13 Best Caribbean Islands for Couples

Picture you and your sweetheart lounging on the white-sand beaches of one of the best Caribbean islands for couples, sipping rum cocktails in beachy bars, and exploring historic pastel cityscapes at your own pace.

There’s a wealth of romantic things to do while you’re on island time, and these destinations set the perfect backdrop for a couple’s getaway, whether you’re celebrating a special anniversary, taking your first vacation as a couple, or soaking up every moment of your honeymoon.

Fall deeper in love every day on an unforgettable trip to one of these romantic Caribbean islands.

St. Lucia

Mountainous St. Lucia is one of the prettiest islands in the Caribbean. Its southern skyline is defined by the pointed twin peaks of the Pitons, two ancient volcanic plugs blanketed in lush rainforest.

The island is encircled by gorgeous beaches. Sugar Beach, right between the Pitons, is one of the loveliest beaches in St. Lucia, the sand, as the name suggests, a sugary white.

Reduit Beach, a short drive from Castries, the bustling capital, is a long sweep of gold with dozens of bars, cafés, and watersports concessions. You can snorkel at Pigeon Island National Park, too, which has dreamy views of the Pitons.

There are plenty of things to do in St. Lucia for outdoors enthusiasts. For adventurous couples, set out on the challenging four-hour hike up Gros Piton for stupendous views over the island and sea.

Sulphur Springs is a spectacular feature where sulfurous pools bubble and steam. It’s fun to take a dip as a couple in these natural thermal springs. Cover one another with therapeutic mud, letting it dry in the sun, and then washing it off in a hot pool.

For those who prefer to avoid mud or mountains, the Diamond Falls Botanical Garden is a beautiful spot. You could also visit a cacao plantation and learn how chocolate is made, with plenty of opportunity for tasting, of course.

Or explore the vibrant market in Castries and take in the scene of enormous piles of mangoes, jackfruit, breadfruit, fresh fish, spices, cocoa, and hot sauces.

Puerto Rico

Vibrant San Juan is the gateway to Puerto Rico, an island of rum and salsa, mountains, beaches, and a rich culture.

In Old San Juan, explore the magnificent El Morro fort, which has protected the city for centuries. Wander the colorful streets, stopping for coffee and pastries, or perhaps a rum tasting, the rhythms of salsa and reggaeton carried on the breeze. Browse the shops and galleries here for souvenirs to take home.

San Juan has some fabulous urban beaches, so you won’t need to travel far to top up your tan, or go paddle boarding or windsurfing.

Isla Verde and Condado are two of the best beaches in Puerto Rico. As well as the usual beach activities, you may even come across an impromptu salsa class.

Some great activities for couples include a foodie walking tour of Old San Juan, where a local guide will introduce you to island specialties. Or you could join a mofongo and mojito experience and learn how to make the garlicky fried plantain dish that’s synonymous with Puerto Rico, as well as a cooling minty mojito.

Out of town, explore El Yunque, the only tropical forest in the U.S. National Forest System, a paradise of lush walking trails, waterfalls, and tropical birds. Listen for the call of the endemic coquí, a tiny tree frog with a mighty voice.

Grenada

Grenada is known as the “Spice Island” thanks to the aromatic herbs and spices grown here— nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves in particular. The whole island is green with plantations and rainforest and is fringed with sandy beaches, including the sandy sweep of Grand Anse.

Sea turtles nest in the sand at Levera National Park. There’s man-made beauty in the water here, too, at the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park, a fascinating work of art for snorkeling couples to discover together.

Aside from Grenada’s beaches, the island is packed with history, too. You’ll find both British and French influences in the colorful little capital, St. George’s. The city is overlooked by two 18th-century defense structures: Fort Frederick and Fort George.

One of the best things to do in Grenada is to wander along the Carenage and take in the scene of bobbing fishing boats and visit the market, bursting with color and fragrance. Or stroll through the beautiful Palm Tree Gardens together and admire the exotic orchids and bromeliads.

Take a tour inland to a hidden Caribbean gem, the Grand Etang National Park and Forest, where you can admire the crater lake and hike through the forest to Concord Falls. You can also visit the cascading Annandale Falls, close to St. George’s, and cool off in the green freshwater pool at the base.

St. Kitts and Nevis

As one of the first colonies ever established in the Caribbean, the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis are teeming with historic and cultural significance, not to mention pristine beaches.

One of the best things to do in St. Kitts is to admire mountain views of Nevis from Cockleshell Beach. Or go on a breathtaking hike up Mount Liamuiga, which promises incredible views from the summit nearly 4,000 feet above sea level. It’s the tallest peak in all of the British Leeward Islands, and it takes a three-hour hike to reach the top.

For a different kind of outdoor adventure, consider a dual kayak trip from South Briar Bay to Frigate Bay. If you’re craving alone time with your love, experience sailing in the Caribbean and hop on a romantic catamaran in Basseterre.

Admire turquoise waters and sunny skies as you lay out on the netting of your catamaran. Snorkel and swim in one of the best beaches in St. Kitts after a relaxing hour’s sail along the picturesque coastline.

Antigua

If you went to one beach in Antigua every day, it’d take you an entire year to see them all. Home to 365 recognized beaches, you’ll have more than your pick to choose from on your next couple’s getaway to the Caribbean.

Aside from being one of the prettiest islands in the Caribbean, Antigua is the perfect place for history-loving couples. Learn the lore of British colonialism in Antigua on a tour of Fort James, which was built in the 18th century to ward off French invaders, or travel back in time to the days of the indigenous Arawaks at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda.

Shoppers will find plenty of things to do in Antigua. Heritage Quay is a favorite stretch of boutiques, bars, and restaurants tucked away inside multi-colored colonial buildings. Or, pick up fresh mango and pineapple at the Public Market on the way to a romantic beach picnic for two.

St. Thomas

As one of the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas offers plenty of activities for couples with all sorts of travel interests. Explore Blackbeard’s Castle, an imposing watchtower built back in the 1600s, then ascend the 99 Steps with your partner for panoramic views of the entire capital city.

St. Thomas is home to some of the Caribbean’s best beaches, including the stunning Magens Bay. Take a dip in clear waters, admiring the boats sailing along the crescent-shaped bay.

The area is conveniently dotted with shops, bars, and restaurants serving authentic Virgin Island food, so couples can make an entire day of it.

If you’re craving a more undeveloped beach far away from the bustle of Charlotte Amalie, take a ride down Skyline Drive, which provides beautiful views of both the Atlantic and the Caribbean on either side, to Smith Bay Beach Park and Eco Reserve. Soft white sand and undisturbed wildlife make this the perfect day trip to the best Virgin Island to visit for nature enthusiasts.

Another benefit of a stop in St. Thomas? It’s an easy jumping-off point to St. John, the smallest island in all of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

It’s a 20-minute ferry to this sleepy beach town, where you can tick off some of the best things to do in the U.S. Virgin Islands, such as sunbathing on the aptly named Honeymoon Beach.

St. Maarten

St. Maarten is one of the best Caribbean islands for couples who seek out shared adventures. Venture just beyond the city of Philipsburg into the lush rainforest of St. Maarten. Brave the adventure course at Loterie Farm (pronounced like “lottery”), a nature preserve known for its thrilling ziplines, suspended bridges, and rope swings.

St. Maarten is also a fascinating island for its dual personalities: the Dutch side and the French side. Enjoy the romantic French side (which is called Sint Martin instead) on a day trip to Marigot, the French capital. Experience French Riviera vibes at Grand Case Beach as you nosh on patisserie and people watch from the local bistros, or do some shopping in St. Maarten at the duty-free shops.

Maho Beach is famous for its proximity to the airport, and tourists and locals gather on the beach to watch planes fly overhead. One of the best St. Maarten beaches for snorkeling is Simpson Bay Lagoon, an unspoiled white-sand beach that opens up to nearly transparent waters and bright pops of coral.

Barbados

Couples love Barbados for its laid-back island energy and friendly locals—the same reason why it’s one of the best Caribbean islands for first timers.

When it comes to beaches in Barbados, the island lives up to the hype. Surfers will want to visit the more rugged stretch of Bathsheba. For a more relaxed beach day, choose Crane Beach, which tends to have gentler waves.

Surprise your animal-loving partner with one-of-a-kind experiences like swimming with giant leatherback turtles at Turtle Bay. Less than an hour outside Bridgetown, you can also visit the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, where you can see dozens of protected animals in the Caribbean from birds and reptiles to green monkeys.

Foodies, this is your chance to sample traditional Barbados food like cou cou, fish cakes, and mouthwatering macaroni pie. A rum tasting or tour of St. Nicholas Abbey, a plantation turned distillery, is another must-do during a day in Bridgetown.

Curaçao

Curaçao is a unique destination known for its fusion of Afro-Caribbean and Dutch culture, cuisine, and architecture. Explore colorful downtown Willemstad—a UNESCO World Heritage site—hand-in-hand. Pose for a photo op in front of the historic Fort Amsterdam, then visit the shops in the Punda District.

Of course, when it comes to beaches, Curaçao certainly delivers. Mambo Beach is a trendy hotspot, almost like the South Beach of Willemstad, while Knip Beach offers a more rugged experience for couples looking to experience outdoor vacation adventures at Boca Tabla National Park.

Find the best snorkeling in Curaçao at Blue Bay. After your couples’ snorkeling excursion, rent a cabana and enjoy a frozen cocktail for pure relaxation.

Jamaica

Jamaica is one of the crown jewels of the Caribbean islands. Embark on an adventurous day trip to the Green Grotto Caves, where you’ll find an entire ecosystem of ancient stalactites and stalagmites connected by narrow passageways.

Cast a wish in the wishing well, then cool off in the cascading waterfalls after a 600-foot ascent to the top of Dunn’s River Falls, one of the best places to visit in Jamaica.

Jamaica is truly a culinary paradise unlike any other. In Falmouth, explore local markets and learn the techniques that make Jamaican cuisine so unique. Share helpings of jerk chicken, Caribbean curry, and desserts like coconut toto.

Grand Cayman

The island of Grand Cayman is one of the best Caribbean islands for couples. It’s home to one of the region’s best beaches—the glittering Seven Mile Beach.

Marine attractions are abundant here, whether you’re spotting pink starfish below your feet at Starfish Point, or diving into the onsite lagoon at the Cayman Turtle Center to swim with rehabilitated green sea turtles. One unique vacation experience for couples is to interact with the stingrays at the ever-popular Stingray City.

There’s plenty of off-the-beaten-path attractions, too. Scuba dive the ocean floor along Devil’s Grotto, taking in the spectacle of submerged wreckage, or make a brief trip to “Hell,” another oddly named yet unmissable attraction in George Town. This geographic oddity features a cluster of craggy, jagged black limestone.

If you’re craving something more scenic, head to Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. Stroll through the romantic gardens, passing traditional Caymanian cottages along the way. The park is even home to elusive blue iguanas, another win for animal enthusiasts visiting George Town.

Read: Best Caribbean Wedding Destinations for Your Big Day

Aruba

The mere mention of Aruba brings to mind translucent waters and endless beaches. Quaint Oranjestad, the capital city and thriving port town, possesses a romantic Dutch flair. Couples might spend their entire vacation in Aruba laid out on a beach, and that would be a great way to spend a getaway.

Yet for all of Aruba’s fantastic beaches—like Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, both loved by locals and visitors alike—there’s more to the island than meets the eye. Learn about coral restoration efforts at Palm Island, or take your beloved on a special trip to the Natural Bridge, an geological wonder made of solid coral.

Cozumel

Cozumel fuses the Caribbean lifestyle with Mayan history and Mexican culture. It’s a lively, energetic destination that sparks romance and intrigue, from its stunning beaches to its ancient ruins at San Gervasio and Chichen Itza.

While on a couple’s vacation in Cozumel, a trip to Playa Mia is a must. This resort and beach park is a thrill for all ages, home to 200-foot water slides, wave running, lazy rivers, and entertainment for every type of adventurer. Aside from being one of the best islands for snorkeling, Cozumel is also famous for its dolphin encounters at Dolphinaris, where you can feed, swim with, and interact with these friendly creatures.

Year after year, Cozumel attracts divers eager to experience the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and Palancar Reef in Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park, two of the most famous reef systems in the Caribbean—and the world. If you and your sweetheart are a fan of underwater adventures, visiting a couple of Cozumel snorkeling and diving spots are sure to be your definition of paradise.

Read: Best Honeymoon Destinations in the Caribbean

Why limit you and your love to a single island? On a Caribbean cruise with Celebrity Cruises, you’ll venture to some of the best Caribbean islands for couples.

From the pristine beaches of the ABC Islands to the far-flung reaches of Tortola and Barbados, your perfect Caribbean couple’s vacation awaits. After exploring romantic port cities each day, you’ll return to your cruise ship to unwind at the pool, relax at the onboard spa, and imbibe at any of our award-winning bars, lounges, or restaurants.

Browse cruise itineraries on our website and get inspired for your next couple’s getaway to the Caribbean islands today.