Are you dreaming booking a Caribbean escape but worried about ending up in a tourist trap?
Have no fear, as Tanneka Fleary, travel expert at Golden Grenadine Travel, is here to tell you exactly which overcrowded destinations to skip and where you should go instead.
She says: ‘Tourist traps often come with crowds, inflated prices, and little to no connection with the local culture or environment.
‘For both tourists and the countries they visit, these spots can contribute to the exploitation of natural resources and local communities, often leaving a negative impact.
‘The goal is to enjoy a destination sustainably, while experiencing its true charm, not just what the marketing teams want you to see.’
Find out which ‘chaotic’ area you’ll want to swerve, which beach is one of the region’s most ‘overcrowded’ spots and where to find a ‘peaceful retreat with ‘crystal-clear pools’…
Where to avoid…and where to go instead
Swap Dunn’s River Falls for Reach Falls in Jamaica
Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica, (pictured above) is often crowded, which ‘makes it difficult to fully enjoy the beauty of the falls’, says Tanneka Fleary, from Golden Grenadine Travel
Reach Falls, in Jamaica (pictured above) is a ‘more serene alternative’ to Dunn’s River Falls, says Tanneka
A set of famous waterfalls, located near Ocho Rios in Jamaica, Dunn’s River Falls is incredibly beautiful but ‘often overcrowded with tourists’, says Tanneka.
The crowds ‘make it difficult to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the falls’, explains the travel expert.
She says: ‘It’s not the only waterfall worth seeing. Instead, make your way to Reach Falls, a more serene alternative located in the east of the island.
‘Tucked away in the lush rainforest, Reach Falls offers a peaceful retreat with its crystal-clear pools, perfect for swimming or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of the surroundings.’
Switch Nassau for Exuma in The Bahamas
Nassau is a major travel hub in The Bahamas, and welcomed 5.6 million cruise passengers in 2024 alone.
But Tanneka explains that the crowds make the ‘bustling cruise port feel overwhelming, with tourists pouring in and out constantly’.
She says: ‘The area is busy and lacks the authentic charm that many visitors are seeking.’
Tanneka explains that the crowds at Nassau, Bahamas (pictured above), make the ‘bustling cruise port feel overwhelming, with tourists pouring in and out constantly’
The expert recommends Exuma (pictured above), made up of over 365 islands in The Bahamas, as it offers ‘a true slice of paradise’
Where should you go instead?
Tanneka recommends Exuma, an area made up of 365 islands and cays in The Bahamas, as it offers ‘a true slice of paradise’.
The travel expert adds: ‘Eco-conscious travellers will appreciate its commitment to persevering natural beauty, and you can even swim with pigs on some of the islands.’
Ditch Gros Islet Street Party for Marigot Bay in St Lucia
The Gros Islet Street Party takes place every Friday night in St Lucia and is a popular event with tourists. However, Tanneka says that the party’s ‘chaotic energy’ can ‘leave you feeling more stressed than relaxed’.
She recommends heading to peaceful Marigot Bay, on the eastern coast of St Lucia, instead, for a ‘more laidback, peaceful alternative’.
The travel expert explains: ‘Known for its calm waters and stunning views, it’s a haven for sailing, kayaking, or simply relaxing. Eco-luxury resorts line the bay, offering a serene atmosphere where you can immerse yourself in nature and local culture without the hustle and bustle.’
Swerve Maho Beach for Pinel Island in Saint Martin
In Saint Martin, Maho Beach (pictured above) can be ‘overwhelming with crowds and noise’, says Tanneka
Tanneka recommends Pinel Island (above) instead, for its ‘pristine beaches, calm waters and fantastic opportunities’
The Dutch side of the Caribbean island of Saint Martin is a popular cruise holiday destination, and Maho Beach is particularly famous there, due to the low-flying planes that regularly soar over the sands.
But if you’re not into planes, you might want to give it a miss. Tanneka explains that the ‘experience can be overwhelming with the crowds and noise’.
The travel expert suggests heading to Pinel Island instead, which is off the coast of the French side of the island.
Tanneka says: ‘With its pristine beaches, calm waters and fantastic snorkelling opportunities, Pinel Island provides the ultimate tranquil getaway.
‘The island also has delicious local restaurants serving fresh seafood, giving a more authentic taste of island life.’
Avoid Grand Cayman and head to Little Cayman
Seven Mile Beach is a golden sand beach on Grand Cayman’s west coast, and is known for its beauty.
However, Tanneka says its renowned beauty also makes it one of the island’s most ‘overcrowded spots’.
Seven Mile Beach’s renowned beauty makes it one of the Grand Cayman’s most ‘overcrowded spots’
Tanneka says Little Cayman (pictured above) has ‘incredible natural beauty’
She recommends heading to Little Cayman, the smallest of the Cayman Islands, for a ‘less developed, less crowded hidden gem’.
Tanneka reveals: ‘It offers incredible natural beauty and some of the best diving spots in the Caribbean.’
She loves the island’s wildlife and ‘pristine beaches’.
The travel expert adds: ‘[It has’] a laid-back vibe that provides a welcome escape from tourist-heavy areas.’