5 Safest Caribbean Destinations - Best Hospitality Degrees

Safest Islands in the Caribbean

St. Barts
British Virgin Islands
Turks and Caicos
St. Vincent & The Grenadines
Cayman Islands

While it remains one of the most popular travel destinations, it’s paramount to consider the safest Caribbean destinations before choosing a place to work or making travel recommendations to clients. Certain popular destinations have higher crime rates than do other Caribbean islands. While most of the crimes are petty rather than violent, it is nevertheless advisable to select a location in which the likelihood of any type of crime occurring is relatively remote. Each of these five destinations boasts a relatively low crime rate.

1. St. Barts

One of the Caribbean’s most upscale destinations, it comes as no surprise that St. Barts scores well in terms of safety. The rich and famous play in this French-owned territory, but it can be accessible to the budget-minded with careful, early planning. The laid-back atmosphere, European-style architecture and gorgeous beaches are bound to appeal to anybody. It’s easy to enjoy famous beaches such as Anse Des Flamands, Baie de St-Jean and Anse de Grand Cul de Sac when the local murder rate hovers around zero each year and petty crime is a novelty.

2. British Virgin Islands

Also called B.V.I., this archipelago is made up of about 60 islands. Some of these are so small and remote that they are uninhabitable. Others are loaded with sugar-sand beaches, rainforests and national parks. Visitors will find plenty to do, but they are unlikely to encounter anything in the way of crime. One secret behind B.V.I.’s low crime rates is the incredibly stiff punishments for things like possession of narcotics. Of all the islands in the archipelago, Virgin Gorda, in particular, has a reputation for being crime-free.

3. Turks and Caicos

A lovely destination that is a British Overseas Territory, Turks and Caicos consists of some 40 islands. Approximately a dozen of these are occupied by year-round residents. The number of tourists far outweighs the number of residents, so it’s in the best interests of the locals and their economy to keep crime to a minimum. In fact, residents are known to rarely lock their doors. Visitors have little reason to worry as they explore coral reefs and the Turks & Caicos National Museum. The occasional opportunistic petty crime is about the worst thing that happens here.

4. St. Vincent & The Grenadines

The 32 islands that make up St. Vincent & The Grenadines are surrounded by turquoise waters and coral reefs that beg to be explored. St. Vincent is the largest island, but smaller destinations like Mustique and Bequia offer exclusive, upscale alternatives. These quiet islands are far less well-traveled than others in the region, placing them among the safest destinations for Caribbean vacations.

5. Cayman Islands

With outstanding beaches, scuba diving and nature preserves, the Cayman Islands is a superlative destination. It also has a reputation as one of the safest Caribbean tourist spots with its strict firearms laws. This is a British Overseas Territory, so it’s natural to expect some more stringent legal practices than may be found elsewhere in the Caribbean. With some relatively affordable accommodations and dining options, the Cayman Islands are an ideal and safe getaway.

While personal safety cannot be guaranteed in any place, U.S. Department of State travel advisories suggest that certain locations are subject to lower crime rates. Some islands in the Caribbean are plagued by gang and cartel crime as well as petty theft. However, these five islands are among the Caribbean’s safest destinations.