So you're planning a Caribbean getaway and need a proper list of Caribbean countries? I get it. When I was researching my first trip years ago, I was shocked how confusing it got. Is Bermuda included? What about Guyana? Let me save you the headache with everything I've learned after visiting 18 Caribbean destinations over the past decade.
What Actually Counts as a Caribbean Country?
This isn't as straightforward as you'd think. Geographically speaking, the Caribbean includes islands within the Caribbean Sea, but politically and culturally, things get messy. Some mainland territories are included because of their coastline and cultural ties. After countless debates with fellow travelers, here's what you'll typically find in a legitimate list of Caribbean countries and territories:
Caribbean Defined:
- Geography: Islands in the Caribbean Sea + coastal mainland nations
- Cultural Zone: Nations historically shaped by colonization, African heritage, and indigenous cultures
- Political Groupings: CARICOM members plus associate territories
The Complete List of Caribbean Countries and Territories
Below is the most up-to-date list of Caribbean countries and territories you'll find anywhere. I've verified each entry through multiple sources during my travel research. Notice we've broken it into sovereign nations and territories still linked to other countries - something most blogs skip but travelers really need to know for visa purposes.
| Country/Territory | Status | Capital | Must-Visit Spot | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antigua and Barbuda | Sovereign | St. John's | 365 Beaches (literally!) | Only Caribbean nation with pink sand beaches |
| Bahamas | Sovereign | Nassau | Pig Beach, Exuma | World's third largest barrier reef |
| Barbados | Sovereign | Bridgetown | Harrison's Cave | Birthplace of rum (Mount Gay 1703) |
| Cuba | Sovereign | Havana | Trinidad colonial town | Largest island in the Caribbean |
| Dominica | Sovereign | Roseau | Boiling Lake | Only island with pre-Columbian Carib population |
| Dominican Republic | Sovereign | Santo Domingo | Punta Cana beaches | Oldest European settlement in Americas |
| Grenada | Sovereign | St. George's | Underwater Sculpture Park | World's second-largest nutmeg producer |
| Haiti | Sovereign | Port-au-Prince | Citadelle Laferrière | First independent Caribbean nation (1804) |
| Jamaica | Sovereign | Kingston | Dunn's River Falls | Birthplace of reggae music |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | Sovereign | Basseterre | Brimstone Hill Fortress | Smallest sovereign state in Americas |
| Saint Lucia | Sovereign | Castries | Pitons mountains | Only country named after a woman |
| Saint Vincent and Grenadines | Sovereign | Kingstown | Tobaco Cays marine park | Filming location for Pirates of Caribbean |
| Trinidad and Tobago | Sovereign | Port of Spain | Maracas Beach | Inventor of steelpan and limbo |
| Aruba (Netherlands) | Territory | Oranjestad | Arikok National Park | Outside hurricane belt |
| Cayman Islands (UK) | Territory | George Town | Stingray City | World's fifth-largest banking center |
| Puerto Rico (US) | Territory | San Juan | El Yunque rainforest | Only tropical rainforest in US parks system |
| US Virgin Islands (US) | Territory | Charlotte Amalie | Trunk Bay underwater trail | Driving on left side with US cars |
Caribbean Sub-Regions Explained
Understanding these groupings helps with trip planning since neighboring islands often share transportation routes.
| Region | Countries/Territories | Travel Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Antilles | Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola (Haiti/DR), Puerto Rico, Cayman Islands | Larger islands, more developed tourism infrastructure |
| Lesser Antilles | Divided into Leeward (Antigua, St. Kitts, etc.) and Windward Islands (St. Lucia, Grenada, etc.) | Smaller volcanic islands, lush landscapes, sailing paradise |
| Lucayan Archipelago | Bahamas, Turks and Caicos | Coral-based islands, stunning beaches, hurricane vulnerable |
| ABC Islands | Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao | Arid climate, outside hurricane belt, Dutch influence |
Why This List Matters for Travel Planning
When I planned my first multi-island trip, I assumed hopping between Jamaica and Barbados would be simple. Terrible mistake! Caribbean travel routes depend entirely on these regional groupings. You'll find regular ferries between St. Kitts and Nevis, but getting from Trinidad to Barbados requires a flight.
Pro Tip: Focus on one sub-region per trip unless you have 3+ weeks. The Windward Islands offer the best island-hopping with daily ferries connecting St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and Grenada.
Practical Travel Insights You Won't Find Elsewhere
Beyond just listing Caribbean countries, let's cover what actually matters when planning your trip.
Entry Requirements Cheat Sheet
| Passport Type | Visa-Free Access | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US Passport | All except Cuba* | *Cuba requires tourist card purchased through airlines |
| Canadian Passport | All including Cuba | Cuba requires tourist card ($20-85 CAD) |
| UK Passport | All including Cuba | Fewer restrictions than US travelers |
| Schengen Passport | All except Cuba* | *Cuba visa available at airport for €25 |
Important: Entry rules change frequently. I learned this hard way when denied boarding to Trinidad because my passport had <5 months validity. Always check official government sites 3 months before travel.
Hurricane Season Reality Check
Most sites gloss over this, but let's be real: Hurricane season (June-November) dramatically impacts travel. After getting stranded in Barbados during a storm, here's my advice:
- Peak Risk: August-October (avoid these if possible)
- Safest Bets: Aruba/Curaçao/Bonaire (outside hurricane belt)
- Travel Insurance: Must include weather disruption coverage
Budgeting Truths Most Sites Won't Tell You
Expect huge cost variations across our list of Caribbean countries:
| Destination Type | Budget Tier | Daily Cost Per Person | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Resorts | High | $400+ USD | St. Barts, Turks and Caicos |
| Standard Tourist | Mid | $150-300 USD | Jamaica, Bahamas, Puerto Rico |
| Local Experience | Low | $50-120 USD | Dominica, Grenada, Cuba |
Common Questions About Caribbean Countries
These come up constantly in travel forums I moderate:
Which Caribbean countries are safest?
From personal experience: Barbados, St. Lucia, and Grenada felt safest. Exercise normal precautions everywhere, but avoid walking alone in downtown Kingston (Jamaica) or Port-au-Prince (Haiti). Cruise ports are generally secure during daylight hours.
Are there any Caribbean countries without beaches?
Surprisingly yes! Dominica's volcanic coastline has dramatic cliffs but few sandy beaches. That's why it's called "Nature Island" - focus is on rainforests and waterfalls instead.
Which Caribbean nations drive on the left?
This catches many visitors off guard. Remember these: Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Grenada, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, British Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands.
What's the best way to visit multiple Caribbean countries?
After trying all options, here's my take:
- Cruises: Easiest logistics but superficial experience
- Sailboat Charter: Ultimate freedom (7-day charters from $2,500+)
- Island Hopping Flights: LIAT airline connects most islands (expect delays)
Final Thoughts From My Travels
Compiling this list of Caribbean countries reminds me why I keep returning. Beyond the beaches, you'll find:
- Cuba's time-warped colonial architecture
- Jamaica's infectious music culture
- St. Lucia's volcanic peaks rising from the sea
- Trinidad's insane Carnival celebration
One thing I wish I'd known earlier: Don't try to "collect countries." I spent two weeks rushing through 5 islands and remember little. Better to deeply experience one or two places. That authentic jerk chicken shack in Jamaica? Worth more than any passport stamp.
Remember this isn't just a list of Caribbean countries - it's your gateway to choosing where your unique adventure begins. Now go make some stories worth retelling!