The Caribbean is undisputedly one of the most beautiful regions in the world. Powdery white sand, crystal clear waters, the warm sun, and cool breezes make it hard to resist.

Underneath that superficial beauty lies an incredible history, colorful culture, delicious food, and the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. You could easily spend every day laying on a Caribbean beach drinking Pina Coladas and eating Conch Fritters, but there is so much more to do!

This post contains everything you’ll want to add to your Caribbean Bucket List, to truly experience the best of this phenomenal area (don’t worry, there are beaches on the list too).

1. Martinique Bucket List Experiences

Martinique is known as the “rum capital of the world” and has also been called the “flower capital of the Caribbean.” This French Territory is located just north of St Lucia and is one of only a handful of French-speaking countries in the Caribbean.

Visit a Rum Distillery

Rhum Agricole was invented in Martinique, it is different to regular rum, as it’s distilled directly from pressed cane sugar. (Normally rum is distilled from fermented sugar cane products). Rhum Agricole can be made anywhere, but to attain the status of AOC, it must be distilled in Martinique.

Bring a picnic, or stay for lunch in the restaurant. You’ll need at least 2 hours here, and, because tastings are included in your entrance fee of 13 euros, you should book a taxi to take you back to your hotel.

Check out the beaches

A tropical paradise with a white sand beach, crystal clear waters, and tall coconut trees lining the shore.

This French island in the Caribbean Sea is well known for its fabulous beaches, perfect for a relaxing holiday under the sun or fun water activities.

Indeed, one of the best things to do in Martinique is to explore its many beaches because they are all different and unique. You will find the typical postcard beach with turquoise waters, golden sand, and coconut trees, but also wilder beaches made of black sand in the middle of the jungle.

If you want to snorkel, check out this post about the best places to snorkel in the Caribbean.

2. Jamaica Bucket List

A serene beach with white sand, a coconut tree, and clear blue waters.

Jamaica is one of the most famous Caribbean Islands. Hearing the name inspires visions of Bob Marley, reggae music, and the incredible Dunns River Falls. If you find yourself in Jamaica, be sure to cross off these 3 Caribbean Bucket List activities!

Stay in an Overwater Bungalow

A row of resort houses sits on stilts above the crystal clear waters of the ocean, in Jamaica.

One of the most amazing and unique experiences in the Caribbean is staying in an over-the-water bungalow.

Any couple would adore this tropical resort as a romantic escape from their day-to-day life. Alternatively, anyone looking for a fun girls’ trip filled with luxurious massages and tropical cocktails should consider staying in one of Sandal’s overwater bungalows.

Try Jerk Chicken

Colorful Jerk Chicken cart decorated with traditional Jamaican patterns serving mouth-watering jerk chicken.

When you are in the Caribbean and find yourself on the island of Jamaica, you must try Jerk Chicken. No matter where you go in Jamaica, you’ll find traditional Jamaican food dishes that are sold all over the island. Whether on the roadside or the beach. One dish you’ll find in many establishments or cookshops, as they are called in Jamaica, is Jerk Chicken.

Some of the key ingredients that make this tasty chicken dish so delicious is the use of Scotch bonnet pepper, thyme, and allspice seasoning. If you try Jerk Chicken on the roadside, in many cases you’ll see it is served by itself, or, with a dollop of tomato Ketchup.

Watch Baby Turtles Release to the Ocean

There are plenty of interesting activities to enjoy if staying in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. One of the most special is to witness a turtle release on what’s fondly known as ‘Mel’s Turtle Beach’ in Oracabessa. It’s a magical experience that adults, children and particularly animal lovers will adore.

The turtle release tour was started by Mel Tennant, who began the project to save turtles from being illegally poached. Each year, sea turtles lay anywhere between 100 and 240 eggs on the shore. Once hatched, they are guided by Mel and his team back to the ocean.

Whilst on the tour, guests can witness the sea turtles hatch from the sand. They are then invited to gently wash the baby sea turtles with water, before lining them up in a row. From here, the sea turtles instinctively start making their way back to the sea and are unlikely to return for the next 20 years, until it is their time to lay their own eggs.

Turtle releases typically happen between the months of October and November, and if travelling to Jamaica during that time, it’s a truly beautiful experience that you won’t regret being a part of!

3. Cuba Bucket List

Cuba is a country in the West Indies and is located in the Northern Part of the Caribbean Sea. Although it is a large country, it only has one major city, Havana. Don’t let that deter you from visiting this incredible island. Be sure and check out these 2 very special Caribbean bucket list activities

Stay in a Colonial Mansion

If you’re planning on visiting Havana, make sure to plan on staying in one of the many lovingly restored colonial homes or apartments that are available for rent. Called “casas particulares” in Spanish, these homes can be quite affordable in comparison to hotels, and are often much more luxurious. You’ll find homes in Havana with sprawling verandas, ornately decorated rooms with high ceilings and columns, and even private swimming pools.

Visit a Tobacco Plantation

Horses grazing in a green field and traditional nipa house in the countryside in one of the Tobacco Plantations.

Farmers have been growing tobacco leaves in the lush valley of Viñales for over 200 years, and today there are a multitude of walking, biking and horseback tours that can take you around the acclaimed plantations.

As you are whisked through the fields on the back of an eager Cuban Criollo horse, you are mesmerized by the vast scale of the tobacco growing operation. The entire valley is covered in the same thick, green shrubbery. All ready to be cultivated, dried, fermented and packaged into the world’s most-revered tobacco product – the illustrious Cuban Cigar.

Whether you smoke or not, it is hard not to be impressed as you watch wiley, old farmers manipulating the dried leaves with their hands, until they resemble the shape of a classic Cuban cigar that we are all familiar with.

4. Belize Bucket List

A diver diving in Belize. — Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

Nestled between Mexico and Guatemala in Central America, you’ll find the idyllic country of Belize. With the Caribbean Sea on its eastern side, it has the world’s 2nd largest barrier reef. Here are a few Belizean must-do’s to add to your Caribbean bucket list!

Take a Jungle Hike

The wrecked jet lies in the middle of the dense forest, its mangled metal frame surrounded by towering trees and tangled vines. — Photo Credit: Maartje & Sebastiaan, **The Orange Backpack**.

Visiting the Cockscomb Nature Reserve in Belize is one of the best things to do in the Caribbean.

Cockscomb was founded as the first jaguar reserve in the world. You won’t likely spot any jaguars though, but other animals and especially tropical birds are usually visible to visitors.

One of the more unique places in the park is the stranded airplane, not far from the main entrance. Make sure to include at least that one in your day trip from Hopkins. Another highlight is the Ben’s Bluff waterfall at the end of the trail of the same name. It’s a great place to take a dive and shower under the waterfall.

Visit Mayan Ruins

Aerial view of ancient Mayan ruins surrounded by lush greenery and clear blue skies.

Belize is home to 600 ancient Mayan Ruin sites! You’ll definitely want to check out at least one while you are there! Altun Ha is located a outside of Belize City and makes a great day trip or cruise excursion. You can drive yourself to Altun Ha if you have a car.

The drive is about 45 minutes from Belize City. When you arrive on-site, there are tour guides for hire. You can also walk around without a guide, but we found having one was very interesting. We learned a lot about the Mayan Culture.

Altun Ha was inhabited from about 900 BC-1000 AD, with its largest occupation being from 400-900 AD. A bush pilot noticed the structures from the air in 1963. The exploration of Altun Ha began shortly after. The site is about 3 square miles.

Be sure and check out the Mayan goods and foods on the way out of the site!

5. Antigua Bucket List

Located in the West Indies, Antigua and Barbuda is a sovereign island country. It is made up of 2 major islands, Antigua and Barbuda, and several smaller islands. The main source of revenue for this small country is tourism.

Explore a different beach every day of the year!

A stunning aerial view of the lush, tropical Caribbean islands surrounded by crystal clear blue waters and white sandy beaches.

Known as the Caribbean island with 365 beaches, one for each day of the year, Antigua’s coast has, as a matter of fact, a whole lot of sand to enjoy. Especially on the Caribbean side, you can find many picture-worthy deserted white sand beaches, if not one for every day of the year; for sure, you can explore a different one for each day of your vacation.

6. Bahamas Bucket List

Aerial view of Paradise Island, Bahamas, with jet skis parked along the sunlit shore, surrounded by clear blue waters.

It’s no secret that the Bahamas are one of my favorite vacation destinations. You can spend days lounging on gorgeous white sand beaches. If you want to take your Bahamian vacay up a notch, try this bucket list activity.

Swim with pigs

* I am including this because I think it’s awesome. I can’t stress enough how strongly I feel about visitors NOT touching, or feeding , or in anyway disrupting the wildlife in this or any area.

One of the must-do activities in the Caribbean right now is Pig Beach on Big Major Cay Island. The entire family can enjoy time spent with the twenty to twenty-five wild pigs that call the beach home.

What makes these pigs extra special in the Bahamas is that they will swim out to boats that come to visit the beach. While seeing and petting the pigs is the biggest draw of the island there are several other activities that can be enjoyed. The ocean around Pig Beach is full of exotic life that is ready to be explored while snorkeling or diving tours offered nearby.

Another big draw to the area is being able to swim with nurse sharks. Big Major Cay Island is just 100 miles south of Nassau and can be reached by boat, ferry, or private plane.

There are generally two popular types of tours to visit Pig Beach: a private boat or a ticket on a general boat. Private boats typically cost around $2,500, and you can have up to 25 people on the trip. A general boat, where you purchase your seat will cost between $150-200 per person. You may be able to negotiate a better price, but Pig Beach is very popular right now so don’t plan on it.

Before heading to Pig Beach it’s also a good idea to make sure you pack water shoes for everyone in your group, to protect from rocky areas on the beach and coral nearby should you go for a swim.

It’s also important not to feed the pigs, even if you see other people doing it. Some pigs have gotten sick and died from eating food offered. They also don’t want them to become dependent on humans feeding them, causing the pigs to lose the ability to fend for themselves.

A trip to Pig Beach is definitely one you will enjoy marking off your bucket list, with the photos and memories bringing joy for years to come.

7. Dominican Republic Bucket List

The Dominican Republic shares the Hispaniola Island with Haiti to its West. The Dominican Republic is known for its beaches, fine resorts, and Pico Duarte, the Caribbean’s tallest mountain.

Take Dance Lessons!

African american couple moving with rhythm outdoors. Happy african professional dancers curling in latino dance in city.

The Dominican Republic is famous for in the Caribbean: dancing! Dominicans love to dance in every moment of their life; it doesn’t matter if they are in the office, bathroom, or street. When you are traveling to the Dominican Republic, you can see this unique attitude in many situations:

8. Holbox Bucket List

Holbox is located just north of the Yucatan Peninsula. This Island is car free! It is also home to unique wildlife such as flamingos, pelicans, whale sharks, and sea turtles.

Swim with Whale Sharks

Big whale swimmng in the deep bluse sea.

One of the best things to do in Holbox Island, Mexico, is swimming with whale sharks. If you’re unfamiliar with whale sharks — don’t worry, they aren’t actually sharks! Rather, they are the largest fish in the ocean at about 25 feet long (8m) but they have tiny teeth because they mostly eat plankton.

During June-September, the whale sharks migrate past the Mexican Caribbean island of Holbox (pronounced hole-bosh). To swim with them, you’d need to go with a boat tour, as they stay in the deeper parts of the sea.

9. The Grenadines Bucket List

32 islands located in the Lesser Antilles are known as the Grenadines. The Grenadines have scenic, gorgeous beaches and boaters flock to their waters.

Visit Happy Island

Baywalk with people seating and talking in each other. — Photo Credit: Melinda, **Mel on the Go**

Happy Island is a man-made island built in the middle of the bay outside the Union Island town of Clifton. Local entrepreneur Janti conceived the idea and carried it out with conch shells and a dream.

Adding to the adventure, you can only get to this bar on a boat. Don’t worry – water taxis and charter boats will gladly bring you to and from Happy Island.

10. Panama Bucket List

Panama is located in Central America with borders on the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. It is mostly known for the Panama Canal, but did you know it also the only place in the world where you can watch the sunset on the Atlantic AND see the sunrise on the Pacific?

Visit San Blas Island

bahamas, beach, caribbean waters with clear and blue water.

This hidden gem is often overlooked by travelers due to its remote location. There are 365 islands in San Blas, but only a few are inhabited and lived on. Visiting San Blas Island is coordinated through the indigenous Kuna people. The Kuna Yala region is an autonomous region in Panama. You will need to show your passport to enter the area.

Yucatan Peninsula

The Yucatan Peninsula separates the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. It is home to many popular tourist destinations, including Cancun, Chichen Itza, Belize, and Ik Kil. You could easily spend forever in this area and not be bored!

Visit Rio Secreto

A crystal clear, underground river surrounded by cave formations and lush vegetation in the Riviera Maya, Mexico.

Located just south of Playa del Carmen, Rio Secreto is convenient for any travelers visiting Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, or Cancun and is a day trip that you don’t want to miss.

Rio Secreto – which means “secret river” in Spanish – is an underground cave system formed by a beautiful, crystal clear river system. The tours of Rio Secreto are conducted in intimate groups of 10 people or less (plus a local expert guide!) and give you an opportunity to experience the natural beauty that feels nearly untouched.

11. St Kitts Bucket List

St Kitts and Nevis are located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Of the two islands , St Kitts is the largest. It’s home to the Green Vervet Monkey, a dormant Volcano, and lush beautiful rainforest. Be sure and add St Kitts to your Caribbean bucket list!

Visit Brimstone Hill Fortress

Aerial view of Brimstone Hill Fortress, a historic site located on a lush green hilltop overlooking the blue Caribbean Sea.

Brimstone Hill Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the best things to do in St Kitts in the Caribbean. The fortress is located on the hillside of mount Liamuiga, the volcano that dominates this tiny island.

It was designed by British engineers and built intermittently between the 1690s and 1790s by African slaves to defend from coastal attacks. It is one of the best-surviving examples of British military engineering from the time.

The main citadel area of the fortress, known as Fort George, has been completely restored so visitors can get a real feel for how it would’ve been when it was fully operational. The rooms inside the citadel are now a museum packed with information about the fortress, including what life was like inside for both the military and the slaves.

12. Bermuda Bucket List

Bermuda is “technically” not in the Caribbean, its in the Atlantic, but because in 2003 it became an “associate member of the Caribbean”, I couldn’t help but add it to this list! Bermuda is a British Territory located in the Atlantic Ocean. It is about 643 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Bermuda is a blend of American and British traditions and cultures, and is home to many celebrities.

See the Bermuda Caves

Stunning rock formations inside the Bermuda Caves and crystal clear water reflecting off cave walls.

The beauty of the Bermuda Caves is like none other. From the white limestone stalagmites and icicles emerging from the ceiling, to the crystal clear water that gives an unobstructed view to the formations that have made their home underwater, this experience will leave a beautiful image etched into the mind for a lifetime. Luckily there are several caves throughout Bermuda.

Crystal and Fantasy Caves are the most popular caves in Bermuda.

Visit Pink Sand Beaches

Beautiful Horseshoe Bay Beach on Bermuda's south shore.

Pink Sand Beaches are one of the most iconic things about Bermuda. You absolutely must visit one on your trip to Bermuda! Horseshoe Bay is probably the most famous (busy) while Elbow beach has calm waters and makes for easy swimming.

The pink comes from tiny red organisms that feed on the coral off the shore of Bermuda. When they die, they fall onto the coral; as the coral is crushed, mixed with shells, and washed ashore, you can see the pink tint left behind. You get an incredible visual display when backdropped with the stunning color of the Bermudian waters!

13. St Martin Bucket List

St Martin is an island divided by two countries. The Northern part of the Island, is French and called Saint Martin. The southern side is Dutch and called Sint Marteen. The fusion of these two countries make the island a treat to visit.

Great food, entertainment, and gorgeous scenery around every corner await you on this island!

Plane Watch on Maho Beach

Aerial view of Maho Beach with a low-flying plane passing by, surrounded by clear blue water and sandy beach

One of the best places in the world for plane spotting is Maho Beach on St. Maarten. It’s located very close to Princess Juliana International (SXM) Airport, and you get a unique perspective of the airplanes as they take off and land. You can hang out in the ocean and watch the planes land over you.

Alternatively, there are bars at either end of the beach, where you can grab a cocktail or some food while waiting for the planes. It is crazy how close the planes are to the ground.

14. St Lucia Bucket List

Looking at Gran Piton with water in distance and town below

St Lucia is located in the Eastern Caribbean, and in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful islands! There are volcanoes, lush jungles, gorgeous beaches, and a fun cultural vibe that will capture a piece of your heart instantly.

Visit a drive-in Volcano and take a mud bath

Volcanoes are plentiful in the Caribbean Islands, but Saint Lucia is the only one with a drive-in volcano and sulfur springs.

Known for world-class resorts and beaches, Saint Lucia is also home to UNESCO World Heritage classified The Pitons and the sulphur springs, all part of the Soufrière volcano.

The baths are said to have medicinal properties, and even if they don’t, who cares? This is a unique vacation experience you will always remember. Enjoy it!

Sit Beneath the Pitons

Scenic view of Pitons in St Lucia with majestic mountains and crystal blue ocean.

The Pitons in St Lucia are a registered UNESCO heritage site. There are 2 pitons, both of which are volcanic plugs. You can also take a water taxi from the town of Soufrière to Sugar Beach. It is a small beach, but definitely worth the visit. Sitting between these two gorgeous peaks is a Caribbean Bucket list item I would repeatedly do!

15. Roatan Bucket List

Arial view of the vibrant Roatan Honduras beaches with turquoise waters and lush greenery.

Roatan is located just off the coast of Honduras. With an amazing coral reef, gorgeous waters, mild climate, and a fun mix of cultures, Roatan is quickly becoming one of the most popular Caribbean Islands to visit.

The water is so amazing here, its no surprise that scuba diving was suggested as an ultimate bucket list addition! We love it there so much, we’ve been looking at houses there for after we retire! Add Roatan to your Caribbean bucket list, no matter what activities you enjoy, I know you will love Roatan!

Scuba Dive

The tropical island paradise, Roatan, located about 30 miles off the northern coast of Honduras, is one of the best places in the Caribbean to explore the underwater world.

The scuba diving around Roatan is spectacular on amazing reefs in the clean, warm water with rays, sharks, big fish, turtles and more swimming over the pristine coral reefs. There are some large, intact wrecks lying in deep water that are exciting diving for experienced scuba divers.

Snorkeling from the beaches on the West End is amazing. Without swimming very far you can see lots of fish, turtles and other fascinating creatures from the surface when snorkeling off the beach.

Hold a Sloth

Holding a Sloth is such a fun Caribbean bucket list item! When visiting Roatan, there are a few options for holding a sloth. My favorite is Daniel Johnson’s Monkey and Sloth Hangout. I would never visit a place where I thought the animals were being mistreated or exploited for profit.

Daniel Johnson and his staff LOVE their animals. They aren’t caged. They are well fed, taken care of, and happy. But.. back to the sloths… oh my! They are so sweet and cuddly. They snuggle right into you! If you are in Roatan, visit them for sure!

16. Grand Cayman Bucket List

2 palm trees and hammock over white sand

Grand Cayman is the largest island of the Cayman Islands. The main source of revenue from this country is banking and tourism. The main attraction of the Cayman Islands is the ridiculously beautiful, super clear and warm water surrounding the islands.

Swim with Stingrays

Me and my husband swimming with stingrays in crystal clear waters in a Stingray City Tour

25 miles off the coast of Grand Cayman is a group of sand bars known as Stingray City. The water here is only 2-4 feet deep, so even if you can’t swim you can enjoy an encounter with these gentle giants. Grand Cayman has a lot of mosquitos on land, so fishermen used to stop at this sand bar to clean and prepare their catch for sale before heading in.

The Stingray grew accustomed to eating the scraps and now resides here full-time. The female stingrays are the largest, sometimes up to 6 feet wide! It’s such a fun experience to be in the water with the stingrays. They are silky smooth and like to rub against you. T

hey have suctions for a mouth, so if you hold food in between your toes or fingers, they will “suck” it up from you. This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that you have to add to your Caribbean bucket list!

17. Caribbean Bucket List

Me posing at the beautiful Beach in the Caribbean

How many of these amazing experiences have you had, and which one are you excited to do next? A lot of these are accessible by cruise stop too! Let me know in the comments, if there is a Caribbean bucket list item I need to add to this list!