to Varadero.
Read the guideCan Americans go to Varadero?The US rules for Cuba and what changed on 30 September 2026.
Read the guideDo you need a visa for Martinique?French but outside Schengen: the entry rules by passport.
Read the guideWhere to stay in Caribbean
All stay guides
All Caribbean destinations
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Caribbean FAQ
When is hurricane season in the Caribbean?
June 1 to November 30, with most storms from August to October. Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao and Trinidad and Tobago lie south of the main belt and are rarely hit.
What is the best time to visit the Caribbean?
December to April is dry and sunny but the most expensive. May and June are a good compromise, with lower prices before the peak of hurricane season.
Do I need to fill in forms before flying to the Caribbean?
Often, yes. Many islands now use online arrival forms, such as Aruba's ED card, Jamaica's C5 form and the Dominican Republic's e-Ticket, and St Kitts and Nevis requires an eTA. Check each island before you fly.
Do I need an ESTA for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands?
Yes, if you are a Visa Waiver traveler. Both are US territories and follow US entry rules. US citizens need no passport from the mainland.
Can I use US dollars in the Caribbean?
On most islands, yes. Several use it as their currency, and others accept it widely. The French islands use the euro, and Cuba needs cash because foreign cards do not work.