Safety is top of mind for many travelers, especially when traveling abroad.
The Caribbean is one of the most popular regions in the world for travel, and yet there are varying levels of safety among the Caribbean islands.
These are the safest Caribbean islands to visit right now:
1. Saint Barthélemy
Saint Barthélemy, more commonly known as St. Barts, is regarded as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. This French island territory is known for its high-end luxury resorts and great beaches.
In St. Barts, the crime rate is so low it’s practically nonexistent, making this the top destination in the Caribbean if you are concerned about safety.
2. Virgin Islands
There are two Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. Both sets of islands are extremely safe for travelers.
The U.S. Virgin Islands is known for islands like St. John, which is home to the pristine Virgin Islands National Park and the most beautiful beach in the world.
In the British Virgin Islands, tourists flock to safe and beautiful islands like Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
3. Cayman Islands
Another safe Caribbean destination is the Cayman Islands. This British Overseas Territory consists of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman.
All three islands are safe and offer different things. Grand Cayman is the largest island, and it’s known for its beautiful Seven Mile Beach, as well as great scuba diving.
Cayman Brac is a smaller island perfect for adventure-seeking travelers, while Little Cayman is another small island ideal for those looking for solitude and relaxation.
4. Anguilla
Anguilla is another one of the safest islands in the Caribbean with an extraordinarily low crime rate. This small British Overseas Territory is the perfect destination for travelers who want to relax and get away from it all.
The island doesn’t allow large cruise ships and you won’t find any sprawling mega-resorts or casinos here either. Instead, you’ll find a more low-key, authentic atmosphere alongside gorgeous beaches.
5. Bonaire
Part of the ABC Islands, Bonaire is underrated compared to its more popular neighbors Aruba and Curacao. This Dutch island territory is the perfect island getaway in the Caribbean, known for its beautiful beaches and great shore diving.
It’s also an incredibly safe destination. The crime rate in Bonaire is very low, making it a safe and secure place for travelers looking for a worry-free vacation in paradise.
What About The “Dangerous” Islands?
Safety levels vary throughout the Caribbean, with some islands experiencing more crime and violence than others.
Although the islands above are some of the safest, other islands have a more dangerous reputation.
Right now, the majority of Caribbean islands have a Level 1 safety rating from the U.S. Department of State, which means that travelers should exercise normal precautions when traveling but that there is no elevated risk of crime or danger.
However, the following destinations have a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory:
- Dominican Republic
- The Bahamas
- Turks and Caicos
And Jamaica has an even more extreme warning, with a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory due to increased crime throughout the country.
Even with these warnings, travelers are still flocking to the more “dangerous” countries in the Caribbean.
Jamaica has been breaking tourism records despite the recent crime surge, and destinations like the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic remain popular as well.
This is because the majority of tourists in these destinations will be staying in safer, touristy areas, often in all-inclusive resorts that are secure and insulated from crime.
So despite varying safety levels, it’s possible to have a safe vacation in the Caribbean regardless of where you go.
