25. Anguilla
The 25 best Caribbean islands, ranked
The Caribbean islands are beloved for their adventurous activities, clear waters, and stunning natural sites.
Distance from NYC: 5 hours and 7 minutes
Average hotel room cost: $468 per night
24. Dominica
Distance from NYC:
Average hotel room cost: $161 per night
23. St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Distance from NYC: 6 hours
Average hotel room cost: $139
Located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, the island chain of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is made up of 32 islands and cays. The relatively deserted islands offer travelers a combination of rainforest adventures, water sports, luxury accommodations, and miles of powder-white sand beaches.
22. St. Lucia
Distance from NYC:
Average hotel room cost: $343 per night
beach-density score of 0.26.
21. British Virgin Islands
Distance from NYC:
Average hotel room cost: $246 per night
20. Turks and Caicos
Distance from NYC:
Average hotel room cost: $488 per night
19. Saint Barthélemy
Distance from NYC:
Average hotel room cost: $493 per night
18. Trinidad and Tobago
Distance from NYC:
Average hotel room cost: $181 per night
The two islands that make up Trinidad and Tobago offer travelers top-notch bird-watching, diving, and rainforest-hiking opportunities. Trinidad is home to lush hills and a bustling nightlife, while Tobago has palm-lined beaches and a serene setting. In total, the islands boast 182 different cultural, natural, and recreational activities for travelers, despite their low beach-density score of 0.07.
17. Antigua and Barbuda
Distance from NYC:
Average hotel room cost: $284 per night
16. Aruba
Distance from NYC:
Average hotel room cost: $269 per night
15. Grenada
Distance from NYC: 4
Average hotel room cost: $199 per night
14. Barbados
Distance from NYC:
Average hotel room cost: $210 per night
13. Haiti
Distance from NYC: 4 hours
Average hotel room cost: $130
12. St. Kitts and Nevis
Distance from NYC:
Average hotel room cost: $244 per night
11. Guadeloupe
Distance from NYC: 4
Average hotel room cost: $166 per night
10. US Virgin Islands
Distance from NYC: 3 hours and 55 minutes
Average hotel room cost: $259 per night
9. Martinique
Distance from NYC: 4 hours and 25
Average hotel room cost: $140 per night
8. Cayman Islands
Distance from NYC: 4 hours and 5
Average hotel room cost: $293 per night
7. Jamaica
Distance from NYC:
Average hotel room cost: $237 per night
6. Curacao
Distance from NYC:
Average hotel room cost: $158 per night
5. The Bahamas
Distance from NYC:
Average hotel room cost: $333 per night
4. St. Martin/Sint Maarten
Distance from NYC: 4 hours
Average hotel room cost: $252 per night
3. Dominican Republic
Distance from NYC:
Average hotel room cost: $182 per night
2. Puerto Rico
Distance from NYC: 3
Average hotel room cost: $180 per night
Puerto Rico takes the No. 2 spot thanks to its affordable hotel rates and a staggering 559 activities travelers can enjoy. Despite its low beach-density score of 0.04, it's home to tropical terrain that has helped it earn its "Island of Enchantment" name.
1. Cuba
Distance from NYC: 3
Average hotel room cost: $124 per night
Cuba's unique architecture, '50s-era Chevy taxicabs, and sandy beaches have been just out of reach for American tourists until recently. Years of US embargo have left the Caribbean island undeveloped compared to its more modern neighbors, so there aren't too many fancy hotels on the island yet. There are, however, a number of local paradores and Airbnb rentals available for travelers.
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