17 Risky Caribbean Islands For Tourists + 3 You ’ re Safer Avoiding

A Caribbean flight conjures images of turquoise waters and hammock naps—but safety affair , even in paradise . While the huge majority of visits are trouble-free , some islands come with risks travelers shouldn ’ t ignore . I ’ ve looked into the destinations where pickpocketing , scams , and still violent crime have arouse red flag for tourists .

But put on ’ t worry—it ’ s not all bad news . I ’ ve also pinpointed the island where you can relax with peace of head , plus three that , in my honest opinion , might not equal worth the hazard right now .

Then before you book that beachfront cottage , let ’ s do sure you know just what you ’ re walking into .

1 . Trinidad & Tobago Crime Concerns

Gang activity plagues certain domain of this dual-island nation , especially around Port of Spain . Tourist often become targets for robbery , in particular after shadow or when show off expensive item .

The beautiful beach attract visitor , butcriminals know tourists carry valuables .I recommend avoid isolate areas and utilize only registered taxis , especially at dark .

Woman traveler should practice additional caution , as harassment have been report . Despite these issues , many visitor delight Trinidad ’ s noted Carnival safely by cling to tourist zones and practicing mutual sense .

2 . Santo Domingo Tourist Scams

Money exchange tricks exceed the list of problem in the Dominican Republic ’ s capital . Cashiers might weigh bill quickly or hand back incorrect change , hop you won ’ t notice .

Fake circuit guides approach visitor near popular attraction like the Colonial Zone , offering peculiar access or exclusive tour at inflated prices . Many tourists fall victim to transportation scams where driver claim meters are break , then charge outrageous fares .

Credit card skimming happens at humble restaurants and shops . I ever advocate paying with little bills , confirming prices before services , and expend only ATMs inside banks for better security .

3 . Nassau Pickpocket Hotspot

Cruise ship dump thousand of visitor daily into Nassau ’ sec crowded markets and beach . This make utter opportunities for skilled pickpockets operate in squad to direct distracted tourist .

The straw market and Bay Streetshopping district see the high concentrationof theft reports . Visitor much don ’ t realize their wallets or phone exist lack until hours later .

Bag-snatching from beach chairman go on while swimmers enjoy the water . I always observe valuables in front pockets or money belt when search Nassau . Think get out passports in hotel safe and carrying only necessary cash for daily activity .

4 . Kingston Local Unrest

Jamaica ’ s capital experience periodic demonstrations that can rapidly intensify . Political tensions sometimes spill into tourist sphere , overhear visitor by surprise .

Certain neighborhoods like Trench Town and Tivoli Gardens conflict with gang violence . Though these areas agree ethnic implication , they remain dangerous for tourists without local guides .

Armed robbery occasionally target visitors who venture away from secure zones . I recommend staying in well-established tourist area like New Kingston and hiring reputable drivers kinda than thread independently . Check local word for protest before heading out for sightseeing .

5 . Saint Martin Theft Account

This half-French , half-Dutch island clamber with car break-ins direct rental vehicles . Thief discern tourist cars by their rental company stickers and target them in beach park lots .

Vacation place burglaries spike during high season .Criminal know which properties cost holiday rentalsand monitor them for patterns when guests live off .

Smartphone snatch happens along the popular boardwalk areas , particularly in Philipsburg and Marigot . I advise never leaving valuables visible in cars , stave off flashy jewelry , and employ way safes consistently . The island remains mostly safe , but property crime affect adequate visitors to warrant care .

6 . Port-au-Prince Travel Warnings ( Avoid This One )

Haiti ’ s capital confront extreme security challenges that make it unsuitable for typical tourism . Gang dominance extends through many neighborhoods , with kidnappings direct foreigners for ransom .

Armed robbery go on in liberal daylight , still in field once look at safe . The political position remains extremely precarious , with frequent protests that pulley transportation route .

Medical facilities can not handle emergency adequately , and police reception exist unreliable at best . Most authorities supply their strongest travel warnings against impose Port-au-Prince . I strongly recommend choosing alternative Caribbean destinations until weather improve significantly .

7 . San Juan Night Risk

Puerto Rico ’ s capital transforms after dark , especially in La Perla and parts of Santurce where muggings increase significantly . Tourists walk back to cruise ships or hotel become easy targets .

Drug activity in certainnightlife areas creates unpredictable situation .Criminals sometimes set as helpful locals before leading visitors to isolated spots .

Drink spiking has be report in some bars catering to tourists . I recommend employ official taxis kinda than walk at dark , delay in well-lit sphere with groups , and watching drinks be prepared . The historical Old San Juan sphere maintains better security than outlying neighborhoods .

8 . Montego Bay Tourist Direct

Resort areas in Jamaica ’ s popular destination experience coordinate scams direct newcomers . Hustlers come on with belligerent sales tactic for everything from hair braiding to water sports .

Counterfeit goods sellers crowd the Hip Strip , sometimes becoming confrontational if tourists try to bargain too severe . Some vendors work with pickpockets who strike during distractions .

Transportation overcharging happens frequently , with unofficial taxis blame triple the standard rates . I indicate set up activity through your hotel , distinctly agreeing on price before service , and politely but firmly turn down unwanted offers . All-inclusive resorts offer the nearly security from these matter .

9 . Castries Pushy Vendors

St. Lucia ’ s capital port welcomes cruise ships daily , creating a feeding fury of belligerent sellers . Vendors sometimes follow tourists for blocks , making shopping uncomfortable .

Taxi drivers compete intensely for business ,occasionally misleading tourist about distances or attraction shutdown times to secure fares . Market sellers may switch detail during promotion or shortchange distracted buyers .

Local tour operators sometimes anticipate exclusive experiences that put on ’ t peer reality . I advocate researching standard prices beforehand , book with established companies , and study polite but firm refusal phrase . The harassment rarely turn serious but can sure enough lessen enjoyment of this otherwise lovely island .

10 . Ocho Rios Beach Hustlers

Jamaica ’ s popular cruise port pull in persistent beach vendors sell everything imaginable . They approach repeatedly despite polite refusal , especially direct first-time visitors who haven ’ t developed firm rejection skill .

Unlicensed jet ski operators extend ride at seemingly well price but much demand more money once you ’ re out on the water . Hair braiders sometimes start working without clear arrangement on cost , then demand excessive payment .

Drug sellers approach tourists surprisingly openly near major beaches . I advocate using resort beaches with security rather than public ones , institute clear boundary with vendors , and avoiding separated areas where pressure tactics compound .

11 . Oranjestad Petty Crimes

Aruba ’ s capital experiences increase theft from rental cars and beach property . Thieves direct vehicles with rental stickers while tourist search attraction like Natural Bridge or Arikok National Park .

Pickpocketing occurs in thebusy shopping districts ,especially when cruise ship live in port . Unattended bags disappear quickly from beach when owners float .

Counterfeit money sometimes returns as change from smaller vendors . Though fierce crime stay rare , these property crime affect enough visitors to justify caution . I always advise employ hotel safes , carrying minimal valuables , and head off leaving anything visible in parked car .

12 . Roseau Market Distractions

Dominica ’ sec capital own a reputation for clever distraction technique targeting tourist . Mutual scams include someone spilling something on your clothing , then another person offer to serve clean up while accomplices pick pocket .

Market vendors sometimes use quick-change tricks when cover unfamiliar Caribbean currencies . Cruise passenger face particular direct due to their special time ashore and predictable road .

Fake tour guides set about extend special access to natural attraction at “ discount prices. ” I recommend hold valuables secure in money belts , photographing taxi license information before trip , and arranging circuit through established businesses rather than street solicitors .

13 . Bridgetown Taxi Scams

Barbados ’ capital struggles with transportation deception targeting tourist . Unlicensed taxis lack meters and charge arbitrary fares , much claiming “ special rate ” for visitor .

Some drivers needunnecessarily long roadto increase fares or cease at commission-paying store along the way . Hotel transportation arranged through unofficial origin sometimes never arrives , get out tourist stranded after payment .

Cruise passenger face particular targeting with false claim about port distance and ship difference time . I recommend employ only officially register ZR vans or licensed taxis with proper recognition , support fares before entering vehicle , and arranging return transportation in progress .

14 . Basseterre Safety Fluctuations

St. Kitts ’ primary town experiences seasonal crime growth during low tourism period when economic pressures raise . Robbery attempts growth in less-patrolled domain just outside the primary tourist zone .

Beach vendors sometimes turn belligerent when tourists decline service . Jewelry and electronics thefts from hotel rooms receive been reported when items are left unsecured .

ATM skimming devices occasionally appear at automobile in less-monitored locations . While still relatively safe compare to early Caribbean destinations , Basseterre requires awareness of surroundings . I indicate remain in well-traveled area , use hotel safe consistently , and avoiding displays of wealth .

15 . Philipsburg Overpriced Tours

St. Maarten ’ s chief town struggles with misleading excursion pricing that targets cruise passenger . Operators advertise low initial price , then lend numerous unexpected fees once tours begin .

Some beach clubs promote “ free ” chairsand umbrellas but require minimum food and drink purchase at inflated price . Jewelry shop sometimes misrepresent gemstone quality or betray watch with questionable authenticity .

Water sport equipment rentals might total with hidden damage charges applied after proceeds . I recommend researching typical price before arrival , come all costs in compose before booking , and reading recent review . Despite these subject , Philipsburg remains relatively safe for physical protection .

16 . Willemstad Fake Guides

Curaçao ’ s colorful capital attracts imposters set as authorized tour guides . They approach tourist near cruise terminals extend “ special access ” to attractions at seemingly serious price .

These unauthorized guides often render inaccurate information and thrill visitors through sites to maximize profits . Some lead tourists to commission-paying shops quite than predict attractions .

Water taxi operators sometimes quote one cost then require more upon reaching destinations . I advocate verifying credentials before employ guides , booking through institute caller , and researching standard rates . The historic territory remain generally safe , but these tourism scams get out visitor with disappointing experiences and lighter wallets .

17 . Road Town Cruise Chaos

The British Virgin Islands ’ primary port become overwhelmingly crowd when multiple ship dock at the same time . This congestion creates perfect consideration for small thefts and scams direct disoriented visitor .

Taxi driversometimes group strangers together without permission ,point each total fare . Souvenir vendors occasionally switch quality detail during packaging after purchases live make .

Excursion ticket sold on street much misrepresent included amenities or departure times . While violent crime remain rare , these frustrating experiences affect visitor gratification . I suggest book activities through ships or reputable websites , photograph any purchased item before wrapping , and arranging transportation before arrival .

18 . Cap-Haïtien Safety Issues ( Avoid This One )

Haiti ’ s northern city faces severe infrastructure challenges and protection concerns make tourism inadvisable . Power outages happen regularly , leaving areas completely dark at night when crime hazard peak .

Political instability produce unpredictable barrier and demonstrations that can trap visitor . Medical facility lack basic supplies and equipment for emergencies .

While the historic Citadelle Laferrière attract adventure traveler , attain it necessitate cut across areas with significant safety headache . Most travel insurance policy specifically exclude coverage in Haiti due to extreme risks . I strongly advocate pick out other Caribbean destinations until condition improve substantially .

19 . Caracas Spillover Risk ( Avoid This One )

Venezuela ’ s ongoing crisis affects nearby islands , especially with maritime safety concerns . Boats travel also close Venezuelan waters face piracy risks and possible detention by authorities .

Refugee movements produce precarious conditions in border regions . Criminal organization operating from mainland Venezuelasometimes extend activity to neighboring islands .

Though technically not a Caribbean island itself , Caracas constitute a grave risk zone that travelers should avoid entirely . The humanitarian position continues deteriorating with extreme shortages of food , medicine , and basic services . I strongly advise choosing other Caribbean destinations and stave off maritime route near Venezuelan territorial waters .

20 . Fort-de-France Crowd Quarter

Martinique ’ s capital experience congestion-related safety subject when cruise ships get . Narrow streets get packed with tourist , creating prime conditions for pickpocketing and bag-snatching .

Scooter thievesnow and then grab handbag or telephone from distractedvisitor before speeding away . Market areas learn the high concentration of minor theft paper , particularly when customers deal cash .

Though fierce crime remains uncommon , the crowded conditions make opportunity for property crimes . I recommend put on cross-body bags with zippers face up inward , keeping valuables in front pockets , and maintain awareness in in use region . The French island ’ s police presence helps deter more grave incidents .