13 Best Eastern Caribbean Islands to Visit in 2024
Are you looking for the best Eastern Caribbean islands for your next vacation?
There are so many islands to visit that it’s hard to plan where to stay or what port to include on your cruise itinerary.
Don’t worry; you’re in the right place to figure it out.
I’ve been to the Caribbean several times, including a 7-day cruise in the Eastern Caribbean. For comparison notes, I’ve also visited multiple places in the Western Caribbean, like the Bahamas and Cozumel. Extensive research has me planning even more trips to keep exploring the Caribbean’s countries and territories.
Imagine sipping a piña colada in Puerto Rico at the restaurant where piña coladas were invented, hiking to a stunning rainforest waterfall in Saint Lucia, or enjoying the best beaches in Haiti.
Whether you’re looking for a Caribbean cruise vacation to experience multiple islands or the perfect island resort, it starts with which islands you want to visit.
Let’s find the best Eastern Caribbean Islands for your trip. Don’t forget to bookmark this list to help you plan!
13 Best Eastern Caribbean Islands
The East Caribbean countries offer experiences of beautiful cultures and opportunities to try new, delicious food. Just think of vacationing with gorgeous ocean shorelines and lush island forests.
There are so many options that choosing between the islands in the eastern Caribbean can be overwhelming.
You can start planning your Eastern Caribbean vacation by seeing what each island has to offer and noting your favorites. Then, find a cruise itinerary or island accommodations that let you easily travel to your top choices.
1. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a dream destination with beautiful beaches, a lush rainforest, and historical fortresses.
Old San Juan in Puerto Rico is a popular Cruise port. It’s your go-to city for an immediate culture hit—think vibrant streets lined with rainbow-hued buildings.
You will find Puerto Rico’s National Historic Site here. Castillo San Felipe del Morro is one of the Spanish fortresses from the 16th century. Enjoy walking through the island’s past along with stunning ocean views.
When visiting with friends, Puerto Rico was an evening Eastern Caribbean cruise port stop. We toured the castle Morro and enjoyed an authentic Puerto Rican dinner.
Some piña coladas from Barrachina topped off our night out. Barrachina is the birthplace of the piña colada, and they even offer a to-go option from a quaint courtyard bar.
The El Yunque National Forest is a 45-minute taxi from Old San Juan, so, narrow down your top choices if you have limited time before getting back on a cruise ship.
2. St Lucia
Soufriere, Saint Lucia, is the most common port on this Eastern Caribbean Island, but it was full when I cruised there. My ship docked at Castries, Saint Lucia. I chose to take a taxi to Soufriere since that city had more options for tours and things to do.
The Grand Pitons are one of the most famous things about St Lucia. They are massive volcanic plugs and are the location of the world’s only drive-in volcano. Enjoy hot springs or challenge yourself to a hike up the Gros Piton Trail.
For amore simple hike, check out the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens. I’m not usually a fan of botanical gardens over more active excursions, but this was worth the peaceful walk to the waterfall. There are so many unique flowers to look at.
It was beautiful driving between cities on the island. My taxi driver was able to act like a tour guide and explain what we were seeing. On the way back to Castries, we stopped to look at a beautiful cove used as a filming location for a part of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie.
3. St Martin & St Maarten
There are two different sides to this Eastern Caribbean Island. The French side, known as Saint Martin, is full of restaurants and shopping. The Dutch side, Sint Maarten, is more casual and has a colorful beach town and boardwalk.
The capital of Sint Maarten, Philipsburg, is the cruise port. I took a ferry from the cruise port to the beach town for an Amazing Race-styled shore excursion. It led my group through the town to complete tasks and find historical landmarks like the old schoolhouse.
It was so cool walking through the colorful buildings along the cobblestone streets. Be careful! A friend of mine broke her foot during the race on the uneven cobblestones.
A typical dish at a beachside restaurant was ox tail, rice, and fried plantains. You can even get a fresh coconut to drink from while walking along the beach. A beach day would have been the perfect alternative if I hadn’t been in the race. The sand was soft, and the ocean was a beautiful crystal-clear blue.
Other things to do include the world’s steepest zip-line or visiting Maho Beach to watch the planes fly right over you.
4. St Kitts & Nevis
When you explore the Caribbean, don’t skip Saint Kitts and Nevis. They are two islands but one country and offer plenty of shore excursion options for cruise vacations.
Most cruise ships dock in the capital, Basseterre, on Saint Kitts. The Brimstone Hill Fortress has amazing panoramic views about 30 minutes north of Basseterre.
Multiple bus tours take you around to stunning ocean viewpoints and historical landmarks. I took a tour that included a quick ferry ride over to Nevis, where I hopped onto a second bus tour of this second, smaller island. My favorite stop in Nevis was the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton. It’s a small museum and house with a statue of Alexander in the small yard.
Whether you take a bus tour or plan a beach day, stop at a higher elevation to see both islands. It’s a beautiful view, contrasting the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
5. Castaway Cay
If you’re a fan of Disneyland, then you need to go on a Disney cruise to the Caribbean. Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, is technically a Western Caribbean Island in the Bahamas, but it’s a highlight on both their Eastern and Western Caribbean cruise routes.
Disney designed this island for the perfect beach day. You can enjoy a bike ride or challenge yourself to an inflatable obstacle course.
There’s a splash pad, a family-friendly beach area, and an adult-only beach. You can choose to relax on the beach or enjoy a fun activity. There are photo ops, food, and Disney-themed fun for all ages.
6. Haiti
Another private island cruise line is Labadee, Haiti, the Royal Caribbean’s private beach.
If you want some excitement, I recommend the zip line over the ocean. Secure all your loose clothing- my friend lost her hat on that zip line!
You can then relax on the sand in one of the many beach swings, hammocks, or lounge chairs. You can swim up to a floating bar for some cocktails. If you have kids, they can enjoy the splash pad water playground. The beach day in Labadee includes lunch, or you can head back to the ship for food.
Many Haitians have shops in Labadee with tons of souvenirs and crafts. If you aren’t strong at bartering, then limit your time in the shops, or you’ll end up buying way more than you wanted.
7. Antigua & Barbuda
Your post for Antigua and Barbuda will likely be the capital of Antigua, St. John. Don’t let the name confuse you. The city of St. John is different than the Saint John of the United States Virgin Islands.
Antigua has 365 beaches. You could visit a new beach every day of the year.
When I visited, I asked a taxi driver to recommend a beach nearby. She took us to a beautiful beach with lounge chairs and umbrellas. You can rent some time on a jet ski, swim in the crystal clear water, or enjoy some time in the sun.
If you’re into wildlife, don’t skip visiting Barbuda. This Eastern Caribbean Island is home to the largest colony of Frigate birds and the Frigate Bird Sanctuary. The Frigate bird has a bright red, puffed-out chest and black and green feathers. It’s so unique that an animal lover can’t miss visiting the sanctuary.
8. British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands have 30 islands and islets. Most of these Eastern Caribbean Islands are uninhabited, but the ones you can visit are perfect for boating, snorkeling, and beach days.
Are you sensing a trend here? The Eastern Caribbean Islands have amazing beaches with white sand and warm, crystal blue water. The waves are great for surfing, and there are wrecks to explore for SCUBA divers.
The main islands to visit are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. Cruise ships will dock at Road Town on the largest island, Tortola. Go shopping, eat delicious creole food, and enjoy the warm weather.
9. US Virgin Islands
The United States Virgin Islands are the islands of St Thomas, St Croix, and St Thomas.
You can get to the US Virgin Islands by two international airports or by cruise ship or private boat. The best part is that you don’t need a passport if you’re American!
Saint Thomas has the most well-known cruise port, Charlotte Amalie, a busy harbor city with high-end shopping. St Thomas is also home to Coral World Ocean Park, where you can do activities like swimming with dolphins or sea lions, kayaking, or a SNUBA experience.
If you want a more secluded experience, hop over to Saint Croix. It’s full of the history of the Caribbean when St Croix was under Denmark’s rule and known as the Danish West Indies. St Croix is also where you’ll find amazing hikes, tide pools, and SCUBA diving. There are a few areas under the protection of the US National Park Service.
The Virgin Islands National Park is in St John. This is the perfect island for you if you want to hike, beach bar hop, or tour sugar plantation ruins. There are few places to stay, so if you’re not stopping by with a cruise ship, you should stay on St Thomas or St Croix and take the ferry for the day.
10. Barbados
If you want more nature, head to Barbados. This island is a mix of British tradition and Caribbean culture. There are multiple caves, botanical gardens, and wildlife reserves. Plus, you still get all the perks of delicious food, shopping, and city life.
Harrison’s Cave is a popular destination with stalactites and stalagmites. You can take a tram ride right through the cave! The Animal Flower Cave let’s you swim in a natural cave pool with cave windows to the ocean.
Barbados offers plenty of history, including the George Washington House, where the first U.S. president grew up. Check out St Nicholas Abbey Plantation and Rum Distillery for beautiful architecture and some St Nicholas Abbey Rum.
11. Martinique
Martinique will take you to a French Caribbean experience with a blend of French and West Indian cultures.
If you hike at all, you need to visit Mount Pelée, an active volcano on the island. Mount Pelée is a challenging hike, but it has panoramic views that make it totally worth it.
After hiking up Mount Pelée, relax on one of the many perfect beaches. Les Salines is perfect for swimming and lounging on the shore.
Are you more of a foodie? Head to Fort-de-France, to sample accras de morue (saltfish fritters). Martinique is known for its Creole and Caribbean seafood.
Martinique is perfect for you if you want gourmet dining and upscale shopping while still enjoying natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
12. St Vincent & the Grenadines
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a chain of 32 islands. To visit St Vincent and the Grenadines, you can take a cruise ship that docks at Kingstown, St Vincent, or enjoy one of the many all-inclusive resorts.
Palm Island Resort and Spa offers rooms and suites with stunning ocean views, or you can book a private villa on the beach. You get the best all-inclusive with fine dining and many activities, including kayaking, bike riding, and tennis. Climb up to Fort Charlotte for panoramic views of Kingstown and the Caribbean Sea.
The best snorkeling in the Caribbean is an island hop away at Tobago Cays. It’s an island with colorful coral reefs and tons of marine life. If you are into yachting or whale watching, head to Bequia, a less populated island. Bequia is also perfect for less crowded beaches and amazing marine life for SCUBA divers.
13. Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is an island with opportunities for travelers in the mountains, cities, and along the coastline. The beaches in Punta Cana are well known for good reason, but Saona Island is where you want to go for dolphin watching.
If you’re into history, visit the capital, Santo Domingo. This colonial city has 16th-century architecture and is home to Columbus Park, a National Historic Landmark.
There’s a lot of hiking and a conservation-centered National Zoological Park, but one of the biggest highlights is the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua. You can take a tour to jump and slide down some or all of the waterfalls in this natural waterpark in the Dominican Republic jungle.
The food in the Dominican Republic reminds me of Colombian cuisine and is not typically spicy, unlike Mexican food. A popular Dominican Republic dish called la bandera has rice, meat, and beans.
Eastern vs. Western Caribbean Islands
With so many amazing beaches, food, shopping, history, and nature in the Eastern Caribbean islands, you might wonder if the Western Caribbean islands are similar.
The Eastern and Western Caribbean islands have their unique charm but very different vibes and experiences.
Some Caribbean islands are included in both the eastern and western categories. In general, the Western Caribbean Islands are bordering the Caribbean Sea by Cuba, the Yucatan Peninsula, and the northern coast of Colombia. Jamaica lies in the middle and is typically the separation between the Western and Eastern Caribbean Islands.
Eastern Caribbean Islands
The Eastern Caribbean Islands are better known for their sandy beaches and a greater variety of higher-end all-inclusive resorts.
The Eastern Caribbean is a great choice if you’re looking for a longer cruise. There are more islands on Eastern Caribbean cruise itineraries because you are further out from the mainland of Central and South America. These cruises also have a better variety of shore excursions and tours.
Eastern Caribbean Islands Include:
- Puerto Rico
- St Kitts & Nevis
- St Martin & St Maarten
- St Lucia
- Haiti
- Antigua & Barbuda
- British Virgin Islands
- US Virgin Islands
- Barbados
- Martinique
- St Vincent & The Grenadines
- Dominican Republic
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Aruba
Western Caribbean Islands
The Western Caribbean Islands are generally more affordable when comparing cruises and accommodations.
You’ll get more ruins and ancient civilization culture from visiting the Western Caribbean in Mexico and Central America. Cruises are usually shorter than a week with fewer port stops.
Western Caribbean Islands Include:
- Jamaica
- Grand Cayman
- Cozumel, Mexico
- Roatan, Honduras
- Islands off the Coast of Belize
Best Eastern Caribbean Islands Summary
Choosing between the Eastern and Western Caribbean isn’t easy, but it really boils down to what you enjoy the most and what type of travel you’re looking for.
The East and West have a little bit of everything, so don’t stress if your budget or travel buddies prefer different islands than you. The entire Caribbean is perfect for cruises or resort vacations and is even a great spot for retirement.
Out of the Eastern Caribbean Islands, I think St Maarten and St. Lucia are at the top of the list.
Philipsburg, St Maarten had such a cute beach town full of fantastic beaches, fun shopping, and delicious food. I wish I could have spent more time exploring and enjoying this Eastern Caribbean Island’s Dutch and French sides.
Driving through the countryside of St Lucia was simply stunning. There are so many hikes and places to explore on this beautiful island. I would have liked to get closer to the Grand Pitons in Soufriere so we could drive into the volcano.
Either way, the Caribbean has something for everyone. Pick what landmarks and activities interest you the most, and you’ll know which Caribbean Islands you should visit.
FAQ
Do you need a passport to visit the Eastern Caribbean Islands?
Yes, you need a passport to visit most of the Eastern Caribbean Islands. The only exception is if you are a U.S. citizen visiting United States territories like Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Either way, it’s a good idea to carry your passport with you when traveling on a Cruise with stops at multiple countries or if you have a layover in another country.
What is the best time to cruise the eastern Caribbean Islands?
The best time to cruise the Eastern Caribbean Islands is between December and April. These “cruise” months have the best weather with less rain. May to November is hurricane season so that prices will be cheaper, but you risk having excursions, ports, or the cruise itself canceled due to hurricane weather.
What are some things to do in the Eastern Caribbean Islands?
The Eastern Caribbean offers a lot of things to do, like snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands, exploring the historic forts in Puerto Rico, or indulging in luxury shopping in St. Martin & St. Maarten. Hike to waterfalls in St. Vincent or slide down waterfalls in the Dominican Republic. Other islands also offer caves to explore and perfect beach days. You will definitely not run out of things to do; the problem is narrowing down what you prefer.
What should I pack for visiting the Eastern Caribbean Islands?
You should pack layers for visiting the Eastern Caribbean Islands. A swimsuit coverup and sandals are perfect for beach days while an SPF hiking shirt will save your skin from the sun on a hike. It can rain, but the weather is typically warm, so pack a light rain jacket. Pack a nicer outfit if you’ll be dining at more upscale restaurants or cruising. The most important thing is sun protection, so don’t forget your hat and sunglasses.
