Top 25 Caribbean Islands Revealed

Searching for a tropical paradise? Well, Business Insider recently picked the top 25 islands in the Caribbean. Many are just a few hours from Canada, offer an astonishing array of activities and most are pretty affordable.

The rankings are based on the average cost of hotel rooms, accessibility, the number of activities available and the amount of coastline per square kilometre. All prices are in USD. Good luck picking one!

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25. St. Vincent and the Grenadines

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is noted for its peace and quiet. But, according to Business Insider, this Caribbean paradise isn’t cheap. The average hotel room cost is $637 per night. There are 115 different activities available to visitors.

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24. Haiti

Haiti probably isn’t at the top of your Caribbean paradise list, but don’t dismiss it. Earthquake reconstruction efforts have made a big difference and there is no shortage of things to do.

Prices are low, with a hotel room averaging just $107. Haiti doesn’t have as many beaches as its neighbours, but your visit will help the island’s continuing recovery.

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23. Anguilla

With an average hotel room cost of $412/night, Anguilla is definitely on the pricey side. Spend your days lazing on beautiful beaches and swimming in crystal clear waters. If you’re in the mood for romance, Business Insider recommends visiting Rendezvous Bay.

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22. Grenada

Known as the ‘Spice Isle,’ Grenada is fairly mountainous, which makes for excellent hiking and biking. Or head into the warm water and spend the day snorkelling.

The average hotel room cost is $206 and there are 158 activities for visitors to choose from.

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21. Dominica

Another Caribbean bargain is Dominica. Hotel rooms average $134 per night. According to Business Insider, Dominica’s Champagne Reef is worth the visit: geothermal bubbles will tickle you as you float. Dominica is also a diving hot spot with 40 different sites.

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20. Guadeloupe

With 321 different activities available, the hardest thing about visiting Guadeloupe is figuring out what to do. The average hotel room costs an affordable $140 per night, and if you really want to experience the best of Guadeloupe, Business Insider recommends visiting Guadeloupe National Park.

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19. British Virgin Islands

With hotel rooms averaging $278 per night, the British Virgin Islands are a little more expensive. But visitors will find more than 200 activities to choose from, spread out over 60 islands. From touring rum distilleries to top notch sailing, you won’t be bored here — unless you choose to be!

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18. Turks and Caicos

The Turks and Caicos are home to Grace Bay, which, according to TripAdvisor, is the best beach in the world. The islands are definitely upscale, with an average hotel room cost of $468 per night. But if you like your paradise on the posh side, this is the spot.

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17. Trinidad and Tobago

Birdwatching, diving and hiking are the big attractions in Trinidad and Tobago. Business Insider recommends the island of Trinidad if you’re looking for nightlife and Tobago if you want to chill out. The average hotel room costs $185 per night.

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16. St. Lucia

Hidden beaches, old plantations and luxury resorts are just a few of the attractions on St. Lucia, says Business Insider. The average hotel room costs $331 per night, so if you’re planning to visit, make sure you save up a bit first.

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15. Montserrat

A volcano destroyed part of Montserrat in the 1990s, and now visitors can explore the ruins. If post-apocalyptic adventures aren’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of beaches just waiting for you. Hotel rooms are a bargain, too — averaging just $102 a night.

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14. Antigua and Barbuda

With an average hotel room cost of $292 per night, Antigua and Barbuda can be a bit pricey, but you’ll discover more than 200 different activities to take advantage of.

And you can save money by lounging in a hammock with a good book.

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13. Martinique

Business Insider says Martinique offers the visitor a variety of landscapes to explore. While the capital Fort-de-France has all the mod-cons, the northern region is where nature lovers go.

The average cost of a hotel room is just $132 per night.

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12. Barbados

Barbados has it all: nightlife, luxury resorts and incredible beaches. Not only that, you’ll find 373 different activities to try (give yourself a lot of time!) including visiting a rum distillery. The average hotel room cost is $210 per night.

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11. Aruba

Colourful Aruba offers 350 different activities, says Business Insider. The average hotel room cost on the small Dutch island is $270 per night, but you can do better than that if you find a decent package deal.

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10. St. Kitts and Nevis

According to Business Insider, St. Kitts and Nevis offers beautiful beaches, spectacular mountains and lush tropical jungles. It’s not surprising that 173 different activities are available.

Hotel rooms average $257 per night and if you want a quieter holiday, head for Nevis.

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9. US Virgin Islands

With nearly 800 different activities on offer, you'll have plenty to do during your visit to the US Virgin Islands. There are three main islands where you’ll find historic sites, great sailing and a hopping nightlife. Ferries make it easy explore.

The average hotel room costs $246 per night.

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8. Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands is comprised of three islands, each with its own feel. According to Business Insider, Grand Cayman offers fine dining, shopping and Seven Mile Beach.

If you’re a hiker or diver, Cayman Brac may be better suited. And Little Cayman offers world-class diving and a quieter experience. The average hotel room cost is $281 per night.

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7. Saint Barthelemy

St. Barts is a mix of quiet beaches, spectacular scenery and gourmet dining. Plus there’s upscale shopping and luxurious hotels to indulge in. The average hotel room will set you back $305 per night.

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6. Jamaica

Jamaica is one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. You’ll find everything you could want in a tropical paradise plus amazing music and mouth-watering local food.

There are 763 activities on offer, but Business Insider says the one thing you must do is visit the iconic Rick’s Cafe in Negril to watch the sunset. Plenty of package tours are available, otherwise expect to pay an average of $220 per night for a hotel room.

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5. The Bahamas

Cracking the top 5 is The Bahamas. Made up of 700 islands, the country offers incredible diversity. It’s popular with wealthy travellers and the average hotel room will set you back $328 a night.

Resort prices are more affordable and Business Insider points out that you’ll have more than 700 activities, like diving, to choose from.

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4. Curacao

Another Dutch Caribbean island, Curacao is very popular with divers thanks to its accessible coral reefs. Business Insider recommends exploring the Hato Caves, where you can see stalactites and stalagmites.

There are more than 250 other activities to take advantage of. The average hotel room cost is $171 per night.

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3. Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten

One island, two countries. On the north half is the French Saint Martin with its food, wine and beaches. And on the south half, the Dutch Sint Maarten, known for its nightlife and shopping.

Together, you’ve got the perfect two-in-one holiday. The average hotel room cost, for both sides, is about $202 per night.

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2. Dominican Republic

The El Limon waterfall is just one of the Dominican Republic's gorgeous natural attractions. According to Business Insider, the DR has one of the most diverse landscapes in the Caribbean - from deserts to mountains.

There are more than 1,000 activities to choose from and the average hotel room will cost you about $184 per night.

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1. Puerto Rico

And in top spot, the American territory of Puerto Rico. Another lush destination, it also features beautiful beaches, coral reefs and crazy-fun nightlife in the capital San Juan.

The island is affordable, with rooms averaging $183 per night. Business Insider counted 1,056 activities on offer, so you may have to visit several times to take full advantage!