How to Choose the Best Caribbean Island for Your Fall Vacation



To some, fall is about falling leaves and apple picking; to others, it's the best time to get away to the Caribbean. It's when the tourist crowds are thinning, and prices are dropping.

Of the 20 island nations, which would be the best Caribbean island for your fall vacation?

From the many water sports and all day coffee-and-rum breaks to the perfect sunny sky, amazing beaches, golf courses and vibrant culture, there is an island that will suit your needs.

1. Water sports in Aruba


In about four hours you'll arrive in Aruba, flying directly from New York City, Atlanta, DC or Charlotte.

Aruba, the "One Happy Island" has friendly locals, powdery-white sand beaches and an array of water sports. This island is fortunate to be located just outside the hurricane belt in the southern Caribbean.

Boasting a perfect combination of the Caribbean weather, wind and water conditions, Aruba offers a variety of water sports - parasailing, snorkeling, sailing, scuba diving, paddle surfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, and windsurfing.

Malmok Beach is the place for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The south and west beaches are great for snorkeling, water skiing, and swimming. For jetskiing, tubing, fishing, and parasailing, head over to Eagle Beach.

There is a water activity for all ages and skill level. Beginners can learn to scuba dive, kite surf or windsurf.

Plan your visit to Aruba with Aruba.com, the official Aruba tourism website.

2. Beaches and mountains in St Lucia


The appeal of St Lucia is more than just golden beaches in the north. The island nation is a sanctuary for nature's treasures - mountainous and covered in 19,000 acres of tropical rainforests. The most beautiful natural sight is the volcanic cones of the Petit Piton and Gros Piton with a backdrop of the ocean.

Take a two-hour hike to the top of Gros Piton at 2,619 feet for a view of the island. You'll need to get a guide and a permit from the Forestry Department. The iconic Pitons is a World Heritage Site. A hike is also available to the Edmund Forest Reserve, where you get to see St Lucia's exotic plants and flowers, and views of the sea and mountains.

3. All-inclusive resort and history in the Dominican Republic


If an idyllic escape means laying in the sun, drinking umbrella-topped cocktails and having a diverse repertoire of restaurants in one place, head over to an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana at the Dominican Republic.

There is one that will suit your budget and style of travel. Check out:

Savor every moment of doing nothing while on vacation and get all the pampering you deserve at an all-inclusive resort. If there's time to spare, we recommend a day trip to Santo Domingo. Learn about the history of the Caribbean oldest city, founded in 1498. Walk on the cobblestone streets in Zona Colonial and visit colonial houses that date back to the 1500s.

4. Food in Puerto Rico


Puerto Rico is the best options for those who don't have a passport in hand but still want to vacation in the Caribbean. It's a US Commonwealth island, which means Americans can visit passport-free and don't need to clear Customs.



Besides beautiful beaches, waterfalls, tropical rainforest and the attractions in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico is home to a vast selection of restaurants. Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to food in Puerto Rico. There are restaurants serving authentic Puerto Rican dishes like mofongo and lechon asado or cuisine with European, Asian or American influences.

Read 5 Things to Do in San Juan Puerto Rico.


5. Rural retreats in Nevis


Get away from it all in Nevis, an island with an area of only 36 square miles. Unlike other Caribbean islands, Nevis does not have an all-inclusive resort. Visitors have a choice of staying in a rural retreat or a beach resort. Most of these rural retreats were once either old sugar mills, boiling houses, or chattel houses.



Read 5 Hidden Romantic Spots in Nevis.

6. Overwater bungalows and reggae music in Jamaica


According to Coastal Living magazine, the best overwater bungalows in the Caribbean is in Montego Bay, Jamaica. You don't have to travel thousands of miles to Bora Bora or the Maldives for an overwater bungalow experience. Check out Sandals Royal Caribbean, the Caribbean island's best overwater bungalows.

Dance barefoot in the sand and enjoy reggae, the soulful music of Jamaica.

7. Golf and nightlife in Barbados


The key ingredient to a happy vacation for a golfer and a non-golfing partner is to find a vacation spot that will cater to both. One place that fits the bill is Sandy Lane in Barbados. While the golfer spends an entire day or week at the golf course, the non-golfer can relax at the beach, have afternoon tea or get pampered at the 47,000 square feet spa.

Both (golfer and non-golfer) can have a great end to the day by dining in the restaurants in the resort or head out to one of the restaurants and bars in Holetown. If the travel includes a Friday evening, join the locals and tourists at the Oistins fish fry, Barbados’ open-air dining, and night spots.

For recommended activities in Barbados, read 5 Things to Do in Barbados.




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