Sometimes you have to get away. There’s no time to find a buddy to join you on your trip, or you just want some alone time. But solo travel has become much more commonplace, whether you’re in need of a respite or you’re a business traveler looking to extend your visit. And what better place for a solo trip than the warm, inviting Caribbean, where there are countless adventures awaiting you?
Where to get on the water
Cabarete, Dominican Republic
The coolest corner of the Dominican Republic is a surfing Mecca, and it’s arguably more about kitesurfing than anything else nowadays (with operators like GoKite). And when you’re not on the water, there’s a rich nightlife in town, always buzzing with activity. Where to Stay: Millennium Resort and Spa.
Aruba
One could argue that this is the Caribbean capital of watersports, thanks to its warm, flat, inviting water, and none more popular than windsurfing, the perfect activity for a solo adventure traveler. This is also a friendly island where you’ll feel welcome the minute you arrive. Where to Stay: Boardwalk Small Hotel Aruba.
Taking a hike
Dominica
It’s heaven for an active solo traveler: the Waitukubuli Trail, the longest hiking trail in the Caribbean, and the pride of Dominica. This is the greatest hiking destination in the region, and as you pass by waterfalls, rich flora and fauna and volcanoes, you’ll soon see why. Where to Stay: Fort Young Hotel in Roseau.
Martinique
The green hills of Martinique are some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean, and the island is filled with lush, leafy rainforests seemingly designed for long hikes. And you can always celebrate the hike with a rhum agricole. Where to Stay: Villa Saint Pierre near Mont Pelee.
The Culture Destinations
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
One of the most fascinating places in the Caribbean also remains largely off the map for travelers. And Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial, or Colonial Zone, is a half-millennium-old city filled with art galleries, boutique hotels and enchanting history. Where to Stay: Billini Hotel.
Cartagena, Colombia
This is one of the most intoxicating cities, not just in the Caribbean Basin, but in the whole hemisphere. The historic zone here is a melange of top-shelf restaurants and hidden bars and is tremendously walkable. Where to Stay: The Hotel Tcherassi.
The Art of Travel
Haiti
This is a destination for advanced solo travelers — but it rewards those willing to take a chance on a nascent tourism destination. Port-au-Prince is filled with art on the streets and in an increasing number of galleries. Where to Stay: The Best Western Premier in Port-au-Prince.
Dive Right In
Little Cayman
This sandy island is the edge of the Cayman Islands, and a closely-guarded secret. But the diving here is world class, and you’ll quickly find like-minded divers at the wonderful Little Cayman Beach Resort, a world-class dive resort. Where to Stay: Little Cayman Beach Resort.
Bonaire
Rent a car and head for the sea. The shore diving here is unmatched, whether you’re right near the capital or at the Buddy Dive hotel. The latter is a great meeting spot for divers and locals, and you’ll quickly forget you’re traveling by yourself. Where to Stay: Buddy Dive Resort.
Sail Away
The British Virgin Islands
There are more and more options to rent individual cabins on charter sailboats, whether it’s with the Moorings (and the company’s Sail Away Stateroom packages) or with Dream Yacht Charters. Where to Stay: On the deck of a Moorings charter.
The French Caribbean
Island Windjammers has a terrific set of itineraries around the Caribbean, including one that focuses on the French West Indies sailing out of Rodney Bay, St Lucia. Hop on and you have a built in family. Where to Stay: Onboard Island Windjammers.
Shop Around
San Juan
There’s a reason San Juan is such a popular cruise port — the shopping is fantastic, both the brands you know and the local artisans that dot the storefronts of Old San Juan and in the chic shops of Condado. And if you’re coming from the US, you don’t need a passport, which, more importantly, means you can bring back as much as you want. Wheree to Stay: the O:live Boutique Hotel in Condado.
Willemstad, Curaçao
The Dutch Caribbean’s most beautiful city is home to great shopping, on either side of the Floating Bridge. Because of Curacao’s proximity to South America, this has long been a favorite stop for Latin Americans to shop — and that’s cultivated a top shopping experience no matter where you’re coming from. Where to Stay: Sonesta Kura Hulanda Village and Spa.
Gone Fishin’
US Virgin Islands
There are probably more fishing charter yachts in St Thomas than in any other island in the Caribbean. The charter fleet also has access to some of the world’s best fishing grounds, most notably the North Drop, home to many a Marlin trophy. Where to Stay: the always-fun Bolongo Bay Beach Resort.
Andros
The Bahamas is known for bonefishing, and this is the epicenter, particularly the area of Fresh Creek. There are ample flats boats for rental, and captains and charter. It’s just you, a guide, the water, and some of the best fishing in the region. Where to Stay: the lovely Tiamo Resort.
Cooking
Antigua
Why not use your independent trip to learn a new skill? Head to Nicole’s Table in Antigua, one of the best cooking class experiences in the region, with a decided emphasis on Caribbean experience and culture. It’s like learning to cook with close friends. Where to Stay: COCOS Hotel Antigua.