9 Caribbean Destinations Ready for Tourists After Hurricanes

September 29, 2017

iStock

Plenty of islands received little to no damage and are still encouraging visitors to book trips.

9 Caribbean Destinations Ready for Tourists After Hurricanes

iStock

Plenty of islands received little to no damage and are still encouraging visitors to book trips.

Antigua

Although nearby sister island Barbuda sustained heavy damage, Antigua remains an operating tourist destination. Electricity has been restored to the capital of St. John’s and most other parts of the Island, according to Antigua and Barbuda Tourism.

Martinique

Martinique did not experience any significant damage from hurricanes Irma and Maria, according to the Caribbean Travel Organization. The island sent two ships with food and water to Saint Martin, a fellow French island territory. Attractions include Mount Pelee, a volcano towering over Saint-Pierre, the former capital turned open air museum.

Montserrat

Montserrat experiences minor damage from Hurricane Maria, uprooting some trees and damaging some buildings and electricity poles. Power has been restored to 90 percent of the island, and air and sea travel has been fully restored. The island’s annual festival will take place Dec. 22-Jan.2, featuring musical events, parades and more.

St. Lucia

Tribune News Service

St. Lucia was not impacted by either hurricane. The island is home to scenic rainforests and mountains, and a number of historical sites such as rum distilleries and burial sites.

St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis did not receive major damage during the hurricanes, and all hotels and travel options are operating as normal. The islands offer casino gaming, golfing, scuba diving and safaris.

The Bahamas

Tribune News Service

The Bahamas experienced minor damage, with most major tourism areas needing mostly cosmetic repairs. Flights and cruises are operating normally. The Bahamas is comprised of 700 islands and receives more cruise ship passengers than any other Caribbean nation, according to the Caribbean Travel Organization.

Jamaica

Tribune News Service

Jamaica didn’t receive heavy damage, and will resume normal tourist operations. Last year, 2 million tourists visited Jamaica, according to the Jamaica Tourist Board.

Curaçao

The island of Curaçao, near Venezuela, remains open for visitors. The islands Carnival festival goes from Jan. 30-Feb. 28.

Key West

Tribune News Service

The city of Key West, in the Florida Keys, opened for tourism on Oct. 1. The Empress of the Seas cruise ship has resumed docking on the island as of Sept. 24. Some hotels are housing displaced residents, so visitors should call ahead. The Humphrey Bogart Film Festival (Oct. 18-22) and the Stone Crab Eating Contest (Oct. 21) will happen on schedule.