The Caribbean is undeniably one of the most attractive destinations for a honeymoon. With powdery sands, perfectly teal blue waters, five-star resorts, and seemingly endless sunshine, the islands of the Caribbean are a classic honeymoon staple.
Think of the Caribbean as a paradise in many different forms. Whether your top focus is relaxation, romance, adventure, or entertainment, there's an ideal island experience for you. But with hundreds of destinations across dozens of countries to choose from, which Caribbean honeymoon is right for you? We've narrowed down the region's impressive offerings to come up with our top 11 places to honeymoon in the Caribbean (in non-ranking, alphabetical order).
Read along to find out which tropical island destination suits your needs as newlyweds. When you've settled on a spot, build your registry today to get your feet in the sands as fast as possible!
Anguilla is an authentic Caribbean destination that remains free from commercial influence. There are no casinos, cruise ships, or high-rise hotels anywhere on this flat island. What's left are low-key resorts, coral-filled ocean, charmingly unpaved roads, and friendly locals that seem to celebrate their sun-drenched lifestyle at every turn. Anguilla can be costly, but its tropical tranquility sets the stage for pure relaxation.
Aruba is undoubtedly one of the most popular Caribbean destinations for honeymooners. With always 80-degree temperatures, a steadily smooth breeze, soft white sands, and abundant nature, it's easy to understand Aruba's appeal. The tiny Dutch-island nation off the coast of Venezuela has even set up an island-wide program specifically for honeymooners. Check out One Happy Honeymoon to score free perks (like champagne, souvenirs, and discounts) all across the island.
In addition to luxurious spas, all-inclusive resorts, and delightful afternoons on the beach, couples love visiting Aruba to experience its rugged terrain. Rent a UTV to explore hidden beaches, backroads, and desert, before taking to the trails of Arikok National Park. This preserved area comprises nearly 20% of Aruba and is the perfect place to get familiar with the country's geology, culture, and history.
While the Bahamas are not technically Caribbean (they sit in the North Atlantic Ocean, not the Caribbean Sea), this island nation has the culture and climate that we love about classically Caribbean destinations.
With over 700 islands and 2,000 cays, the Bahamas is a powerhouse tropical choice which appeals to all kinds of honeymooners. Mega resorts - such as Atlantis and SLS Baha Mar - on larger Bahamian islands - like Paradise Island and Grand Bahama - pamper guests with endless amenities and comforts like poolside cocktails and nightly entertainment. More distant "out-islands," like Eleuthera and Andros, offer serenity, seclusion, and possibly your own private beach. We'll have a little of each, please.
Barbados is one of the most densely populated Caribbean islands, which helps explain its lively festivals, inspired cuisine, and overall abundance of cultural offerings. While much of the island feels distinctly Caribbean - colorful houses, beautiful beaches, lush landscapes - Barbados retains much of its formerly British culture.
The result offers a unique mash-up whereby honeymooners can enjoy the pleasures of a tropical island infused with a bit of British flair. Everything from afternoon tea and rounds of cricket to champagne and caviar on the beach and beyond.
The Dominican Republic is ideal for couples that want to inject a bit of adventure into their fun-in-the-sun itinerary. In addition to soft sand beaches and endless piña coladas, the D.R. offers colonial-era historic sights, a vibrant culture, diverse cuisine, and plentiful natural attractions.
Miles of pristine sands and affordable luxurious resorts remain at the ready, but couples that manage to break free from the bliss of their hotel grounds might enjoy the most that this Spanish-speaking destination has to offer. Whale-watching, windsurfing, world-class golf, and epic hikes (the D.R. contains the two tallest Caribbean mountain peaks) are just some of the outdoor activities to consider.
Arguably the soundtrack to most tropical destinations, reggae music was born right here in Jamaica. Does it get any more iconically Caribbean than that? Music fans will love the island's respect for its roots (like Bob Marley tours), as well as its local culture which is bolstered by music and dance and overall good vibes.
Jamaican zest spills over into its spicy cuisine which will satisfy foodie couples. An abundance of snorkeling cruises, coffee plantation tours, river rafting adventures, and good old-fashioned beach lounging should excite just about anybody else.
It's always summer on this tropical island. Filled with Latin flair, colonial history, and exotic landscapes, Puerto Rico packs a mega punch into its modest size. This overseas U.S. territory is as flexible as can be.
During the day, couples can explore charming city streets and UNESCO World Heritage district of San Juan, tackle North America's only tropical rainforest on foot, or check out Puerto Rico's most famous Flamenco Beach. Come nightfall, the buzz and energy of Puerto Rican culture abound, and newlyweds won't want to miss out on the salsa dancing scene.
French-speaking St. Bart's draws visitors in with its glamorous offerings. From yacht-filled harbors to high-end boutiques, trendy restaurants, and even a vibrant nightlife scene, it's no wonder this is such a celebrity hotspot. If you're in with the it-crowd and crave an air of exclusivity for your honeymoon, this 8-square-mile island is the place to be.
But don't let the glitz deter you. St. Bart's does come with some St. Tropez and Miami Beach influence, but it remains unequivocally Caribbean at its core. Pristine ocean, powder-soft sands, and a laid-back attitude are still essential parts to St. Bart's whole.
St. Lucia is one of the most naturally beautiful islands in the Caribbean. From tall mountain peaks to palm-lined beaches, lush rainforest, and vibrant coral reefs, the island begs to be explored. Not surprisingly, it's a top honeymoon choice for nature-lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Hiking trails zig-zag across most of the island and offer easy access to stunning vantage points. Kick it up a notch by climbing Gros Piton mountain, or consider a bicycle tour through the jungle - you'll pass cocoa, coconut, mango trees, and more along the way. Prefer underwater explorations? St. Lucia offers some of the Caribbean's best snorkeling and scuba diving experiences.
Like the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands are not in the Caribbean. But, similarly, the string of islands is a tropical paradise that resonates in tune to the overall Caribbean experience. We've deemed that it deserves a dose of consideration for any honeymooning couple.
The Turks and Caicos islands are anchored by the Caicos island of Providenciales. All-inclusive resorts, fine-dining restaurants, and a wide range of entertainment options span the shores of Providenciales' famous Grace Bay Beach which consistently ranks among the finest in the world. The neighboring islands of Middle Caicos and North Caicos open the chance to spot hidden caves, unspoiled beaches, and even pink flamingos.
Out at sea, the Turks and Caicos are surrounded by the world's third-largest barrier reef system, which is a beauty to behold whether swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving.
Leave your passport behind and forget about currency exchanges - the U.S. Virgin Islands are the easiest way to enjoy a relaxing Caribbean honeymoon. Just 40 miles from the coast of Puerto Rico, the USVI offer scenic landscapes, impressive amenities, and a bounty of island adventures. Its three main islands cover all the bases needed for an unforgettable honeymoon.
St. Croix is the island for you if hidden beaches and privacy are of top priority (Buck Island is simply gorgeous). Choose St. John for its outdoor adventures on Virgin Islands National Park, which preserves much of the island's natural beauty. Lastly, St. Thomas is perfect for a first-time visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands, with a vast array of luxury resorts, fine-dining restaurants, and downtown shops.
In case you missed it:
The Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations in the USA