12 Things You Need To Know Before Island Hopping in the Caribbean
Some of the links might be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission. See our disclaimer for more info.
The Caribbean has over 700 islands, cays, and reefs, so travelers are naturally tempted to explore. Picture white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, laid-back Caribbean towns, barefoot restaurants, and rum shops, and aren’t you drawn to the Caribbean and its islands, too?
Well, you’re lucky because you can visit multiple Caribbean islands on one trip. However, there are some things you need to know first, which is why we’ve put together this list of 12 essential tips for island hopping in the Caribbean.
These tips will help you successfully plan an island-hopping adventure in the Caribbean, allowing you to experience the region’s hidden gems, most famous islands, and postcard-perfect destinations.
Book Transfers Early
Booking transfers early is essential if you want to guarantee a seat and benefit from more affordable tickets. There are mixed beliefs about what is considered early when booking flights. However, booking well in advance in the Caribbean is crucial to reserve your seat before it sells out.
Admittedly, you might find more affordable flights to the Caribbean from the United States and Europe closer to your travel dates. Still, you’re unlikely to benefit from any deals or flash sales when traveling within the Caribbean on a Caribbean airline.
With this in mind, we recommend booking island-hopping flights at least two or three months before your intended travel date (if possible).
Read also: Must-Visit Beaches in the Caribbean
Carefully Plan Your Route
Traveling from one Caribbean island to the nearest island can be tempting, with many islands to explore. While this isn’t necessarily bad, it isn’t always the most affordable option. With careful planning, you can find a cheaper option, which will make your money go further and allow you to visit more islands.
Caribbean airlines plan their routes based on factors such as demand. Therefore, if the island you want to visit next isn’t popular, the airline might fly somewhere else before landing where you want to go.
The solution is to monitor flight routes and prices well in advance to understand the best route for your island-hopping trip.
Read also: Spectacular Caribbean Virgin Islands
Use Public Ferries
If you don’t want to splurge on flights or a private yacht, you can save money by taking public ferries from one island to the next. The Caribbean doesn’t offer ferry services on every island, but several destinations offer domestic ferry links.
Potential ferry routes include Grenada to Carriacou, Trinidad to Tobago, and Anguilla to St. Martin. Ferries can make hopping from one island to another relatively convenient, and the rides are usually quite spectacular.
Traveling along the crystal clear waters with the Caribbean sun and refreshing sea breeze hitting your face is a delight. L’Express Des Iles is one of the largest ferry services operating in the Caribbean. It travels from Guadeloupe to St. Lucia, stopping at most of the islands in between.
Read also: Incredible Hidden Beaches in the Caribbean
Expect Delays
There’s nothing worse than being stuck at an airport or ferry port waiting to get to your next destination. Unfortunately, in the Caribbean, you must accept that you will probably be delayed at some point, especially if you plan a trip to several islands. Logistical challenges and weather disruptions cause most delays in the Caribbean.
Most airlines use small planes, so flying through severe weather is impossible. This can leave you waiting for the sun to reemerge, impacting future connections and causing delays at the next stop. Keeping this inevitability in mind will minimize any disappointment. If you’re prepared for any eventuality, nothing will surprise you.
Read also: Visa-Free Caribbean Destinations
Pack a Jacket or Light Sweater for Traveling
Packing a jacket or sweater for an island-hopping trip to the Caribbean may sound wild, but you’ll thank us later.
Imagine this: you’re dressed in your Caribbean vacation shorts and t-shirt, ready to board your flight. You pass through immigration only to be hit in the face by an ice-cold breeze from the air conditioning. Despite being in the Caribbean, you’re now cold.
See the issue? This doesn’t bode well for you if you have a long wait at the airport, so simply packing something slightly warmer will take off the chill and keep you comfortable.
Read also: Top Caribbean Destinations For Sightseeing
Visit at the Right Time of the Year
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when planning an island-hopping trip in the Caribbean is visiting at the wrong time of the year. In particular, avoid visiting during the Atlantic hurricane season. During this season, flights and ferry services are more likely to be delayed, and you can’t guarantee nice weather for exploring the islands.
Hurricane season in the Caribbean starts in early June and runs until November. Most storms hit during peak season between August and October. With this in mind, planning your trip in early spring or at the beginning of summer, when the weather is calmer, is a good idea.
Read also: Spectacular Hiking Trails in the Caribbean
Don’t Visit the Caribbean in December
If you plan to visit as many Caribbean islands as possible during your vacation, you shouldn’t plan your trip in December. Not only is December the most expensive time to visit the Caribbean because the weather is more reliable, but many resorts and hotels also have a minimum stay policy.
A minimum stay policy won’t impact your vacation if you only want to visit one or two islands or take day trips. Still, it’s a vacation killer if you want to visit several islands in two weeks. Generally, resorts and hotels with a December minimum stay policy require guests to stay for seven to 14 days.
Read also: Insta-worthy Spots in the Caribbean
Make the Most of Your Layovers
Seasoned travelers will already know layovers are a common aspect of travel, and things are no different in the Caribbean. However, layovers don’t have to be boring. If you have enough time, you could quickly leave the airport and take a trip to the beach or into town before your next flight leaves.
Even if you don’t have enough time, that doesn’t mean you can’t find something to do at the airport. Some airports have duty-free stores where you can kill time before your flight. Checking out the layover options in advance is an excellent idea to maximize your time. Look at what’s at the airport and work out how easy it is to get to nearby attractions.
Read also: Amazing Sunset Viewing Spots in the Caribbean
Pack Light
When it comes to taking multiple flights, ferries, and car transfers, weight matters. The last thing you want to do is carry far too much luggage with you, especially if you’re visiting several islands. Therefore, don’t expect to take two weeks of clothes for a one-week vacation. If it comes to it, you can always visit a laundry or wash some of your clothes by hand.
Bearing this in mind, it’s better to travel with just a carry-on. This will make your journey more comfortable and help you avoid lost or delayed luggage. Some small Caribbean airlines haven’t exactly mastered the logistics of larger airlines elsewhere, so reports of lost or delayed luggage aren’t uncommon.
Read also: Hidden Gems in the Caribbean
Stay in Guest Houses
One of the best ways to save money while traveling through the Caribbean is to stay in guest houses. While Airbnb, hostels, and couch-surfing continue to grow in popularity, they aren’t as common in the Caribbean. As a result, guest houses are still one of the most affordable accommodation options.
Guest houses vary in price and amenities from island to island, but they’re generally more affordable than staying in hotels and resorts. Besides, you can interact more with the locals at smaller establishments like these.
Read also: Family Vacation Destinations in the Caribbean
Don’t Rush
With so many gorgeous islands to explore and so much to see, it can be tempting to do as much as possible during your time in the Caribbean. However, you’ll miss the entire point if you try to tick off as many places as possible. A vacation to the Caribbean is supposed to be relaxed and fun, so don’t be afraid to take your time.
Spending at least two nights in each place should give you enough time to see the main sites, try new things, and, most importantly, have a relaxing vacation. If you don’t take your time and decide to travel too much, you’ll likely end up missing some fantastic things and feeling too tired to enjoy yourself.
Read also: Amazing Romantic Getaways in the Caribbean
Compare Quotes
Finally, when booking private transfers or tours, it’s always a good idea to compare quotes. Once you get a price quote, it’s worth calling around to other companies to get a few more prices. That way, you can rest assured you’re getting a fair deal.
When asking around for quotes, asking about any further charges is important. These could include dock fees, taking-off fees, and airport costs. Considering all these things, you can stick to your budget and find the best deals.
Read also: Exciting Adventure Islands in the Caribbean
Caribbean
Loading…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Beach Destinations
Loading…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Follow Us
Travel Planning Resources
