15 Most Expensive Caribbean Islands to Visit

Exploring the Caribbean is a dream for many travelers seeking sun-kissed beaches, turquoise waters, and a taste of paradise. However, not all Caribbean destinations are created equal when it comes to luxury and exclusivity. In this article, we delve into the most expensive islands in the Caribbean, where opulent resorts, gourmet dining, and lavish experiences await the discerning traveler. 

St. Barts (Saint Barthélemy) 

St. Barts is renowned for its chic ambiance, attracting jet-setters and celebrities to its luxurious resorts and designer boutiques. However, this luxury comes at a price, with estimated expenses ranging from $500 to $1,000+ per day per person. The island’s pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters offer ideal conditions for snorkeling and diving among vibrant coral reefs. Its French-Caribbean fusion cuisine is a gastronomic delight, with gourmet restaurants serving fresh seafood and exquisite wines. The charming capital of Gustavia boasts charming colonial architecture, upscale shops, and a bustling harbor filled with luxury yachts.

Anguilla 

Anguilla is a paradise for beach lovers, with some of the Caribbean’s most stunning stretches of powdery sand and azure waters. Estimated expenses here range from $400 to $800+ per day per person. The island’s laid-back vibe and exclusive resorts attract discerning travelers seeking relaxation and privacy. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as sailing, kiteboarding, and paddleboarding along the coast. Anguilla’s culinary scene is diverse, offering everything from beachside BBQ joints to fine dining establishments serving world-class cuisine.

Turks and Caicos Islands

The Turks and Caicos Islands are a haven for nature enthusiasts, with estimated expenses ranging from $300 to $600+ per day per person. Here, you can explore pristine coral reefs, nature reserves, and secluded coves. Grace Bay Beach, consistently ranked among the world’s best, features soft sands and calm turquoise waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The island’s luxury resorts offer top-notch amenities, including spas, golf courses, and gourmet dining options showcasing fresh seafood and Caribbean flavors.

The Cayman Islands 

The Cayman Islands are synonymous with luxury and offshore banking, attracting rich travelers with estimated expenses ranging from $300 to $600+ per day per person. Seven Mile Beach is a postcard-perfect stretch of sand lined with resorts, restaurants, and water sports operators. Grand Cayman’s capital, George Town, is a bustling hub of international finance and Caribbean culture, with colorful buildings, duty-free shops, and a lively waterfront scene. Stingray City offers a unique opportunity to swim with friendly southern stingrays in their natural habitat.

British Virgin Islands 

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a sailor’s paradise, known for their calm waters, secluded anchorages, and picture-perfect beaches. Tortola, the largest island, boasts scenic hiking trails, historic ruins, and lively beach bars serving rum cocktails and fresh seafood. The Baths on Virgin Gorda feature giant granite boulders forming natural pools and caves for exploration. Sailing enthusiasts can charter yachts to hop between the BVI’s idyllic islands, each offering its own unique charm and activities. Estimated expenses here range from $300 to $600+ per day per person.

Barbados 

Barbados combines rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty, making it a favorite destination for travelers seeking a diverse Caribbean experience. The estimated expenses here range from $250 to $500+ per day per person. The island’s lively capital, Bridgetown, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with colonial architecture, bustling markets, and rum distilleries. Bathsheba Beach on the rugged east coast is famous for its surf breaks and dramatic rock formations. Barbados’ culinary scene is a fusion of African, Caribbean, and British influences, with local specialties like flying fish and cou-cou served alongside international cuisine in beachfront restaurants.

The Bahamas 

The Bahamas encompass over 700 islands and cays, offering a wide range of experiences with estimated expenses ranging from $250 to $500+ per day per person. Paradise Island is home to the iconic Atlantis resort complex, featuring water parks, marine habitats, and luxury accommodations. The Out Islands, including Eleuthera and Harbour Island, boast pink sand beaches, charming colonial towns, and opportunities for snorkeling, fishing, and exploring hidden coves. The Bahamas’ vibrant Junkanoo festival showcases the island’s rich cultural heritage through music, dance, and colorful costumes.

Antigua and Barbuda 

Antigua and Barbuda offers a blend of history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures with estimated expenses ranging from $250 to $500+ per day per person. Antigua’s English Harbour is a yachting hub with historic Nelson’s Dockyard, museums, and panoramic views from Shirley Heights. The island’s 365 beaches, including the famous Half Moon Bay, offer endless opportunities for sunbathing, water sports, and beachfront dining. Barbuda is known for its unspoiled beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and the frigate bird colony in the Codrington Lagoon.

St. Martin / St. Maarten 

St. Martin/St. Maarten is a unique dual-nation island with Dutch and French influences, offering a diverse range of experiences with estimated expenses ranging from $200 to $400+ per day per person. Philipsburg, on the Dutch side, is a shopper’s paradise with duty-free stores, while Marigot on the French side showcases chic boutiques and gourmet restaurants. Orient Bay is a popular beach destination known for its clothing-optional section and water sports activities. The island’s fusion cuisine reflects its cultural diversity, blending Caribbean flavors with European influences.

Jamaica

Jamaica’s vibrant culture, reggae music, and natural beauty make it a top destination for travelers. Montego Bay and Negril boast luxurious resorts, championship golf courses, and world-class spas. Ocho Rios is famous for Dunn’s River Falls and adventure activities like zip-lining and bobsledding at Mystic Mountain. The Blue Mountains offer hiking trails, coffee plantations, and panoramic views of the island. Jamaican cuisine, including jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish, and rum punch, tantalizes the taste buds with bold flavors and spices. Estimated expenses here in Jamaica range from $200 to $400+ per day per person.

St. Lucia 

St. Lucia is renowned for its dramatic Pitons, lush rainforests, and romantic ambiance, making it a popular destination for honeymooners and nature lovers with estimated expenses ranging from $200 to $400+ per day per person. Soufrière, located near the Pitons, offers luxury resorts, volcanic hot springs, and the Diamond Falls botanical gardens. Rodney Bay on the north coast features white-sand beaches, water sports, and vibrant nightlife. The island’s cuisine blends Creole, French, and Caribbean influences, with seafood dishes like grilled lobster and callaloo soup.

Grenada 

Grenada, known as the “Spice Isle,” is famous for its nutmeg plantations, spice markets, and pristine beaches. The estimated expenses here range from $200 to $400+ per day per person. St. George’s, the capital, boasts colorful colonial architecture, historic forts, and a bustling market selling local crafts and spices. Grand Anse Beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, snorkeling, and sampling Grenada’s flavorful cuisine, which includes dishes like oil down, a hearty stew, and seafood delicacies. The island’s lush interior offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and spice farms for visitors to explore.

The Dominican Republic 

The Dominican Republic is a diverse destination offering everything from vibrant cities to unspoiled nature with estimated expenses ranging from $150 to $300+ per day per person. Punta Cana is famous for its all-inclusive resorts, golf courses, and palm-fringed beaches ideal for relaxation and water sports. Santo Domingo, the capital, showcases colonial architecture, historic sites like the Zona Colonial, and a lively cultural scene. On the north coast, Puerto Plata offers adventure activities like cable car rides to Mount Isabel de Torres and waterfalls at Damajagua. The Dominican Republic’s music, dance, and cuisine reflect its African, Spanish, and indigenous Taino heritage.

Puerto Rico 

Puerto Rico blends rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty, offering a diverse range of experiences for travelers with estimated expenses ranging from $150 to $300+ daily per person. San Juan, the capital, features colorful colonial buildings, historic forts like El Morro and San Cristóbal, and a lively arts and culinary scene in Old San Juan. The island’s interior offers opportunities for hiking in El Yunque rainforest, exploring bioluminescent bays like Mosquito Bay, and visiting coffee plantations in the mountains. Puerto Rican cuisine, including mofongo, tostones, and lechón, delights food enthusiasts with its bold flavors and influences from Africa, Spain, and the Caribbean.

Aruba 

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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