When you’re planning a Caribbean getaway, safety is usually right up there with sunshine and beaches. And while the region is full of bucket-list islands, some destinations consistently score higher when it comes to peaceful conditions, low crime rates, and overall traveler security.
Using the 2025 Global Peace Index, along with crime-trend data from regional authorities, here’s a look at the Caribbean islands where travelers say they feel the most relaxed — and the safest
6. Aruba
Aruba has a long-standing reputation for being safe, friendly, and incredibly easy to navigate. Violent crime rates are low, and the island’s heavy tourism infrastructure means visitors tend to feel supported and secure. Petty theft has ticked up slightly in recent years, so it’s worth keeping basics like zipped bags and hotel safes in mind.
5. Cayman Islands
The Caymans (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman) offer some of the lowest violent-crime rates in the region. The islands draw frequent repeat visitors who often cite how comfortable they feel exploring on their own. Certain pockets of Grand Cayman have seen modest crime increases, but overall, it remains one of the Caribbean’s most reliable choices for safety.
4. Martinique
This French Caribbean island stays consistently peaceful, with very little violent crime. The main issues travelers encounter tend to be opportunistic thefts, like pickpocketing or ATM skimming. As long as you use the same precautions you’d take in any city, Martinique is calm, scenic, and easygoing.
3. St. Barthélemy
St. Barts sees extremely low violent crime, part of why it attracts so many high-profile visitors. Property crime happens more often than violent incidents, so keeping an eye on phones, bags, and beach gear is smart. Otherwise, the island feels polished, orderly, and exceptionally safe.
2. Barbados
Barbados continues to trend safer each year, with overall crime decreasing since 2018. Most visitors report trouble-free stays, though drug-related activity and human-trafficking concerns are taken seriously by local authorities. Stick to reputable transportation and well-lit areas at night, and Barbados is an easy, comfortable island to explore.
1. Anguilla
Anguilla consistently ranks among the safest islands in the Caribbean. Violent crime is rare, and even petty theft occurs at notably low rates compared to nearby islands. Most crime tends to be drug-related and doesn’t affect tourism, making Anguilla one of the most relaxed, low-stress destinations you can pick.
Bonus Pick: Curaçao — A Safe, Colorful Standout Not in the Dataset
Curaçao wasn’t included in the Global Peace Index dataset used for the ranking, but it is consistently rated as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Violent crime is low, the tourism infrastructure is strong, and the island’s neighborhoods feel lived-in and welcoming rather than overly commercialized.
Petty theft can occur in busy areas (as it can anywhere), but most visitors say Curaçao is easy to explore independently, whether you’re wandering the pastel streets of Willemstad or heading out on your own for a beach day.
If you want a deeper look at where to stay, what to do, and how to plan your trip, you can check out my full Curaçao guide — it’s one of my favorite islands to recommend.