Planning a trip to the Caribbean?

There are many beautiful and fun places in the Caribbean, but you will need to know what some of your options are before choosing any one place in particular to visit. These islands offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the entire world, and each one is unique in its own way. Learn more about some of the most popular Caribbean destinations below that are a nonstop flight away.

 

U.S. Virgin Islands

One of the great things about the U.S. Virgin Islands is that you can visit without an American passport.

The islands are the perfect place for snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, and hiking so it attracts lots of people who are looking for adventure.

St. John is two-thirds National Park and steeped in natural beauty. Trunk Bay in St. John is by far the best place on the island to go snorkeling, though there are a lot of other really nice spots. The crystal clear waters that surround this island make for some truly idyllic scenery.

Fly into St. Thomas and take the ferry to this small island full of good vibes and relaxation. Choose your experience between five star resorts, private villas to eco-lodges.

St. Thomas and St. Croix offer the same beauty of St. John though much larger with more nightlife, museums and festivals.

These islands have some of the most beautiful coral reefs surrounding them, which is why so many people who love scuba diving come here.

Buck Island National Park in St. Croix is one place you should try to visit, and don’t miss a stroll through historic Frederiksted for beautiful sunsets. Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas offers Caribbean culture and charm with great shopping and Megan’s Bay is breathtakingly beautiful.

Enjoy the slowed down island vibe on any of these three islands, just a direct flight away from Florida.

 

British Virgin Islands

Like many Caribbean destinations, the British Virgin Islands are comprised of four main islands (Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke), and more than 50 additional smaller islands and cays.

The British Virgin Islands host hundreds of thousands of tourists each year, and it isn’t hard to understand why it has become such a hotspot.

They offer the same stunning, dream-like beaches everyone has come to expect from popular Caribbean destinations, but they are also home to unusual beauties like The Baths: a maze of giant rock formations in the water off the coast of Virgin Gorda.

The British Virgin Islands are a perfect destination for more adventurous travelers who would like to get a feel for the local geography, as Tortola is home to Mount Sage National Park, which was established in 1964. There are a dozen trails that tourists can hike through the Caribbean rainforest in the park, including a trek to the top of Mount Sage, which sits at 1,716 feet.

From sprawling open-air luxury villas to tucked away cottages that convey local color (of which there is no shortage on these islands), the British Virgin Islands can accommodate any taste.

 

Bahamas

Located just 50 miles off the Florida coast at its nearest point, the Bahamas are an archipelago of more than 700 islands and cays stretching thousands of miles in the Atlantic and Caribbean.

Because of the many bodies of land with varied landscapes that the Bahamas encompass, this Caribbean destination is sure to offer something that will please every vacationer.

Grand Bahama, Paradise Island, Exuma Cays, and all of the many other Bahamian Islands offer their own unique character and charm. From luxury resorts on the destination’s most sought after beaches to secluded bungalows on more private coasts, these islands run the gamut of beachy vacation dreams.

Many of the Bahamian Islands boast the powdery white sand and turquoise water that have become synonymous with Caribbean islands. Some beaches, like Harbor Islands, even set themselves apart with unusual pink sand caused by microscopic coral insects.

In addition to enjoying the famous coasts, visitors can take in breathtaking underwater views, like black coral reefs.

If lazing on the beach doesn’t sound idyllic enough, there’s no shortage of ocean-based excursions to take part in. From big game fishing to swimming with pigs, the Bahamas will enchant and excite any visitor.

 

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, so you do not need a passport to visit.

There are tons of very fun activities to enjoy, and the landscape is like nothing you have ever seen before.

This island has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, and it is a particularly popular destination for surfers.

It is a good place to visit if you are on a budget, because there are lots of cheaper accommodations and things to do here.

San Juan and Ponce are just two areas that you should try to visit while you are here.

Vieques, Puerto Rico

One of the lesser-visited Caribbean islands, Vieques still has quite a lot to offer when it comes to striking scenery and fun things to do. There are less than 10,000 inhabitants on this island, and it does look a bit baron when you first arrive.

Those who want a quiet getaway and an escape from the tourists on the other islands should think about coming here. There is a protected area called Mosquito Bay that is particularly beautiful.

Culebra, Puerto Rico

A sparsely populated island, Culebra is a municipality of Puerto Rico, though it is geographically a part of the Virgin Islands.

Regardless of how it’s characterized, Culebra’s secluded feel and breathtaking scenery makes it a destination all its own. Culebra stretches approximately 7 by 5 miles, and the coast is marked by everything from cliffs, to mangrove forests, to sandy coral beaches; it’s known for its colorful sunsets.

This destination is sure to delight nature lovers, as it is home to both a century-old bird sanctuary and sea turtle nests, meaning tourists are likely to catch glimpses of fish, rays, and turtles off of the island’s coast.

The island’s most famous beach, Flamenco Beach, has won a series of awards over the last several decades ranking it among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Located on a crescent shaped coast, Flamenco Beach is flanked by tree-lined hills, and its flour-like sand gradually gives way to magnificently blue water. Away from the beaches, the island offers an old-world feel full of colorful caribbean architecture.

For vacationers who aren’t impressed by excessive crowds, Culebra may be a perfect choice, with a population of just over 1,800.

 

Cuba

Until recently, decades-old conflict prevented many travelers from venturing to Cuba.

This culturally rich island is located just 90 miles from Key West, Floria with roots in many different ethnicities. Because trade with the U.S. was virtually nonexistent for many years, visiting Cuba is like taking a step into the past; cars considered classic in the states are commonplace on Cuban streets. Vibrant cities, beautiful beaches, stunning architecture, and a bustling food scene all wrapped up in a colorful package make Cuba a perfect adventure for travelers looking for a memorable experience.

A departure from many islands, Cuba’s inland scenes like Vegas Grande Waterfall are just as stunning as its coasts.

Travelers can opt to take part in Havana’s fast-paced day-to-day or escape to luscious, rolling hills for action-packed days of hiking and biking, and accommodations on this destination range from modest to unbelievably extravagant. Whether visitors want to enjoy one of Cuba’s highly-rated restaurants or just soak in its amazing views, options abound.

This Caribbean island is as exciting as it is beautiful, and is sure to delight those in search of relaxation as well as those looking for adventure.

 

Turks and Caicos

This Caribbean destination is very popular among tourists for many reasons, including its amazing scuba diving opportunities and delicious food. It won’t take you very long to find an incredible place to eat when you are on this island.

You should be prepared to deal with a lot of tourists, but it’s worth it when you consider the kind of experience you will have.

 

Anguilla

Anguilla is known for its long and gorgeous white sand beaches, and it is far quieter than many of the other touristy Caribbean islands. If you are looking for a place that isn’t constantly packed with thousands of people year round, this is one island that you should think about visiting.

While there is a lot of incredible nature here, Anguilla also offers a fun and exciting nightlife that you might want to explore.

The Four Seasons resort here is definitely the best place to stay if you have the money. This can be a rather expensive place to visit, but it is well worth the expense when you consider how incredibly beautiful and fun of a place it is overall.

Those who just want to sprawl out on the beach and take in the sun will find that this is one of the best destinations in the Caribbean.

 

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is packed with luxury resorts, ideal surfing spots and much more. Millions of people visit this island from all over the world each year, and it has some incredibly idyllic scenery to offer. The white sand beaches in the south part of this island are definitely worth visiting while you are here.

 

Jamaica

Jamaica brings in many different types of tourists each year, and it’s no wonder considering how beautiful it is. There are lots of resort options to choose from, and it’s a popular place for golfing. Montego Bay is where the golfers tend to go, but it is a wonderful place to visit in general.

There are all sorts of amazing wildlife and flora to gaze upon when you come here. Depending on which area of the island you visit, it can get a bit pricey. It is highly recommended that you take the time to research this place because of how big it is and all of the amazing things to do and see.

The Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands may rank in many minds as a luxury destination, and for good reason: these islands are full of other-worldly views and excursion options.

The Caymans are comprised of three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. Want to swim with rays off dazzling coasts? Kayak on water so crystal clear it’ll seem like the boat is floating mid-air? Explore a luscious botanical garden that’s home to endangered birds and lizards? This Caribbean archipelago can make these dreams and more come true.

These geographically diverse islands can be a perfect destination for families looking for a bonding experience and couples looking for a romantic getaway alike. With a well-established tourism industry, there’s no shortage of opportunities to encounter wildlife and explore the islands with locals who really know what they’re doing. Condos, cottages, villas, and rooms come at all price points with a range of views, so visitors can experience this luxury island with a variable price tag.

Whether travelers want to explore the Cayman Crystal Caves, enjoy some beautifully prepared fresh seafood, or hide out in their rooms simply enjoying the views, the Cayman Islands won’t disappoint.

 

Destinations That Are Not Nonstop

We provide service to the following destinations, but they are not nonstop flights and, therefore, the cost of chartering these flights is substantially more than the nonstop destinations we listed above.

 

St. Lucia

St. Lucia is an incredibly beautiful island in the Caribbean, and its lush landscape makes it the perfect place for those who are looking for a quiet and relaxing place to vacation. There are some incredible beaches as well as a big jazz festival that is held each year in the Summer.

You won’t have any trouble finding great resorts to stay at here either, so there are plenty of options to choose from.

The waterfalls, rainforests, gardens and hot springs that this island has to offer will have you wanting to stay forever. There are also a lot of great areas with hiking trails for those really want to immerse themselves in the beautiful wilderness of this place.

The architecture of the buildings here is also quite striking and interesting to say the least.

Grenada

Grenada is yet another great Caribbean island to visit, and the majestic Mount Saint Catherine makes it a stunning place indeed. The large waterfalls that gush over the rugged landscape are a truly amazing sight that you will never forget.

Morne Rouge Beach is one of the very best beaches in the entire Caribbean, and it seems to stretch on forever. There are some excellent restaurants on this island that you should explore before going back home as well. This is a great little island to visit even for a day trip.

 

Barbados

A lot of people decide to visit Barbados because it has so many different fun activities to offer for everyone. This is by far the best place to go if you are traveling on a budget, as there are many affordable places to stay.

Harrison’s Cave is one of the many amazing sights that you should try to see while you are here.

Bridgetown is a favorite place to visit among tourists because it has a lot of amazing places to eat as well as bars and clubs.

 

Antigua

Antigua is a fairly small island, but it is one of the better places in the Caribbean to visit when you want to do some gambling. There is a very vibrant nightlife that you will be able to enjoy here with plenty of great bars and clubs.

The cafes and restaurants on this island serve some of the best food and drinks you will ever have the pleasure of tasting. This is one of the more touristy islands, so it can get fairly packed depending on the time of year you visit.

Ready to Plan Your Trip to the Islands?

Many people choose to visit the Caribbean islands because of their sheer beauty, and there are quite a few amazing locations to choose from. The islands you should visit will depend on what kind of experience you are looking for. There are plenty of destinations that are ideal for those who want a typical tourist experience, as well as islands for people who are interested in a more laidback trip.

When booking your next trip, make sure you consider booking a private charter plane out of St. Petersburg or Tampa. Our Pilatus PC-12 can accommodate 9 passengers. Flying private provides a unique first-class experience.