The 8 Safest Islands in the Caribbean

Anguilla

According to the U.S. Department of State, there are very few threats to tourists visiting Anguilla. This beautiful Caribbean island is family-friendly and retains much of its authenticity, as casinos, sky-rise hotels, and large cruise ships are banned here. However, that’s not to say that you won’t find plenty of luxury resorts and white sandy beaches for relaxing.

Anguilla has a familiar, small-town feel and plenty of things to do. You can relax on the beach or enjoy a nice laidback cruise in a glass-bottom kayak. For more adventurous activities, there are plenty of places to ski, sail, snorkel, and scuba dive. At night, the island comes alive with musical performances of all kinds. 

Anguilla is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, but visitors should still take precautions and lock up valuables. In addition, hurricanes occasionally hit the island, although there are rarely any casualties. If you want to avoid hurricanes entirely, don’t visit Anguilla in September and October. 

Saint Barthélemy / St. Barts

The island of Saint Barthélemy, commonly known as St. Barts, can only be accessed by ferry, propeller plane, or yacht. It is an exclusive destination, well known for its famous and wealthy visitors and luxury accommodations. Long stretches of white sandy beaches are one of the top attractions in St. Barts, and you can even book a private island villa for your stay. 

There is very little crime here, with just a few instances of petty theft, pickpocketing, or selling counterfeit goods. However, there is just one hospital on the island, so if you need intensive emergency care you may need to be airlifted elsewhere. From June to November there are a handful of hurricanes near the island, but they rarely make landfall. 

In addition, the island does not have a bus system or public transportation, so you’ll need to rent a vehicle or bike of some kind. Fortunately, it’s a relatively small island, so you won’t ever have to travel too far.  

Saint Lucia

Located in the Lesser Antilles, Saint Lucia is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. The people here are typically friendly and ready to assist if you get turned around or lost, and there is a very low crime rate across the island. Tourists aren’t usually singled out, and the crimes are typically non-violent, like vehicle break-ins, petty larceny, and burglary. Although hurricanes usually tend to pass by the island before making landfall, Saint Lucia is still susceptible to weather damage, especially from June to November. 

There are tons of all-inclusive hotels on the island, which adds to the level of safety enjoyed by visitors. In addition, Saint Lucia has plenty of natural wonders to enjoy, from lush, tropical rainforests and stunning waterfalls to sunny beaches, colorful wildlife, and the world-famous mineral-rich mud pools of Sulphur Springs.

Martinique

When Resonance Consultancy conducted studies for the Caribbean Tourism Quality Index in 2015 and 2016, they ranked Martinique as the safest island in all of the Caribbean! There is very little crime in Martinique. The few incidents that do occur are non-violent and typically involve property, fraud, or selling counterfeit goods. These crimes are most common in crowded tourist areas like Fort-de-France and Pointe de Bout. You should avoid going to these areas alone after dark. Hurricanes rarely touch down in Martinique, so you won’t need to worry much about the weather. There are also multiple hospitals on the island, each fully staffed with emergency and intensive care services. 

Not only is Martinique one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, but it is also a spectacular place for vacations. From vibrant towns and cultural experiences to beautiful beaches, mountains, and even a volcano (Mount Pelée), there is plenty to explore on the island. 

The Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands — Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman — are popular destinations. Grand Cayman Island, however, is the largest of the three and hosts the more luxury resorts, making it very attractive for many visitors. It also has a vibrant art and music scene, with plenty of galleries and festivals to enjoy throughout the year. Cayman Brac is great for adventurous souls and nature lovers. It has many charming small towns, limestone caves, lush forests, and amazing dives. Little Caymon, the smallest of the three islands, is just 1 mile wide and 10 miles long. It is the most relaxed and peaceful island of the three. However, there is still plenty to explore on the island, the South Hole Sound Lagoon, the Booby Pond Nature Reserve, and the Bloody Bay Wall Marine Park.

Although the Cayman Islands are some of the safest in the Caribbean, traveling here is not without risks. High tourist areas, like large cruise ship crowds, are targets for pickpocketing. In addition, from June through November there can be high winds, flooding, structural damage, and power outages if hurricanes make landfall on the island. 

Aruba

Famous for its glorious beaches, turquoise ocean waters, delicious restaurants, stylish shops, and elegant hotels, Aruba is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. The biggest risk visitors face on the island is theft, as many tourists let their guard down and forget to lock up their valuables. 

The weather in Aruba is sunny all year round, and the island has excellent roads and well-built buildings. In addition, there are rarely any hurricanes in Aruba, so you don’t have to worry about big storms if you happen to visit during hurricane season (June to November). Aruba also has some of the best beaches you’ll find anywhere in the Caribbean, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and birdwatching. 

Barbados

The island of Barbados has everything you could ever want in a Caribbean vacation — amazing food, rich history, spectacular music, killer waves, and stunning natural landscapes. You can even stop in for some afternoon tea or watch a cricket match! In addition, residents on the island are known for being super friendly and will make you feel right at home. However, while Barbados is generally safe, it’s important to keep an eye on your stuff in crowded areas, as petty theft happens occasionally. And if you’re planning to enjoy a night out, make sure you go with friends so you aren’t all alone.