The Safest Caribbean Islands You’ll Want To Explore Now

The Caribbean is a complex region comprising more than 7,000 islands, islets, and bays. The main island groups are the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles, and the Lucayan Archipelago. Because the Caribbean sits at the crossroads of continents, linking North and South America to Europe, its history is marked by both colonialism and the famous pirates of the Caribbean. After independence, the Caribbean islands reinvented themselves as tourism centres and, in some cases, financial hubs, such as the Cayman Islands.

As part of Latin America, its geography and history make the Caribbean one of the most open societies in the world, with numerous citizenship-by-investment programs, favourable tax regimes, and investment-friendly regulations.

Still, many people wonder how safe daily life is in these gorgeous and welcoming islands, even though several Caribbean islands are actually safer than many so-called developed countries.

In this article, I’ll introduce the five safest Caribbean islands according to Numbeo’s Safety Index.

5. SINT MAARTEN (NETHERLANDS)

Sint Maarten is one of the autonomous countries that make up the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The island is divided into two: Sint Maarten in the south, and the French collective Saint Maarten in the north. 

Its political system is shaped after European parliamentary democracy, supported by the judicial tradition of the Netherlands. Since English and Dutch are official languages, travellers are unlikely to face a language barrier on the island. 

Famous for its beautiful beaches, casinos, vibrant nightlife, and duty-free shopping, Sint Maarten's economy is largely based on tourism, with approximately 80% of the workforce employed in this sector. As a tourist hub, petty crime is common in crowded areas. Most crime involves non-violent theft. Violent crime, such as assault and robbery, is less common. Its safety index score is 66.7 out of 100.

Backed by solid Dutch governance and low crime, Aruba ranks among the Caribbean’s safest destinations

4. ARUBA 

Aruba is a small island in the southern Caribbean Sea and part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Its government follows the Dutch political and legal system, with robust institutions. One of the more popular tourist destinations, it also boasts a well-developed offshore financial sector and refining and oil storage industries. 

Crime rates are relatively low on the island, with rare instances of violent crime and some petty crime. Its safety index score is 69.19 out of 100.

3. THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

The Cayman Islands are a British Overseas Territory located in the western Caribbean Sea. Grand Cayman is the largest island and home to the capital city, George Town. Its political system is stable, following the British parliamentary system, and the official language is English.  

Although tourism is one of the main economic sectors that generates wealth for the island, the Cayman Islands are renowned as an offshore financial centre with no direct taxation on residents or corporations. Because of its robust political and economic system, violent crime incidents are rare, but petty crime may occur in popular destinations. Its safety index score is 69.46 out of 100.

Anguilla pairs an ultra-luxury atmosphere with some of the lowest crime levels in the Caribbean

2. ANGUILLA

Anguilla is a small British Overseas Territory located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, in the Leeward Islands chain of the Lesser Antilles. It is a parliamentary democracy, following the political and legal system of the UK, and the official language is English. 

As a luxury tourist destination, Anguilla is favoured by wealthy travellers. Although tourism is the primary revenue generator on the island, the offshore financial services sector is also well-developed. Anguilla does not impose any direct personal or corporate taxes, making it an attractive option for international business registrations and wealth management. Its safety index score is 75.07 out of 100.

Overall, crime perception in Anguilla is very low, with high perceived safety for walking alone during the day and moderate safety at night. Even petty crimes, such as theft and vandalism, remain relatively uncommon. Law enforcement is prompt, and the government is stable. 

1. GRENADA

Grenada is a small island in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. Famous for the production of nutmeg, mace, and other spices, it is known as the "Island of Spice". Grenada operates as a parliamentary democracy with a stable government, and the official language is English. Tourism and agriculture (notably spices) are the main sectors. Additionally, its citizenship-by-investment program attracts a considerable amount of foreign investment.

Grenada is considered one of the safest Caribbean countries, with low violent crime rates and a strong sense of community cohesion. Most crimes are opportunistic and non-violent, such as petty theft and property crimes, including vandalism. Its safety index score is 75.78 out of 100.

Wrapped in spice-scented breezes and genuine island warmth, Grenada offers travellers one of the Caribbean’s safest and most peaceful places to explore

CONCLUSION

No doubt, some of the most beautiful and peaceful islands in the world are in the Caribbean. However, like anywhere else, it is important to follow common-sense precautions. Keep valuables out of sight, avoid isolated areas, and stay alert in crowded tourist spots. 

Besides its natural beauty and rich colonial history, many Caribbean countries that don’t make the list offer great CBI programs, allowing you to protect your wealth and build a solid Plan-B. To give the first steps on building yours, download our free special report on ‘Plan-B Residencies & Instant Citizenships.’