safest caribbean islands to visit

12 Safest Caribbean Islands and Ones To Avoid

Everyone loves to spend a week on the beach with no responsibilities or stress. However, sometimes some of the most beautiful tropical destinations in the world have higher than normal crime rates.

This can cause a ton of unneeded stress and the whole point of heading to the islands in the Caribbean is to take a break from the stresses of everyday life and rewind and rejuvenate.

To relieve your anxiety about traveling to a remote tropical island, we have created this list of the safest Caribbean islands to visit.

Consider visiting a destination on this list and watch your stress fade away. 

You shouldn’t have to go on vacation and worry about your life or your items. Get ready to relax in some of the world’s safest beach and resort conditions.

Keep reading for the list of Caribbean Islands with the safest conditions. One thing to keep in mind is that, for the most part, the safest islands are also the most expensive islands because they’re more luxurious and have better security.

Even if your to any of these Caribbean islands costs a little more money, it’s worth it for your safety and sanity.

Another thing that contributes to safety is visiting smaller and less well-known islands. For example, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas receive millions of tourists yearly, bringing in opportunistic criminals.

These large islands in the Caribbean can often be less safe because they’re more visited and criminals live here waiting for tourists to pry on.

Some smaller island nations are safer because they receive fewer tourists each year. 

List of the Safest Caribbean Island Destinations to Visit

The Virgin Islands

The Cayman islands in the Caribbean

Antigua and Barbuda

Top Safest Caribbean Islands to Visit

1. St. Barts

The island of St. Barts (Saint-Barthélemy) is French-owned and very safe. It has one of the absolute lowest crime rates out of all the Caribbean islands.

All you need to worry about is sun exposure and keeping up with your sunscreen. Seriously, you don’t have to be very cautious here.

However, it’s always important to pay attention to your surroundings, but you don’t have to be as on edge on this Caribbean island.

Another reason that this island is so safe is that it mostly caters to luxury travel and is a hot spot for mega yachts and their owners to visit.

The island is bringing in a ton of money, and everyone is happy. You can expect a crime-free experience but be prepared to pay the price for this luxury.

It’s one of the priciest Caribbean islands, with hotel rates averaging more than $200 per night. 

Of course, it’s important to always be alert and aware but this is the safest place you could visit in the Caribbean. 

St.barts is also the only place in the world that has a zero percent murder rate, now that is impressive.

2. Anguilla

The US considers Anguilla to be one of the safest places in the Caribbean. The threat level is 1, which is the lowest number possible.

Anguilla is an independent British commonwealth nation, which is one of the reasons it is so safe here.

The only concern you need to worry about is petty theft, but as long as you have some common sense about your belongings and leave important items in your hotel room or at home, you don’t need to worry about any crime.

I also love traveling with this diversion sunscreen safe . It is perfect for when I want to go for a swim on the beach and not leave my valuables exposed.

Like St. Barts, Anguilla is a more expensive island to visit. The hotel rooms cost about $250 per night, and living expenses are higher too, so if you plan to stay at an Airbnb and do some grocery shopping, expect to pay a little more in that department.

But on the other hand, if you purchase groceries instead of going out to eat for every meal, you’ll save a lot of money during your trip.

This is a great way to hedge costs by going to a beautiful but more expensive island and keeping costs down a bit.

The white sand beaches on this island are like no other and definitely worth visiting. It is also the perfect island if you are a solo female traveler and want peace and quiet on the beach.

3. The Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands consist of islands controlled by two countries, the United States and the United Kingdom.

The UK-controlled islands are commonly referred to as the British Virgin Islands, which helps distinguish the regimes. There are plenty of fun activities to do on the BVIs .

Even though these islands are divided by their governing countries, they’re surprisingly pretty similar in terms of culture, cost of living, and crime rates.

The only thing you really have to worry about here is petty crime. Though this is still a burden and annoyance.

It’s not the worst crime to be a victim of compared to some other scarier crimes. The best way to stay safe on these islands is to leave your valuables at home or in your hotel room.

Another option is avoiding crowded areas and paying attention to your items and surroundings.

The low crime rate and the fact that you can visit the US virgin islands without a passport make it a popular tourist destination.

The three most popular and largest US Virgin Islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. The US Virgin Islands also consists of about 50 smaller islets and cays. 

4. The Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory consisting of three islands Grand Cayman, Cayman Grac, and Little Cayman.

Grand Cayman is most well-known for its beach resorts, so it’s most likely the island you’d be staying on.

One of the things that make the Cayman islands so safe is the strict gun laws. There are less than 1,000 licensed gun owners living on the islands, with a population of more than 65,000.

That’s just over 1% of the population with guns. So while there will be petty crimes almost everywhere, like theft, the Cayman Islands are a relatively safe place. 

Just to put that in perspective for you, in the United States there are 120 guns per 100 people 😳

5. St. Lucia 

St. Lucia is one of the safest Caribbean islands to visit when the weather is good. However, the biggest safety concern in St. Lucia is inclement weather.

You’ll want to avoid visiting this island in the summer and fall, particularly from August to November, which has the highest chance of hurricanes.

The official hurricane season is from June 1st to November 30th, so it’s best to avoid this entire time period if you don’t want to chance being on vacation at the wrong time.

Another negative about St. Lucia is this country has outlawed same-sex relationships, so those of you who are part of the LGBTQ+ community may not want to visit this island or may want to proceed with caution.

Other than that, St. Lucia is relatively safe. This should go without mentioning, but petty theft is always possible anywhere you go.

You’ll want to be careful walking alone late at night. If you plan to stay on the resort, you should not experience any issues in St. Lucia. 

7. Barbados

Like St. Lucia, the biggest downfall of Barbados is that homosexuality is illegal. LGBTQ+ visitors may want to take extra precautions or avoid this island altogether and visit one that is more accepting.

Besides, that is an island paradise full of soft sandy beaches.

Barbados is generally a family-friendly destination with top-notch security systems in tourist areas.

The most common type of crime is petty theft. Other than that, visitors don’t have to worry much if they stay at the resort and don’t go out on nighttime excursions.

Stay alert and avoid overly crowded areas, and you’ll be safe. One last unique thing about Barbados is it has a very high life expectancy.

It’s higher than any other Caribbean island and even higher than the United States at 79.5 years. So they must be doing something right and keeping a low-stress level thereby keeping it safe.

Just another reason that it is one of the more popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean islands.

8. Antigua and Barbuda

This nation consists of two islands, Antigua and Barbuda. They’re known for their colorful buildings, busy ports, and beautiful beaches.

Petty crimes are the most popular types of crimes against tourists, especially theft. It’s encouraged to keep your valuables at home or in the hotel safe.

The more significant problems include drug dealing and corruption, but this isn’t a huge threat for tourists as long as they stay on the resort and make smart decisions. 

They are beautiful islands in the Caribbean sea and worth checking out. Again, you don’t have to worry about violent crime here, but be smart about your belongings.

Like most countries on this list, the biggest threat to tourists is petty theft, but other than that, Grenada has a comparatively low crime rate.

Grenada is a beautiful volcanic island, with more to do than just sit on a pretty beach. There is plenty of great hiking and river rafting to explore and enjoy. While you are here the best thing you can do to avoid petty theft is to dress casually, don’t wear expensive or flashy jewelry, and leave your valuables behind, reducing your chance of being targeted.

Grenada also has one of the lowest costs of living in the Caribbean, which means it’s both affordable and safe. A win-win in our book.

It would make for a great retirement destination. Since the island only receives roughly 200,000 visitors each year, there aren’t many opportunistic criminals which keeps it pretty safe. 

Also, it is below the hurricane belt, so it is a great one of the islands in the Caribbean to visit during hurricane season.

10. Montserrat

This British Territory is one of the least-visited Caribbean islands. It only receives about 20,00- visitors each year compared to the Bahamas, which receives over 7 million tourists; that’s a vast difference.

It is surprising, this beautiful island doesn’t receive more visitors, but that’s what makes it special.

It’s less commercialized and developed than the other islands.

So if you’re looking for a more authentic place to visit, this is a great option and it feels like a hidden secret.

It’s also an English-speaking destination that is enticing for visitors from the US and other English-speaking countries.

Because of the low number of tourists, it’s a safe country to visit. Violent crimes are very low; the most common crime involves petty theft.

The only major concern to safety on this island is the active volcano, Soufrière Hills. Visitors must be ready to leave in case of an eruption.

This active volcano became active again in 1995, and the eruptions caused more than half of the island to be uninhabitable and destroyed the capital city, Plymouth.

As a result, most of the population has left the island. So, though it’s safe in terms of crime, a volcanic eruption is a possible concern. 

11. Bonaire 

Bonaire is a municipality of the Netherlands and a member of the ABC islands, which includes Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire.

One of the main reasons this island is safe to visit is because it’s located outside of the Hurricane belt, so it is safe to visit during Hurricane season.

Bonaire is so small that there aren’t any traffic lights. People drive slowly by car or scooter around the island.

The Bonaireeans are very friendly accompanied by the low crime rate means this is one of the safest Caribbean islands to visit. 

12. Curacao

This tiny island is a perfectly safe vacation destination. The size and remoteness mean there are not many criminals around.

This island doesn’t receive as many tourists as other Caribbean islands, so it doesn’t create a breeding ground for criminals.

This island is small but mighty in beauty. It’s the perfect destination for your next Caribbean vacation. 

It is also a great Caribbean island to visit if you want a little more sophisticated culture. It is owned by the Netherlands, although an independent country. So it has a lot of European influence, which you don’t also find in the islands in the Caribbean.

It is full of great cafes and is an excellent spot for scuba diving. It is a great island to visit in the Caribbean region.

Bonus Information!

Worst Caribbean Islands To Visit

I hate making a list of the worst islands to visit. I always try to find beauty everywhere that I visit, but you might want to avoid some of these Caribbean Islands.

Some of the most dangerous Caribbean Islands to visit are Haiti, Trinidad, Tobago, and surprisingly Puerto Ric o.

These islands have more crime in general, and you should visit with increased caution. It doesn’t mean they can’t be visited, but you should take extra precautions.

Some of the mildly dangerous islands include The Bahamas and Jamaica.

The main reason for the increased crime is that there are millions of visitors each year. This creates more of an opportunity for crime. 

Things to Consider When Visiting the Caribbean

When picking one of the Caribbean islands to visit, it is important to consider crime rates as well as the activities you want to enjoy while on vacation.

Some islands in the Caribbean are known for their beautiful beaches, while other Caribbean islands are great for scuba diving.

To get the most out of your vacation, it is a good idea to plan how active you want to be during your holiday and what activities you want to be involved with.

Do Caribbean Islands have high crime rates?

Some Caribbean islands do have a high crime rate, which is why it is better to avoid these islands. Especially if you are traveling alone or worried about your safety.

Picking a Caribbean island on this list is a great way to ensure that you will have a safe vacation and you won’t have to worry as much.

However, no matter where you travel you should always be aware of your surroundings and don’t make yourself a target for violent crimes.

Conclusions on the Safest Caribbean islands to visit

There are so many great Caribbean Islands worth visiting; for the most part, these tropical destinations are fairly safe for visitors.

You should be safe if you use normal common sense and stay aware of your surroundings. Be sure not to go out at night alone, don’t wear flashy items that make you a target, and keep your valuables locked away.

If you follow these precautions, you should be in for an exciting tropical vacation. 

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About The Author

Megan Kulluk

Related posts, top 12 safest tropical vacations in the world, best caribbean islands to visit in june.

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12 Safest Caribbean Islands to Visit in 2024

A trip to a Caribbean island is like being transported to another world. You’re surrounded by peaceful and majestic waves, exotic flora, and gorgeous views. In a few short days, you forget all about school, work, and taxes.

But there’s one crucial step to remember in preparation for your trip; not all Caribbean islands are safe . For instance, the dual-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago is incredibly beautiful, but also a dangerous place with high crime rates .

No worries though, there are plenty of safe Caribbean Islands such as:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• The Cayman Islands
• St. Barts (Saint-Barthélemy)
• The British Virgin Islands
• Saint Lucia
• Turks and Caicos
• Sint Maarten (Saint-Martin)
• Saint Kitts and Nevis

These islands share two distinct wellbeing concerns:

• The hurricane season : In the Caribbean, the period between June and November is the rainy season. In this season, storms may quickly turn into catastrophic hurricanes. This makes June – November the worst time to visit the Caribbean .
• Insect-borne diseases : Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya are commonplace all over the Caribbean. To avoid them, make sure your lodgings are insect-proof and always carry an insect repellent with you.

Still, there are nuances in the safety restrictions that vary across the islands. How safe are the roads? Are the Caribbean islands LGBTQI-friendly? Should you worry about getting ripped off? Let’s find out.

What are the Safest Caribbean Islands to Travel?

1. anguilla.

The US Department of State puts Anguilla in Level 1 threat category, which means that there’s little to no threat present to tourists. The advisory deems it safe for tourists to proceed by exercising normal caution: staying away from non-central places during the night, not carrying too much cash on their person, drinking responsibly, and not petting or poking any wildlife, no matter how cute they seem .

Similarly, statistics show that there’s little crime on the island except for people dealing or using narcotics, but this is not common. The island, especially the tourist-condensed areas, is safe to walk around both during the day and night.

Anguilla is part of Barbados. According to the Barbados Country Security Report issued by the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, travelers should have no concerns about their safety.

Are you concerned about the drinking water quality in the country? According to the Barbados Country Security Report, the tap water in Barbados is potable.

Lastly, although same-sex practices are forbidden by law in Barbados as an act of serious indecency, there has been no official criminalization of LGBTQI relations in recent years. That said, public acts of affection might draw stares from the locals.

2. Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is a sovereign island state located in the eastern parts of the Caribbean. According to the US Department of State , exercising normal caution is enough for safety on this island because it’s in the Level 1 threat category.

The country’s crime rating on Numbeo may be on the rise, however, these criminal activities typically occur in poverty-stricken areas, away from the beaches and tourist-condensed zones, so you have nothing to worry about.

In other words, crime on this particular island doesn’t target tourists.

If you have the means, the best way to get to it is certainly by a cruise ship. These ships bring you straight to the safest coasts of the island, such as the English Harbour or Jolly Harbour.

The safest way to travel and explore other beaches on the island is by ferries and water taxis.

The US Department of State urges tourists to be careful when they’re driving or walking on major roads. The roads of the island are in poor condition, drivers are unpredictable, and sometimes, animals wander onto the roads.

Not all taxis are registered in Antigua and Barbuda, and some unlicensed drivers try to extort money from tourists. So, whenever you take a taxi, check the driver’s license first.

In Antigua and Barbuda, same-sex relations between men are forbidden by law. However, this law doesn’t extend to LGBTQI tourists who have a marriage certificate. Still, there’s a chance that LBGTQI individuals might experience verbal assault and harassment if they engage in PDA (public displays of affection).

Bonaire is located in the Leeward Antilles section of the Caribbean. It’s a small island with a population of less than 23,000, a responsive police force, and enforcement guided by Dutch laws.

Although the island’s crime index of 37.50 seems relatively high for an island that small, the travel advisories have a relaxed approach.

The United States’ official travel advice suggests that there’s little to no crime in Bonaire. As such, the island is regarded as a Level 1 threat category, where you and your belongings will be safe as long as you don’t leave any valuables unattended.

According to Canada’s official travel advisory , the only real trouble you may face in Bonaire is petty crimes such as purse snatching and pickpocketing. So, the advisory urges its citizens to take normal security precautions.

Once you’re on the island, you can join boat tours and take taxis or minivans to explore. Taxis and minivans are typically safe means of transport. If you rent a car, make sure you’re careful when approaching turns and intersections because trees and vegetation on the island aren’t driver-friendly – they tend to cover traffic signs to cause whatever minor disturbance they can.

On a side note, there are two other islands in the same archipelago: Sint Eustatius and Saba. Both these islands are as safe as Bonaire, though they entertain fewer tourist attractions.

4. The Cayman Islands

Although Hollywood makes the Cayman Islands look like a hub for retired villains, it’s one of the safest tourist destinations in the Caribbean.

The US Department of State’s official travel advisory regards the islands under the Level 1 category, where taking normal precautions guarantees your safety. Similarly, according to Numbeo , the country has a low crime index of 32.45/100, and it’s safe to explore it day and night.

Additionally, according to the OSAC’s Cayman Islands Country Security Report , the overall crime rates have been decreasing recently. Plus, there are no criminal activity in the Cayman Islands targeting tourists.

Ferries are a great way to explore the islands, see pristine crystal caves, venture to the stingray city, go snorkeling or scuba-diving, or explore the beaches, coves, reefs, land, and the water that’s home to gorgeous starfish, and occasional shipwrecks .

However, the OSAC reports that every year, American citizens drown during scuba-diving sessions. The council’s report warns tourists that they should not show off in potentially dangerous watersports and always consult their instructors.

On another note, the road conditions on the Cayman Islands are fine, so you are at liberty to travel around by car, bike, or a rental vehicle. Plus, women and LBGTQI people don’t experience any problems.

Of course, all that comfort and safety comes with a price: the cost of living in the Cayman Islands is higher than the cost of living in the United States.

Grenada is another island country located in the West Indies territory of the Caribbean Sea. The island has so far seen French colonialism, British colonialism, and an invasion by the United States’ military forces. Despite all that intervention, the country is surprisingly stable and safe. It’s also breathtakingly beautiful.

Like all the islands we listed above, the US Department of State deems Grenada to be under the Level 1 threat category, meaning there are no safety concerns for tourists – as long as they don’t fall asleep on the side of the road because they drank too much and lost their whereabouts, which would be a safety concern anyway. Additionally, the island has a very low crime index of 20.94, and it’s very safe, both day and night.

However, the OSAC Grenade Country Security Report identifies St. George’s, the capital city of the country, as a low-threat location for crimes directed against US citizens. While you might want to avoid the city, the threat is only minimal, and you’re not likely to have any negative experiences.

Although Grenada has a fine public transportation system, the OSAC urges tourists to exercise caution if they take a bus or taxi during the night.

On a final note, same-sex relations between men are prohibited in Grenada. However, the OSAC reports that the government doesn’t enforce this particular law. There are no laws on same-sex conduct between women.

6. Montserrat

Like the Cayman Islands, Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory, but it doesn’t get as much hype as the former since Montserrat’s terrain is much more rugged, thus limiting tourism. However, Montserrat is also one of the safest Caribbean islands, if not the safest.

According to the US Department of State , the island is a no-threat territory under its Level 1 category. In recent years, no reports have been made concerning criminal activity against tourists.

The only problems highlighted in the official travel advisory are insect-borne diseases, such as Dengue and Chikungunya, that are commonplace all over the tropical zone. An insect-repellent can easily prevent infection.

In addition to official reports, statistics show that the country has little to no crime. Of course, the lack of a wider sample size affects the veracity of these reports.

Similarly, many travel websites and blogs claim that the latest homicide case in the country dates back to 2008. However, we couldn’t find an official report on that, so here’s hoping!

Yet, in 1995, a bigger and more natural threat shook the life of Montserratians, causing two-thirds of the population to flee to Britain: the dormant Soufriere Hills volcano erupted , rendering more than half of the country’s land inhabitable. In 2003 , there was another eruption that partially modified the island’s topography.

Nowadays, the government is building a new town, airport, and port away from the volcano, though more than half of the island is still an exclusion zone. So, if you visit Montserrat, make sure you observe the volcano from a safe distance.

7. St. Barts (Saint-Barthélemy)

According to a Jamaican news site , St. Barts has been voted as the safest island in the Caribbean.

The problem is that neither the US Department of State nor crime statistics websites such as Numbeo have this lovely island in their databases. Luckily, Canada’s official travel advisory confirms Jamaican reports that criminal activities are indeed scarce in St. Barts.

As there’s no public transportation system on St. Barts, you’ll need to rent a car or a scooter to get around. Although the roads are mostly in good shape and safe, they’re quite narrow, so drive carefully. Additionally, most of these roads run near cliffs and have sharp turns, mandating drivers to be extremely cautious.

The waves and the overall swimming conditions in St. Barts are less friendly than other popular destinations in the Caribbean. Riptides are common and waves can get violent, so pay attention to beach flags and enter the water only when the flag is green. If it’s red or black, stay away from the waters as these indicate violent waves or predator presence in the water. A yellow flag, on the other hand, means only experienced swimmers should swim.

8. The British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands neighbor the US Virgin Islands, to the east of Puerto Rico and the west of Anguilla. They consist of four main islands and fifty small ones, and unlike the US Virgin Islands which have a high crime index , the crime rate in the British Virgin Islands is quite low .

According to the US Department of State’s travel advisory , trips to the British Virgin Islands are completely safe. This British Overseas Territory is in the Level 1 threat category with no reported crimes targeting tourists except for petty ones such as pickpocketing.

As long as you don’t leave valuable items on the beach when swimming or carry too much cash on your person, you’ll be fine.

However, there are still some things that you need to be careful about when you’re on the British Virgin Islands.

For instance, the roads have very few signs, so exercise extra caution when you’re driving. Especially in the mountains, the roads are steep, have sharp turns, and run alongside cliffs with little or no barricade.

Additionally, local drivers are pretty unpredictable and reckless. If you just hop on a painted crosswalk, thinking that the driver will stop, you may be putting yourself in danger. In the backcountry, livestock have a habit of wandering on the roads. Of course, we’re not blaming them – but you need to be extra careful under the circumstances.

Although the road conditions are fine throughout the island, some roads (especially those on Tortola Island) get quite slippery at times. The country has no roadside assistance, so, to prevent any accidents, we recommend that you rent a four-wheel vehicle and not a scooter or a bicycle.

9. Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia has a worldwide reputation as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean.

The United States official travel advisory asks tourists to exercise only normal caution, which is the lowest threat category. Canada ’s travel advisory advises tourists to “take normal security precautions” and assures safety. The UK advisory urges people to “maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness” as they would in the UK.

However, staying safe in Saint Lucia, especially if you wander far from your lodgings, is a bit trickier than on the islands we talked about before. That’s because this island has a higher crime index (61.58) than the others, and it’s not safe to walk around towns, villages, and mountains during the night.

More alarmingly, the Canadian advisory establishes that crime has been on a dramatic rise. So, it’s best not to wander alone or drive around Saint Lucia after dark.

In addition, you should be vigilant when drawing money from an ATM because all the travel advisories we consulted attest that ATM frauds are common on this island.

When you’re mingling with the locals and listening to their troubles, you might start feeling sympathy towards their political cause as well. But here, political demonstrations occur on a regular basis, and they can get violent quite quickly. If you’re caught up in one, you might get arrested, too.

Lastly but not least importantly, St. Lucia isn’t an LGBTQI-friendly tourist destination. Same-sex physical affection in public spaces might result in verbal attacks, harassment, and assault, which makes its safety status increasingly doubtful.

10. Turks and Caicos

The case of Turks and Caicos’s eight main islands is the reverse of Saint Lucia. The US Department of State’s official advisory urges citizens to exercise increased caution, meaning – don’t leave the hotel area, restrict nighttime activities, and avoid contact with strangers. The country is in the Level 2 threat category.

However, the Numbeo crime index suggests that the Turks and Caicos archipelago is much safer than Saint Lucia.

Additionally, both Canada ’s and the United Kingdom ’s official advisories establish that most criminal activities on these islands occur away from tourist-condensed areas. However, these advisories also warn their citizens not to get too far away from their hotels and not to travel solo during the night.

One point that all these official travel guides emphasize is that you shouldn’t leave your drinks or food unattended, and you shouldn’t accept food or drinks offered by strangers. Spiked food and drinks are commonplace in Turks and Caicos.

LGBTQI people may visit Turks and Caicos with peace of mind because same-sex relations are legal in the country. In inland villages, showing same-sex affection in public might result in stares and verbal harassment, but it’s unlikely to go further than that.

11. Sint Maarten (Saint-Martin)

Sint Maarten is Dutch, Saint-Martin is French, and Saint Martin is how the rest of the world wants to refer to this island. The island is divided in two: one part belongs to the Kingdom of Netherlands, and the other part to France. But since most of the flights to the island land in the Dutch part, we’re going to stick to calling it Sint Maarten.

Similar to Bonaire, the other Dutch island on our guide, Sint Maarten falls in the Level 1 threat category according to the United States Department of State . Crimes against tourists are extremely rare on this island. And even when they occur, they’re “crimes of opportunity,” where, hypothetically speaking, the potential criminal sees that you have left your phone on the table and gone to the bathroom, and is tempted by how easy it is to swipe it.

The crime rates of the island support the official US report. Sint Maarten has a lower crime index than Bonaire at only 26.33 – the chance of encountering any kind of crime is assessed as low or very low .

In case you want to drive around the island in a rental, keep in mind that the roads are narrow and, during the night, dimly lit. Yet, as long as you’re careful, there is no risk in driving at night. You can also walk safely under the moonlight.

Like all the Dutch islands in the Caribbean, Sint Maarten is LGBTQI-friendly.

12. Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a two-island sovereign state that’s officially referred to as the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis.

According to the United States Department of State , Saint Kitts and Nevis only presents a Level 1 category of threat, meaning it’s safe unless you forgo all the normal security precautions you usually take in your everyday life. The worst crimes that can be potentially committed against tourists in these islands are petty ones such as larceny, pickpocketing, and purse snatching.

In addition, crime levels suggest that it’s very unlikely for you to encounter criminal activities. It’s completely safe to walk around during the day, and you’ll be fine as long as you don’t wander far from your lodgings by yourself during the night – even if you’re in dire need of a brooding walk around town.

However, according to the Canadian advisory , Saint Kitts and Nevis is not the best or safest Caribbean destination for swimming. The beaches don’t have any warning flags or signs, the dexterity and vigilance of rescue services are questionable at best, and the waves do get violent. So, unless you have full confidence in your swimming skills (or are with someone whose swimming skills are unquestionable), it might not be worth the risk.

If you drive on this island, slow down and be extra cautious when approaching turns and intersections. The roads aren’t in good condition, there’s little to no signage, and local drivers might be more reckless than you because they know the routes much better than you.

On a final note, same-sex relationships between men are forbidden in the country, while there are no laws regarding women. However, according to the US travel advisory, the enforcement of this law is rather relaxed .

Caribbean Safety Recap

There’s little or no criminal activity targeting tourists on these islands, the natural environment and road conditions are friendly in comparison to other islands, and the pirates of the Caribbean already looted these locations ages ago.

However, this doesn’t mean that they’re earthly replicas of paradise where you can relax, leave your valuables unattended, and accept questionable cocktails from strangers. On the contrary, you still need to take normal safety precautions such as carrying small amounts of cash on your person and using ATMs during the day; not straying further from your lodgings during the night; keeping an eye on your valuables, drink, and food at all times; and, of course, respecting the locals.

Additionally, the period between June and November is usually hurricane season in the Caribbean, where your safety depends on the mercy of the weather gods. And you need to make sure you have an insect-repellent with you. These tropical insects won’t know who they’re messing with.

Other Caribbean Islands:

• Bahamas Travel Safety Guide
• Nassau Travel Safety Guide
• Jamaica Travel Safety Guide
• Aruba Travel Safety Guide
• Curacao Travel Safety Guide
• Barbados Travel Safety Guide

Trinidad and Tobago Safety 2024: Trinidad and Tobago Safe to Visit

Cayman Safety 2024: Is Cayman Safe to Visit?

Dominican Republic Safety 2024: Is Dominican Republic Safe to Visit?

St. Lucia Safety 2024: Is St. Lucia Safe to Visit?

Do not understand why St. Vincent and the Grenadines was not included on this list.

Why! St. Vincent and the Grenadines is not a tourist destination. Crimes are high with many locals being killed senseless for no hood reason. The police department cannot solve any crimes.

Let’s solve the crimes in America then we can talk about other nations there are crimes throughout the states people are still visiting and living there are you telling people not to visit the other states in America ?

So you’re saying that because the backyard of America is dirty with criminal activities, that other Countries shouldn’t be worried or talking about how infested their backyards (Criminal situation) are with Criminal activities????? Pure nonsense, when you’ll understand the statistics of the Population of America and size of that Country and compare the amount of Criminal activities there with that of other Countries based on the population, then you can take.

Some of the information is incorrect Anguilla is not part of Barbados you get St Kitts nevis and Anguilla which are sister islands and Barbados is a completely different island.

Thanks for your comments, Mezepoo. The United Nations has Anguilla and Barbados covered together in the same administration zone, so we were referring to that. You make a good point, however, and we’re going to update the article shortly to better reflect the nuances here.

Turcs and Caicos on the safe list ??? Our favorite beach bar owners where gunned down last year Bonnie and Clyde style. Same Month criminals attacked the local police and had a shoot out.

Hi Johan, thanks for reading and providing your insights. It’s terrible to hear of the crime that you related. The US Government rates Turks & Caicos currently as a “Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution” destination. This means there is undoubtedly a significant level of crime in some areas of the country, but not a destination that is necessarily one that US citizens should avoid traveling. Our article is also relating the safEST locations in the Caribbean and we also wrote specifically that tourist need to exercise caution like not leaving their hotels for maximum safety.

The island with the safest crime rate .01% is Aruba which is also a tourist island but ultimately omitted from your list ?

Hi Bessie, thank you for reading. I’m not sure which statistic you’re mentioning, but we do have a dedicated page to Aruba travel safety right here that you can view here .

The picture you used for Montserrat isn’t a picture of Montserrat.

Hi Arturo, thank you for reading and catching this. We just corrected this!

Hello to you. The Commonwealth of Dominica was left out. It would be good to get information about Dominica as the people there are one of the most hospitable especially to strangers. You need to correct some of the information you have about certain islands. Thanks

Thank you for reading and the feedback, Margaret. We will keep this in mind for future articles.

What about the USVI,s

Hi Ellen, thank you for reading and your question. The US Virgin Islands didn’t make this list, but stay tuned for an article specifically on them soon!

Turks + Caicos hurricane season is June – November, peak month being September. Not May. And spiked food and drink isn’t common here.

Thank you for reading, Dale, and the feedback on your experiences.

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Guide to the Safest and Most Dangerous Caribbean Islands

Crime Statistics and Information

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The Caribbean has seen a few high-profile incidents in its day, prompting the U.S. State Department to tack travel advisories onto quite a few of its islands. High unemployment rates, a lack of economic development, and drug trafficking have made parts of this region susceptible to crime, violence, and gang activity. Still, though, the tropical region generally remains safe to visit.

Although homicide rates are high on a few Caribbean islands, most are lower than the United States' (according to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2019 there were 5.8 homicides per 100,000 people in the U.S. ). The U.S. Department of State's crime warnings—which take into account the number of crimes and homicides reported to law enforcement agencies per 100,000 inhabitants—are a pretty reliable indication of which islands have lower rates of violent crime.

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Montserrat is nicknamed the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean both for its terrain and the heritage of its inhabitants. This British territory in the Leeward Islands is considered to be one of the safest Caribbean destinations, its biggest threat being the active Soufrière Hills volcano and hurricanes that roll in between June and November.

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St. Barts , short for Saint Barthélemy, has been an overseas collectivity of France since 2007. Accessible only by yacht, propeller plane, or ferry, this exclusive island is known for being a party destination for the rich and famous. Besides the occasional theft, which is a concern for any tourist-popular region, St. Barts doesn't have much crime.

British Virgin Islands

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The  British Virgin Islands  (BVI) consist of Tortola (the largest and most inhabited island), Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, and more than 50 smaller islands and cays. The British government states that "although most visits to the BVI are trouble-free, serious incidents, including armed robbery, do occur." Tourists are advised to take normal precautions, such as not walking alone, carrying valuable possessions, or leaving anything unattended at the beach.

Cayman Islands

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The Cayman Islands is another British Overseas Territory widely known as a haven for the wealthy. It enforces relatively strict gun laws, which make it especially safe for travelers. Keep your doors and windows locked, the U.S. Department of State advises , and worry more about the hurricanes that threaten this region during the summer.

Bonaire—which forms the ABC Islands with Aruba and Curaçao—is a special municipality of the Netherlands. Unlike most Caribbean islands, it's located outside of Hurricane Alley, making it safe in several senses. Aside from one incident in which two people were murdered within 24 hours in 2017, Bonaire doesn't have much major crime.

Antigua and Barbuda

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Antigua and Barbuda, nicknamed the Land of 365 Beaches, is a sovereign state in the Americas and British Commonwealth. According to the 2020 Crime and Safety Report for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, which covers Antigua and Barbuda, this region had 12 reported homicides and two kidnappings per 100,000 inhabitants. It ranked lowest among all Barbados nations in sexual assaults, shootings, and residential burglaries, too.

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Martinique  is an overseas collectivity of France located in the Lesser Antilles. While it does have a homicide rate of 11 per 100,000 inhabitants , tourists are advised merely to pay attention to their belongings so as to avoid robbery, especially in the capital, Fort-de-France, and in the tourist-centric region of Pointe du Bout.

Puerto Rico

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The United States territory of Puerto Rico is generally safe to visit (especially parts like San Juan Viejo). Even though it isn't entirely crimeless, the U.S. Department of State deems Puerto Rico safe to visit.

Trinidad and Tobago

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Trinidad and Tobago , a sovereign state in the Commonwealth of Nations, was elevated to a Level 2 U.S. Travel Advisory in April 2019. The Department of State says to exercise "increased caution" due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping, and warns against traveling to Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain, citing violent crimes like murder, robbery, and assault as common. Drug trafficking is a major concern here.

Dominican Republic

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The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with the country of Haiti. It too was bumped to a Level 2 Travel Advisory in 2019 for armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault. "The wide availability of weapons, the use and trade of illicit drugs, and a weak criminal justice system contribute to the high level of criminality," the U.S. Department of State says. If you do travel to the Dominican Republic, do not exhibit signs of wealth by wearing expensive jewelry.

St. Kitts and Nevis

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A 2015 BBC report was widely criticized by St. Kitts and Nevis authorities for naming this Leeward Islands nation "the most violent place on earth." Most criminal activity here is believed to be gang or drug-related. The U.S. Department of State lists the dual-island country as a Level 1, meaning to exercise normal precautions. Tourists are more at risk of petty crimes and pickpocketing than anything.

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In 2018, the homicide rate in Jamaica was 47 per 100,000 residents and that number increased more than 3 percent in 2019. was three times higher than the rest of Central and South America and the Caribbean, but 70 percent of all crime is linked to the drug trade. This Caribbean nation is under a Level 2 Travel Advisory, citing armed robberies, homicides, and sexual assaults as the biggest issues. The U.S. Department of State warns against traveling to troubled spots like Spanish Town and parts of Montego Bay or Kingston

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. " Assault or Homicide ." January 25, 2021

• Overseas Security Advisory Council. " Barbados & Eastern Caribbean 2020 Crime & Safety Report ." March 25, 2020.

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. " Crime, Violence, and Development: Trends, Costs, and Policy Options in the Caribbean ." March 2007. Page 10

Overseas Security Advisory Council. " Jamaica 2020 Crime & Safety Report ." June 16, 2020.

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10 Safest Caribbean Islands 2024

If you’re planning a trip to the Caribbean, you may be wondering which are the safest Caribbean islands to visit. While a few islands have seen rising crime rates in recent years, the majority are quite safe for tourists.

To help you choose the best destination for you, here is our list of the 10 safest Caribbean islands.

Safest Caribbean Islands Overview

According to the U.S. State Department, there are about 20 Caribbean islands that are considered safe with a Level 1 “Exercise Normal Precautions” assessment. These are Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica , Grenada, the French West Indies (St. Barts, Martinique , Guadeloupe , St. Martin), Saba , St. Eustatius, St. Kitts and Nevis , St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines . The U.S. Virgin Islands are also considered safe to visit (despite a relatively high crime rate, very little of it affects tourists).

Read on to learn more about our picks for the top 10 safest Caribbean islands.

Not only is the crime rate low on Bonaire , it’s also located outside the hurricane zone so you never have to worry about storms. The smallest of the “ABC” islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao) off the coast of Venezuela, Bonaire is known as the shore diving capital of the world for its incredible 60 scuba diving sites that are accessible from the shore. It also features an amazing range of marine life, with 57 types of coral and more than 400 types of fish. 

In fact, Bonaire is the answer to the question, which has better diving, Bonaire or Curacao? While Curacao makes the list of top 10 Caribbean dive destinations, it doesn’t offer quite as many opportunities as Bonaire. There are 26 other dive sites around Bonaire in addition to the shore sites, and a marine park that has been in existence since the late 1970s. For some of the best shallow diving in the Caribbean, check out the Salt Pier.

Since Bonaire is located outside of the hurricane belt, it’s one of the best Caribbean scuba dive destinations in the summer months. The other two “ABC” islands, Aruba and Curacao , are more developed but are also excellent safe bets for travel.

With a murder rate of zero, St. Barts is one of the statistically safest Caribbean islands you can find. It’s also one of the most fun to visit, offering breathtaking scenery, luxurious resorts, fantastic food, and a “jet set” atmosphere due to its popularity with celebrities and wealthy travelers.

This French territory (full name St. Barthelemy) is also one of the best honeymoon spots in the Caribbean , with its white sand beaches, lush green interior, and numerous romantic French restaurants. 

One safety concern for St. Barts is the potential threat of hurricanes. Hurricane season in St. Barts is from August to October. However, it is rare for a tropical storm or hurricane to hit the island—but if you plan your trip here during this time, you’ll certainly want to get travel insurance.

Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands is a group of three islands–the largest being Grand Cayman –and is widely considered one of the safest Caribbean destinations. For this reason, it’s a top family vacation spot as well as being popular with couples. There are plenty of luxurious resorts as well as delicious dining options.

The Caymans are known for spectacular scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities along vibrant coral reefs and around underwater shipwrecks as well as the popular Stingray City . The clear turquoise water is calm and great for all sorts of watersports, and the beaches are soft and white. There are even crystal caves inland. You can explore this island by helicopter, horseback, or even by submarine.

Along with a trail that runs North to South through the center of the whole island, there is also an island tour with a special visit to “Hell.” You can also go for a sunset sailboat ride then hit Seven Mile Beach for some nightclubs, dancing, and savory seafood.

St. Lucia , often called “Little Hawaii” for its stunning tropical landscape, also has a low crime rate and plenty of amazing experiences to offer. This is another of the top honeymoon destinations in the Caribbean, as well as a fun family option.

This idyllic island is known for its beautiful beaches (which range from white to golden to black sand), jaw-dropping Piton mountains, and lush rainforests. It features plenty of adventurous outdoor activities including watersports, hiking, ziplining, scuba diving, and snorkeling. St. Lucia even has several beaches where you can swim and snorkel directly from the shore. 

It’s also home to the world’s only drive-through volcano ! Other fun things to do in St. Lucia are head to the therapeutic hot springs and take a mud bath, visit waterfalls, tour local historic sites and the botanic gardens, explore national parks, wander the charming towns, and take a sightseeing cruise.

St. Maarten/St. Martin

St. Maarten/St. Martin is one of the most visited islands in the Caribbean and for good reason. Not only is it safe, this tiny island boasts some of the most beautiful beaches, delicious food, and a lively yet laid back atmosphere. The island may only be 37 square miles, but it is divided into two separate territories, each with a unique vibe.

The Dutch territory of Saint Maarten uses US dollars and the primary languages spoken are English and Dutch. While many people visit briefly on a cruise, this area is well worth a longer stay. You’ll find a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of shopping, casinos, and nightclubs, as well as the charming Dutch colonial town of Phillipsburg.

The French side, St. Martin , offers incredible culinary experiences (as you might expect) along with a more upscale vibe, nicer beaches, and calmer water. St. Martin tends to be more expensive than St. Maarten.

Antigua and Barbuda

Famous for having 365 beaches, Antigua is a fun and safe Caribbean island. Although it’s small, it has a lot to offer to visitors and plenty of things to do, featuring a vibrant cultural scene, upscale shopping and resorts, fine dining, and nightlife. Because of this, Antigua is a popular choice for honeymoons .

Thanks to the constant winds, Antigua is a popular sailing destination–so much so that each year, between the end of April and the beginning of May, it hosts a sailing competition. The beaches are just picture-perfect with white, very fine sand; palm trees; and calm, clear water. You can also snorkel along the coral reef to admire local marine life.

Make sure to go on a road trip around the island for a day (that’s how small it is) to explore the interesting capital and the sugar mills. The best-kept one is Betty’s Hope. Among the most scenic spots in Antigua on the island are Devil’s Bridge, a beautiful rock arch directly on the ocean; and Shirley Heights, which is the perfect sunset spot.

Known for its breathtaking beaches, clear turquoise water, friendly hospitality, fabulous food, and fantastic luxury resorts, Anguilla is another favorite Caribbean destination for honeymoons that’s also very safe. Tranquil yet sophisticated, it has been named the best Caribbean island multiple times by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine.

Visitors to this British territory enjoy excellent snorkeling , scuba diving, lounging on white sand beaches, horseback riding, golfing, historic sites and museums, great local food, and nightlife including lots of live music. You can find both luxurious and lowkey resorts, and there are tons of excellent restaurants with many on the water. 

Anguilla is not quite as easy to get to as some of the larger Caribbean islands; you’ll need to connect from a neighboring island like St. Martin or St. Barths. There’s also a ferry service that runs from St. Martin, which can be a fun and scenic way to arrive.

Grenada , located in the eastern Caribbean just south of Barbados, is an increasingly popular destination for romantic and family trips alike, drawing vacationers who are interested in immersing themselves in a beach destination with a wealth of cultural and natural attractions plus the convenience of all-inclusive resorts.

Grand Anse Beach, widely considered one of the world’s best beaches , makes an ideal setting for your stay. This long, walkable stretch of white sand facing calm, turquoise clear water is situated near the charming capital city of St. George’s. 

It also offers easy access to tours to inland attractions such as Belmont Estate, a 17th-century plantation located in the lush mountainous slopes of St. Patrick, as well as excursions on Grenada’s coast. Also, Grenada is outside the hurricane zone. All of this and a low crime level? What’s not to love!

A member of the British Commonwealth, beautiful Barbados is a warm and welcoming Caribbean island with spectacular beaches, lush tropical forests, and plenty of wonderful resorts. It’s also a popular destination with both couples and families.

Visitors here enjoy the white sand beaches and clear turquoise water, watersports including snorkeling and scuba diving, the underwater marine park and reserve, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Historic Bridgetown, the botanic gardens , Harrison’s Cave, and of course the local rum (Barbados is the birthplace of this Caribbean liquor).

Another plus for Barbados is that it lies outside the hurricane belt, so you don’t have to worry about storms impacting your trip.

British Virgin Islands

Made up of multiple islands including the four largest, Anegada, Tortola , Virgin Gorda , and Jost Van Dyke, the British Virgin Islands are very popular destinations with sailors, snorkelers, and scuba divers.

Unspoiled and pristine with a very low crime rate, these islands offer spectacular scenery, tons of outdoor adventures, interesting historic sites, and breathtaking beaches. Island-hopping is easy and popular here as well.

The British Virgin Islands are equally perfect for romantic getaways, honeymoons, solo travel, group trips, and family vacations. Watersports, shopping, and dining are all excellent here. Don’t-miss spots include The Baths at Virgin Gorda, the Rhone Marine Park, Fort Charlotte on Tortola, the copper mine ruins, Cane Garden Bay and Smuggler’s Cove on Tortola, the Bubbly Pool, the Callwood Rum Distillery, the JR O’Neal Botanic Gardens, and Treasure Point. 

Each of these safest Caribbean islands is unique and offers something truly special to visitors. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! And if you’d like help planning your trip, feel free to reach out to one of our trusted travel advisors!

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