The summer holidays are a tradition that many people rely on for their annual chance to relax in the sun. After a year of hard work, you deserve a little fun! If your vacation is scheduled for July 2024, you’re no doubt looking for the perfect spot to set up your beach chair, umbrella and ice-cold drink with its own little umbrella.
You know you want to escape to a sultry Caribbean island. However, as an experienced (or well-researched) vacationer, you also know that choosing the right island really matters. In a year with half as many hurricanes as usual and after a few seasons of sargassum seaweed littering all the wrong beaches, planning ahead is the best way to ensure your vacation is the relaxing experience you deserve.
Fortunately, there are still plenty of quiet, unspoilt Caribbean beaches where you can enjoy the sun in peace and luxury. Join us as we explore the top 5 best Caribbean islands to visit in July 2024.
What makes a great Caribbean destination in July?
- Low risk of hurricanes
- The natural currents and weather patterns over the Atlantic Ocean and in the Caribbean Sea mean that some islands are more or less at risk than others. The ‘Hurricane Belt’ tends to focus on islands further north in the Caribbean Sea, while the southern islands tend to be safer from storms – some of which haven’t experienced a major storm in more than 100 years.
- Beaches without Sargassum seaweed
- Most beaches have some seaweed on the shore. However, Sargassum seaweed is a variety that accumulates in large piles and becomes poisonous when putrefied. Fortunately, in some places it only occurs in high densities. These Caribbean islands are low on Sargassum, so your beaches will look their best.
1) Curacao
Curaçao is a picturesque Caribbean island that is part of the Leeward Antilles. This beautiful destination has 35 beautiful white sand beaches and a vibrant coral reef for diving. The island is home to several national parks for nature explorations, plus a fantastic historic downtown area rich with street art and a nightlife with live music.
Curacao is also considered one of the most affordable Caribbean islands. But most importantly, it is south of the hurricane belt and has not seen a hurricane in more than 130 years.
2) Aruba
Aruba is one of the best vacation destinations in the Caribbean, known for its glistening white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. The island is dotted with resorts, casinos and holiday activity venues offering a lively selection of endless water sports. There are many opportunities for adventure, as the island is littered with natural caves, nature trails and tide pools, as well as Oranjestad’s rich Dutch history.
Aruba has also not experienced a hurricane landfall in almost 1.5 centuries due to its location below the hurricane belt.
3) Bonaire
Bonaire is one of the lesser-known Caribbean islands, making it the perfect destination for a peaceful vacation full of beach naps and nature walks. Bonair is known for its miles of pristine beaches, the highlight of which is the legendary 1000 Steps Beach known for its beautiful walks along the coastline.
The coral reef of the Bonaire National Marine Park is perfectly preserved and one of the world’s best shore diving destinations. It also features 14,000 hectares of island national park with rock formations, caves and blowholes to explore. Not to mention the local population of native pink flamingos and Caribbean turtles.
Bonaire is in a uniquely sheltered location and has historically been safe from storms, like its other southern sister islands.
4) San Andres
The seven sea-colored islands of San Andres and Providencia are also exceptionally quiet, having experienced only two hurricanes since records began. San Andres Island offers the ideal mix of relaxing white sandy beaches and exciting Reggae nightlife. Evenings are filled with music and cocktails, while daytime adventures focus on appreciating the island’s pristine natural features, from the reef to the geysers.
Unlike most of the Dutch Caribbean, San Andres is a Colombian island with a cultural mix of Creole, Afro-Caribbean, Latin and English Caribbean to create a truly vibrant mix that will make you feel ready in a unique way feels to relax.
5) Providencia
The second island with seven sea colors is Providencia, an island dedicated to preserving the natural ecosystems of the Caribbean. Visitors are welcome to explore the many nature reserves and national parks and enjoy the wonders of unspoiled Caribbean nature. Some of the top attractions include the Mc Bean Lagoon National Natural Park, the Sea Flower Biosphere Reserve and the Crab Cay.
Not to mention diving and swimming in the Sea of Seven Colors. It is said that the waters there can be seen in every possible shade of blue.
An important element of ecosystem conservation in Providencia is that major storms such as hurricanes are rare, protecting both wildlife and visitors from the hurricane season.
Your ideal July 2024 Caribbean vacation awaits you.
