The Most Dangerous Caribbean Destinations, According To Research

When planning a trip to the Caribbean, travelers should feel joyous at the thought of digging their toes into sugar white sand, splashing about in crystal clear seas, and exploring tourist sites without care. While plenty of Caribbean tourist destinations are worth having on your radar, a handful are best avoided. Whether they are riddled with crime, prone to shark attacks, or lack quality health care, you should be cautious when visiting the most dangerous Caribbean locations. Also, choose your timing wisely. Natural factors such as weather can cause hazardous conditions, so don't visit a place in the hurricane belt (i.e., the Bahamas' Abacos Islands) during hurricane season, which spans June through late November.

Despite their weak points, most places on this list have many redeeming qualities, so if you visit them, simply stay vigilant. No matter where you're heading, don't vacation to the Caribbean before you know all the crucial details, like which places to stay away from at night (i.e., Nassau's Fish Fry). Avoid sketchy areas, leave fancy jewelry at home, don't accept food or drinks from strangers, and stay in a group when traveling outside the resort. Wondering how we chose the places on this list? We delved deep into official research, examining warnings from the U.S. Department of State and other government agencies. We also consulted the Global Peace Index, looked at official crime statistics, examined detailed weather reports, and studied research on shark attacks.

There's a lot to like about Trinidad and Tobago, including its tropical climate, coral reefs, and pretty beaches. This multi-island nation (made up of Trinidad, Tobago, and myriad tiny isles) is unarguably beautiful and filled with tasty food inspired by numerous cultures. If visiting in late winter, plan your trip around the popular Carnival festivities, which happen either in February or March. While there, you'll want to be cautious of where and when you leave the hotel – traveling at night is particularly dangerous, especially in unfrequented spots. The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 advisory, the second highest, advising tourists to "reconsider travel" due to violent crimes like kidnapping and terrorism.

It suggests travelers steer clear of beaches, Fort George, Queen's Park Savannah, and the downtown area of Port of Spain at night. It also mentions the following areas as targets for terrorists: hotels, tourist-friendly restaurants, shopping malls, parks, markets, large events, clubs, places of worship, and public transportation. The island of Trinidad has suffered a boost in the number of ransom-based kidnappings and advises those arriving via cruise ship to be wary when wandering through Port of Spain. Trinidad and Tobago are tied for 70th place on the Global Peace Index, along with Kosovo and Liberia.

Montego Bay is a dreamy place to spend a sunny day by the shore, especially at Doctor's Cave Beach, which is one of the 10 best beaches in Jamaica. Located on the island's northwest coast, Montego Bay is filled with resorts, restaurants, tour companies, and enough activities to keep travelers of all ages happily entertained. As with many Jamaican cities, this coastal gem has a dark side that you should be wary about visiting. Deemed a "do not travel" zone for U.S. government employees due to concerns about violent crime and limited health and emergency care facilities, this city also falls under Jamaica's Level 3 travel advisory. According to the State Department's directives, the area known as St. James Parish should be avoided, especially Queen's Drive between San San and Harmony Beach Park and the non-coastal side of the A1 highway in Montego Bay. Other spots to skip include Bottom Pen, Mount Salem, Hart Street, and Norwood Gardens. 

Before you get too nervous, it's important to note that the Jamaican Tourist Board refutes the U.S. State Department's concerns, claiming that only 0.01% of the island's crimes are committed against tourists (via NPR). If you decide to visit anyway, take regular precautions like pre-booking medical insurance (be sure to include medical evacuation). Other safety tips include never leaving food or drinks unattended, not walking around with wads of cash or wearing flashy jewelry, and not traveling at night.

Nassau boasts beautiful beaches, massive resorts like Atlantis and Baha Mar, not to mention plenty of James Bond filming locations you can visit. While most visitors spend time enjoying water sports like snorkeling, diving, and sailing, this large Bahamian island offers other fun things to do, like eating in local restaurants, shopping, and visiting art galleries and museums. If you plan to participate in these activities, watch your back and stay within your resort's grounds at night. The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 2 advisory ("Exercise Increased Caution") for Nassau due to greater levels of violent crimes. In the first 24 days of January 2024, the country recorded 18 murders.

In Nassau, violent crime, which includes sexual assault and armed robberies, happens both within and outside tourist areas, meaning tourists need to be vigilant everywhere. Travelers are advised to be wary of their surroundings and avoid unsafe areas like the "Over the Hill" section of town south of Shirley Street and Arawak Cay's Fish Fry restaurant zone. The State Department also warns travelers to avoid renting jet skis from unauthorized businesses. Multiple people have been injured due to negligence on the part of unofficial jet ski operators, and some have been sexually assaulted. As if that wasn't enough to make you want to steer clear of a Nassau vacation, shark attacks (some of which were fatal) have been reported there recently.

The Dominican Republic is well known as a budget-friendly warm-weather destination. It is beloved for its soft, white beaches, fun activities like zip lining and ATV riding, and all-inclusive resorts. And while those things are fabulous, other issues bring this gorgeous country down a few notches on the must-visit list. Major problems on the island include violent crimes like armed robbery, sexual assault, and even murder, which prompted a Level 2 travel advisory from the U.S. Department of State. Human and drug trafficking are other dangers, as is food poisoning. Over 22 people suffered illnesses from bad food or water at resorts near Punta Cana between mid-February and mid-March 2024 (via iwaspoisoned.com). Some had to be hospitalized.

Many of the less serious incidents tend to be crimes of opportunity, making tourists an easy target for acts like pickpocketing. Be careful in crowded areas, resorts, beaches, and airports. While keeping valuables in a hotel safe is generally a good idea, these have also been robbed. Leave anything important (except travel documents) at home. There is good news: the DR is actively trying to improve its situation, even creating a police force dedicated to protecting tourists. The safest way to enjoy this country is to stay within resort areas and be vigilant if you venture outside to cities like Santa Domingo, which has a high crime rate.

A budget-friendly destination to cure the winter blues, Belize is beautiful and warm. Home to the world's second-largest reef (the Belize Barrier Reef), this is a fabulous place to hit the water – just be sure you know how to snorkel safely around coral reefs before jumping in. When visiting Belize, it's best to head away from its largest urban center, Belize City. This is where you'll find most of the country's violent crime (like armed robberies, sexual assault, and murder), especially if you visit the southern part of the city below Haulover Creek Canal.

These dangerous incidents are often related to gang activity, but this area is set away from the main tourist spots, so it's unlikely a traveler would wander into it unexpectedly. Belize currently holds the world's highest murder rate (per capita), which is far from a selling point for the tourist industry. No wonder the U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the country. In its warning, the government also recommends that tourists "exercise increased caution," particularly in Belize City.

Like Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts and Nevis is made up of two main islands. It, too, is highlighted by natural beauty in the form of turquoise seas, black sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, ideal qualities for a relaxing tropical vacation. Tourists can lounge on the sand, snorkel in the warm water, or play golf against a backdrop of wow-worthy scenery. With a Level 1 warning from the U.S. Department of State, travelers are encouraged to "exercise normal precautions" when visiting these two Caribbean isles, which means you needn't worry much about dangerous issues like violent crime.

Speaking of crime, the rate in St. Kitts and Nevis has improved over the past 15 years. In 2011, there were a reported 35 murders, while the number of homicides dropped to 13 ten years later. During your trip, you're more likely to run into a pickpocket than a gang lord. Just keep a close eye on your belongings when you're off the resort property, and you should be fine.