Home to turquoise waters and countless idyllic islands, the Caribbean is a popular destination for millions of visitors every year. However, the tropical climate also attracts mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika. While Zika is not at the threat level it was at the height of the outbreak in 2016, it is still a concern in certain areas, including parts of the Caribbean.
Luckily, there are several islands in the Caribbean region that are safe to travel to if you are worried about Zika virus.
As always, check on the CDC website for the most current information and follow the recommendations for US Residents Traveling Abroad. It should also be noted that even though islands are listed at Zika free at this moment, everyone should protect themselves from mosquito bites while traveling. Talk to a health care provider about potential risks. If you decide to travel, prevent mosquito bites and sexual exposure to Zika.
It should also be noted that the CDC has a new labeling system and they can tell you if a country has a current Zika outbreak, has ever reported Zika cases (past or current), has a low likelihood of Zika infection because of high elevation, has a mosquito type that carries Zika but no Zika cases, or has no mosquitos that spread Zika. It is suggested that you use this map on the CDC’s website to see the most current information.
Here is a list of Zika free Caribbean islands as of March 2019, according to the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC).
St. Barts
If you are looking for a Zika free Caribbean island, one of the best destinations is the island of St. Barts. St. Barts, also known as Saint Barthelemy, is a French-speaking territory in the Caribbean that has no current Zika outbreak. St. Barts boasts picture-perfect white sand beaches, including Shell Beach popular for shell collecting. The capital, Gustavia, has a beautiful harbor with plenty of shopping and dining options, making it a popular Zika free Caribbean destination.
Martinique
Martinique is another popular Zika free Caribbean island. The overseas region of France is currently characterized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as having no known risk of Zika from mosquitoes. The diverse landscape of Martinique ranges from unspoilt beaches to mountains and volcanoes and is perfect for hiking and exploring. Cuisine in Martinique blends both French and West Indian cultures, making it a great destination for foodies.
Cayman Islands
Another Zika free Caribbean destination is the Cayman Islands. According to the CDC, the Cayman Islands currently have no known risk of Zika transmission from mosquitoes. Grand Cayman is a British overseas territory and offers a variety of activities including snorkeling and SCUBA diving, wild-life watching, and deep-sea fishing.
Guadeloupe
An archipelago made up of over a dozen mountainous islands with beautiful beaches, the French overseas region of Guadeloupe is another Zika free island in the Caribbean. Guadeloupe is characterized as currently having no known risk of Zika transmission from mosquitoes, according to the CDC. The island of Basse-Terre is home to the National Park of Guadeloupe, where you will see stunning views of the active La Soufrière volcano.
The Bahamas
While not technically in the Caribbean Sea, the Bahamas are commonly considered part of the Caribbean due to its close proximity and shared culture with Caribbean islands. As of early 2018, the Centers for Disease Control removed the Bahamas from its list of areas with known risk of Zika. The North Atlantic island chain offers a wide variety of activities for all ages such as water sports, snorkeling, fine dining, shopping, golf, and casinos.
Other Zika free Caribbean islands include: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Martin/Sint Maarten, Turks and Caicos. For an up-to-date list of areas affected by Zika, visit the CDC’s Zika Travel Information page at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information
Note: We share tips for health, travel & preparedness, but this is not official medical advice. Please contact your medical professional if you have questions or symptoms.
