Dotting cerulean seas like so many gemstones scattered across a vivid canvas, the islands of the Caribbean are a treasure on earth – one we’re tremendously blessed to have on our side of the planet. Easy to get to from the East Coast, these biodiverse, historic lands offer eco-tourism in preserved jungles and wild hilltops, blast-from-the-past cityscapes, and of course, some of the world’s most glorious beaches. All of the islands have these traits in common, which is why they’re such cruise itinerary favorites. However, they each also boast a wealth of unique individual features that make them worth more than a day trip. Here are some of ALG Vacations’® favorites for a trip to the Caribbean. These gems are worth the deep dive they also coincidentally offer off-shore.

Puerto Rico

Major Pros: No passport required nor international phone plan needed for U.S. travelers, popular port for perfect pre-/post-cruise stays, well-developed and suited for travelers of all types, from romance to solo to family and luxury travel.

With over 5 million Puerto Ricans living in the U.S., this island is closer to American hearts than it is to mainland soil … which is to say, pretty close! But culturally, it has an indomitable spirit and culture all its own. Historic landmarks like those scattered across all of Old San Juan are a testament to its longstanding and respected place in Caribbean history, as well as its significance. Newer Attractions, such as rum distilleries like Casa Bacardí – stronghold for the famous rum company – and as-seen-on-TV Toro Verde Adventure Park, home of one of the longest ziplines in the world.

Newer still is the Distrito T-Mobile, which opened in 2021 and has fast become a favorite destination among locals as well as visitors. Five acres of restaurants, bars, art displays, giant screens, and more have been drawing both into the Convention Center District since then. However, Guavate ("The Pork Highway"), Luquillo Kiosks, and Piñones have reputations as foodie destinations that far precede the popular area, and remain worth the trip for local and traditional cuisine.

Then there are the natural attractions. El Yunque Rainforest bears the title of the U.S.’s only national tropical rainforest and is home to hundreds of trees, native species, and even ancient petroglyphs by the indigenous Taino people of the island. No reservation is required to ensure admission to this protected space! And the three bioluminescent bays of Puerto Rico are famous for their novelty – the one in Vieques, a nearby island, is one of the brightest ones, and its beaches and those of fellow nearby island Culebra, like Flamenco Beach are often listed among the best in the world.

Bahamas

Major Pros: Unbelievable proximity to Southern U.S. hubs (only half an hour from Miami), plentiful year-round nonstop flights to various islands across The Bahamas, high-end luxury, easy island-hopping, and incredible animal encounters—including the famous swimming pigs.

It’s hard to narrow down what people think of when they envision The Bahamas. Its 16 islands are so rich with attractions, culture, biodiversity, landmark resorts, and celebrations that trying to picture one iconic feature is like snatching a single piece of confetti in midair. This is why, whether visitors choose to immerse themselves fully in one island or hop an easy puddle-jumping flight to multiple islands, they typically spend about five days here. For private aviators and yachters, it’s even easier to experience more of The Bahamas with each visit.

There’s a lot to be said for exploring more than one island – though it can be tough for those who opt for private island rentals to leave their home for the week. But being able to encounter wildlife that ranges from flamingos to dolphins, and sea lions to stingrays and sharks, is an adventure itself. Then there are eco-adventures, with guides leading visitors on diving and kayaking excursions, coral reef rehabilitation tours, and bird-watching outings, not to mention visits to novelties like pink-sand beaches or the quaint Bahamian villages seemingly frozen in time. The fantastic People-to-People program of free curated experiences is an enriching way to get to know the culture within those towns and across the islands and cays.  

Then again, attending the famous Junkanoo & Goombay Summer Festivals, known for its stunning costumes, live music, dancing and more---is another unforgettable cultural experience. Other festivals celebrate food, beer, rum, and music—essential experiences that highlight the world-class flavors and rhythms of Bahamian life.

The Cayman Islands

Major Pros: The culinary capital of the Caribbean, beloved luxury destination, renowned for scuba diving, spotless reputation for safety

Whether you call the trio of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman the Cayman Islands or Cayman (but never “The Caymans!”), this collection of islands is one of the Caribbean’s most treasured spots. The diving is legendary here, with 365 different sites to explore – much more than one can pack during the usual five-night stay most visitors opt for. But this is part of the reason many guests are repeat or frequent travelers to Cayman. It takes only four hours on a nonstop flight with United Airlines to get there from Newark, NJ, which means touching down and diving in in practically no time at all. Whether in the deep waters where marine life hide among branches of coral or famed Stingray City, a reef-protected site described as the best 12-foot dive in the world, and Stingray Sandbar, a waist-deep experience perfect for all ages.

For those visiting more for the sun and sand than the surf, Seven Mile Beach is obviously a perennial favorite, with a shore that stretches far beyond where the eye can see. But a newer attraction that’s been capturing attention are the Crystal Caves, tucked away in Northside, Grand Cayman, where tours of the three caverns are led by knowledgeable guides, who will also point out tropical plant and animal life on the way. Winner of a conservation tourism award, this is on a fast pace to become as iconic as Cayman’s bioluminescent bay tours.

On the other hand, those who travel to eat come for the vibrant culinary scene and a consistent high level of customer service designed to cater to the luxury clientele the destination historically attracts. The cultural diversity lends itself to becoming a training ground for talent from around the world, and the availability of incredible seafood fresh out of the water and produce directly from local growers is a dream for both chefs and foodies alike.

St. Martin 

Major Pros: Experience two Caribbean cultures at once, USDs are widely accepted despite Euros being the formal currency of the island, great low-duty luxury shopping

Part of the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, this half-Dutch (Sint Maarten), half-French (Saint Martin) island is another destination where a one-day stop, typically on the Dutch side, isn’t enough to take in the culture, heritage, food, and landscape that makes it such a sought-after vacation spot. The good news is that it’s accessible in just four to five hours from most East Coast and Midwestern hubs, and those in the know typically spend about five days falling in love with the many facets of St. Martin.

For instance, the French side is well known for its exquisite cuisine, European charm, and luxurious ambiance, and is home to the island’s capital, Marigot. There, visitors while away the days in French-style markets, boutiques, and casual cafés – the latter of which can carry on into the night. This provides a great change of pace from beachfront restaurants as well as the obvious sunbathing and water sports at lively Orient Bay Beach, the most lauded of the island. And further inland, Loterie Farm offers hiking, ziplining, and other outdoors activities in a tropical setting among the hills and above the views of St. Martin.

These are the everyday pursuits that draw people to the island, but the special events are worth syncing a visit to. Culinary travelers won’t want to miss the Festival de la Gastronomie, a vibrant annual occurrence that highlights the fusion of French and Caribbean cuisines through special gourmet meals and restaurant events, cooking workshops, and food-themed activities and celebrations. And for music-lovers and party-goers, there’s the SXM Festival, a world-renowned festival that draws DJs and dancers to the beach and the island’s exciting nightlife venues with the pulsing beats of electronica.

Aruba 

Major Pros: That famously perfect weather and calm location, low-impact and mindful development of touristic regions such as expanding Baby Beach

Who isn’t familiar with the legendarily failsafe island in the Dutch Antilles? It’s the one families – particularly multi-generational ones – and social and business groups tend to gravitate to when they don’t want to take any chances with the weather. Famed for its year-long sunshine and dry but trade wind-cooled temperatures, people pick Aruba time after time.

However, new developments afoot means that choosing the same destination doesn’t necessarily have to mean choosing the same experience. For example, Baby Beach, which, as of June 2025, will be home to the new Secrets® Baby Beach Aruba – one of the few adults-only and all-inclusive experiences on this island.

Set along the shallow waters of a half-moon lagoon, this property is designed in harmony with Aruba’s ethos, and authorities and organizations in Aruba are deeply committed to protecting the island’s natural and cultural treasures, from the iconic fofoti trees and desert landscapes to the pristine beaches and historic downtown areas.

All of this is exactly why vacationers should be getting excited about Aruba beyond famous Palm Beach and Oranjestad. Instead, Baby Beach and San Nicolas offer island charm that’s different from the glamour of its resort hubs with a more laid-back vibe, quaint promenade, colorful street art, local galleries, and legendary Charlie’s Bar. As the Sunrise Side of the island gains recognition, it’s set to become a must-visit destination.