The eastern Caribbean area is magnetic and stunning. With gorgeous waters, excellent weather, and some of the most beautiful islands you’ll see anywhere around the globe, the eastern Caribbean is a must-see destination for any traveler who wants a solo tropical getaway, girlfriends holiday, BabyMoon, Honeymoon, or a family vacation.
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Eastern Caribbean – Home to the Heavy Hitters
Chances are you’re already familiar with this area of the Caribbean. That’s because you’ve probably seen some or all of the islands listed below on travel shows or you’ve read about them before. The eastern Caribbean is home to some of the most famous Caribbean islands. A couple have been immortalized on TV and in Movies. Any of these make amazing vacation destinations for you and the family. They are also superb cruise ports.
US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas
Probably the most well known island in the area is St. Thomas. At just 32 square miles, St. Thomas doesn’t let a limited amount of space detract from days filled with wonderful activities. This island has something for everyone, from white sand beaches to a world renowned golf course, dining, shopping, and more. History minded travellers can even visit the Western Hemisphere’s second oldest synagogue and Fort Christian, built in 1680.
We enjoyed St. Thomas for its gorgeous turquoise waters and activities like Coral World. The snorkelling here, scuba and SNUBA, is world class.
British Virgin Islands
You’re probably more familiar with these islands than you think, and you can thank Pirates of the Caribbean for that. How so? Well, British Virgin Islands are a collection of over 50 islands and cays, the most famous being Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Tortola. Yep, Tortola. The pirates hang out. We visited Tortola briefly on a cruise back in 2015.
Visitors to the islands can indulge in fine dining, take in the beauty of nature, and explore the historical sites on the island, and they can do it all in a laid back atmosphere that is less hustle and bustle than other islands in the eastern Caribbean.
San Juan
The capital of Puerto Rico combines new and old world sensibilities in one amazingly beautiful package. It features amazing beaches, shopping, dining, and night life, and it’s easily accessible, being only a 3 hour flight from big US cities.
Visitors to San Juan can enjoy the dining, night life, and electric atmosphere of New San Juan, the bustling big city of the eastern Caribbean, or they can slow it down and take in the scenic waterfronts, colorful architecture, festive events, and a generally slower pace in Old San Juan.
On the Royal Caribbean cruise we just did in January we visited Old San Juan. Our tour was only one day long but it was super educational and such a gorgeous spot to visit. I will return here for a longer period of time one day soon. Do not miss the Capital Building and the Old San Juan Historic Site. So much history here.
St. Maarten/St. Martin
Many people think that these two are just different spellings of the same name, but that is incorrect. In reality, St. Maarten and St. Martin are two separate territories which share the same island. St. Maarten is part of the Netherlands, while St. Martin is part of France. And the influences of each country are seen heavily in their respective territories.
Visitors should absolutely visit both areas to get the most out of one of the most culturally diverse islands in the eastern Caribbean. While gorgeous beaches and geography can be found throughout the island, it’s important to note that visitors can experience VASTLY different architecture, dining, and atmosphere when they visit both St. Maarten and St. Martin.
Nassau
The jewel in the crown of the eastern Caribbean, Nassau boasts miles of white sand beaches, vivid coral reefs, and crystal clear waters. Visitors can enjoy fine dining, shopping, and sight seeing on one of the most posh islands in all of the eastern Caribbean. If you’re a James Bond fan, you can even visit the British Colonial Hotel, used in two Sean Connery bond films.
But if you are visiting this area as a family, the most important spot for you to see is Atlantis. We can’t wait until we return. Waterslides for days!! And that one through the shark tank makes me happy. Plus the lazy river is the BEST Lazy River I have ever doe. Nothing lazy about it.
Eastern Caribbean Destinations You Can’t Miss
The eastern Caribbean is the most beautiful, exciting, and culturally diverse part of the area, and these picks make great travel destinations for families and couples, alike. Whether you’re a nature lover or an adventure seeker, the eastern Caribbean has something for you.
St. Maartin is my favorite. I have some very fond memories of the time I spent on that island. Great suggestions.
I haven’t been to any of these places and unfortunately won’t be going anytime soon it looks like. Will just have to dream and enjoy looking at the photos.
Sounds like just the place to go for family fun and a much needed getaway. It has been years since I was out that way
That looks like such a great trip! I have never been out of the US except to go to Canada! This is definitely on my bucket list.
I did this same cruise 15 years ago now and loved it. I would like to do it again but with my kids this time, it is simply amazing.
Oh my goodness the pic with the Atlantis resort in the background is killing me. I so need a tropical vacation. I think Eastern Caribbean would definitely be a winner.
I’ve been to the USVI once and I have always wanted to go back. It’s absolutely beautiful there and there is so much to do.
Oh, this looks like so much fun. I have never been to the caribbean, but I’ve head such good things from people that have been there.
I’ve been to all of these places except St. Martin. It’s on my list, though. Years ago, I sailed around the US and British Virgin Islands with my then boyfriend and his parents. We had a great time!
All of those places are on my travel bucket list! I did know that St. Maarten and St. Martin are different territories but I did not realize that they were both located on one island.
There so much to see in the Carribean. It’s just the perfect place to relax surrounded by the oceans.
These places are true dream destinations! I would love to be in any of the places you mentioned. I sit here imagining myself in that tropical paradise when in reality, the storm is dumping as much snow as it can. Oh my goodness. Please take me to any of those Eastern Caribbean spots!
A few years ago I went on a cruise around he Carribean – such a beautiful area to visit 🙂
All of these places sound amazing. I’ve only been to San Juan. I want to see St Thomas the most.
I have never been here, but it is on my list of places to visit! The water always looks so pristine there!
It looks like there is so much to see and do in the Eastern Caribbean. I would totally like to take the whole family on a vacation to this destination. It would be a fabulous family trip.
You’ve got me completely sold! I want to visit the Caribbean now! Maybe I’ll try and plan a winter vacation for when we are so tried of the snow!
I’ve never been to the Caribbean at all but all of the islands look amazing!
It looks like you had a wonderful time with your family. The pictures that you shared are so beautiful I’m so glad you had a great time.