69 Caribbean Fun Facts: Magic & Secrets On Every Island

Interesting things to know about the Caribbean Islands in 2025

The Caribbean archipelago, comprising of 1000s of islands, islets, reefs, and cays, stretches over two million square miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the northern coast of South America.

Each island boasts its own distinct identity, shaped by a blend of indigenous heritage, colonial influences, and natural wonders. Whether you're drawn to pristine beaches, vibrant festivals, or rich histories, these Caribbean trivia facts offer a glimpse into the treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored in 2025.

The top Caribbean fun facts

1. The Caribbean region is organized into 33 political entities

The Caribbean Islands includes 29 island nations of which 13 are independent, while the rest belong to countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Kingdom of the Netherlands and France.

2. Cuba is the largest Caribbean island

Spanning over 42,000 square miles, Cuba is larger than all the other Caribbean islands combined. It is also the most populous island, with over 11 million residents.

3. Saint Martin/Sint Maarten is the smallest island shared by two countries

St. Maarten is divided between France and the Netherlands, making it the smallest island split between two nations. Despite its small size, it has a diverse mix of cultures.

4. Saba Island has the world’s shortest commercial runway

Saba’s Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport features a runway that is only 400 meters (1,312 feet) long. It is so short that only small planes can land there.

5. Haiti still practices Voodoo

Voodoo is everywhere in Haiti, a spiritual system infusing everything from medicine and agriculture to cosmology and arts, and everyday life.

6. The Caribbean has only two seasons

The region experiences just two main seasons: the dry season (December to April) and the wet season (April to December). The wet season brings hurricanes and tropical storms, which can impact the islands significantly.

7. The Caribbean was once a pirate haven

During the 17th and 18th centuries, famous pirates like Blackbeard, Calico Jack, and Anne Bonny roamed the Caribbean. Some, like Henry Morgan, even became governors after leaving piracy behind.

8. Dominica’s Boiling Lake is one of the world's largest hot springs

Located in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, this volcanic lake reaches temperatures of up to 197°F (92°C), making it the second-largest hot spring on Earth.

9. Trinidad's Pitch Lake is the largest natural asphalt deposit

This 100-acre lake, roughly 250 feet deep, holds approximately 10 million tons of asphalt and has been used for centuries for road paving.

10. Two of the world's largest barrier reefs are in the Caribbean

There are many fun facts about the Caribbean Sea. The Horseshoe Reef surrounding Anegada is the fourth-largest barrier reef in the world and protects the island from erosion. The second largest barrier reef is the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef along the coast of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras.

11. The name "Caribbean" comes from the Carib people

The indigenous Carib tribes were known for their seafaring and warrior skills. The region was named after them when European explorers arrived.

12. Many English words originate from the Taino language

Common words like "hammock," "barbecue," and "canoe" come from the language of the Taino people, who once inhabited much of the Caribbean.

13. The Caribbean has multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Notable sites include Brimstone Hill Fortress (St. Kitts), Morne Trois Pitons National Park (Dominica), and Old San Juan (Puerto Rico).

14. Carnival is the biggest festival in the Caribbean

Originating from European and African traditions, Caribbean Carnival is celebrated in multiple countries, with Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival being the largest and most extravagant.

15. The Caribbean is one of the most linguistically diverse regions

While English, Spanish, French, and Dutch are widely spoken, many islands have their own Creole languages, blending African, European, and indigenous elements.

16. Rihanna is from Barbados

The global pop star Rihanna was born in Saint Michael, Barbados. In 2021, she was named a national hero of her country.

17. Mount Gay in Barbados is the world’s oldest rum distillery

Founded in 1703, Mount Gay Distillery is recognized as the oldest rum distillery still in operation.

18. Harbour Island in the Bahamas has pink sand beaches

These unique beaches get their pink color from crushed coral and microscopic marine organisms.

19. Trinidad and Tobago invented the steelpan

This unique percussion instrument, made from repurposed oil drums, was developed in the 1930s and is an essential part of Caribbean music.

20. Belize's Great Blue Hole is a diver's paradise

This giant marine sinkhole, measuring 1,043 feet wide and 407 feet deep, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best diving spots in the world.

21. The Bahamas has the clearest waters in the world

Studies by NASA have shown that the waters surrounding The Bahamas are among the clearest on Earth, thanks to their white sand and minimal pollution.

22. Montserrat has an active volcano that buried its capital

The Soufrière Hills Volcano erupted in 1995, covering the capital, Plymouth, in volcanic ash. Today, Plymouth is a ghost town, and the southern part of the island remains an exclusion zone.

23. Saint Lucia is the only country named after a woman

Saint Lucia is the only sovereign country in the world named after a woman, Saint Lucy of Syracuse. Ireland was named after a goddess.

24. The Dominican Republic has the oldest European settlement in the Americas

The city of Santo Domingo, founded in 1496, is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas.

25. The Caribbean is home to one of the world’s smallest snakes

The Barbados threadsnake is only about 4 inches (10 cm) long, making it one of the smallest snake species on Earth.

26. Haiti was the first post-colonial independent nation in the Caribbean

Haiti gained independence from France in 1804, becoming the first black-led republic and the second independent nation in the Americas after the U.S.

27. Cuba has over 3,500 miles of coastline

With its extensive coastline, Cuba boasts over 300 beaches, many of which are considered among the most beautiful in the world.

28. Grenada is known as the "Island of Spice"

Grenada is a leading producer of nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, earning it the nickname "Spice Island".

29. The Caribbean is home to a rare blue lizard

The Blue Iguana, found only in the Cayman Islands, is one of the rarest lizards in the world, with dedicated conservation efforts helping to prevent its extinction. It is one of the longest-living lizards, possibly up to 69 years.

30. Puerto Rico has the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay

Mosquito Bay in Puerto Rico holds the Guinness World Record for the brightest bioluminescence, caused by tiny microorganisms that glow when disturbed.

31. Cannabis is NOT legal in Jamaica, contrary to popular belief

Cannabis is illegal in Jamaica, but possession of small amounts was reduced to a petty offense in 2015. In reality, though, you can buy and smoke weed everywhere you go, even on public transport.

32. Jamaica was the first Caribbean island to produce commercial bananas

Jamaica began exporting bananas in the late 1800s, making it one of the first islands to develop a large-scale banana industry. These Caribbean history facts helped shape the country’s economy.

33. The Caribbean is home to the world's second-deepest underwater trench

The Puerto Rico Trench reaches depths of over 27,000 feet (8,380 meters), making it the deepest part of the Atlantic Ocean and a major point of interest for oceanographers.

34. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines were featured in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies

Several scenes from the "Pirates of the Caribbean" film series were filmed in Wallilabou Bay, making it a popular tourist destination today.

35. The Cayman Islands have more registered businesses than people

With a population of around 68,000 people, the Cayman Islands is home to over 100,000 registered businesses, making it a major financial hub.

36. Cuba has the world’s largest colony of flamingos

The Zapata Swamp in Cuba hosts the largest breeding colony of flamingos in the Western Hemisphere, with thousands of these elegant birds nesting there.

37. Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao (ABC Islands) lie outside the Caribbean hurricane belt

Due to its southern location, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao (also called the ABC Islands) are rarely hit by hurricanes, making it one of the safest destinations to visit during hurricane season.

38. The Dominican Republic produces the most Major League Baseball players

The Dominican Republic leads all other countries with 80 players on active rosters. Venezuela ranks third with 54.

39. The island of Bonaire has more flamingos than people

Bonaire is famous for its large flamingo population, which outnumbers the island’s human residents. However, this Caribbean flamingo fun fact will change soon as more people are moving to Bonaire.

40. Saint Kitts and Nevis has a railway originally built for sugar plantations

The St. Kitts Scenic Railway was built in the early 1900s to transport sugarcane and is now a popular tourist attraction.

41. The Dominican Republic has the highest peak in the Caribbean

Pico Duarte, standing at 10,164 feet (3,098 meters), is the tallest mountain in the Caribbean and a popular hiking destination.

42. Barbados has a cave with an underground waterfall

Harrison’s Cave in Barbados is a limestone cave featuring spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground waterfall.

43. Trinidad and Tobago is home to the world’s largest brain coral

The Speyside Reef in Tobago features the world’s largest brain coral, measuring over 10 feet (3 meters) in diameter. It is a popular site for scuba divers.

44. The Bahamas is made up of over 700 islands, but only about 30 are inhabited

Despite having over 700 islands and 2,400 cays, only about 30 islands in the Bahamas have permanent residents.

45. Dominica is called the "Nature Island" due to its lush rainforest and waterfalls

With 365 rivers, hot springs, and dense forests, Dominica is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers.

46. Jamaica is the birthplace of reggae music and Bob Marley

Jamaica gave the world reggae music, with Bob Marley being its most famous global ambassador.

47. The world’s first underwater sculpture park is in Grenada

The Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park, created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor, features life-sized sculptures submerged in the ocean, attracting divers from around the world.

48. Saint Barthelemy (St. Barts) is the most expensive Caribbean island to visit

Known for its luxury resorts, yachts, and designer boutiques, St. Barts attracts high-end travelers and celebrities.

49. Martinique has an active volcano that last erupted in 1902

The Mount Pelée eruption in 1902 destroyed the city of Saint-Pierre, killing nearly 30,000 people in one of the worst volcanic disasters in history. 

50. The Caribbean is home to the world’s oldest rum punch recipe

The classic Caribbean rum punch recipe follows a simple rhyme: "One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak." This traditional drink has been enjoyed for centuries.

51. Curaçao’s capital, Willemstad, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The colorful Dutch architecture of Willemstad has earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list, making it one of the Caribbean’s most picturesque capitals.

52. Cuba has a unique tradition of vintage American cars due to the U.S. embargo

Cuba’s 1950s American cars, known as "Yank Tanks", are still in use today due to the U.S. embargo, which prevented new car imports for decades.

53. Antigua has 365 beaches—one for every day of the year

With its stunning coastline, Antigua boasts 365 beaches, ranging from secluded coves to popular resort beaches. Many consider Dickenson Bay as Antigua's most beautiful beach.

54. Haiti is home to the Citadelle, the largest fortress in the Caribbean

Built in the early 1800s, the Citadelle Laferrière is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Haiti’s independence.

55. The Caribbean has crab racing competitions

Several Caribbean islands host crab racing competitions, where trained crabs compete in races, providing a fun and unique cultural experience and gambling opportunity.

56. Jamaica is the only Caribbean island with its own bobsled team

Jamaica's bobsled team became famous during the 1988 Winter Olympics, inspiring the movie Cool Runnings. The team continues to compete internationally.

57. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are known for black sand beaches

Many of the beaches in this island nation feature black volcanic sand due to the active La Soufrière volcano.

58. Aruba’s Fofoti trees always point southwest

Due to constant trade winds, Aruba’s iconic Fofoti trees grow leaning southwest, providing natural direction indicators.

59. The world's most dangerous tree, the Manchineel tree, is to be found on many Caribbean islands

The small greenish-yellow fruit of the Manchineel tree looks like a small apple but a single bite can kill. Even the smoke from burning trees is dangerous and can lead to blindness. Standing beneath the tree during rain will cause blistering of the skin from mere contact with this liquid

60. Saint Lucia has the world’s only “drive-in” volcano

Sulphur Springs in Saint Lucia allows visitors to drive right up to the steaming volcanic site, making it a unique geological attraction.

61. “Liming” is a favorite pastime in Trinidad and Tobago

“Liming” means hanging out with friends, relaxing, and sharing stories—an essential part of social life and cultural identity in Trinidad and Tobago.

62. Caribbean manatees are among the region’s most endangered species

Sometimes called “sea cows”, these gentle creatures are found in coastal areas of the Caribbean, but face threats from habitat loss and boat collisions.

63. Dominica has the highest number of centenarians per capita

With its clean air, healthy lifestyle, and pure water, Dominica has one of the highest percentages of people living over 100 years.

64. The world's steepest zipline is located in St. Maarten

"The Flying Dutchman" is considered the world's steepest zipline, offering thrill-seekers a heart-pounding descent from Sentry Hill in St. Maarten.

65. Iguana meat is considered a delicacy

Iguanas are called “chicken of the tree” in the Caribbean. Their meat contains more protein than chicken, and members of some cultures believe it has medicinal properties.

66. Many of the world's most dangerous airports are found in the Caribbean

Princess Juliana International Airport on St. Maarten, Gustaf III Airport on St. Barts, and Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport on Saba are notoriously dangerous due to extremely short runways, proximity to beaches or steep terrain, and challenging approaches that demand precise piloting.

67. You can swim with pigs in the Exumas, the Bahamas (and Curacao too!)

In the Exumas, about 20 pigs and piglets are living their best life, with daily visits from Bahamians and tourists. On the island of Curacao, you can also find a pig family on Porto Marie Beach.

68. The Trinidad Moruga Scorpion pepper was once ranked the world's hottest pepper

With over 2 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU) - hotter than police-grade pepper spray, the Trinidad moruga scorpion pepper was once considered as the hottest pepper in the world!

69. Norman Island in the BVI. supposedly has an undiscovered pirate treasure

Norman Island, a small, uninhabited island in the British Virgin Islands, is said to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island! Legend has it that pirates once buried treasure here, and in the 18th century, hidden loot was actually found in a cave on the island. Some believe there’s still more gold waiting to be discovered in its secret coves and underwater caves! 

How many of these Caribbean Islands fun facts did you know?

The Caribbean is far more than just a tropical getaway. It’s a region brimming with culture, history, and natural wonders. From vibrant music and flavorful cuisine to breathtaking landscapes and rich traditions, these 69 fun facts about Caribbean food, music, culture and heritage showcase just a fraction of what makes the Caribbean Islands truly extraordinary.

Whether you’re planning your next trip or reminiscing about past adventures, there’s always something new to discover in this island paradise.