If it’s your job to plan your buddy’s sendoff in to married life and you want to go all out, then a Caribbean destination may be on the horizon. Whether it’s a weekend away or a weeklong vacation, your visit to a tropical island will top any typical boys’ trip to Vegas. Here are the top ten places to host a Caribbean bachelor party that will make the groom remember exactly why he chose you as his best man.
10 Best Caribbean Bachelor Party Destinations
1. Barbados
If you want a unique and memorable Caribbean bachelor party experience, then try to schedule it to coincide with Crop Over festival in Barbados. What originally began as a celebration of the sugar cane harvest has transformed in to an extravagant party atmosphere that visually stuns with colorful feathered costumes. This is Barbados’ version of Mardi Gras or Carnival, and it runs from June until the grand finale at the beginning of August. Expect calypso music, street food, and maybe even a Rihanna sighting, if you’re lucky. What more could a bachelor want?
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2. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s capital city, San Juan, has a great combination of daytime adventures and nightlife if you’re looking for nonstop excitement. Outdoor excursions include opportunities for kayaking, ziplining, and scuba diving. If the groom-to-be enjoys a good cocktail, then take him on a rum tasting tour of the Bacardi Factory where you can even sign up for some Bacardi-based mixology lessons. At night you will have your choice of bars, clubs, and even salsa dancing.
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3. Dominican Republic
For a destination bachelor party that is still affordable, Puerto Plata or Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic are good options. Flights tend to be cheaper here than to some of the other islands, and it is the perfect country to visit for a beach bum bachelor. Make sure to allow ample time to enjoy the gorgeous beaches. If you want to experience some of the local color, then be sure to check out one of the elaborate outdoor markets.
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4. Bermuda
If you want to work a little education in to your trip, one of Bermuda top attraction is Dockyard, where The National Museum of Bermuda is located, and you can take in the island’s rich history and culture. Of course, there is adventure here too. Don’t miss the Crystal Caves, an underground cave with stunning crystal blue pools. When you are winding down from your tourist excursions, you can partake in a more traditional bachelor party activity by trying Bermuda's national drink, the Rum Swizzle. This cocktail usually consists of rum, citrus fruit juice, and grenadine, but your bartenders may have their own take on the signature beverage.
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5. Turks and Caicos
The tropical islands of Turks and Caicos have more to offer than just beautiful beaches and sunny skies. If your friends are golfers, make sure to add Provo Golf Club to your itinerary; it is considered one of the best courses in the Caribbean. Summer is still a good time to visit even though it’s considered the off-season; crowds will be smaller and you can enjoy a week of live music from both local and well-known musicians during the Music and Cultural Festival.
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6. Jamaica
If you don’t mind the tourists, the town of Ocho Rios in Jamaica, located near Montego Bay, is a great place for the bachelor who wants to spend his entire trip in swim trunks. You can book a “booze cruise” and enjoy some rum punch with your friends, or take a snorkeling tour. This is also home to the famous Dunn’s River Falls, a series of interspersed lagoons and waterfalls that you can climb like a watery staircase.
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7. St. Kitts and Nevis
For the bachelor who’s perfect party includes plenty of barhopping, then look no further than The Strip on Frigate Bay on St. Kitts. This bar belt feels like it has endless options for live music, open-air dance floors, pub food, and, of course, drinks. St. Kitts is also a great place to explore nature, as more than a quarter of the land is preserved as a national park.
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8. St. Lucia
If you want to warm up during the cold winter months, a bachelor party in St. Lucia is the perfect opportunity. The mountain views here are unique for the Caribbean and so gorgeous that your groom may end up wanting to head back for his honeymoon. A great daytrip is a visit to Sulphur Springs, which is branded as the world’s only “drive in volcano” because the road goes right up to the bubbling sulfur springs created by a collapsed crater. Nearby you can even take a warm mud bath known for its health benefits. After dark, you will have your choice of venues, depending on whether you are more partial to discos, live shows, or a mellower atmosphere.
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9. Aruba
No matter what time of year you land in Aruba, the warm weather will immediately let you know that you are on vacation. If your bachelor is an auto aficionado, this tiny island offers Jeep safari tours or ATV off-roading. In addition to the beaches and the clubs, your group can kick up the entertainment factor at one of the many casinos, some of which are open around-the-clock.
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10. Curaçao
To get the most out of a long weekend, Curaçao is a place that keeps the party going. Sunday nights here are traditionally as raucous as Fridays, so you do not have to worry about a cool down as the weekend nears an end. If you have any energy left in the morning (or maybe the afternoon), then the hiking trails at Christoffelpark are the perfect place to experience this lesser-known island’s unique wildlife.
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This article was written by Paula Ashlee Berg.