Summary

• The Caribbean may be known for its beauty, but it also has a dark side with violence, corruption, and poverty leading to crime.
• Tourists should be informed about safe places to go and ones to avoid before planning their trip.
• Cities like Nassau, San Juan, and Kingston have higher rates of crime and should be approached with caution, while other areas can provide a safer vacation experience.

Whenever we think of the Caribbean, it is easy for our minds to automatically connect with a vision of the sun, beach, and clear-blue water, like in Aruba. After all, some of the most exotic and beautiful sights on this earth are hidden in the islands of the Caribbean. Nevertheless, the Caribbean remains more than what meets the tourist's eye. Once we look past the beauty, we can sadly find violence, civil unrest, political corruption, poverty, and other societal disadvantages that lead to crime. As such, not all areas or countries can be considered visitor-friendly.

As a tourist looking to explore the unknown, it remains empirical to remain informed on the safe places to go and those to avoid. Although it's important to highlight the fear of crime in the Caribbean is often overblown and isolated to specific areas, you may still want to consult this list of the Caribbean's most dangerous cities before planning your next trip.

UPDATE: 2023/10/22 07:55 EST BY JAIMEE TERESE

Palm Trees And Peril: These Are Some Of The Most Dangerous Places In The Caribbean

While the Caribbean is regarded as an overall safe region to visit with overwhelming appeal, there is sometimes a dark side to paradise. This list of the most dangerous cities in the Caribbean has been expanded and updated for accuracy. Please note, however, that even in the Caribbean countries with the highest crime rates, the threat is often contained to a small area and shouldn't tarnish the whole nation's reputation.

12 Nassau, Bahamas

The Bahamas can be considered among the safest Caribbean countries on this list, yet one must still proceed cautiously. While violent crime does not occur often, there has been an increase in specific places like Nassau.

Despite the city being highly touristic with tons of activities on offer, the danger may still lurk in the less developed residential parts and outskirts of the town, especially as the wealth divide between tourists and locals continues to grow. It is, therefore, always best to be cautious of one's belongings, use better judgment, and avoid high-risk behaviors. Most pick-pocketing and petty theft reports have been reported, especially in nightclubs and restaurants.

• No-go zone: The area known as 'Over the Hill' is regarded as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Nassau and should be avoided by tourists.

11 San Juan, Puerto Rico

Despite being an unincorporated territory of the United States, many consider Puerto Rico a Caribbean island as well. Perhaps surprisingly, this island is on this list due to an enduring struggle with crime and political corruption.

A cycle of violence has been identified through an increase in organized crime, illegal drug trade, and alleged governmental involvement in such violations. Indeed, the island is not as safe as it used to be--especially in the city of San Juan. A wave of daytime violence linked to the drug trade has kept some tourists reluctant to visit the island altogether.

• Safest neighborhoods in San Juan: Old San Juan, Miramar, Isla Verde, Santa Teresita, Ocean Park
• Exercise caution (especially at night): La Perla, Piñones, Puerta de Tierra, Parque de las Palomas, Santurce

10 Laventille, Trinidad & Tobago

Murder rates have risen significantly over the years in the tiny islands of Trinidad & Tobago, with most of the infractions occurring outside the capital city of Port of Spain in Laventille.

The majority of crimes are linked to illegal drug trades and gang-related issues. Sexual assault and homicide also appear to be on the rise in the Laventille area, with the latter being closely linked to gang violence. Though Tobago tends to be regarded as safer than Trinidad, there is an increased risk of theft, highway robbery, and armed assaults on both islands during peak travel periods such as Christmas and Carnival.

• Beach safety: despite the appeal of their deserted beauty, it is best to avoid isolated beaches on the islands and stick to those more frequented by tourists.

Another issue to be aware of in Trinidad & Tobago are ATM scams and 'swiping' where a thin magnetic strip is placed in the card slot. Reduce the risk by using only official bank ATMs rather than stand-alone machines.

9 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has been in the news a lot recently, with reports of tourists mysteriously wounding up dead during their resort stay on the island. As these strange occurrences continue to accumulate, several travel warnings have been issued with regard to the increasing crime rates.

The profile underlying the vibrant city of Santo Domingo reflects low safety and high chances of assault, vandalism, theft, and more. Reports of police corruption and bribery have also made it harder to control criminal activity. Though the latter does not usually affect the resorts, it is best to be cautious when traveling to the city. Flashy jewelry and high-risk behaviors are not recommended.

• Safest cities in the Dominican Republic: Puerto Plata, Juana Dolio, Las Terrenas, Punta Cana

8 San Pedro Sula, Honduras

In recent years, Honduras has experienced incredibly high levels of both violence and criminality. The city of San Pedro Sula is considered to be rampant with drug trafficking, gang affiliation, and violence. Indeed, the city is considered to be ground zero for violent homicides in Honduras and is soon looking to become one of the murder capitals of the world.

Reports indicate an outstanding record of 20 homicides occurring daily. Young people happen to be the target of murder and assault due to the prominence of urban gangs like Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18. Traveling to Honduras is thus to be strongly reconsidered.

• Best vacation destination in Honduras: visit the beautiful island of Roatan instead

7 Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis

While crime in Saint Kitts & Nevis long made headlines, especially the high murder rates in the capital city of Basseterre, it has decreased across the nation by more than 60% in recent years. Nowadays, visitors are generally safe on their vacation to the dual islands, as Saint Kitts & Nevis have doubled down on efforts to leave their violent legacy behind.

Looking at strict statistics, the numbers are still elevated, but the majority of crimes in Basseterre are linked to both gang activity and illegal drug trade, so they are rarely targeted at tourists. Though measures have been taken to reduce the level of crime for a while now, one must still proceed with caution as assault, rape, and petty crime does still occur.

• Best places to visit in Saint Kitts & Nevis: Kittian Village, Cockleshell Bay, Charlestown, Sandy Point

6 Kingston, Jamaica

Although Jamaica remains one of the most popular international destinations for American travelers, several visitor warnings have been issued in regard to certain areas. The frequently-visited island has one of the highest murder rates in the world and serves as a site for a prolific drug trade system. Both Kingston and Montego Bay have found their way on this list, and so for considerable reasons.

While violence tends to remain in impoverished areas, in these aforementioned cities, it is not always confined. Sexual and physical assaults, robberies, murders, and more have been frequently reported all across the island, with occasional incidents even occurring at all-inclusive resorts. As a result, Jamaica is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous islands in the Caribbean.

• Safer alternatives: try booking a resort in Negril or Ocho Rios instead, and check out these 4 places in Jamaica that are super safe.

5 Port-Au-Prince, Haiti

Governmental warnings have been reissued time and time for Haiti and so especially in the capital city of Port-Au-Prince. As the country has experienced political instability for many years, the city is often central to a series of protests that tend to erupt into violent encounters between government officials and civilians.

Moreover, economic disparities and desperation have led to increased rates of armed robberies, break-ins, carjackings, murders, and physical assaults against visitors. The criticality of the situation is reflected in tourists getting robbed upon arriving at the airport. Lastly, drug-related crimes are also common, along with gang violence and kidnappings, and unfortunately, the situation only seems to have gotten worse in 2023.

• Paradise in crisis: Haiti is the poorest country in the Caribbean, with over 60% of the population living in poverty, according to National Geographic.

4 Caracas, Venezuela

Currently, the State Department advises tourists not to travel to Venezuela, and rightfully so. The island, which borders the Caribbean Sea, has experienced rapid and unfavorable changes in the past years, with crime increasing at alarming rates. Violent crimes, which previously only touched rural areas, have now erupted everywhere. Moreover, civil unrest and political dysfunction continuously place the city in chaos.

The rise of gangs, economic disparity, and drug trafficking have only resulted in greater violence, homicides, theft, and social fragmentation. The Venezuelan capital of Caracas currently ranks among the world's most violent cities.

• Danger all around: unfortunately, the safety risks extend far beyond the capital city, with most foreign governments issuing a 'Level 4: Do Not Travel' advisory to the entire country due to the extreme economic and political instability.

3 Georgetown, Guyana

This unique coastal nation borders Brazil and Venezuela, but interestingly, it is the only English-speaking country in South America. Rich in biodiversity, over 70% of its natural environment remains essentially untouched, from its dense rainforests to beautiful Caribbean beaches. Unfortunately, the country also ranks towards the bottom of the list on the Global Peace Index.

Crime rates are high overall, which has kept tourism numbers low. The highest risk for violent crime tends to be concentrated around Georgetown, the capital of Guyana. Here, incidents like armed robbery are commonplace, especially in shopping areas and business districts. Wealthy tourists are frequently the targets of muggings, even in broad daylight. Alarmingly, cars are known to follow travelers from the airport and attack upon arrival at their destinations. There are also security issues stemming from drug trafficking and political unrest that are unlikely to be resolved anytime soon.

• Recommendations for travel: Guyana has a lot to offer, but the safest way to explore is with an organized tour group.

LGBT travelers should exercise extreme caution in Guyana. Homosexuality is illegal, and any displays of affection (even holding hands) can lead to immediate arrest.

2 Belize City, Belize

Belize is a magical Central American destination that is well worth visiting. It offers a mix of vibrant culture, miles of stunning Caribbean coastline, and a lush jungle with massive Mayan ruins. With that said, there are some security issues to note and places to avoid to help ensure a safe experience.

Border areas are risky due to increased drug and human trafficking. This is especially true with the northern border into Mexico, and anywhere north of Belize City is generally recommended to be avoided due to gang activity. Within Belize City, violent crime is rife, and the homicide rate is high - it is considered the most dangerous place in Belize. There are frequent assaults, robberies, and murders, and the entire city is really a no-go zone at night for tourists.

• Safest places to visit in Belize: Caye Caulker, Corozal, Ambergris Caye

1 Colon, Panama

Overall, Panama is actually one of the safest countries in Central America, and a special tourist police force is present in the most-visited areas. Panama's colorful island chain of Bocas del Toro is an amazing (& safe) destination to enjoy all that the Caribbean has to offer and the dreamy archipelago of San Blas.

One area that is not safe to visit, however, is Colon. One of the country's ten provinces, situated on the Caribbean coast of Panama right at the entrance of the Panama Canal. As with many port cities, this naturally creates an environment riddled with gangs and drug trafficking. Colon is also known to have high rates of mugging, pick-pocketing, and robbery, many of them approaching tourists under the guise of tour guides.

• The Darien Gap: Travelers should also exercise extreme caution when visiting the stretch of the Caribbean coast that borders Colombia. It is advised to only visit with professional guides.