A tiny island was just crowned the Caribbean’s safest — here’s why travelers love it
A small island with a big lead on safety
If safety sits at the top of your vacation checklist, put Anguilla on your map. The tiny British overseas territory north of St. Maarten and east of the Virgin Islands was named the safest destination in the Caribbean in World Population Review’s 2025 ranking, which draws on indicators like crime, policing and political stability from sources including the Global Peace Index. The report notes that Anguilla posts the region’s lowest crime rates and that violent and petty incidents are rare, creating a calm, low stress setting for visitors.
Peace you can feel on 33 beaches
Locals like to say peace is something you feel the moment you arrive, and it is easy to see why. From Meads Bay to Shoal Bay, Anguilla’s 33 beaches offer soft sand, gentle surf and space to spread out. The island pairs that relaxed vibe with a strong food scene that punches far above its size, with beach shacks, chef driven restaurants and fresh seafood that brings regulars back year after year. The Anguilla Tourist Board points to the island’s welcoming communities and laid back rhythm as part of everyday life, not just a marketing line.
What the ranking measured
World Population Review’s list compares destinations across safety factors such as reported crime levels, law enforcement capacity and broader stability. Anguilla stands out across the board. Drug related offenses are described as moderate, but the review makes clear these issues rarely touch tourists. The U.S. Department of State currently places Anguilla at Level 1, the lowest advisory level, which simply recommends exercising normal precautions.
Why Anguilla rises to the top
Travel risk experts say geography and scale work in Anguilla’s favor. With limited access points and a boutique tourism model, the island manages visitor flow in a controlled way. Fewer cruise ships, no high rise skyline and a quieter nightlife scene mean less of the churn that can complicate safety in busier hubs. For travelers, that translates to easy going days, beach walks after dark that feel comfortable and a general sense that the pace is unhurried.
Consistently praised by travelers
Anguilla keeps collecting accolades beyond safety. In Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards, it ranked among the top islands globally and the highest in the Caribbean. Voters highlighted warm hospitality, standout cuisine and a polished roster of luxury resorts and villas. Many travel writers and advisors also celebrate Anguilla as a rare spot with no shopping malls and no cruise crowds, where the draw is simple and timeless: turquoise water, powdery beaches and long, slow meals with your feet in the sand.
Getting there and what to expect on arrival
Part of Anguilla’s exclusivity is that it is not the easiest island to reach, which helps keep numbers manageable. There is only one direct flight option from the United States at the moment. Most travelers fly into St. Maarten and transfer by boat across the channel. Expect to pay about 115 dollars per person each way for a shared ferry, with private transfers available at higher rates. The ride is short and scenic, and on the other side you will find an island built for beach time rather than shopping runs.
How visitors experience safety on the ground
Advisors who plan Caribbean trips say safety is a top three factor for many clients choosing an island. On Anguilla, that often shows up in the small moments. You can stroll along the beach to dinner, jog the island’s flat roads at sunrise and chat with restaurant teams who remember your name by day two. The vibe is friendly without being overbearing, and service tends to be quietly attentive.
Practical tips to travel smart
Even in low risk destinations, good habits matter. Check local advisories before you go and again before day trips. Ask your hotel, villa host or travel advisor for current neighborhood notes and transportation guidance. Keep valuables out of sight, use registered taxis or prearranged transfers and save copies of your IDs. Safety is dynamic, not static, so the best approach is to prepare, monitor and adjust if conditions change.
Other high scoring islands to consider
If you are building a shortlist, World Population Review’s ranking also highlights Barbados, St. Barts, Martinique, the Cayman Islands and Aruba among the safest places in the region. Each offers a different flavor of Caribbean life, from French creole culture to reef packed waters and refined dining scenes. Anguilla leads the list, but you have solid options if your itinerary takes you elsewhere.
The bottom line
Anguilla’s appeal is straightforward. It is calm, beautiful and consistently safe, with beaches that feel uncrowded and a food scene that keeps pace with much larger islands. Add in a strong safety record, a Level 1 advisory and an atmosphere geared toward easy days and mellow nights, and you have a Caribbean escape that delivers peace of mind along with postcard views. If you are weighing islands for an upcoming trip, Anguilla deserves a serious look.
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This article was written by Hunter and edited with AI Assistance
