MIAMI — There’s a quiet shift happening in Caribbean travel — and it’s not all about the usual suspects. While some bigger-name islands continue to draw crowds, a new group of destinations is quietly capturing the imagination of American travelers.
According to new data from the Caribbean Tourism Organization, these five islands saw the strongest year-over-year growth in American visitors in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.
And the numbers are strong. Here’s where Americans are going, and why these destinations are suddenly rising to the top of their travel lists. If you’re planning your trip from the US to the Caribbean, make sure you check out our guide to the best beaches for this summer.
St Vincent and the Grenadines
+65.7% U.S. visitor growth (Q1 2025 vs. Q1 2024)
This isn’t just a spike — it’s a statement. Americans are discovering the 32-island wonder that is St Vincent and the Grenadines, a destination that balances off-the-grid seclusion with barefoot luxury. From the cinematic beauty of Bequia and Canouan to the wild cliffs of the mainland, this is one of the Caribbean’s last true frontiers — and it’s finally having its moment.
Whether it’s the new airlift, the boutique hotels, or the word-of-mouth magic, the Grenadines aren’t just trending — they’re turning into the next great escape.
If you want to know why, the answer is very simple: Sandals opened last year in St Vincent, and the “Sandals Effect” is continuing to have a big impact. For a deeper guide, check out our list of the best hotels in St Vincent and the Grenadines, from larger resorts to charming boutique hotels.
Best fare right now: $524 on American Airlines from Miami.
Curaçao
+23.5% growth
A rainbow of Dutch heritage, cosmopolitan charm, and coral-laced coastlines, Curaçao is breaking out. Americans are falling for its walkable capital, endlessly Instagrammable beaches, and off-the-beaten-path appeal.
There’s a reason its numbers are soaring: it’s not just a vacation, it’s a discovery. Curaçao is where culture and calm collide — and travelers are showing up for both.
Best fare right now: $542 on JetBlue from New York.
Barbados
+13% growth
Steady, stylish, and endlessly compelling — Barbados continues its quiet evolution into one of the Caribbean’s most sophisticated destinations. U.S. travelers are embracing its all-inclusive wellness resorts, new restaurant scene, and sense of depth: this is a place that rewards return visits.
From the surf of Bathsheba to the cocktail bars of the Platinum Coast, Americans aren’t just visiting — they’re becoming regulars.
Best fare right now: $387 on American Airlines from New York.
+12.4% growth
Antigua and Barbuda
With 365 beaches, Antigua has always had the numbers. Now, it has the momentum. New nonstop flights from the U.S., buzzy boutique hotels, and a growing romance travel market are pushing this twin-island nation into the spotlight.
Americans are arriving for the sand, staying for the soul, and adding Barbuda to their itineraries while they’re at it.
We should also mention that Antigua and Barbuda is the Caribbean capital of high-quality, luxury all-inclusive resorts, from legendary spots like Hammock Cove and Galley Bay to boutiques like Keyonna and adults-only getaways like The Verandah and Pineapple Beach Club.
Best fare right now: $394 on JetBlue from New York JFK.
Cayman Islands
+6.3% growth
Even in a competitive year, Cayman continues to climb. A surge in culinary tourism, family-friendly resorts, and high-end new offerings like VIDA are keeping the island on the radar for luxury-leaning U.S. travelers.
It’s no surprise that the numbers are rising. Cayman doesn’t chase trends — it sets them.
The Cayman Islands was also on our recently-published story on the best quick getaways if you’re traveling to the Caribbean from New York.
Best fare right now: $317 on United from Newark to Grand Cayman.
The CJ Takeaway
Maybe you’ve been to Jamaica. Or Cancun. But more and more Americans are diversifying their Caribbean escapes, looking beyond the obvious and into places that feel more personal, more meaningful.
The message is clear: in 2025, “where you go” says more than ever — and these five islands are where Americans are going now. Will you be next?
