For many years now the Caribbean has been our go-to vacation destination during winter school break. We just can’t wait until February or March arrives so we can enjoy the warm temperatures, flowing palm trees and the sand between our toes. For me personally, one of my favourite things to do while visiting is to take wonderful photos representing everything that the Caribbean islands have to offer. We’ve visited Jamaica and Barbados but there are so many more instagrammable Caribbean destinations in our future! To help narrow down our options, we asked a few fellow travel bloggers for their favourite instagrammable Caribbean islands. And of course I’ll also tell you about Jamaica and Barbados because, you know, we can’t leave them out!!

Are you curious which Caribbean islands made the list?

The Results: The Most Instagrammable Caribbean Islands

Barbados

Ah, Barbados. I remember seeing photos of this incredible island when I was a child and my parents visited. Incredible cliffs, beautiful foliage and of course, magnificent beaches. It’s the perfect instagrammable Caribbean destination! We finally had an opportunity to visit a few years ago and loved it so much that we returned in 2020. Barbados has to be one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands and it needs to be at the top of your bucket list.

blue green sea with beach and green trees is instagrammable Caribbean destination Barbados

Beautiful West Coast of Barbados

The island is small enough to explore in a day but you’ll want at least a week to enjoy all the wonderful Bajan activities. The west coast rests on the Caribbean Sea and is filled with beautiful white sand beaches and waters calm enough for snorkeling and scuba diving. Take a day and explore along the coast on a catamaran so you have a chance to swim with the sea turtles. The east coast rests on the Atlantic coast. Make a point to visit and wander majestic Bathsheba which is truly one of the most instagrammable locations in Barbados. Plan to head north so you can enjoy the vistas of Cherry Tree Hill. To the north you’ll be mesmerized by Animal Flower Cave where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea and has carved caves in the cliffs.

beach with rough water and large rocks Barbados instagrammable Caribbean spot

Bathsheba on Barbado’s Eastern Atlantic Coast

As you explore make sure to enjoy a rum punch and keep your eyes open for green monkeys that wander the island. Barbados is an incredibly safe island so on each visit, we’ve booked an apartment so we have more space. It’s also easy to drive around so we highly recommend renting a car to enjoy your visit to the fullest.

Jamaica

Filled with beautiful waterfalls, colourful gardens and sparkling rivers, Jamaica has to be one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands. Around every corner is an amazing sight just waiting to be photographed for your Instagram feed!

Unlike in Barbados, we’ve only stayed at all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica. There are so many to choose from! Jamaica has its own currency, Jamaican dollar, but American currency is widely accepted.  

While I wouldn’t drive in Jamaica, there are many tour companies and guides that are very reasonably priced. We don’t hesitate to book with a local company to explore the island. Each tour company has their own tours which usually include one or two well-known spots. If you book a private guide and driver, however, you can plan out your day to include everything that your heart desires. Learn some history, visit a plantation, go river rafting, climb a gorgeous waterfall, climb through caves, learn about the local plants and spices and so much more! Make sure to visit a few of the top sights in Jamaica but also head off the beaten path. There are so many unique places to take those instagrammable Caribbean photos!

While out and about, be sure to visit Scotchies, even if it’s for takeaway. This delicious rustic outdoor restaurant serves authentic jerk chicken, jerk pork, festival and other tasty Jamaican dishes.

waterfall flowing between trees

Konoko Falls on Jamaica’s northern coast

St. Kitts and Nevis

Contributed by Steph & Lewis from Book It Let’s Go!

St. Kitts and Nevis are a twin island nation and the smallest country in the Americas. This tiny English-speaking nation has a dark history that can be traced back to the start of the African slave trade in the Caribbean. The remnants of this is clear on both islands where you can find ruins of the old sugar plantations dotted around amongst the rainforest and the overgrown cane fields which still exist.

Some of the plantations have been renovated and turned into luxury boutique hotels like the Golden Rock and Montpellier on Nevis which offer perfect Instagram opportunities. On St. Kitts there are several accommodation options from AirB&B apartments to high end hotels such as the Marriott Resort and the Park Hyatt.

Top things to do on St. Kitts and Nevis include visiting the Brimstone Hill Fortress where you will find canons atop a hill with amazing vista views across to the neighbouring island of St Eustacius. On Nevis you can relax and enjoy the volcanic hot springs or wander the botanical gardens. If that doesn’t sound adventurous enough try out horse riding on the beach, ziplining through the jungle or one of the many great hikes.

If amazing views are what you are looking for, because St. Kitts and Nevis is a true instagrammable Caribbean destination, stop at the top of Timothy Hill and check out the narrowest part of St. Kitts where you can see both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Continue down the peninsula to Cockleshell Beach, one of the best on St Kitts where you can enjoy views of Nevis. On Nevis enjoy a killer bee drink on Pinney’s Beach for the ultimate Caribbean experience.

green lush mountain set against bright blue sea instagrammable caribbean st kitts nevis

Timothy Hill Viewpoint on St. Kitts

For first time visitors to St Kitts and Nevis we would recommend staying a week to really get a feel for the islands. For such a small nation there is much to see and do and the best way to get around is to hire a car for total freedom to explore. If you don’t have a week then the best way to see the highlights of the islands is to take a taxi island tour.

Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

Contributed by Kylie at Between England & Iowa

One of the most beautiful Caribbean Islands to visit is Providenciales, the most populated island in Turks and Caicos. One of the biggest draws is Grace Bay Beach with its powder white sand and turquoise sea, the water temperature averages 84F/28C YEAR ROUND! So if you’re looking to take beautiful photos, Grace Bay Beach should definitely be your first stop!

Another beautiful place to photograph is Mangrove Cay, which can be explored by kayaks or stand-up paddleboards. After a short paddle across the channel, you can explore an area of mangroves, with crystal clear waters and maybe even see baby sharks!

Long Bay Beach is very different from Grace Bay and is located on the opposite side of the island. It’s popular with kite surfers and on a windy day, there’ll be loads of colourful kites zipping around! If you have a long zoom lens, you’ll be able to see the La Famille Express shipwreck that sits around 2 miles off the coast.

colourful kite surfers sitting on a beach instagrammable caribbean turks caicos

One of the best ways to explore the island is on a guided ATV tour. There are several different tours available, which visit different locations and instagrammable Caribbean spots. Plus it’s a fun way to travel! 

Turks and Caicos is a British Overseas Territory. The official language is English and their currency is the US dollar. There are many all-inclusive resorts in Turks and Caicos, especially around Grace Bay. For those that may be looking to visit Turks and Caicos on a budget, staying at an AirB&B is a good option. 5 nights to 1 week is a good amount of time to spend on Providenciales as a first-time visitor. This will give you time for a couple of beach days as well as some day trips or tours!

Aruba

Written by Harshi and Aman from Trot.World

This Caribbean island lined with white sand beaches and turquoise waters, popular for its top ranked and world-renowned beaches makes it one of the most beautiful islands to visit in the Caribbean. It is rightfully referred to as ‘One Happy Island’, filled with sunshine, happy hospitable locals, smiling guests and natural beauty all around.

Just like there is diversity in its population, there is diversity in what the island has to offer as well, that suits the need of every type of traveler. From calm and pristine white sand beaches on the western coast to the rugged cacti filled north eastern coast, this island is full of character and offers its visitors a tropical getaway that’s more than just pretty beaches.

You can really style this getaway as you like. Either laze around on the beaches doing absolutely nothing or partake in countless activities that Aruba has to offer. Swim with the flamingos or hike the mountain, hop on in an ATV for an off-roading trip, jump in the natural pools or simply hang around at a local beachside restaurant and devour some fresh catch of the day. Aruba is the perfect host, catering to your needs no matter your interest. Whether you are an adventure lover, foodie, an art and history buff or planning a honeymoon, there is something in it for everyone. This was just a glimpse, check out a free travel guide for some of the best things to do in Aruba. 

This Caribbean island is also a photographer’s paradise with countless picturesque spots to take back dreamy pictures as memories. To name a few: the world-famous Eagle Beach with its iconic Divi trees in the frame, the Flamingo island, and 360 degree views of the island from the California Lighthouse point. It is recommended to rent a car to be able to explore the island, better yet a 4×4 if you wish to venture out to the rugged coast without guided tours. PS: Being outside of the hurricane belt makes Aruba the most ideal choice for your Caribbean getaway.  

palm tree on beach with blue sea and sky

Saint Martin/ Sint Maarten

Contribution by James at Travel Collecting

Saint Martin is divided into two halves – the French part Saint-Martin (the capital is Marigot) and the Dutch portion Sint Maarten (the capital is Philipsburg).  Although signs in Sint Maarten are in Dutch and English, Dutch is rarely spoken except for official government business; English is by far the most common language.  French is the official language on the French side, but English is also widely spoken.  Although each side has their own currency (the Euro in Saint Martin and the Florin in Sint Maarten), US dollars are widely accepted on both sides. 

There are over 30 beaches on this small island which makes it an amazing instagrammable Caribbean island.  Three of the most beautiful are Orient Bay, Red Bay (Baie Rouge) and Maho Beach. 

Orient Bay, on the French side, is an enormous stretch of perfect white sand. There are plenty of stores, restaurants and water sports available along the beach, earning it its nickname as the ‘St Tropez of the Caribbean’.  Red Bay, also on the French side, is a small beach sheltered by steep cliffs that is named after the red tinge to the sand.  There is an incredibly picturesque arch at one end of the beach that you can swim through to discover a smaller hidden beach on the other side.  Maho Beach, on the Dutch side, is another gorgeous white sand beach, famous in part for its proximity to the airport – planes practically touch down on the beach, making this an awesome sight to see.

There are plenty of other things to do beside relaxing on the beach, including an America’s Cup experience where you can race 12m yachts, snorkeling (Baie Rouge and Happy Bay are popular spots), zipping with the world’s steepest zip line, parasailing, shopping (Front Street in Philipsburg is famous for duty free bargains), sailing and more.

Getting around the island is easiest by rental car, though there are buses and taxis.

sail boats in harbour

Oyster Bay, St. Martin Photo Credit to Jamie at The Daily Adventures of Me

Grenada

Written by Sarah at A Social Nomad

Known as the Spice Isle, Grenada is located in the West Indies at the southern end of the chain of Grenadine Islands.  Grenada is one of the most beautiful of the Caribbean Islands. This island of spice is famous for producing turmeric, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon.  Cruise ships and ferries to Carriacou, a considerable more laidback Grenadan island, moor and leave from the capital city of St George’s – where homes and businesses line the hillsides of this pretty city where it is also possible to walk to the international cricket ground just a few minutes away.  Walking around the extremely picturesque Carenage in St George’s is a fabulous way to explore the city.  

small boat near land with town behind

Picturesque St. Georges, Grenada

Visiting Fort Frederick high above the city is the best way to see more of the island from above.  Grenada’s most famous beach is Grand Anse, a glorious arc of white sand that stretches around the bay, although it’s also easy to find less visited beaches.  

You’ll want to head to the River Antoine Rum Distillery, the Caribbean’s only remaining rum distillery to use a water wheel for powering the distillery.   Also get a taste for the fruits, vegetables and spices of the island by visiting the Belmont Estate – and get a view of plantation life, cocoa production and a lesson in the horticultural development of the island. 

The Gouyave Nutmeg processing factory in the north of the island is also well worth a visit – tours here are cheap, run on-demand and one of the workers from the factory will explain how nutmeg is processed and how the spice provides employment in the area.

English is the national language here and the currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar. You can see most of the island in 2-3 days if you rent a car in Grenada.  The Coyaba Beach Resort provides beach rooms with easy access to local buses, car rental and St Georges.

Dominica

Contributed Claire at Past the Potholes

Dominica is known as the ‘Nature Isle’ and for good reason. Dense jungle, waterfalls and beautiful scenery are everywhere. It’s also an adventure lover’s dream and is the perfect Caribbean island for anyone who loves hiking or SCUBA diving. The best way to explore the island is to hire a vehicle – we would recommend a 4×4.  

One of the best things to do in Dominica is the hike up to Boiling Lake. This tough day hike takes you into Morne Trois Pitons National Park, past Titou Gorge, through the Valley of Desolation and finally to what is literally a boiling lake in the fumarole of a volcano. There are amazing vistas along the way too; on a clear day you can see from coast to coast!  It’s a fantastic instagrammable Caribbean location.

For water lovers, the southwest of the island is home to Scott’s Head Marine Reserve. The crystal clear waters are the perfect place to dive or snorkel.  Hike up to the peninsula for amazing views back to the island and across to Martinique. Whale watching is also very popular in Dominica with the island being one of the only places in the world to have year-round resident sperm whales.

view from naval lookout over bright blue sea

Scott’s Head Peninsula, Dominica

There are so many incredible waterfalls in Dominica that it’s a challenge to pick our favourite.  Middleham Falls is the tallest waterfall on the island at 200ft high.  The 3km trail to reach the falls makes you feel like you have discovered a treasure in the depths of the tropical jungle. Which you have. Sari Sari Falls was another favourite of ours with a lovely river hike to reach it. 

The entire island of Dominica feels like one small village. Everyone knows everyone. They are kind, friendly and helpful. As a former British colony, English is the official language so communicating with locals is easy. Dominica is also one of the safest Caribbean islands. All you will need to worry about is planning your next adventure!

Trinidad

Written by Paulina at Paulina on the Road

Thinking of having fun at fascinating islands and beaches in the Caribbean? Then what are you waiting for? Trinidad island from Trinidad and Tobago is the most ideal destination for you in the Caribbean. At the Trinidad island you are sure to find a blend of Indian culture, Caribbean lifestyle, and European heritage. Trinidadian English Creole is spoken in Trinidad. If you are an explorer and wish to explore the island on your own then you must hire a car and drive. You will find many car rental companies at the international airport of Port of Spain. There are a number of hotels where you can accommodate yourself in Trinidad at affordable prices.

There are a whole lot of things to do in Trinidad. With your own car, you have the opportunity to discover lesser-known attractions of the island. The Waterloo Temple in the sea is one such spot. The place is a peaceful site where you can witness the distinguishing onion-shaped domes. It is the perfect location to get a lot of instagrammable Caribbean photos clicked around the sea. Trinidad has marvelous beaches for not only enjoying but also for clicking photos. The most famous is Maracas Beach which is an ideal site for ducking, boogie-boarding and body-surfing with kids.

rocks and cliffs with greenery on top in ocean

If you can, you have to visit during Trinidad’s carnival festival. It is a complete exhibition of culture, dance and music. Mardi Gras day is famous in carnival where girls wear spectacular and colorful costumes and participate in a parade.

Trini food is well known for a variety of cuisines and their delicious tastes. Trini food is a mixture of Indian, African, Pakistani and European cultures. A first-time visitor can stay around 4 days and enjoy the serene beauty of the city.  

Dominican Republic

Contributed by Monica at This Rare Earth

One beautiful instagrammable Caribbean destination and frequently overlooked Caribbean Island is the Dominican Republic. The country sits to the east of Haiti, actually sharing the same patch of land called Hispaniola. The official language is Spanish though English is widely spoken in the tourist areas. Like most of the neighboring islands, the weather is tropical, having a wet season and a dry season. 

The Dominican Republic is known for incredible white sand beaches, golden sunsets, and clear blue waters. However, there is a lot of history in the Dominican Republic as well. Santo Domingo, the capital, is home to the very first monastery in the Americas, as well as the first fortress and the first cathedral.  The “firsts” of the Americas can all be reached on foot throughout the Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo, and many of them are free to enter. This is one of the most charming areas on the whole island, and luckily is also budget friendly. It is easy to get clean and basic accommodations for under $30 per room, such as La Choza Guesthouse, within walking distance to the historical sights.

Just outside of Santo Domingo, there are three beautiful beach destinations to explore, including the stunning Isla Saona.  The island can be reached by boat, solo or with a group day tour, and offers a relaxing taste of the Caribbean with crystal clear waters. If at all possible, arrange your own boat or find a company that leaves early. That way you will have the entire island to yourself to explore.   

outcropping of land with palm trees into water instagrammable caribbean dominican republic

If you are visiting the Dominican Republic and are looking for a more resort-style holiday, you can’t go wrong with the famous Punta Cana area.  Most resorts offer private beaches, free snorkeling and kayaking equipment, and often are all-inclusive.  There is a reason this area is so well-known; the views are stunning. Plan for at least one week to explore what the Dominican Republic has to offer; I guarantee it will leave you wanting to return.

Caye Caulker, Belize

Contributed by Maartje & Sebastiaan from The Orange Backpack

The Belizean island of Caye Caulker is one of the best islands to visit in the Caribbean. It’s one of the best-known highlights of Belize. Travelers even go to Belize just to visit this tropical paradise.

Caye Caulker is known for its laidback vibe – its motto is ‘Go Slow’. It’s also known for its great snorkeling and diving options. In fact, two of the must-dos are lazing at the beach clubs and joining a snorkeling or diving tour for the Great Belizean Reef. Bring your underwater camera for this amazing instagrammable Caribbean spot! The beautiful coral reef is the second largest reef in the world and will show you a beautiful underwater world. One of the longer diving trips from Caye Caulker is a visit to the Great Hole which is famous among divers and high on many bucket lists.

boat floating in water with birds above belize

Another popular activity at Caye Caulker is renting a golf cart to explore the island but the island is quite small so there’s hardly anywhere to go with your cart and it’s all close enough to walk.

One of the best-known spots on the island is The Split. It was created by a hurricane in the 60s when the island was split in two. The Split is now a great place for live music, cocktails, relaxing and enjoying the sunset.

There aren’t many great white-sand beaches, but Caye Caulker is great for relaxing and doing nothing at all. We loved strolling around the few streets, having a cocktail at happy hour at The Split and watching sea horses at Iguana Reef.

Iguana Reef beach bar is one of the few spots where you can actually get in the water for a dive and relax on a beach bed. There are sea horses, a pelican feeding and instagrammable swings in the water. It’s the best place to watch the sky turn yellow, orange and red every evening, as Iguana Reef is perfectly located on the west coast of Caye Caulker. 

Antigua and Barbuda

Contributed by Sue at Sue Where? Why? What?

Antigua and Barbuda are a twin-island nation and a true gem of the Caribbean. Antigua is a coral island. This means beaches with powder white sand along the whole coast. 365 beaches to be exact, that’s 1 for every day of the year! Find your perfect beach, eat some lobster, relax over rum & a sunset. Unwind & enjoy! I loved it so much I stayed for 6 months!

Antigua has something for everyone and a car is essential to truly explore the beauty of the island. Obviously, one of the main draws is its beaches. With so many to choose from you can easily find your space on a perfect white patch of sand and feel like you’re the only one there. My favourite is beautiful & rustic Half Moon Bay. If you enjoy sailing, then you can go & admire the boats at English Harbour and Nelsons Dockyard is the perfect spot for anyone interested in the naval history of the Caribbean. In fact, if history is your thing then the island is peppered with evidence of the regions dark past. Sugar mills mark the landscape throughout and the coastline has its fair share of cannons & forts. Fort James is one of my favourites. There are so many wonderful things to do in Antigua.

aerial view of blue sea with bright pink flowers close

English Harbour, Antigua

For nature lovers, a visit to the twin island of Barbuda is a must. A 90-minute ferry ride brings you to this island paradise. Here you can have 17 miles of pink sand beach to yourself and take a trip to the huge frigate bird sanctuary. It’s such a unique instagrammable Caribbean destination.

empty beach with lone crooked tree instagrammable caribbean barbuda

Princess Diana Beach on Barbuda

Finally, for anyone who loves a party Shirley Heights on Sunday will not disappoint. With a lively steel band to serenade the gorgeous views for the sunset and live music to dance away the night.

Utila, Honduras

Contributed by Daniel and Ilona from Top Travel Sights

Utila in Honduras is one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands you can visit. Here, you can find white beaches and a fantastic underwater world.

The best place on the island to take pictures is the public beach. You can spend hours here, relaxing and cooling down in the water. We especially loved the straw umbrellas in the sea, where you can hide in the shade and enjoy your cocktail.

beach with blue wooden bench and grass tiki huts

If you want to visit a more remote location, you should take a boat to Water Cay. This island, just off the coast of Utila, is so tiny that you can only find a few palm trees and bushes here. Water Cay is the perfect place for a day trip, and we guarantee that you will have lots of beautiful photos afterwards.

For great Instagram pics, consider renting an underwater camera and snorkeling gear. Just off Water Cay, you can find a coral reef where you will see lots of colourful fish.

Last, you should hike up to Pumpkin Hill to see the island from above. Make sure to leave early in the morning before it gets too hot. Also, take lots of water with you because even though the hike is not long, you are guaranteed to sweat. Utila is small enough that you can see the whole island from here, with all its beautiful beaches and patches of jungle.

Other fun activities on Utila include visiting the Iguana Rescue Station and renting kayaks to paddle through the mangrove forests.

If you want to see more of the underwater world, you are in luck. Utila also happens to be one of the cheapest places in the Caribbean where you can learn to dive.

With Utila being small, you can get almost anywhere on foot. As an alternative, you can rent a bike to move faster.

St. Thomas, USVI

Contributed by Annick at The Common Traveler

St. Thomas’ natural beauty entices visitors to this, the largest of the four U.S. Virgin Islands.  American visitors do not need a passport, though they will need proof of citizenship. For this reason, St. Thomas is a great last-minute Caribbean escape for Americans without a passport. 

Visitors to St. Thomas shouldn’t miss Magens Bay, consistently rated one of the best beaches in the world. With its pristine white sand and protected waters, you’re sure to see a sea turtle or other friendly fish enjoying the bay with you. We recommend going early to avoid the cruise ship crowds and get the perfect instagrammable Caribbean pics. There is an admission fee, though season passes are also available for those on extended stays.

For those who prefer a quieter beach, visit Sapphire Beach instead. Named after the color of the water, you’ll have the perfect view of nearby St. John and the British Virgin Islands from your towel.

beach with blue sea and mountains beyond in water

Sapphire Beach, St. Thomas

For a fabulous view of the port and island, take the Skyride 700 to Paradise Point where you can enjoy a frozen drink. If you can time your visit with the sunset, you’ll be rewarded with amazing Instagram photos to make your friends at home jealous. These are only three of the best things to do in St. Thomas!

You’ll have the most freedom to discover the sights by renting a car. But warning that drivers drive in the left lane though the steering remains on the left, which can be confusing! Taxis are plentiful on the island, though the fare is charged per passenger. Agree on the fare in advance of your trip. 

Many people first experience St. Thomas while on a cruise before coming back for longer stays. Of course, given the number of people who decide to make St. Thomas their permanent residence each year, maybe a visit simply isn’t long enough to enjoy this island paradise!

Curaçao

Contributed by Lara at Both Feet On The Road 

Curaçao is exactly what you may expect from one of the best instagrammable Caribbean Islands, sunny weather, stunning beaches, crystal clear water, with colorful fish and coral. However, as Curaçao is also part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, this Caribbean island vibe is combined with a Dutch one, which offers a unique, but interesting sight.

This is especially visible in the island’s capital city, Willemstad. It’s a perfect mixture of Dutch colonial architecture and buildings, mixed with Caribbean colors and vibes. UNESCO also recognized this unique feature of the city when they added Willemstad to the Dutch World Heritage List. This makes Willemstad a must-visit. Be sure to check out the Queen Emma floating ponton bridge and the colorful houses at the harbor when you’re in Willemstad.

Of course hitting the beaches and snorkeling and diving are two of the most popular things to do on the island. Some of the most popular beaches are Playa Cas Abou, Grote Knip, Playa Lagun, Jan Thiel, and Blue bay. For scuba diving, you can check out Watamula, Tugboat, or Paradise.

aerial view of beach surrounded by green lush mountains

Besides stunning beaches, you can also find beautiful green montane scenery at the Christoffel National Park. Hike all the way to the top of Christoffel Mountain for an awesome view over the island.

For more breathtaking natural wonders on Curaçao head over to the Shete Boka National Park to see the ocean’s force at work. Watch the waves smash into the caverns and limestone hills.

The best way to explore Curaçao is by renting a car so you can explore all parts of the island, from the national parks to beautiful beaches. If you want enough time to explore the island and relax at the beach, a minimum of two weeks is definitely needed to visit Curaçao. 

St. Barthelemy

Follow Apryl Chapman Thomas’ on Instagram @southerntravelinngal

From the dramatic landing onto the airport’s short runway to the double-take of “is that who I think it is” to the Instagram-worthy everything, Saint Barthelemy (St. Barths or St. Barts) is a destination that’ll stay on your mind long after your visit. 

Located in the French West Indies, the tiny island exudes a larger-than-life personality. A favorite among bold names (high season is mid-December through mid-April), the island isn’t pretentious. Even with the French influence (many speak French or a mix of French and English), St. Barts has a laid-back Caribbean feel with a touch of glamour. Everyone comes here to relax and be.

beach with blue water and cliffs with green tops

First-time visitors should plan to spend three to four days to get a good feel for the destination. Getting around is done by car, and major car rental companies are available at the airport. Be forewarned – driving in St. Barts can be an adventure in itself with its narrow, winding, steep roads.

Given the size of the island, about 10 square miles, it is possible to visit all of its 17 distinctly different beaches. However, a must-do, especially when it comes to photo opportunities, is the hike to Colombier. Go early in the day to beat the heat since it’s about a 30-minute journey to an out-of-the-way beach. Stop at La Petite Colombier and pick up some goodies for an impromptu picnic in the sand. Colombier is a fantastic instagrammable Caribbean spot to visit on your holiday!

For something a bit unique, check out the Grand Fond natural pools. Referred to as the “Washing Machine” by locals, they make for the perfect photo backdrop.

cliffs with water flowing in between instagrammable caribbean st barts

St. Barts’ capital city of Gustavia, offers picturesque views for unforgettable photos. It’s also a great shopping area. 

Dining is prominent in St. Barths (it’s French after all), and there is everything from casual to fine dining. Make it a point to get a burger from Le Select (Jimmy Buffet’s and locals’ favorite place.) 

Accommodations in St. Barths range from villas to hotels like elegant Eden Rock – St Barths or the secluded Hotel Le Toiny.

Saint Lucia

Submitted by Tori of Tori-Leigh

The island of Saint Lucia is one of the most picturesque, and most photographed, islands in the Caribbean. It’s likely one of the first destinations that come to mind when thinking of the perfect instagrammable Caribbean island country!

Visitors from all over the world come to Saint Lucia for its beaches, luxury resorts, and to hike the famous Pitons. In fact, the Piton Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most photographed spot in the Caribbean.

Despite how they appear in photos, the Piton Mountains, Gros Piton and Petite Piton, are separated by Jalousie Bay and its beach. The bay provides a beautiful backdrop for island photography, with either of the Pitons rising above. Alternatively, visitors may hike to the top of Gros Piton to see and photograph the island from its peak. The hike itself is moderately difficult, with rocky terrain, but the views from the top will not disappoint.

Just north of the Pitons sits Soufriere Bay, home of the famous Jade Mountain Resort, and Diamond Botanical Gardens. Visitors won’t want to miss snagging a photo of or with Diamond Falls. Perhaps the most unique spot in Saint Lucia, also in Soufriere, is Sulfur Springs, the world’s only drive in volcano. Tour the volcano, enjoy a mud bath, and wash off at another nearby waterfall.

Saint Lucia is also home to many beautiful and colorful fishing villages. Marigot Bay, for example, is known for palm trees, shoreline, and boats lining the perfect blue coast.

sail boats against shore saint lucia

With so much to do and see, you’ll want a week to fully enjoy and experience the island. The best and easiest way to see Saint Lucia is to book guided or private tours, typically through your resort. There’s no shortage of relaxing and romantic resorts in Saint Lucia, as well, from three budget-friendly Sandals all-inclusive resorts to the luxurious Jade Mountain. No matter where you choose to stay, the beaches are a sight for your eyes and the camera.

Disclaimer: Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you purchase products or services through these links, we may earn a small commission. But don’t worry, this will never cost you any extra. As always, all views and thoughts are our own.

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Avatar for Joanne

Joanne

Hi! I'm Joanne. I'm a Canadian mom of three wonderful kids who love hockey, swimming, cheerleading and, of course, travel.

12 Comments

Avatar for Smita

Smita · August 5, 2020 at 5:06 pm

Wow! I knew the Caribbean was beautiful but these are something else! St. Kitts & Nevis and Aruba are on top of my bucket list now.

    Avatar for Joanne

    Joanne · August 9, 2020 at 3:57 pm

    Hi Smita. Those two are on the top of my list too!

Avatar for The Holidaymaker/Renee

The Holidaymaker/Renee · August 5, 2020 at 4:10 am

As a Canadian, I used to love going down south for a winter escape, so I have visited many of these islands. My favourite was St. Lucia. I no longer travel that way anymore, but it I did top of my list would be Curaçao, as I hear it has a European feel.

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    Joanne · August 9, 2020 at 3:57 pm

    Hi Renee. We’re Canadian as well. We still spend our winter vacation in the Caribbean but still have so many islands to explore!

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Delphine Mignon · August 3, 2020 at 7:08 pm

I love to take photos when I travel so this list is perfect for me, except I have no idea when I’ll make it to the Caribbean… The Timothy Hill viewpoint in St Kitts is exactly the type of photo I would like to take, the colours are stunning and would be very popular on Instagram!

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    Joanne · August 9, 2020 at 3:58 pm

    Hi Delphine. I hope you’re able to make it there one day!

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Dani · August 3, 2020 at 12:05 pm

Barbados was indeed top of my list, as well – it is the only Caribbean island we have visited! It was absolute paradise, and I want so badly to get back to the islands. I’m envious of east coasters who have such easy access and direct flights down there, lol. I would go every year!!

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    Joanne · August 9, 2020 at 3:59 pm

    Hi Dani. I totally understand as we don’t have direct flights either … always flying through Toronto.

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Ann · August 2, 2020 at 7:05 am

travelling to the Caribbeans is a trip one must include on their bucket list. you have very amazing details and great pictures. you have a great taste for travel. thank you.

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    Joanne · August 9, 2020 at 4:00 pm

    Thanks Ann! I’m glad you enjoyed it.

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Samantha Karen · August 2, 2020 at 3:29 am

I am a sucker for vivid blue waters! All of these places look amazing, making me crave a beach vacation. I have always wanted to go to Antigua and Barbuda and the photos of it make me want to go even more!

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    Joanne · August 9, 2020 at 4:01 pm

    Hi Samantha. After a few visits to Barbados we’re itching to try a new location. Antigua and Barbuda are high on our list!

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