The Caribbean is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday with picture-perfect beaches, hiking trails, cruise ships, all-inclusive resorts, and the famous Bahamas yacht charter.
We've all heard of hidden spots that cater to celebrities, but have you ever thought about where some of these places are?
This article will take you on a journey to the 7 best islands in the Caribbean.
Turk and Caicos' greatest claim to fame is white beaches and crystal-clear water. So it's easy to see why they are considered the world's best-kept secret.
There is something for everyone with a range of water activities, including kiteboarding, wakeboarding, parasailing, windsurfing, and Hobie Cat sailing.
The diving and snorkeling in Turks & Caicos are magical, with endless unspoiled barrier reefs for newbies and professionals alike.
This island is also perfect for foodies that want to enjoy the island's famous deep-fried conch clams.
Scott Kelly, a NASA Astronaut, called The Bahamas "the most beautiful place from space”, and it's easy to see why.
Unlike any other island, you can swim with pigs at Big Major Cay, snap Instagram-worthy photos on the pink beaches, or discover the ocean's magic by scuba diving or deep-sea fishing.
The Bahamas are home to many Hollywood stars; you'll be able to have a peek at the oceanfront villas of Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, and many other celebrities.
A Bahamas yacht charter guarantees tourists a taste of "celebrity" paradise while sipping on famous Caribbean drinks.
Caribbean Island
Puerto Rico consists of around 143 islands. The main islands, Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra, and the islet of Old San Juan, are the only ones inhabited.
A visit to Puerto Rico introduces you to a world of colorful colonial flair, where brave fortresses and castles coexist with jungle vines and mountain scenery.
It's a place where American and Spanish ideas collide to create a cultural Caribbean paradise.
This island is perfect for those who love to party and sway their hips in a salsa club. But if you're not a fan of Latin parties - you can sample local cuisine and sip on a warm cup of famous Puerto Rican coffee.
Unlike Puerto Rico, known as the party and salsa island, The British Virgin Islands are a sailor's paradise.
Each island in this unspoiled volcanic cluster has its own unique charm and provides fun for the whole family.
Wander the white sandy beaches and eat the famous grilled lobster. Then, explore the natural granite pillars of Virgin Gorda, where friendly people will greet you with exotic fruits and local drinks.
If you like scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, or just floating about and admiring the beauty of the crystal clear blue sea, you will enjoy the British Virgin Islands.
Many consider it the Caribbean's gourmet capital, from laid-back beach shacks, food trucks, and local eateries to award-winning restaurants like Straw Hat and Jacala.
Prickly Pear Cay, just a splash away from the main island, is a great spot to explore with deserted islands that provide great snorkeling with colorful tropical fish, nurse sharks, and other marine life.
Anguilla has it all, from food and drinks to watersports, but let's not forget about the yearly Anguilla Literary Festival, a celebration of the art of writing that includes writing workshops and readings by best-selling authors.
If you like learning about a country's history while traveling, Cuba is a fantastic Caribbean island to explore. Learn about Havana's colonial-era architecture history or travel along the beach in a 1950s Chevrolet.
Take a stroll through the tobacco fields, or better yet, a horseback ride, to get a sense of the vast scope of the tobacco-growing enterprise in Viales.
Although Cuba has some of the best music and seafood in the world, its history makes it one of the best Caribbean locations to visit.
The Dominican Republic is an adventurer's paradise. Travelers can enjoy the fishing towns, mountains, small beach bars, excellent music, and a centuries-old cultural legacy.
The accommodation options are endless, but the glamping and cheap fancy hotels attract the most people.
The Dominican Republic is one of the most affordable Caribbean holiday spots since the price-value ratio is great.
It's a must-see for those who love road trips, elegant beaches, hiking, paragliding, cliff jumping, and all-inclusive resorts.
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.