Visit Top 5 Underrated Caribbean Destinations Trending In 2023

Admittedly, popular Caribbean destinations like the Dominican Republic and Jamaica still draw large visitor numbers. However, according to a report by ForwardKeys and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) these five underrated destinations are experiencing double-digit percentage increases in visitors as compared to 2019. The new report comes at a time when the world is moving on from the pandemic. In fact, according to the report, it looks like the Caribbean has been a major leader in the recovery of tourism. Read on to find out which underrated destinations are starting to increase in popularity with American travelers.

1. Guadeloupe, Caribbean

Standing at number one on the report, Guadeloupe reveals an 18 percent increase in visitors in 2023, as compared to 2019. This beautiful French overseas territory is an archipelago in the southern Caribbean. Meanwhile, for anyone looking for unspoiled nature, Guadeloupe is a beautiful place to be. What with its idyllic beaches, volcanic hikes, waterfalls and natural hot springs, this looks to be a wonderful hidden Caribbean, at least for now, as it surges in interest.

2. US Virgin Islands

Meanwhile, the US Virgin Islands are currently experiencing a 17 percent increase in tourism in 2023 as compared to 2019. The three main islands here are St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, each of which has its own attractions. What also makes the US Virgin Islands popular is that American travelers don’t even need a passport to visit.

St. Thomas is the most developed island and tends to be the busiest, with plenty of resorts, nightlife and shopping. Meanwhile, St. John is renowned for the unspoiled beauty of its national park and for hiking. As for St. Croix, it may be the largest island, but it is also the least visited and it’s the perfect Caribbean destination when it comes to history and culture.

3. Sint Maarten, Caribbean

Sint Maarten forms part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands but shares an island with the similarly-named Saint Martin, which belongs to France. The former has experienced a 13 percent increase in visitors so far in 2023. Meanwhile, the country is renowned for its culture, cuisine, shopping, nightlife and great beaches. Oh, and you can also watch the planes come in at Maho Beach.

However, there is also the added attraction of experiencing two different countries’ cultures on one island, as there are no borders between the Netherlands side and the French side.

4. Turks and Caicos

According to the report, Turks and Caicos is another trending destination, having seen a 12 percent increase in tourism this year as compared to 2019. In this case, the country is an archipelago of 40 Caribbean islands and is a British Overseas Territory.

Turks and Caicos are known for some of the most idyllic beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving in the Caribbean. While there are many options to choose from, Providenciales and Grand Turk tend to come up tops.

5. Martinique, Caribbean

Next in line in underrated Caribbean destinations is the beautiful island of Martinique. A French Overseas Territory, Martinique has seen an 11 percent growth in visitor numbers compared to 2019.

While the island is known for its natural beauty, flora and fauna, great beaches and cuisine, it is a fascinating blend of French and West Indian cultures. While currently, it is still a relatively hidden gem for American travelers, this could change quickly in the coming years.