Storm-Free Caribbean Islands to Visit Right Now

Summer is an ideal time to travel to the Caribbean thanks to lower off-season rates and fewer crowds, but it can be tricky, especially in hurricane-prone areas at risk of being affected by severe weather. If you’re nervous about the possibility of foul weather ruining your Caribbean vacation, fret not: There are plenty of tropical locales that are rarely impacted by hurricanes. Here are three idyllic spots where you can steer clear of tropical storms and enjoy relaxing island vibes, picturesque scenery and luxurious accommodations this summer.

[See: The 10 Best Hotels in the Caribbean 2016.]

Aruba

Aside from its beautiful beaches, such as Arashi Beach near the northwestern tip of the island and Baby Beach on the southeastern end of the island, Aruba also boasts an enviable location outside the hurricane belt. During the summer months, you can expect high daytime temperatures and a dry climate. During your trip, make sure to go inland and join an off-road safari UTV tour or visit the Butterfly Farm, a tropical garden with thousands of butterflies from all corners of the planet.

As for lodging, consider the convenient Hilton Aruba Resort, Casino Spa. Located less than 10 miles away from the capital city of Oranjestad, the property boasts an outdoor lounge, five restaurants, a beach bar, a lagoon and torchlit dinner service. The resort also boasts a large pool, a free kid’s club and a variety of activities, from paddle boarding and bike tours to Zumba and archery. The Aruba Marriott Resort Stellaris Casino is another compelling option. With nine restaurants and bars, including the pop-up beach restaurant Atardi, you and your travel companions surely won’t go hungry. Work up your appetite by playing beach tennis, the island’s signature sport, snorkeling, windsurfing or trying your hand at stand-up paddleboard yoga. And don’t miss checking out the Tradewinds Club, which occupies the top floor of the hotel and offers an array of complimentary food and beverage options, a pool and reserved beach seating.

Bonaire

Bonaire, like its sister ABC islands Aruba and Curaçao, offers a temperate climate and idyllic location outside the hurricane belt. You can expect pleasant, 80-degree Fahrenheit temperatures and reduced crowds (and prices) at this time of year. During your trip, make sure to try your hand at kitesurfing. Some of the best spots are located on the southwest tip of Bonaire, where the tradewinds create a perfect environment for the thrills of the watersport. If you’ve never tried kitesurfing before, the Bonaire KiteSchool offers private and semi-private lessons.

If you want more exhilarating pursuits, scuba dive with Divi Dive Bonaire, a PADI five-star dive center on the grounds of Divi Flamingo Beach Resort Casino. Bonaire is well known for its dive sites and diverse underwater life, so even if diving isn’t your thing, make sure to enjoy some snorkeling to explore the area’s magnificent reefs and underwater splendors. And when it comes to accommodations, consider bedding down at the upscale Harbour Village Beach Club, which is home to the island’s only private beach. Here, you’ll find La Balandra Restaurant and Bar, which boasts a dining deck on a jetty, giving guests the experience of sailing while savoring fish-to-fork specialties. Plus, the private beach boasts ideal conditions for snorkeling or diving expeditions with Great Adventures Bonaire. Paddle board, kayak or take a private boat charter. If you’d rather kick back and relax, head to the hotel spa or the secluded cascade pool.

[See: The 10 Most Affordable Caribbean Destinations.]

Curaçao

With few showers, temperatures hovering in the mid-80s and an advantageous location north of the equator, Curaçao‘s off-season, from May to November, is a great time to plan a trip. Enjoy soaking up diverse Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese cultures and colorful colonial buildings. And aside from its architectural gems, Curaçao wows its visitors with 35 beaches, as well as its snorkeling and diving sites. Also make sure to check out Willemstad, the capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with an array of museums, monuments, top-notch restaurants and shops. Another must-see is Christoffel National Park, which is based around the island’s highest point of elevation, Mt. Christoffel, and boasts eight hiking trails. Also make sure to check out Marshe Bieuw (Old Market) and the Floating Market, where local cooks rent stalls and cook up island specialties like pumpkin pancakes. Jan Thiel Beach, an upscale residential area, is also worth a visit with its top-tier restaurants, such as Zanzibar and Papagayo Beach Club.

[See: 10 Cheap Summer Vacation Destinations.]

When you’re ready to call it a day, consider retreating to Santa Barbara Beach Golf Resort. Stretching across 27 acres on a rare natural preserve, the resort boasts four intimate villa-like suites. Here, you can enjoy exclusive amenities such as a private swimming pool and a shower that opens to a private patio.