The Best Caribbean Islands for an Unforgettable Summer Escape
Nothing says summer like turquoise water, powder-soft sand and an island escape that feels worlds away from everyday life. I’ve visited every destination on this list and would happily return to each one. Whether you’re craving luxury resorts, snorkeling adventures, rich culture or simply a beautiful beach chair with an ocean view, these Caribbean islands deliver unforgettable summer vacations.
Why these Caribbean islands stand out this summer:
- Best for luxury escapes: Anguilla, St. Barts and Turks & Caicos pair breathtaking beaches with world-class resorts, exceptional dining and the kind of pampering that makes a summer getaway feel truly special.
- Best for easy U.S. travel: Puerto Rico and St. Croix offer stunning beaches, outdoor adventures and luxury resorts without the need for a passport.
- Best for snorkeling and diving: Bonaire, St. Croix and Turks & Caicos boast crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life and some of the Caribbean’s most memorable underwater experiences.
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1. Puerto Rico’s Best for Easy US Travel
Getting There
It's easy to fly to San Juan (SJU). American Airlines has a direct flight from Miami that takes about two hours. All major U.S. carriers offer flights to San Juan, and you can find direct flights from Atlanta, Chicago, Boston and New York City.
Puerto Rico is a United States Territory, which means there's no passport required and no currency exchange. Also, your cell phone will work.
To Do
Aside from enjoying Puerto Rico's beautiful beaches, here's what's fun in Puerto Rico:
- Hike in El Yunque National Forest – El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.
- Explore the history of Old San Juan.
- Kayak in a bioluminescent bay.
Where to Stay
If you want someplace with that "away from it all" vibe, stay at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico. It's near Luquillo Beach and El Yunque, making it easy to leave the property and explore or stay and enjoy the numerous restaurants and amenities on-site. Located in Rio Grande, about a 40-minute drive from the airport.
The Royal Sonesta San Juan – Beachfront high-rise in San Juan's Isla Verde neighborhood, close to the airport, restaurants and nightlife.
2. Choose St. Croix USVI for Snorkeling and History
Getting There
Major US airlines fly into St. Croix (STX). I flew American Airlines from Miami and it was an easy, two-hour flight. The US Virgin Islands are an unincorporated territory of the United States and like Puerto Rico, you won't need a passport if you're coming from the U.S.A. However, you do pass through an immigration and customs check on your way out of St. Croix.
To Do
St. Croix boasts fantastic snorkeling, with crystal-clear and clean water. Here's what not to miss.
- Sail to Buck Island Reef National Monument. Located 1.5 miles off St. Croix, this epic snorkel spot can only be accessed by boat. Commercial tour boats or charters, such as those offered by Buck Island Charters, are widely available.
- Hike Jack & Isaac's Bay Preserve – this moderate hike offers stunning ocean views and access to remote beaches.
- Explore the town of Christiansted. You'll find a historic fort, as well as restaurants and shops.
Where to Stay
Hands down, The Buccaneer. This family-owned legacy resort has three beaches and an array of incredible restaurants. If you prefer a more active vacation, various on-site activities, including golf, tennis and other games, are available. The concierge can assist with various off-site activities. Our Buck Island excursion was arranged by the resort, and they also provided suggestions on things to do in nearby Christiansted and around the island.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Plan your visit to St. Croix around Jump Up!, a four-time-a-year festival featuring music, food, and local shopping.
3. The Ultimate Dive Destination? Bonaire.
The Dutch territory of Bonaire, part of what is known as the "ABC Islands" off the coast of Venezuela-the "A" and the "C" refer to Aruba and Curacao-is popular among scuba circles, but relatively unknown to US vacationers.
Getting There
Major US airlines fly to Bonaire. I flew American Airlines from Miami and the flight was about two and a half hours. Easy peasy.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Check the flight schedules before making firm plans. Although there are plenty of flights available, most airlines don't fly to Bonaire every day, so familiarize yourself with the flow of what's coming in and going out.
To Do
The main draw is diving, with snorkeling a close second. Here's what else you can do on this charming island.
- Immerse yourself in food culture.
- Visit Washington Slagbaai National Park. Check their website carefully for information on permits/entrance.
- Take a water taxi to Kleine Bonaire. This uninhabited island off the coast of Bonaire makes a fun spot to swim and picnic for the day.
Where to Stay
Delfin's Beach Resort, part of
4. Turks & Caicos: Best for Luxury Beaches
Getting There
The Turks & Caicos Islands are easily accessible – all major U.S. airlines fly into the main airport on Providenciales (PLS), offering direct flights from Atlanta, Miami, New York City and more. One con:
To say the airport isn't awesome is putting it mildly. The terminal needs refurbishment and lacks many amenities.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Spring for the jump-the-line service with SkyPass Caribbean. It's easy and vastly reduces your wait in line. I went through immigration in less than five minutes.
To Do
Although relaxing at a posh resort and enjoying the service and ocean views will always be popular in Turks & Caicos, here are a few other options.
- Check out Iguana Island, also known as Little Water Cay, and yes, you can expect to see Iguanas! They look scarier than they are.
- Take a sunset cruise or a snorkel charter.
- Explore other islands. While most resorts are located on Providenciales, it's easy to reach Grand Turk by plane or ferry. Check with the concierge at your resort for options.
Where to Stay
Grace Bay Resorts has five resorts on the island, plus a collection of private villas. Each resort has its own personality and energy. From the newest South Bank resort, situated on the Caicos Bank, to the Grace Bay Club, one of the first luxury resorts in Turks and Caicos, Grace Bay Resorts offers casual luxury and a variety of delicious and diverse dining options.
5. St. Maarten: One Island, Two Countries
Getting There
All major U.S. airlines offer service into this half-Dutch, half-French Caribbean island. Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) is located on the Dutch side, but once you're on the island, you can travel seamlessly between the Dutch side and the French side of Saint Martin with no border checks.
To Do
St Maarten is much more than just dazzling beaches so you can be as active as you want to be.
- Planespotting. The incoming planes swooping over the beach as they come in for a landing are quite the sight to see. Nearby bars broadcast the tower audio and display landing and departure boards, making planespotting extra immersive.
- Take a cooking class at the Creole Culinary Classroom. You get to eat what you make and the experience comes with rum punch.
Where to Stay
If you're a fan of all-inclusive, the colocated Sonesta Maho Beach and Sonesta Ocean Point offer lots of amenities in a prime location near the airport, with shopping and dining within easy walking distance. Choose between family-friendly Maho Beach, with two dedicated adults-only floors or 100% adults-only Ocean Point.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Take a trek across the street to the We Culture Museum and learn the history of carnivale in St. Maarten through a tour or one of the museum's interactive workshops. The admission includes an open bar and they make a wicked rum punch.
6. The Vibe in Anguilla is Quiet Luxe
Getting There
Getting to Anguilla may present a bit of a challenge, but once you're there, you'll see it’s worth the effort. While you can fly directly from Miami into Anguilla, you might find it easier to add a visit to Anguilla to a trip to St Maarten. From St. Maarten, Anguilla is a 10-minute flight or a 30-minute boat ride away.
To Do
Although the waters in Anguilla are exquisite and the chill vibes lend well to doing a whole lot of nothing, there are things to do besides admiring the beaches.
- Rent a moke and drive around the island. A moke, an electric, low-speed vehicle that's somewhere between a car and a golf cart, can get you around Anguilla in about an hour.
- Explore one of Anguilla's offshore cays: Scrub Island, Sombrero, Dog Island, Sandy Island, Prickly Pear and Anguillita.
Where to Stay
If you want an ultra-luxury escape, book a room at the Quintessence Hotel. The stately, towering mansion overlooks a pool that overlooks the ocean. The rooms and suites are restful and garden-like, which blend seamlessly with the lush, tropical greenery woven into the landscape. Wherever you look, there's effortless beauty that brings on those travel "pinch me, I can't believe I'm here" moments.
7. Saint Barthélemy: Worth the Splurge
Also known as St. Barth or St. Barts, this oh-so-French island, situated at the intersection of the Atlantic Ocean – or Atlantique, as they say – and the Caribbean Sea, is well-known as a vacation hideaway for celebrities. Regular folk can enjoy this destination, too, although expect splurge prices.
Getting There
The St. Barts airport is a tiny hub for private and small aircraft. To get there from the US, you'll fly to San Juan or St. Maarten and transfer. I flew to San Juan and connected via Tradewind Aviation, which was quite the bougie experience. The flight took an hour and I shared my small jet with another family. It was thisclose to being a private plane ride! The flight from St. Maarten takes around 15 minutes. You can also take a 40-minute ferry ride from St. Maarten.
To Do
St Barts has two towns, St. Jean and Gustavia.
- Spend a day at a posh beach club. Nikki Beach Club in St. Jean is popular and centrally located.
- Browse luxury boutiques in Gustavia. You'll find retailers like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Cartier and more. You'll typically find luxury goods priced about 20% less than in the United States.
Where to Stay
The five-star Hotel Manapany. This luxurious eco-hotel features elegantly casual rooms and suites, decorated with soothing neutrals and vivid pops of color, complemented by unique art. A central pool and bar/restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, all fabulous food. This comfortably luxurious resort offers ocean views and a stretch of sandy beach. It's conveniently located near St. Jean, making it an easy jump from the property to shop or grab lunch.
Read More
- Awesome San Juan Resorts for Your Next Puerto Rico Vacation
- BVI Yacht Charters: Essential Guide for the Ultimate Vacation
- Best All-Inclusive Resorts in St. Thomas for an Unforgettable Family Getaway
- 15 Best Hotels in Turks and Caicos for an Unforgettable Caribbean Vacay
- Luxury Caribbean Resorts That Feel Like a Dream Come True
- 10 Must-Have Items for Your Tropical Vacay
FAQs
Puerto Rico is one of the easiest. There are direct flights from many U.S. cities, and since it’s a U.S. territory, there’s no passport or currency exchange to worry about.
No. I love that Puerto Rico and St. Croix are U.S. territories, so U.S. travelers don’t need a passport. The other islands do require one.
Bonaire is my top pick for diving and snorkeling, but St. Croix and Turks & Caicos also have incredible clear water and unforgettable underwater experiences.
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This story was originally published June 14, 2025 at 12:48 PM.