When it comes to travel, the safety and well-being of those on vacation is at the top of the list when choosing a vacation destination. The islands of the Caribbean are a popular choice for travelers looking for a safe and activity-filled destination. Here visitors can enjoy a year-round tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and easy access from almost anywhere.
But which of the islands in the Caribbean are the safest to visit and which should you avoid? Here are the top 8 islands in the Caribbean that are known to be tourist-friendly with low crime rates, making them each a great vacation destination when safety is a concern.
All these locations are under the lowest Level 1 Travel Advisory by the U.S. Department of State which means: Exercise Normal precautions.
Safest Islands in the Caribbean in 2024
8. Grenada
The greatest danger to visitors staying on Grenada, as on many other Caribbean islands on this list, is petty theft.
Opportunistic criminals are relatively rare on this island, as there are not many chances to steal from tourists, as the island receives an average of about 200,000 visitors per year.
However, it is not advisable to walk alone at night. Also, it is a good idea not to wear expensive jewelry and dress casually. If you take these basic safety measures, you can greatly reduce your vulnerability to theft.
7. Montserrat
Montserrat’s peaceful beaches and woodland trails have a lot to offer nature lovers. Woodlands Beach, a magnificent black sand beach yawning between two dramatic cliffs, is a must for beachgoers who want to enjoy the sunset.
Because of its geographical location and the cultural heritage of its inhabitants, Montserrat is known as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean. This British territory in the Leeward Islands is considered one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean. The greatest danger is the active volcano Soufrière Hills and the hurricanes that occur between June and November.
6. Martinique
Martinique is an excellent choice for those looking to visit one of the safest islands in the Caribbean for a vacation.
The island is tourist-friendly and safe for visitors, with petty theft and ATM fraud being the most common crimes. Guests of the island are rarely affected by this if they leave valuables at home and avoid the large crowds that gather in Fort-de-France.
5. St. Lucia
Since the biggest safety threat in St. Lucia is typically bad weather during hurricane season, travelers to this Caribbean island should be aware of visiting during peak times from August through November when the storms are most active.
It is also to be noted that St. Lucia is one of several islands in the Caribbean where same-sex dating and marriage are illegal. Those that are in this type of relationship should be aware and avoid physical displays of affection while in public places.
4. The Virgin Islands
Whether visitors are traveling to the American Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands, safety should not be a concern, as both island chains are known for their hospitality and very low crime rates. Petty theft is the most common crime on the islands and should not be a problem if expensive items are not paraded around in crowded areas.
Unfortunately, on some occasions, woman may experience sexual harassment when traveling alone in the Virgin Islands and should take note of this when visiting.
3. The Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands have some of the strictest gun laws in the Caribbean with only around 1,000 licensed gun owners out of 65,000 residents. This makes the Cayman Islands among the safest to visit in the Caribbean.
The Cayman Islands may experience petty crimes like theft, but violent and drug-related crimes are not a common occurrence in the island nation so visitors can feel very safe when visiting this island paradise for vacation.
2. Anguilla
Touted as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean by the U.S. Department of State, Anguilla is a top choice of travelers when visiting the Caribbean for vacation.
Anguilla is also rated as one of the most expensive of the islands to visit with the biggest crime issue being petty theft. This doesn’t occur very often and isn’t likely to affect visitors of the island.
1. St. Barts
Saint-Barthélemy, commonly referred to as St. Barts, is a French-owned island that boasts a zero-percent murder rate. In addition, the island offers below-average property and violent crime rates, too.
St. Barts is known as one of the safest and most beautiful islands in the Caribbean and is considered to be a playground to the rich and famous. It is the perfect choice when deciding on a luxurious Caribbean vacation experience.
What to know
These islands of the Caribbean are among some of the safest and most popular vacation destinations in the world. Choosing any of the islands on the list of 8 safest islands in the Caribbean for a vacation getaway offers not only peace of mind knowing that it will be a safe vacation but also some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable.
When safety is a concern, be sure to avoid the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago which have the highest crime rates as well as Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas, which are deemed to have the worst reputation for visitor safety in the Caribbean due to gangs, drugs, violent crimes, and burglaries.
Basic Safety Tips for Travelers in the Caribbean
Even tho these are the safest islands, it’s better to follow basic safety rules to ensure you will have a flawless trip. Here are few:
- Research your destination to be aware of any specific safety concerns.
- Keep valuables secure and use hotel safes when available.
- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or less touristy areas.
- Follow local advisories, including those related to weather and sea conditions.
- Use reputable transportation services and avoid traveling alone at night.
- Protect against mosquito bites to prevent diseases like Zika and Dengue.
- Stay hydrated and protected from the sun with water, sunscreen, and hats.
- Respect local laws and customs to avoid any legal issues.
