The closest Caribbean islands to the U.S. offer a quick and luxurious getaway. Explore top destinations, complete with recommended must-dos and places to stay.
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Some of us lack the time or means to travel far from home, yet adventure still beckons. Enter the Caribbean: a sun-soaked region with stunning islands and a rich cultural blend of music and cuisine. Best of all, many of these islands are short flights away—between two and four hours from the United States! We’d call that a win-win.
Seven Closest Caribbean Islands to the U.S.
Here are seven top island picks in the Caribbean for a quick getaway from the U.S.
1. The Bahamas
Just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, The Bahamas is often the first stop for a Caribbean getaway. The archipelago comprises 700 islands, offering everything from secluded beaches to vibrant nightlife.
What to Do:
- Explore Nassau: The capital city is full of color, with historic sites, local markets and bustling downtown area. Don’t miss the famous straw market or the pirate museum.
- Swimming with Pigs: No visit to The Bahamas is complete without seeing the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay in the Exumas. It’s a unique and unforgettable experience.
- Diving and Snorkeling: The Bahamas are home to some of the world’s best diving spots, including the Andros Great Barrier Reef, the Thunderball Grotto (famous from James Bond films) and the underwater cave systems of the Blue Holes.
- Island Hopping: With hundreds of islands, you can take a day trip to see diverse landscapes and cultures on each unique island. Popular spots include Eleuthera, known for its pink sand beaches, and Harbour Island.
- Relax on the Beaches: The Bahamas boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, such as Cable Beach in Nassau and Treasure Cay Beach in the Abacos.
How to Get There:
The Bahamas are easily accessible via flights from major U.S. cities. From Miami, the flight to Nassau takes about 55 minutes. Direct flights from Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta and New York make this one of the most accessible Caribbean destinations.
Where to Stay:
The all-inclusive Sandals Emerald Bay is a luxury resort in the exotic Exumas, where sun-kissed beaches meet endless fun.
2. Puerto Rico
No passport? No problem. As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico is an effortless escape for Americans. The island is rich in natural wonders, historic sites and cultural experiences.
What to Do:
- Explore Old San Juan: Wander the colorful streets of Old San Juan to discover historic forts like El Morro, charming colonial buildings and plazas. The area has plenty of shops, galleries and cafés to enjoy.
- Visit El Yunque National Forest: As the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, El Yunque offers stunning biodiversity, hiking trails, waterfalls and the chance to immerse yourself in lush greenery.
- Bioluminescent Bays: Puerto Rico is one of the few places where you can experience bioluminescent waters. Kayak at night in Mosquito Bay on Vieques or Laguna Grande in Fajardo to see the water light up with glowing micro-organisms.
- Beach Time: Puerto Rico boasts world-class beaches such as Flamenco Beach on Culebra, known for its white sands and clear waters, and Condado Beach in San Juan, which is great for water sports.
- Savor the Cuisine: Try local dishes like mofongo, made from mashed plantains with garlic and pork, or sip on a piña colada, a drink that was invented on the island. The food scene offers a delicious mix of Spanish, African and Taino influences.
How to Get There:
Puerto Rico is a direct flight away from several U.S. cities. From Miami, the flight is approximately 2.5 hours to San Juan. Other cities like New York and Dallas offer direct flights, which take around four hours.
Where to Stay:
A monument to classic Spanish Revival architecture, Condado Vanderbilt Hotel is widely regarded as one of the Caribbean’s finest resorts.
3. U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands, comprising St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, offer American travelers a Caribbean experience with no passport required. Each island has a unique flavor, from bustling markets to tranquil national parks.
What to Do:
- Tour the National Park on St. John: Over half of St. John is covered by the Virgin Islands National Park, offering beautiful hiking trails, snorkeling in pristine waters and historical sites like the Annaberg Plantation ruins.
- Snorkel at Trunk Bay: Known for its underwater snorkeling trail, Trunk Bay on St. John is one of the most photographed beaches in the Caribbean, featuring clear waters and abundant marine life.
- Explore Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas: The capital city has beautiful Danish colonial architecture, bustling markets and a picturesque harbor. Don’t miss Fort Christian, the oldest standing structure in the Virgin Islands.
- Sail to Buck Island: Located off St. Croix, Buck Island is one of only three underwater national monuments in the United States. It offers some of the best snorkeling experiences with a marked underwater trail.
- Experience the Local Culture: Enjoy lively music and dance traditions, taste local dishes like kallaloo (a leafy green stew) and johnnycakes, and attend one of the many festivals or carnivals celebrating the island’s heritage.
How to Get There:
The U.S. Virgin Islands are reachable by direct flights from Miami to St. Thomas, taking about 2.5 hours. There are also direct flights from other major cities such as New York, which take about four hours.
Where to Stay:
Fronting three distinctive and spectacular beaches, The Buccaneer is the most iconic luxury resort in St. Croix.
4. Cayman Islands
Located south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica, the Cayman Islands are known for their magnificent coral reefs and clear waters, making them a paradise for divers and snorkelers. Only an hour’s flight from Miami, they are an accessible option for a quick retreat.
What to Do:
- Stingray City: One of the most famous attractions in the Cayman Islands, Stingray City allows you to swim, feed and interact with friendly stingrays in their natural habitat in shallow waters.
- Diving and Snorkeling: The Cayman Islands are known as one of the top diving destinations in the world, featuring spectacular underwater walls, shipwrecks like the Kittiwake and coral reefs. Snorkelers can enjoy sites like Cemetery Beach and Smith Cove.
- Visit the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park: Located on Grand Cayman, this botanic park is home to the Blue Iguana Recovery Program and offers a chance to see these rare and beautiful creatures in a natural setting, along with exploring colorful gardens and native wetland habitats.
- Explore Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach: Often rated as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, Seven Mile Beach is perfect for relaxing, swimming and watersports. The clear turquoise waters and powdery sand make it an ideal spot for sunbathers and families.
- Taste Local Cuisine: Try traditional Caymanian dishes such as conch fritters, turtle stew and cassava cake. The culinary scene has an emphasis on seafood and local ingredients.
How to Get There:
Flights to the Cayman Islands typically land at Grand Cayman’s Owen Roberts International Airport. From Miami, the flight is less than 90 minutes. There are also direct flights from cities including Tampa and Atlanta.
Where to Stay:
The stay-to-be is at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, a modern resort with oceanfront views and an amazing atmosphere.
5. Turks and Caicos
Slightly under two hours from Miami, the Turks and Caicos Islands are known for their incredible beaches and coral reefs. The islands offer a tranquil escape with world-class hotels and spas.
What to Do:
- Grace Bay Beach: Frequently ranked as one of the top beaches in the world, Grace Bay on Providenciales offers crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand, perfect for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling.
- Snorkeling and Diving: Turks and Caicos is renowned for its stunning barrier reef, which is the third largest in the world. Explore underwater life at sites like Smith’s Reef and Bight Reef.
- Kayaking and Paddleboarding: The archipelago’s shallow and calm waters are ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, especially around the mangroves of Providenciales where you can see a variety of bird species and marine life.
- Visit Chalk Sound National Park: This natural lagoon on Providenciales is known for its strikingly vivid turquoise waters dotted with hundreds of small, rocky islands. Kayak or paddleboard to explore its serene beauty.
- Conch Bar Caves National Park: Located on Middle Caicos, this limestone cave system is one of the largest above-ground cave systems in The Bahamas-Turks and Caicos archipelago. It offers a fascinating look at stalactites, stalagmites and native bats.
- Local Cuisine Tasting: Sample some local flavors, including dishes made with conch, the islands’ national symbol. Try conch fritters, conch salad or the more hearty conch chowder.
How to Get There:
Turks and Caicos are less than two hours by plane from Miami. There are also direct flights from Charlotte, New York and other hubs, taking between two to three hours.
Where to Stay:
Located on world-renowned Long Bay Beach, H2O Life Style is a luxury beachfront boutique resort for watersports enthusiasts.
6. Jamaica
A bit farther but still within easy reach, Jamaica is about a 2.5-hour flight from Miami. The country is celebrated for its rich reggae culture, lush landscapes and lifestyle.
What to Do:
- Visit Dunn’s River Falls: One of Jamaica’s most famous natural attractions, Dunn’s River Falls near Ocho Rios offers a unique experience where visitors can climb the cascading waterfalls and swim in the refreshing pools.
- Explore the Blue Mountains: Known for producing some of the world’s best coffee, the Blue Mountains offer breathtaking natural scenery, hiking opportunities and the chance to visit local coffee plantations to see how the famous Blue Mountain coffee is made.
- Relax on Seven Mile Beach: Located in Negril, this stretch of white sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming and watersports. The beach is also famous for its beautiful sunsets and wild nightlife.
- Bob Marley Museum in Kingston: Pay a visit to the former home of reggae legend Bob Marley, which is now a museum dedicated to his life and music. This is a must-visit for music lovers and those interested in the cultural heritage of Jamaica.
- Try Jamaican Cuisine: Jamaican food is rich in flavors and spices. Be sure to try local dishes such as jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish (the national dish), and patties. Also, enjoy a sip of the world-renowned Jamaican rum at a local distillery.
How to Get There:
Jamaica has several international airports, including Montego Bay and Kingston. From Miami, flights to Montego Bay take about 1.5 hours. Direct flights are also available from New York and other major cities, generally taking about three to four hours.
Where to Stay:
An all-inclusive escape embraced by the most beautiful beachfront in Jamaica, Azul Beach Resort Negril combines luxury with Caribbean paradise.
7. Dominican Republic
Roughly 2.5 hours from Miami, the Dominican Republic is known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture and lively music scene. The island offers a variety of resorts from budget-friendly to ultra-luxurious.
What to Do:
- Visit Santo Domingo: Explore the Zona Colonial, the historic heart of Santo Domingo, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area is filled with old-world architecture, cobblestone streets and landmarks like the first cathedral of the Americas.
- Relax on Punta Cana’s Beaches: Known for its stunning stretches of white sand and crystal-clear waters, Punta Cana is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. Bavaro Beach is one of the most popular and scenic locations.
- Hiking and Nature in Jarabacoa: Often referred to as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Jarabacoa offers a cooler climate and is a gateway to the Dominican Alps. It’s a hub for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking and waterfall chasing.
- Whale Watching in Samaná Bay: Between January and March, Samaná Bay becomes a prime spot for watching humpback whales. These majestic creatures travel to the warm Caribbean waters to mate and give birth.
- Taste Dominican Cuisine: The local cuisine reflects Spanish, African and Taino influences. Try traditional dishes like sancocho, a hearty stew with seven types of meat, and mangú, a breakfast dish made from mashed plantains.
How to Get There:
The Dominican Republic is accessible by direct flights from Miami to Santo Domingo, which take about two hours. There are also direct flights from New York and other major cities, taking about 3.5 hours.
Where to Stay:
Located on Bávaro Beach, Meliá Punta Cana Beach Resort is an adults-only wellness-inclusive resort with an upscale beachfront setting.
The Caribbean Is Closer Than You Think
Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, the Caribbean is a hop, skip and jump away. See you there!
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