Best Caribbean Islands to Visit in Winter

Swaying hammocks, the sound of crashing waves, calypso beats, sunsets and seafood are all reasons for Caribbean vacations if you want some relaxation and sun.

The Caribbean islands have been a popular choice for US travelers looking to loosen up close to home. This list is based on expert insight and user votes.

We have selected some of the best places to visit in the Caribbean open to tourists.

The Bahamas

Just off Florida's coast is the Bahamas Islands, which offer a thrilling and exciting vacation experience. As you walk past colorful building facades, discover Nassau's shopping venues and restaurants. Bimini is popular with a lot of American tourists. With vacation packages, enjoy the excitement at the local casinos that offer gambling and entertainment in Vegas-style.

Relax and enjoy the beautiful local landscape with its powdery beaches and thriving palm-filled parks. There are also many underwater gardens waiting to be discovered. Paradise Island and Nassau offer a wide range of vacation options.

Best time to visit: Peak season is mid-December to mid-April. January and February are the best months to enjoy the sun and book vacation packages.

Cost per night: $150-208 (all-inclusive)

Closest Airport: Passengers from the US to The Bahamas should fly into Nassau Airport and then get a local flight to San Andros Airport (SAQ).

Airlines from the US: American Airlines, Envoy Air, JetBlue, Azul Airlines, Bahamasair, Delta, Qatar Airways and United all fly non-stop to the Bahamas.

Best Hotels/Resorts: Stay in Nassau or Grand Bahama for nightlife and entertainment or choose remote islands such as Eleuthera or the Exuma Islands with Caribbean vacation packages.

Barbados

Barbados boasts some of the finest water in the world. You can even get it from the St. James tap. You'll want to sample the local rum, however. You can enjoy a cocktail at the beach bar or visit one of the 1,500 local rum shops to meet the locals. With the lowest Caribbean deal, you can do almost everything on Lesser Antilles Island, including scuba diving and swimming with turtles.

Best time to visit: mid-December and mid-April

Cost per night: $100-150

Closest Airport: The nearest airport to Barbados is Barbados Airport which is 8.7 km away.

Airlines from the US: American Airlines, JetBlue, Qatar Airways, Iberia, United, and Caribbean Airlines all fly non-stop to Barbados.

Best Hotels/Resorts: Crane Resort, Southern Palms, Sandy Lane, Hilton Barbados & Crystal Cove.

With so much competition, deciding the best place for a warm sun is confusing. Fond Travels will make your decision easier. Our travel experts have sorted the entire Caribbean vacation packages to offer the best airfares and all-inclusive resorts and listed the destinations below. Call us at +1-(571)-389-6426 as you decide on your getaway and we’ll plan out an itinerary that fits your budget.

Antigua & Barbuda

The Antiguans are known for their lively barbecues and rousing local music. However, they are also adept at relaxing after the party is over. So it's easy to see why, with tranquil azure waters and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, visitor fall head over heels in love with Antigua & Barbuda.

Antiguans are food lovers and fine local dining is available all over, including delicious seafood and fresh pineapple drinks. English Harbor is a favorite among yachters around the globe, while Nelson's Dockyard has been acclaimed as one of the finest examples of a Georgian naval harbor.

Best time to Visit: mid-December and mid-April

Cost per night: $125 ($190+ all-inclusive)

Closest Airport: For proximity to Antigua and Barbuda's capital, Saint John's, you should fly into V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU).

Airlines from the US: There are direct flights from Miami (MIA) and New York (JFK and EWR) to V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU). American Airlines and Iberia Airlines offer these flights while booking Caribbean vacation packages.

Best Hotels/Resorts: Jumby Bay Island, Hermitage Bay, Carlisle Bay Antigua, Cocobay Resort Antigua to enjoy Caribbean vacations.

Jamaica

Every part of Jamaica seems to be infused with uncontainable energy - and that's not just reggae. The stunning colors of Jamaica's coast, with its white sands and turquoise waters, blue skies, intense flavors of the food, and potent rum cocktails, are just a few of the many highlights.

With a Caribbean package, you'll find a quieter Jamaica far from the hustle and bustle of Montego Bay or Kingston. You can also find the tiny Bikini beach and the calm waters of Frenchman's Cove further up the coast. Luxurious resorts are set among historic towns and rugged scenery, rewarding those who take the time to explore.

Best time to Visit: November until mid-December

Cost per night: $140

Closest Airport: Nearest major airport to Kingston, Jamaica, is Norman Manley International Airport (KIN / MKJP) at a distance of 21 km.

Airlines from the US: American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Caribbean Airlines all fly non-stop to Jamaica.

Best Hotels/Resorts: Negril is for first-timers, Montego Bay is for nightlife, and Ocho Rios is suitable for families. The best resorts for an excellent Caribbean deal include Sandals Royal Caribbean, Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa, and Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall.

Turks & Caicos

The eight main islands of Turks & Caicos were once a hideout for pirates from the 18th century. They are now relaxing getaways. With the cheapest Caribbean vacation deals, you can explore many rocky cays dotted with powder-soft sand or the largest above-ground caves of the Caribbean, which make this Atlantic archipelago an incredible adventure spot.

Wild donkeys roam South Caicos. Wildlife has been allowed to thrive on the island and the coral reef. You can see flamingos flitting around on the pancake-flat salinas. Also, you will find green turtles and lemon sharks in the mangrove channels.

Best time to Visit: April through June

Cost per night: $160

Closest Airport: Providenciales International Airport (PLS) is the primary airport in Turks and Caicos and has the most incredible range of transport options you can get with a Caribbean package.

Airlines from the US: American Airlines, JetBlue, United, Qatar Airways, Delta, Southwest Airlines and Sun Country Airlines all fly non-stop to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Best Hotels/Resorts: Grace Bay Club, Point Grace, The Shore Club, Ambergris Cay, Seven Stars Resort & Spa.

Dominican Republic

While most people don't think of a Caribbean city getaway, you can swap coconuts on a beach for culture on cobbled roads and discover the true beauty of the Dominican Republic. With the best Caribbean vacation deals, it's possible to get lost in small fishing villages or stumble upon an ancient monastery.

With cheap Caribbean vacations, you might even spot humpback whales on the stunning beaches and rock faces surrounding the island. There are plenty of restaurants along the beach for a tranquil, coral-filled lagoon. Or, you can wander through Santo Domingo's labyrinthine streets, listed by UNESCO, in the Colonial Zone to see a little bit of Spanish architecture.

Best time to Visit: Between April and December

Cost per night: $140

Closest Airport: Las Americas international airport is the main airport in the Dominican Republic. Even Punta Cana International is the perfect airport to tour Punta Cana.

Airlines from the US: JetBlue, American Airlines, Qatar Airways, KLM, Delta, United, Iberia and Spirit Airlines all fly non-stop to the Dominican Republic, one of the best places to visit in the Caribbean.

Best Hotels/Resorts: Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Bayahibe, and La Romana are the best places to stay. However, Tortuga Bay Punta Cana Resort and Club, Eden Roc at Cap Cana, Casa de Campo Resort and Villas, and The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real are top resorts in the Dominican Republic.

Are you deciding which island you want to visit in winter but can't choose because they all look amazing? They all boast stunning beauty and beautiful weather. Call us to clarify your queries. Then, you can count on our travel consultants to help you plan unforgettable Caribbean vacations.

Also, read our blog Best Places to go in February in Europe.

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