When the winter doldrums set in, thoughts focus on tropical islands with warm sea breezes and long days spent in the sun.

With the many Islands of the Caribbean from which to choose, how do you narrow it down to just one? Of course there is always the option to take a cruise, but which itinerary will be best.

Read on to see the list of the top 10 Caribbean islands so that you may narrow your search.

1. Virgin Gorda

If you are looking for peace and tranquility, head to Virgin Gorda on your next vacation. One of the British Virgin Islands, it is a laid back place where much of the place is parkland that is protected.

It is not a simple matter to reach Virgin Gorda; you have to take a ferry or a puddle-jumper, but the extra effort is worth it when you arrive. It will feel as if you are one of the only people on the island where you can bask in the sun to your heart’s content, snorkel, scuba dive, boat or just feast on some delicious Caribbean cuisine.

2. St. John

St. John is the ideal spot for the nature enthusiast. It holds the distinction of being the least developed or populated of any of the United States Virgin Islands and it is located east of the island of St. Thomas, a more popular vacation destination.

St. John boasts two thirds of its area as the Virgin Islands National Park. Laurance Rockefeller donated the 1st five thousand acres to the government in the year 1956. It is the perfect place for solitude and serenity.

3. Saba

Outdoor enthusiasts will love taking their vacation on Saba. There is a dormant volcano and Saba is said to be one of the best islands of the Caribbean for preservation.

There is almost no sand in sight but there is an abundance of wildlife. You can hike the trails, meander through the rain forests and explore protected reefs. St. Martin is just a quick ferry ride or flight away when you crave a little more action.

4. Harbour Island

Best known for shopping, Harbour Island is one of the settlements of the Bahamas deemed to be the oldest. A tiny island, just 3 ½ miles long you can take a quick jaunt from a water taxi to reach North Eleuthera.

See the charming cottages of many hues along the harbor as well as the palatial residences that are owned by the local elite and the “in” crowd that found their way to the pink beaches of the island in the ‘80’s.

5. Nevis

Are you looking for a true Caribbean experience? If so, come to Nevis to experience the heritage and culture so unique to the islands. The coastline is flat and the interior is shrouded in rain forest.

The 3200 foot peak of Mount Nevis is the crowning glory. The population of the island is scant with just over 10,000 residents and visitors will be happy to find that the island is void of high rise hotels.

All-Time Beach Vacations

6. Bermuda

Pink sand beaches, honeymooners and golfers alike all flock to Bermuda. A quick plane trip from the U.S., Bermuda has been luring vacationers to her shores for decades.

If you are looking to take a long weekend, Bermuda is only a couple of hours from both New York and Boston. It is easy to hop on a plane on a Thursday and after a relaxing weekend, be home again on Sunday without feeling you have spent your entire getaway on a plane.

7. Anguilla

Anguilla is said to have some of the best beaches of the Caribbean. You can often find a private beach where you and your beloved or family can feel as if you are the only people on the island.

Though development is not booming, Anguilla can boast some of the most sumptuous villas and resorts of the Caribbean. Many of the rich and famous of the world head to Anguilla when they need to take a break for rest and relaxation.

8. Vieques

If you are really looking for an island on which to relax than Vieques is the one to choose. Once home to a U.S. Naval base, it is now a tranquil, serene getaway destination.

Though it is in the developmental stages with upgrades of significance in the works, Vieques can still boast a relaxed and rustic atmosphere sure to appeal to those that need to get away from their busy lives.

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9. The Grenadines

Sailors flock to the tiny isles of the Grenadines. With more than 30 of them to choose from, most are uninhabited and are a place where sailors and boaters alike gather to sail amidst her isles.

Each of the isles has their own particular flavor such as Mustique which is the hideout of the rich and famous. Bequia is a quiet island of fisherman and Mayreau has just a single road and electricity was not brought to the island until the year 2003.

10. St. Barts

St. Barts is the place to see and be seen. It is an exclusive island for the star studded, glamorous elite. Though it is just a ten minute flight of 15 miles from the tourist packed St. Martin, it feels as if it is a universe away. St. Barts is expensive, but if you want to catch a glimpse of some famous personalities, a day trip to the island may net you just that.

These are just ten of the islands of the Caribbean. There is also Aruba, St. Lucia, St. Thomas, Tobago, Trinidad and Barbados to name just a few. So if none on our list appeals to you, there are still many more islands of the Caribbean from which to choose for your perfect tropical island getaway.

More resources:

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