7 Hurricane-Free Caribbean Islands

Yes, hurricane-free Caribbean islands really do exist!

Some travelers are hesitant about vacationing in the Caribbean because they’ve heard this region is a prime target for hurricanes and tropical storms. Hurricanes mean lots of rain and canceled flights–two things that no one wants during their vacation.

However, these storms only occur at a certain time of year, and within a certain area called “Hurricane Alley”. And, contrary to popular belief, not all Caribbean islands are located within the hurricane belt. That means that some hurricane-free Caribbean islands actually exist!

Hurricane paths from 1851 to 2016 (NOAA)

The 7 Hurricane-Free Caribbean Islands

These 7 islands sit outside (or nearly outside) the hurricane belt, and are only very rarely affected by hurricanes and tropical storms. If you book your trip to one of these destinations, you’re almost guaranteed a storm-free trip.

Map of Caribbean Hurricane Belt. (University of Caen Normandy)

1. Barbados

Barbados, “the party island”, is located just outside the hurricane belt, so it is rarely touched by big storms. In fact, Bajans haven’t seen a major hurricane since 1955.

All of the beaches on Barbados are public, and they’re all incredibly beautiful. However, the main draw for vacationers is the annual Crop Over Festival, a lively, colorful party that celebrates Bajan food and culture.

2. Bonaire

This tiny island (only 24 miles long) is part of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao). It sits off of the coast of Venezuela, and well out of Hurricane Alley.

Bonaire is completely surrounded by an incredible coral reef, which was designated a protected marine park in 1979. Besides hundreds of unique species of marine life, the park has over 200 species of birds.

3. Curacao

Like the other islands in the ABC group, Curacao isn’t very likely to experience hurricanes. Scientists estimate that big storms hit the island only every 28.8 years. The last one to have any effect on Curacao was Hurricane Felix in 2007.

Besides being a safe place to vacation, Curacao is famous for its colorful Dutch architecture in the city of Willemstad, and for its luxurious resorts and villas.

Colorful European-style buildings line Curacao’s shores.

4. Aruba

Aruba is a great choice for your next vacation for many reasons: not only is it one of the most hurricane-free Caribbean islands, but it also has amazing white-sand beaches and scuba-diving sites. Perhaps unexpectedly, it’s one of the few Caribbean islands where travelers can visit prehistoric sites and see pictographs in ancient caves.

The city of Noord boasts spectacular natural pools in Arikok National Park, as well as rolling sandy dunes. It’s also known for luxury accomodations.

On the island’s west coast, you’ll find the city of Oranjestad. This town is famous for its Dutch architecture, and for being the host of Aruba’s annual Carnival.

Natural Pool, Arikok National Park, Noord, Aruba (Source: TripAdvisor)

5. St. Vincent and the Grenadines

St. Vincent and the Grenadines are a group of small islands, 32 to be exact. Although the islands are slightly within the hurricane belt, they have not experienced a hit from a hurricane in 60 years.

St. Vincent is known for spectacular sailing, coral reefs, and white-sand beaches. There are hundreds of cayes and lava rock formations, as well as a sea turtle hatchery and the famous Moonhole community. The Moonhole homes are dwellings built entirely out of scavenged, economically friendly materials.

Homes built into rocky crevices in the Moonhole community. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

6. Trinidad and Tobago

Located in the Caribbean Sea just above Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago is a two-island Caribbean nation. It is known for beautiful beaches, creole traditions, and a plentiful bird population. As the home of soca and calypso, this country is big on tradition, music, and festivities. Its Carnival and Diwali celebrations draw thousands of tourists each year.

Since they are located outside Hurricane Alley, Trinidad and Tobago are both hurricane-free islands. If you go, you can expect to enjoy a storm-free vacation.

7. Grenada

The lush, green island of Grenada is often called the “island of spice”. This is because many rich, fragrant spices grow there: nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon to name a few. Since the island is home to four volcanoes, you’ll find volcanic craters and a few incredible black sand beaches.

Grenada is also known for the romantic Grand Anse beach, breathtaking freshwater lakes, and the world’s first underwater sculpture park.

Black Bay, Grenada. (Source: TripAdvisor)

Avoiding Hurricanes in the Caribbean

Hurricanes do hit the Caribbean every now and then. However, that doesn’t mean you should only visit hurricane-free Caribbean islands.

Although we’ve mentioned seven hurricane-free islands in the Caribbean, keep in mind that all the Caribbean islands are hurricane-free at some point during the year!

So, if you’re extremely worried about being caught up in a storm, you can visit the nations that lie within the hurricane belt during the “dry season”. The dry season (anytime from December to May) is the time of year in which storms are least likely to occur.

However, that time of year is also the time when most tourists travel to the Caribbean. That means that prices go up, and crowds get bigger. Airfare is generally more expensive, and hotel rooms are harder to come by. So, if you want to travel to the Caribbean during the tourist “high season”, make sure you plan your trip months in advance.

Traveling to the Caribbean in Low Season

There are several perks to taking a slight risk and traveling to the Caribbean during low season. Low season generally coincides with hurricane season: June 1st to November 30th.

Advantages to traveling during this time include lower prices and more availability. For some, that’s enough to take a risk. However, it’s always best to check reputable online weather sources and see if any hurricanes are predicted for the season.

In addition, you won’t have to do as much pre-planning for your trip. Excursions won’t be as full, since there will be less tourists around to book them. Restaurants will have more availability, and you may not even have to make reservations.

Happy traveling! Check out How to Choose a Caribbean Island for Your Next Vacation here. Find out which vacation destination is right for you!

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