12 Caribbean Tourist Traps That Aren’t Worth Your Time (Or Your Money)

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The Caribbean is one of the world’s most luxurious and exclusive tourist destinations. The tropical region has it all, from white sand beaches framed by palm trees, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and 5-star resorts to authentic Caribbean restaurants and impressive natural landscapes. However, tourist traps exist everywhere and are not always easy to spot.

Tourist traps have the potential to ruin your vacation in the Caribbean, so you must know how to spot and avoid them. To help, here are 12 tourist traps to avoid in the Caribbean. Avoid making these simple yet costly mistakes to enjoy an authentic, relaxed, and hassle-free Caribbean vacation.

Crowded Beaches Near Cruise Ports

Cheap Beach Destinations Around the World San Juan, Puerto Rico — © Maridav / Shutterstock

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If you’re visiting the Caribbean on a cruise, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is visiting the nearest beach to the port. While this won’t always be a big deal, the closest beaches to cruise ports are often super busy and overcrowded because they offer convenience.

These beaches may be quick to access, but the large crowds will likely spoil the overall quality of your beach day. Relaxing on glorious beaches is one of the best things about visiting the Caribbean. Unfortunately, you can’t do that on a jam-packed beach. Instead, venture further from the port to more tranquil, less crowded beaches where the authentic Caribbean shines through.

Souvenir Shops at Cruise Ports

12 Tourist Traps To Avoid in the Caribbean Souvenir Shops at Ports — © kmiragaya / Adobe Stock

Similarly, steer clear of souvenir shops at cruise ports when you disembark your ship. Not only do these souvenir shops sell overpriced tat, but they are often extremely busy, and honestly quite frustrating to walk around. Instead, head straight out of the port and explore the authentic Caribbean.

Costa Maya in Mexico is a fine example of a port to avoid when visiting the Caribbean. This cruise port is lined with pushy souvenir shop owners who try to push their awful products onto vulnerable tourists. While these shops can feel unavoidable, we strongly recommend putting your head down and walking until you’ve left the port. You’ll find much more authentic souvenir shops in the town/city.

Never Leaving Your All-Inclusive Resort

This next Caribbean tourist trap is one most tourists bring upon themselves. Luckily, that also means it’s one of the easiest to avoid. While spending your entire vacation sunbathing by the pool, drinking at the swim-up bar, and filling your belly at the all-inclusive restaurant can be tempting, it’s a huge mistake.

If you don’t leave the all-inclusive resort, you miss the Caribbean’s fascinating attractions, rich cultures, and unique traditions. No matter where you stay, an all-inclusive resort can’t replicate the authentic Caribbean. That said, make a conscious effort to leave your resort and explore the surrounding area. Walk through neighborhoods, dine in restaurants, and chat with locals.

Only Booking All-Inclusive Resorts

Sorry, but our attack on all-inclusive resorts isn’t done yet. While the Caribbean is famed for its luxurious 5-star all-inclusive resorts, generally the easiest and most convenient places to stay, they aren’t always the best option. Admittedly, they’re perfect for families with young children, but what about solo travelers and families with older children?

While they can still stay in all-inclusive resorts, they usually aren’t the best option. For example, a solo traveler can save money on accommodation by staying in a hostel. Yes, the Caribbean has hostels. On the other hand, staying in a local boutique hotel, Airbnb, or guesthouse can be a pleasant change, especially if you want to avoid the queues at dinner.

Not Eating Local

Most Popular Dishes to Discover in the Caribbean Jerk Chicken, Jamaica — © myviewpoint / Adobe Stock

Another self-inflicted tourist trap in the Caribbean is not eating local. While it can be tempting to stick to what you know, one of the most exciting things about visiting the Caribbean is the opportunity to try new foods. Better yet, most local restaurants offer much more affordable prices than chain restaurants and the restaurants at your hotel.

With that in mind, research and find somewhere more authentic to eat. Generally, the easiest way to find somewhere more authentic and affordable to eat is to step away from the main tourist area. Just a few streets back from the tourist area or from tourist attractions usually lies many local restaurants.

Swimming With Dolphins

While the thought of swimming with adorable dolphins and having your photo taken with bubbles sounds memorable and exciting, it’s something you should avoid doing, as it’s the complete opposite for captive dolphins. Unfortunately, no matter how the activity is portrayed, swimming with dolphins in captivity is inhumane, so avoid it at all costs.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, swimming with marine species in captivity does significant harm to the animal. Dolphins aren’t suited to confinement. In the wild, they often swim hundreds of miles without stopping, which is something they can’t do in captivity. Besides being restricted, they are controlled and used for entertainment. We’d like to think that has put you off the idea.

Overpriced Jewelry Stores

Generally, the Caribbean is an excellent place to buy jewelry and other expensive items. You’ll often find cheap prices, no sales tax, and many beautiful pieces. However, like everywhere, plenty of jewelry stores in the Caribbean try to take advantage of tourists. Try to avoid these places at all costs.

Especially prevalent around luxury all-inclusive resorts and cruise ports, some jewelry stores bank on the impulsive decisions of tourists who haven’t stopped to consider the prices elsewhere. These jewelry stores often position themselves strategically to attract you quickly, drawing you in with dazzling jewels. To avoid overspending, research ahead of time so you have a better idea of the prices.

Generic Souvenir Shops

As you can probably tell by now, shopping in the Caribbean isn’t always easy. We’ve already told you to avoid the souvenir shops at cruise ports and overpriced jewelry stores, and now we’re also telling you to avoid shopping in generic souvenir shops. These souvenir shops offer fun and cheap mementos to take home, but they’re often mass-produced tat.

While these products are convenient to pick up, they won’t impress your loved ones back home. To impress your friends and family, pick up some souvenirs from an authentic local store or stall instead. That way, you can pick up a souvenir with a story. You could purchase a handicraft, clothes, or local treats.

Overrated Tours and Excursions

Epic Adventures for Couples in the Caribbean Snorkeling at the Barrier Reef, Belize — © Tropical Studio / Adobe Stock

Tours and excursions are an excellent way to quickly see and experience some of the Caribbean’s greatest treasures. However, not every tour on offer in the Caribbean is exciting, fun, and authentic. Some tours are crowded, overpriced, and, quite frankly, overrated. You need to avoid these tours if you want a more enjoyable experience.

You can do a few key things to spot an overrated tour or excursion. First, always read reviews to see what other tourists think. If most people weren’t impressed, it’s likely you won’t be either. Secondly, check the tour group size. If a tour takes groups of 15+, you shouldn’t expect a relaxed and quiet experience. Finally, make sure you use a reliable tour company to book any excursions or activities.

High-Cost Transportation

UNESCO World Heritage Sites Old Havana Cuba — © mabofoto@icloud.com / Adobe Stock

One of the easiest ways to blow your budget in the Caribbean, especially if you’re a budget backpacker, is always using high-cost transportation. There’s no denying that taxis, private transfers, and car shares offer the most convenience, but they are almost always the most expensive mode of transport.

Worse yet, most taxis outside airports and cruise ports are overpriced. You likely won’t be able to avoid taking taxis all the time during your Caribbean vacation, but there are some occasions when a better option exists. For example, some destinations, such as airports, might offer a public transport system. As expected, public transport options like buses are more affordable than taxis and private cars.

Hidden Cost Boat Tours

The Caribbean is renowned for its turquoise waters, mesmerizing coastline, and tropical islands. As a result, it’s no surprise that boat tours are a popular way to explore the region. They offer a spectacular way to explore the region’s impressive natural beauty. However, not every boat tour is honest about all the costs involved.

Unfortunately, it’s common for some boat tour companies to neglect to communicate all the costs before your departure. This can lead to unexpected expenses, which, let’s be honest, completely takes the shine off what would’ve been an epic trip. You could be hit with extra costs for port taxes, meals, drinks, and entrance fees to attractions. Like overrated tours, do you research ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

Exchanging Money at the Airport

One of the biggest money mistakes you can make during a Caribbean vacation is exchanging money at the airport. At most major airports in the Caribbean, you’ll find currency exchange desks that allow tourists to exchange their money. While these exchanges offer a convenient way to change your money, do so at your peril.

These currency exchanges are conveniently placed to target tourists who need money quickly. As such, the exchange rates are almost always higher than they should be. Furthermore, some exchanges charge a transaction fee. That said, exchange your currency in the town where the exchange rate is fairer. Alternatively, change your currency at home before you leave for the Caribbean.