A Guide to Buying a Timeshare in the Caribbean

Now that we’re into October and the tropics seem to have calmed down, it’s time to look at the vacation destination that most North Americans dream of visiting – the Caribbean. Timeshare resorts dot the various islands of this remarkable region, so anyone looking for a guide to buying a timeshare in the Caribbean can take heart that you’ll find a fabulous resort for your dream vacations.

The Caribbean is unique in so many ways, from the diversity of the cultures to the different terrains of the individual islands. Before you look at the timeshare resort options, it is important to decide just what type of vacation activities you enjoy and the type of experiences you embrace. For instance, there are certain islands such as St. Maarten that can offer more of a European look and feel. Especially on the French side of the island at Orient Bay Beach, where you will see much more than you bargained for.

Let’s look at some of the areas to keep in mind when looking to buy a timeshare in the Caribbean.

The Beaches

Nearly every image that the Caribbean conjures up in the mind includes sugar white sand, azure blue water and amazing stretches of beach. If this is your priority, then look for the top beaches in the Caribbean and narrow down your choices. But keep in mind that not all Caribbean islands are alike.

There are the more famous spots such as Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman or the amazing Caribbean coastline of Cancun (yes, Mexico borders the Caribbean). St. Thomas has its Magens Bay and Aruba is known for Palm Beach. Yet other island nations such as Jamaica and the Dominican Republic (with their selections of all-inclusive resorts) and Tortola have a much more limited choice of beaches for timeshare buyers.   

If buying a timeshare at a resort on the beach is a priority, understand that not all resorts claiming a beach view are right on the beach. Some may be across the street or “within view” of the beach. There is also a difference between ocean front and ocean view or partial ocean view. Make sure you do your due diligence on the resort and specific units to find out exactly what you’ll get.

Activities on Offer

The region is obviously known for its fun, sun and surf but chances are you’ll want to do more than just lay out on the beach every day for the entire week. That said, water sports options associated with any Caribbean resort are an important part of the experience, so check on the activities available at the resort.

If you are a scuba diver, does the resort offer an onsite dive shop? Is there snorkeling off the beach where you are staying and, if so, can you rent snorkel gear at the resort? For families, are there water slides or a water park at the resort?

Beyond the water, are there kid’s clubs or children’s activities onsite, or for golfers – are there courses onsite or close by and what kind of shape are they in? For those interested in exploring more offsite places, are there jeep rentals available for day trips?

Looking for Natural Attractions?

Some of the islands offer incredible nature-based attractions such as Dunn’s River Falls near Ocho Rios in Jamaica, the El Yunque National Forest on Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic’s Los Haitises National Park.

Hiking and exploring are the activities of the day at these places, with other natural attractions such as Harrison’s Cave in Barbados and The Baths at Virgin Gorda providing great fun. One of the more amazing nature-based destinations is the island of St John, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, where two-thirds of the island is a national park and includes wonderful walking and hiking trails along with the marvelous Trunk Bay.