10 fantastic Caribbean Islands for a winter escape
Last updated on September 24th, 2026 at 12:59 pm
Escape to one of the best Caribbean islands to visit in December – or January too! What better way to shake off the winter blues than heading for some fun in the sun!
The Caribbean has plenty of islands and all are quite unique. From French to English to Dutch, with beaches, snorkeling and diving, rum and spices, gardens, wildlife and hiking, these little islands cover all options. For those that simply want to lie on the beach in the sun, to those that want additional action, and those that want to explore off the beaten path – I’ve got you covered! Start exploring with this list of very diverse Caribbean Islands:
Plan your trip checklist
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All in one – if you want to book flights and accommodation as a package, use expedia
Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight cheaper than booking direct with the airline!
Accommodation – I use booking.com and expedia for hotels, Hostelworld for a hostel, and Vrbo for holiday houses.
Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.
Tours and Activities – book with Viator or GetYourGuide.
Car rental – use DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental site
Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!
Buses, trains, ferries – In Europe I use Omio, in the Americas I use Busbud, and in South / SE Asia 12Go is by far the best option for buses, ferries and trains. But I am starting to use 12Go in Latin America and Australia too as it expands its network. In China use Trip.com.
Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!
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1. Grenada – the best Caribbean Island for a winter escape full of beaches, rum, and cute monkeys!
Where: In the south of the Eastern Caribbean
Why: Beaches, waterfalls, spices and great ice-cream!
Good for: Beach lovers, food lovers, and explorers
The vibe – Carib meets Western
Getting there: Use expedia, or skyscanner or booking.com to book direct flights from: Frankfurt, Miami, Boston, New York, Toronto, Charlotte, and the nearby islands of Barbados, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.
What to do in Grenada
Mix stunning white beaches, a fascinating interior with some beautiful waterfalls and crazy looking monkeys. Also great chocolate and the best nutmeg ice-cream I ever did eat – its not called the ‘spice island’ for nothing! This is definitely one of the best Caribbean Islands to visit in December and January – especially if beaches, ice-cream and rum appeals!
Start your exploration with:
1. Enjoy Grand Anse beach and the other beaches around the island – but Grand Anse is not to be missed (see the pic at the top)!
2. Visit Grand Etang National Park and Lake. Spot the sweet Mona Monkeys who were introduced from West Africa on slave ships. There are plenty of tours that take in these areas from 3 hours to full days!
3. Explore the falls – Annandale Falls, Mount Carmel Falls, or hike to Concord Falls. You can also go on a hiking tour or tubing tour – which will include some water! I did enjoy this – especially the seven sisters waterfall.
4. The ocean – snorkel or dive the underwater sculptures in the Molinere-Beauséjour Marine Reserve. Or try clear kayaking in the reef.
5. Try out the local chocolate and rum – including the River Antoine Rum Distillery – where the original 1785 machinery is still in use! GoVisit on a private tour if you prefer!
6. Visit the world of spice at Laura Herb and Spice Garden – see how the nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and vanilla are grown. Or try coffee, sugar, cotton, bananas on the Belmont Estate plantation tours. Book a longer tree-to-bar chocolate tour if you are a chocoholic. You can also take a really interesting spice tour.
My top four tours are:
- Half-Day Grenada Tour With Easy or Explorer’s Choice: Grenada Private Half Day Island Tour
- Clear Kayak Coral Reef Tour in Grenada
- Grenada River tubing and waterfall excursion
- Chasing Waterfalls in Grenada Hike and Adventure Tours
Where to stay in Grenada
There is a real variety of accommodation options in Grenada – something to suit most people. Check expedia or stay at any of these that are rated very highly:
All Inclusive – Sandals Grenada
High End – Six Senses La Sagesse or Silversands Grand Anse
Entire villa – Cocoa Cove Resort or Marks Reef
Mid Range – La Sagesse Hotel, Restaurant and Beach Bar or Lance Aux Epines Cottages or Petite Anse Hotel
Good Value – great location at Grand Anse at Altare – Breezy with a View, or Coconut Creek Deluxe Suite and for a small group The Harvest of Love
2. Bonaire – the best Caribbean island to visit in winter for diving!
Where: One of the Netherlands Antilles, ABC islands just north of Venezuela
Why: Spectacular diving and fascinating scenery
Good for: Action-lovers and explorers
The vibe – Carib meets Dutch
Getting there: Use skyscanner or booking.com to book direct flights from: the Netherlands, Miami, Atlanta, Houston, New York, Toronto, Dominican Republic, and the A and C islands – Aruba and Curaçao.
What to do in Bonaire
Beautiful beaches are dotted around the island, but you really come her for the incredible shore diving. If you don’t dive, don’t worry – the snorkeling is fantastic too. The entire island is surrounded by a marine national park.
But apart from that I loved Bonaire for its wild wooliness, flamingoes, open history – think slave huts, and the amount to do in a small space! (It is in my “top of the top” list of the best Caribbean islands to visit in December – or for any getaway really!)
A taste of the things to do:
1. Explore, learn, wander and shop in the very colorful capital – Kralendijk
2. Learn to dive or go diving in the masses of dive sites around the island! There are plenty of options. Or if you prefer to snorkel – there are masses of options to choose from too!
3. Explore the north and south of the island. Drive the south of the island to see pink salt pans and white mountains of salt. And in the north watch pink flamingos dabbling in the lakes; explore the interior around Rincon – a village sitting in a strangely surreal wild west environment; and then visit the wild, and definitely wonderful, Washington-Slagbaai National Park in the north.
6. Take a boat across the bay to uninhabited Klein Bonaire island for pristine white beach walking and great snorkeling!
7. Kayak the mangrove forest, go horseback riding, try windsurfing or landsailing – there are plenty of active options.
My top four tours are:
- Chill and Grill Catamaran Tour
- Klein Bonaire Marine Park Snorkeling Excursion
- Luc’s Private Group Bonaire Open Bus Tour or this Private Bonaire Island Tour with Transfer
- Bonaire Landsailing Adventures
Where to stay in Bonaire
Check your options to stay in Bonaire. Stay at any of these hotels that are rated very highly:
High End – Sorobon Luxury Beach Resort or Harbour Village Beach Club
Entire Villa – Delfins Residences or Oceanfront – Villa Port of Call
Mid Range – Treasure By The Sea Bonaire or Windhoek Resort Bonaire
Good Value – Sonrisa Boutique Hotel – Adults Only or Kas Hamaka
3. Barbuda – for getting way off the beaten path and some cool wildlife
Where: North of Antigua in the Eastern Caribbean
Why: Beaches, wildlife, and an undeveloped island to explore
Good for: Beach lovers, wildlife lovers, and explorers
The vibe – Off the beaten path – Western
Getting there: Use skyscanner or booking.com to book a flight to Antigua and take a ferry to Barbuda. Direct flights To Antigua from: London, Miami, Atlanta, Houston, New York, Montreal, Toronto, Charlotte, Atlanta, Dominican Republic, BVI’s and most of the Eastern Caribbean Islands.
What to do in Barbuda
This one is for the explorer, wildlife lover or beach lover. Its an absolute gem for pristine white uncrowded beaches, peace and solitude, and fascinating wildlife! For me it is tops for the best Caribbean islands for a winter escape, but if you want a lot of action and activity it may not be for you. However, you can combine it with a trip to Antigua and get the best of both worlds!
I hired a car to explore, and, did a tour of the estuary and frigate birds – amazing!! Please support the locals and use this local webpage to hire a car or book a tour – it is run by the locals and I am not affiliated in any way. I just want to support them as I loved this place so much!
1. Laze around or walk the incredible beaches, including Princess Diana Beach named after the famous princess who used to holiday here. If you want more, take a trip to snorkel or dive on Palaster Reef.
2. Take a tour through the estuary and see one of the largest frigate bird colonies in the world. As an added bonus look out for the very unusual upside-down jellyfish – yes they lie around upside-down!
3. For explorers, hire a car or bike and head to the neolithic caves in the north of the island – complete with bat colony, and the highlands to explore. You might find one of the local red-footed tortoises and endangered whistling ducks!
4. Visit Robert de Niro’s Nobu Beach Inn, open for dining – at a price!
5. Chat to the locals at the cafes in Codrington – definitely include the popular ArtCafé and browse for a memento to take home.
Where to stay in Barbuda
Barbuda has very limited accommodation but there is the very exclusive Nobu Beach Inn for a luxury stay.
There are also some cottage options – I can definitely recommend these Charming 1-Bed Cottages and their very helpful owner.
Or for my favorite budget wild adventure – consider this glamping way off the beaten path on the northern coast. You will need everything or a car as it is completely isolated!
For more info on Barbuda and what to do there, check out my post Beautiful Barbuda – the Caribbean island for princesses!
4. Saint Martin & Sint Maarten – there’s something for everyone and for that crazy plane spotting!
Where: In the north of the Eastern Caribbean to the east of the Virgin Islands
Why: Beaches, wildlife, crazy plane spotting!
Good for: Beach lovers, action lovers, wildlife lovers
The vibe – Western with Carib fun overlay
Getting there: Use skyscanner or booking.com to book direct flights from: Amsterdam, Paris, Miami, Boston, New York, Toronto, Montreal, Chicago, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Washington, Atlanta, Charlotte, and just about every other Caribbean island. Or book a package with expedia.
What to do in Saint Martin / Sint Maarten
Definitely not off the beaten track, but its cool to cross from French Saint Martin to Dutch Sint Maarten and effectively visit two in one. Even better, this island is included for easy access to five other Caribbean islands – so you can really explore if you want. This alone has to make it one of the best Caribbean islands to visit in winter for great variety!
- Take a ferry to explore Anguilla, Saba, St Bart’s, Statia (St Eustatius), and even St Kitts.
- Explore the entire island – both the French and Dutch sides! Rent a car or take it easy with a tour.
3. Head to Maho beach for some crazy jet plane spotting – its incredibly fun and the jet stream is wild. If that doesn’t appeal there are plenty of other lovely beaches to explore. Read how here!
4. Combine walking with the beach! Head to Pinel Island, walk the island, gawp at the iguanas, then relax on the beach for the rest of the day.
5. Go sailing on the beautiful azure waters!
6. Dive with the fishes! And a cool spot to go is with the reef sharks at Big Mama’s Reef – one of the few dive sites with sharks ok for beginners. Snorkeling and kayaking are good options too!
7. Go hiking – climb St. Martin’s highest point Pic Paradis for great views across the island, or any other of the hiking trails – find the top ones here on AllTrails.
8. Explore the local rum scene on a tour of a local distillery or learn to cook local Caribbean style!
My top five tours are:
- Luxury Catamaran Day Sail on The Phoenix or Catamaran Day Sail and snorkel
- Extreme Plane Spotting at Maho Beach
- All-Inclusive Local Guided Pinel Island Tour
- Captain Bob Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Beach Tour & Lunch
- Topper’s Rhum Distillery Tour in St Maarten
Where to stay in Saint Martin
Look for your accommodation style – hotel, lodge, apartment, or luxury across the island. Check expedia or start with any of these highly rated options:
High End – Le Martin Boutique Hôtel or Résidence Adam et Eve
Mid Range – Les Galets Sxm Luxury Lodges or Villa & Apartment Marewa with Ocean View
Good Value – Appartement en rez-de-jardin or Chez Anne – Grand Caz
5. Saba – the best Caribbean Island for hiking off the beaten path!
Where: In the midst of the Eastern Caribbean
Why: Diving, hiking, peak bagging, curiosity and intrigue
Good for: Action lovers and explorers
The vibe – Off the beaten path
Getting there: Use skyscanner or booking.com to book direct flights to Saint Martin, then take a flight or a ferry from Saint Martin.
Chosen for the adventure. Have you heard of it?
Most haven’t – less than 2000 people call Saba home.
Head to this tiny rocky island with a quick adventurous, even exciting, flight from St Martin – landing on a small outcrop from a rockface kind of thing. In fact, it is the shortest commercial runway in the world at only 400 m (1,312 ft) long.
If that doesn’t appeal, take the ferry from St Martin and enjoy the scenic ride. You can also do a day trip on the ferry (but I recommend staying a while if you like to explore!).
What to do in Saba
Don’t go to Saba for beaches – but do go for great hiking. This is my other “top of the list” for the best Caribbean Islands to visit in December / January. But I do like to hike and I didn’t need beaches at the time. Easy answer if you want beaches too? Combine it with a trip to St Martins and get both!
These are the must do’s:
1. Most important, climb the 1064 steps up Mt Scenery and then top it off with a small rope assisted rock climb and put having climbed to the top of the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the bag. (Saba is a Dutch territory.)
2. Walk some of the other trails – find them on AllTrails here. Include “The Ladder” in your list – 800 steps carved into the rock from the sea to the town. Everything had to be carted up these step before the little port was built.
3. Visit the fascinating green, white, and red towns of Saba. The names alone are intriguing; The Bottom (Saba’s capital), Windwardside, St. John’s and Hell’s Gate (the official name is Zion’s Hill but its Hells Gate to everyone here). Intriguing, right?
4. Drive or hitch the ‘impossible road’ – the road that couldn’t be built. Engineers said it was impossible. Locals proved them wrong and built it themselves.
5. Go diving in any of the 30 dive sites with masses of turtles and marine life. Saba is famous for diving! Snorkeling is good too.
6. Eat – the food is good. Try the Birds Nest in the Queen’s Garden Resort for something different!
Where to stay in Saba
Accommodation options are limited but there are still options across the budget range. I stayed at El Momo which was a perfect base for my hiking. But you may prefer to stay in Windwardshire closer to more restaurants and shops. Start with any of these that are highly rated:
High End – Queen’s Hotel, Bar & Kitchen, or, The Cottage Club Hotel
Mid Range – Papaya Inn or Juliana’s Hotel
Good Value – El Momo
For more details on Saba flick to my post – Saba – the unknown Caribbean island for the adventurous traveler
6. Barbados – the best winter getaway for beaches, gardens and rum!
Where: In the north of the Eastern Caribbean – just to the east of the Virgin Islands
Why: Beaches, rum, gardens!
Good for: Beach lovers, action lovers, food and rum lovers
The vibe – Carib meets Western
Getting there: Use skyscanner or booking.com to book direct flights from: Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, London, Manchester, Miami, Boston, New York, Toronto, Montreal, Washington, Charlotte, Panama City, and just about every English speaking Caribbean island. Or book it all with expedia.
What to do in Barbados
There’s something for everyone on Barbados and its considered not just one of the best Caribbean islands to visit in December, but also a great island for first-timers. Once you have soaked in the sun on a stunning white beach for long enough, hire a car or get on a tour to explore the island. Add these to your itinerary:
1. Visit the absolutely not to be missed (even if you’re not into gardens) Hunte’s Garden. Its fabulous – in a sinkhole with music piping…… Take a picnic. If you are short of time or don’t have a car, take a tour!
2. Hike through forests and see the local monkeys, then drive the east coast and see the many windmills. Its definitely worth going to both coasts to see the contrasts. You can take a tour or choose what you want to do on a customized tour if you don’t have a car. Make sure your tour includes a dip in the pool within the Animal Flower Cave in the north. Use this list as a base!
3. Snorkel the shipwrecks in Folkstone Marine Park, and swim with turtles all in the bays handy to Bridgetown.
4. Sample the local food. Don’t forget to order a “flying fish sandwich” – a local favorite.
5. Don’t miss the Gospel Breakfast at the Crane Resort on a Sunday, (you can sit outside if you don’t want breakfast) then wander down to walk on the pink sand of Crane Beach – perfect!
6. Join the locals at Oistins every Friday night for the famous fish fry. Even better, if you can time your visit for early August enjoy the spectacle of the islands key event – the Crop Over Festival.
7. Explore the rum scene on the island – you kind of have to!!
My top three tours:
- Explore Hunte’s Garden
- Discover Rum Barbados Tour
- Barbados Catamaran Turtle and Shipwreck Snorkeling Cruise or Barbados Catamaran Turtle Snorkel
- A Good Bajan Day – Bestselling Barbados Highlights Tour
Where to stay in Barbados
Accommodation options are plentiful – from luxury resorts to studios and hostels in Barbados. Check expedia or stay at one of these very highly rated hotels:
High End – White Sands Beach Condos, or Colleton Great House
An entire villa – Beach Life Villa or this Designer Penthouse
Mid Range – Scarlett Studios or Frontline Apartments
Good Value – Glynver Apartments or Edtricica Apartment
7. Dominica – the best Caribbean island to visit in winter for outdoor and nature lovers!
Where: Right in the middle of the Eastern Caribbean
Why: Hiking, hot pools, gorges, and adventuring! (This is one of the tops favorites for me!)
Good for: Action lovers, explorers and adventurers
The vibe – Carib
Getting there: Use skyscanner or booking.com to book direct flights from: Miami, Puerto Rico, and just about every other English speaking Caribbean island. Or book an all inclusive with expedia.
This island is not only one of best Caribbean Islands for a winter escape – it is absolutely one of the best for the adventurer!
What to do in Dominica
Sure there are beaches but if that’s what you want, try another island – this is for the outdoor and nature lover who likes a bit of adventure and / or hiking. For a taste of the adventures on offer, put these things on your list for starters:
1. Swim the Titou Gorge! Just trust me (as long as you can swim) – it is sooooo much fun! Or for a more gentle swim, try the Emerald pool.
2. Join a Kalinago family for a homestay to immerse yourself in this pre-European culture. Or visit the Kalinago Barana Autê (Carib Cultural Village)
3. Take a canoe ride along the Indian river and try the rum or a the local punch at the Indian river Bar.
4. Hike any one of the many trails across the island’s National Parks – or the only long-distance hike in the Caribbean, the two-week long Waitukubuli National Trail.
Too much? Try the Hiking tour to the boiling lake or the short walk to the Trafalgar falls.
5. Soak in hot pools to ease any aches and pains from the hiking. Ti Kwen Glo Cho, Bongo Baths and Tia’s all offer a wonderful world of muscle easing and relaxation.
6. Dive in the Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve for schools of reef fish, turtles, hard and soft corals, and giant barrel sponges, or, snorkel through the bubbles in the Champagne Reef.
7. Get wet and wild – go canyoning!
8. Find the beaches – Champagne Beach (more for swimming in bubbles), Purple Turtle Beach, Batibou Beach, and Mero Beach.
My top tour adventures are:
- Private Fresh Water Lake, Waterfalls And Hot Springs Excursion or Scenic Tour of City and Rainforest, Waterfall, Sulphur Springs
- Titou Gorge, Hot Spring, Falls & Champagne Reef Tour
- Full Day Hike Tour – Boiling Lake or Hiking tour to the boiling lake!
- Canyon experience in Dominica
Where to stay in Dominica
Check your accommodation options on this island for adventurers! These ones are rated very highly:
High End – InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa or Hodges Bay House
Entire Villa – Blue Whale Villa – Penthouse
Mid Range – Kootney Resorts or Caribbean Sea View Holiday Apartments
Good Value – SunRise Inn or Mango Garden Cottages
Budget – Soufriere Guesthouse or Tia’s Bamboo Cottages Restaurant, Bar & Sulphur Spa
8. Guadeloupe – a perfect winter getaway for a French fix and island hopping
Where: Right in the middle of the Eastern Caribbean
Why: Beaches, hiking, islands to explore!
Good for: Explorers and on-water activity
The vibe – Carib meets Europe
Getting there: Use skyscanner or booking.com to book direct flights from: Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseilles, Milan, Rome, Zurich, Miami, New York, Montreal, Dominican Republic, Saint Martin, and Martinique.
What to do in Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe has plenty to explore including offshore islands with convenient ferries running between. From lush jungle to coastal hills, to lie-upon beaches, there is plenty to do and explore – or not. Home of the “Death in Paradise” series – its also one of the best Caribbean islands to visit in December and January!
Here’s a list of what to do:
1. Island hop! To Marie Galante to explore the windmills, rum and beaches – the island is dotted with all. Visit a distillery while there. Or take another ferry to the Les Saintes islands to explore on foot and relax in the small town’s beach bars and restaurants. My favorite time was on these other islands and I really recommend some hopping – see the ferry timetables here! You can also sail to Les Saintes – I love to sail so of course this is highly recommended by me!
2. Explore the main island – forest, waterfalls and beaches. Hire a car or take a tour. Hike through Pointe des Chateaux’s dramatic scenery at the eastern point of Guadeloupe where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic. Then explore the Parque Nacional da Guadeloupe for wildlife and jungle – don’t miss the stunning trio of falls at the Carbet Falls.
3. Get out on the water! Sail around the islands!
4. Snorkel or dive in the Jaques Cousteau marine reserve surrounding the Pigeon Islands You can also hire a kayak which is a great way to explore the reserve. Note – check the water visibility before you go! Or explore the coral reefs around the island by boat or even hire a boat and go at your own pace!
5. Climb La Soufriere volcano – if you are an experienced hiker you can find the route on AllTrails! You will get stunning views across the islands and you will have bagged the highest point in the Lesser Antilles! Other great walks are on AllTrails too – I highly recommend Pointe des Chateaux.
6. Take a “Death in Paradise” tour!! Either walk around Deshaies (Honoré in the show) or visit various locations by car.
7. Take an excellent rum tour – one of the best in the Caribbean and a great price too!
My top five tours are:
- Discovery of Guadeloupe: Waterfalls, Canyons and Adventure
- Full-Day Sailing and Snorkeling Excursion to Les Saintes
- Guided tour with tasting of the Distillery Bonne Mère
- Initiation to Sailing in the Baie des Saintes or Small Day Cruise (Ilet caret, mangrove, coral reef) or Private boat trip with guide on the most beautiful lagoon of Guadeloupe or Visit the beautiful aquarium of Guadeloupe by boat rental – hard to choose one! I went via private boat and sailing so have to include both.
- Walking Tour: Death in Paradise & Honoré Police Station or On the Way to Saint Marie: ”Death in Paradise” Show Locations
Where to stay in Guadeloupe
Check the range of accommodation on offer on these beautiful islands. Check expedia or start with any of these that are all rated highly:
High End – Hôtel Amaudo or Majesty Palm Hôtel
Entire Villa – Green Lord Domaine or Villa 4 étoiles Bon Air
Mid Range – Hôtel & Villa Le Cocotel or Coté plage Le Balaou Saint Francois
Good Value – Le Tropical or BALAGA Ocarina
9. St Kitts & Nevis – for Hamilton’s birthplace, beaches and exploring two islands
Where: In the north of the Eastern Caribbean
Why: Beaches, hiking, diving, exploring the islands!
Good for: Beach lovers, explorers
The vibe – Carib meets Western
Getting there: Use skyscanner or booking.com to book direct flights from: Miami, New York, Toronto, Charlotte, Atlanta, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and most of the other English speaking Caribbean Islands. Take a ferry from St Kitts to Nevis. Or book an all inclusive package with expedia.
Note – you can take a day tour from St Kitts to Nevis as well.
What to do in St Kitts and Nevis
Start your list with:
1. Visit the museum at Alexander Hamilton’s birthplace in Nevis. Learn about the early life of this man who’s face you see on every $10 bill in the USA.
2. Wander the cobbled streets of Charleston in Nevis, then relax with your feet in the un-fancy and hot hot-pools by the old Bath Hotel.
3. Tour the islands on an ATV or in the comfort of an easy sightseeing tour. You want to see the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park – it is one of the best stone fortresses in the Americas, complete with monkeys en-route.
4. Hike the dormant volcano of Mount Liamuiga. Alternatively hike to waterfalls in the rainforest learning the history of the island as you go, or try whizzing along the ziplines above the forest.
5. Ride the ‘last railway in the West Indies’ – the St Kitts scenic train or sugar train. Journey on this unusual double decker narrow gauge train through the picturesque north of the island on the old sugar plantation route!
6. Take a scenic drive south in St Kitts to Timothy Hill near and look out over the peninsular and as far as the volcano of Nevis Peak. Below you is the island’s narrowest point – on one side its the Atlantic and the other the Caribbean.
7. Don’t forget to spend time lazing on the beaches – some of the best!
My top four tours:
- Two Islands One Paradise private Tour of St Kitts and Nevis or St. Kitts Scenic Island Tour
- Guided (St Kitts Highest peak) Mount Liamuiga Volcano hike
- St Kitts Full Day Catamaran to Nevis
- Liamuiga Natural Farm Tour – St.Kitts’ Coffee Farm
Where to stay in St Kitts and Nevis
Book a guest house, apartment or hotel on either island of St Kitts and Nevis. Check expedia or stay at any of these hotels that are all rated very highly!
St Kitts
High End – Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort
Mid Range – La Vue de Basseterre Apartments
Good Value – Seaview Inn or Cosy Nest
Entire Villa – Good Times
Budget – Mountain and Sea View
Nevis
High End – Montpelier Nevis or Golden Rock Nevis (I loved this place!)
Entire Villa – Zenith Nevis
Good Value – Cotton Heights Guest House
10. Aruba – the best Caribbean Island to visit in winter for flamingoes, stunning landscapes, and beaches!
Where: One of the Netherlands Antilles, ABC islands just north of Venezuela
Why: Beaches, watersports, and exploring!
Good for: Beach lovers, action lovers, explorers
The vibe – Carib meets Dutch
Getting there: Use skyscanner or booking.com to book direct flights from: Amsterdam, Panama, Guyana, Lima, Cali, Bogota, Medellin, Miami, Atlanta, Houston, New York, Washington, Chicago, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Toronto, Charlotte, Orlando, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Dominican Republic, Antigua and the other ABC islands.
Or book an all inclusive package with expedia.
Popular for a reason – beautiful beaches, wild interiors and plenty to explore across the tranquil west coast beaches and buffeting seas on the rocky eastern coast. Truly one of the best Caribbean islands to visit in December.
What to do in Aruba
Start your Aruba bucket list with…
1. Laze on the beautiful beaches all over the island, but take time to chill in the shade of an iconic Aruban Fofoti tree on Eagle Beach.
2. Go on an island sightseeing tour and see it all – its got a fascinating mix. Or hire a car and create your own tour!
3. Go rugged ATV-ing and explore the natural pools.
4. Sail on that blue blue water – try a morning or sunset cruise!
5. Reflect in the meditation circle at the charming little Alto Vista church, and visit the California Lighthouse in the north of the island.
6. See the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins in the north and climb the fascinating Casibari rocks in the middle of the island for a perfect sunset view.
7. Finally, if you can manage to stay at the Renaissance Wind Creek Resort, walk with the insta-famous pink flamingos and chill beachside with the iguanas on the resort’s idyllic private island. The island is not open to the public, so the only other way to go is by trying to get a day pass on the Saturday morning lottery at 9am, which opens passes for the following week. Good luck!
My top three tours:
- Ultimate Island Jeep Safari or Aruba Island Sightseeing Tour
- Aruba UTV, ATV Adventure to Beach with cliff jumping
- Tropical Sailing Experience with BBQ Lunch or BBQ Dinner in Aruba
Where to stay in Aruba
Check expedia or stay at any of these hostels, apartments or hotels in beautiful Aruba – they all have high ratings!
High End – the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba, or The Ritz-Carlton, or the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort with its private island and flamingos!
Mid Range – Pearl Aruba Condos or Boutique Hotel Swiss Paradise Aruba Villas and Suites
Good Value – Tu Casita en Aruba, or The Palm Leaf Apartments
Things to pack for your winter escape to the Caribbean!
These are the most useful things I find I need on these islands – apart from your clothes!
- Good and comfortable walking / hiking shoes
- Water shoes – protects against any rocks and coral and from any unlucky encounter with a stonefish
- Sunscreen (reef safe) – I use SPF 50 Project Reef
- Sun hat
- A sand-free quick drying towel.
- Your own snorkel and mask if you have them
- Mosquito repellent (deet free) Also lightweight clothes that cover arms and legs as protection.
- A reusable insulated water bottle to cut down on single-use plastic waste.
- Your camera/phone and power bank for day trips! Plus a water-proof pouch for your phone.
- A UV protecting rash suit and swimsuit.
- A drybag to protect your gear
- I always take a very lightweight day pack as well – this one to be exact!
Summary – which island should I visit in winter
Now, hopefully you have a shortlist of the best Caribbean islands to visit in that cold and grey December – February time – ones that suit you and what you want. Here’s my summing up!
If you have a week and just want to laze on a lovely beach, but have a little bit of exploring, fun and rum – try Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis or Barbados.
- In Grenada stay near Grande Anse and Morne Rouge beaches.
- In Nevis stay near Pinneys Beach (near town) or Oualie Beach (further away from town).
- In St Kitts stay near one of the Frigate Bays – south is more nightclubby than the north.
- In Barbados – you can pretty much choose to stay near any beach on the west. Mullins Beach and Paynes Bay are a bit out of town, central and easy is Carlisle Bay, and Cranes Beach if you want to be away from it all but with facilities.
If you want diving plus a bit of exploration and great scenery, or if you want to go a little bit off the beaten path and enjoy water and exploring – Bonaire. Most hotel options are near town and this is a great spot to be in.
If you want a more authentic Carb vibe and lots of adventure, plus some nice beaches for lazing – some volcanic and one or two lovely white sand ones, then Dominica is your answer!
If you want way off the beaten path with a beautiful beach and some interesting wildlife to see with a little bit of exploration – Barbuda. Options are limited but check my recommendations above for where to stay. You can combine this with a more standard on the beaten path trip to Antigua!
And if you want it all – Saint Marteen / Sint Martin gives you beautiful beaches, masses of exploring on the island and off to other islands like Anguilla, St Barts, and Saba (for hiking), and lots of fun activities to choose from – including the plane spotting of course! The other great alternatives are Aruba – which also has it all – and you could combine it with a flight to Bonaire, and Guadeloupe which has plenty of water activity and offshore islands to explore! In all three places you will find good options to stay in at various locations around the islands and there is no “one” best place to base yourself in.
But just to add a few more details for some – and for some inspo further afield, check out the related posts!
Related Posts – for the best Caribbean islands to visit in winter
The best wild things to do in St Lucia
Beautiful Barbuda – the Caribbean island for princesses
Discovering Montserrat – the Caribbean’s Emerald Isle
Saba – the unknown Caribbean island for the adventurous traveler
and if you like the idea of remote and exotic islands try these….
10 remote and off the beaten path islands for explorers