The Caribbean, a region known for its azure waters, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture, isn’t just a paradise for travelers, but also a popular destination for filmmakers, writers, and television producers. With its diverse landscapes and unique settings, the Caribbean has been a backdrop for countless memorable narratives. From 007’s thrilling adventures to the comedic escapades of Captain Jack Sparrow, the region has played a significant role in shaping the world of cinema and literature. Whether you’re a film buff, a bookworm, or a TV series enthusiast, this comprehensive guide to the most iconic Caribbean filming locations and literary settings offers a unique perspective on your Caribbean journey.
10 Famous Films Shot in the Caribbean
The Caribbean has been front and center in many internationally acclaimed films. These movies not only entertained audiences worldwide but also highlighted the region’s stunning landscapes and cultural richness.
- “Dr. No” (1962) – The first of the James Bond series, the film sees agent 007, played by Sean Connery, traveling to Jamaica to investigate the disappearance of a fellow British agent. The movie features scenes shot at the famous Dunn’s River Falls and Laughing Waters Beach.
- “Pirates of the Caribbean” Series (2003-2017) – This popular film franchise starring Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow was primarily filmed in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, bringing the archipelago’s lush landscapes and azure waters into the global spotlight.
- “The Firm” (1993) – This legal thriller based on John Grisham’s novel was partially shot in the Cayman Islands, showcasing the region’s tropical allure.
- “GoldenEye” (1995) – Another James Bond film, “GoldenEye” features scenes shot in Puerto Rico, doubling for Cuba, and includes a memorable tank chase through the streets of Old San Juan.
- “Cocktail” (1988) – Starring Tom Cruise, this romantic drama features several scenes shot in Jamaica, including the famous Dunn’s River Falls.
- “The Man with the Golden Gun” (1974) – This James Bond film used scenes shot in Jamaica, which was transformed into the fictitious Caribbean island of “San Monique”.
- “Speed 2: Cruise Control” (1997) – This action-packed sequel was filmed in part in Saint Martin, featuring stunning ocean views and high-speed boat chases.
- “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994) – Although not set in the Caribbean, the final scenes of this acclaimed film were shot in Saint Croix, US Virgin Islands, portraying the idyllic “Zihuatanejo” in Mexico.
- “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1” (2011) – The honeymoon scenes of Edward and Bella were filmed on the beautiful Isle Esme, which is, in reality, Paraty, in the region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the stunning Magens Bay in Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands.
- “Before Night Falls” (2000) – This biographical romantic drama about Cuban poet Reinaldo Arenas was shot in several locations, including Mexico and the US, but also features scenes filmed in the historic city of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
5 TV Shows Set in the Caribbean
The Caribbean’s allure isn’t limited to the silver screen; it has also been a setting for various TV shows, offering viewers a slice of its tropical paradise.
- “Death in Paradise” (2011-present) – This British-French crime drama series is set on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie but is actually filmed in Guadeloupe.
- “Crossbones” (2014) – This action-adventure series starring John Malkovich as the infamous pirate Blackbeard was filmed in Puerto Rico, which stood in for the island of New Providence in the Bahamas.
- “The Bachelor” (Season 17, 2013) – The popular reality show took its contestants to the beautiful Saint Croix in the US Virgin Islands for week 6 of the competition.
- “Caribbean Pirate Treasure” (2016-2018) – This travel channel series follows a couple as they explore sunken ships and pirate legends across the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic, Bahamas, and Aruba.
- “Below Deck” (Season 5, 2017) – The fifth season of this reality series, which follows the crew of a mega-yacht during charter season, was filmed in the beautiful island of Saint Martin, showcasing its stunning beaches and luxurious lifestyle.
5 Animated Films Set in the Caribbean
The Caribbean’s enchanting landscapes have also inspired animated films, creating magical and vibrant settings that captivate younger audiences.
- “The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!” (2012) – This British-American 3D stop-motion animated adventure comedy, also known as “The Pirates! Band of Misfits”, sets part of its story in the Caribbean Sea.
- “The Little Mermaid” (1989) – Although not explicitly set in the Caribbean, the film’s tropical underwater setting and calypso music, especially in the famous “Under the Sea” sequence, suggest a Caribbean influence.
- “Anastasia” (1997) – One of the final scenes of the movie shows Anastasia and Dimitri on a ship, with the Caribbean’s clear blue waters and sunny skies serving as their romantic backdrop.
- “The Road to El Dorado” (2000) – The protagonists of this animated adventure comedy film sail through the Caribbean Sea on their way to the legendary city of gold.
- “Peter Pan” (1953) – The Disney classic features the Caribbean as home to Neverland, a place of pirates, mermaids, and endless adventure.
Famous Books Set in the Caribbean
The Caribbean has been a muse for many literary works, offering a vibrant setting for stories of all genres. From historical fiction to thrilling mysteries, these books bring the region’s rich history and culture to life.
Classic Novels
- “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson – This classic adventure novel is set in the Caribbean, following a young boy’s hunt for buried treasure on a tropical island.
- “Wide Sargasso Sea” by Jean Rhys – Serving as a prequel to Charlotte Brontí«’s “Jane Eyre”, this novel is set in Jamaica during the aftermath of the Slavery Abolition Act.
- “Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe – This iconic adventure novel, while not explicitly set in the Caribbean, features a shipwrecked man’s survival on a tropical island, reflecting the region’s geography and climate.
Contemporary Novels
- “Caribbean” by James A. Michener – This historical novel takes readers on a journey through the Caribbean’s colorful history from the time of the indigenous Arawak tribe to the 20th century.
- “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” by Junot Diaz – This Pulitzer-winning novel explores the life of Oscar, a Dominican boy living in New Jersey, with several scenes set in the Dominican Republic.
- “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway – Although set in Cuba, Hemingway’s classic novella reflects the broader Caribbean experience of living in harmony with the sea.
Exploring Caribbean Filming Locations – Where to Go
To fully immerse yourself in the Caribbean’s cinematic history, there are several key locations you need to visit. From the bustling streets of Santo Domingo to the serene beaches of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, these filming locations offer a unique insight into the world of cinema.
- Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica – Featured in “Dr. No” and “Cocktail”, this spectacular waterfall is one of Jamaica’s most famous landmarks.
- Wallilabou Bay, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – The primary filming location for the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series, this bay offers a glimpse into the world of Captain Jack Sparrow.
- Old San Juan, Puerto Rico – The city’s historic district, with its cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, was a filming location for “GoldenEye”.
- Magens Bay, Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands – This stunning beach was featured in “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1” as part of Isle Esme.
- Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – The country’s capital and oldest European city in the Americas was a filming location for “Before Night Falls”.
Where to Sleep in the Caribbean
The Caribbean offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. Whether you’re looking for luxury resorts or budget-friendly guesthouses, you’ll find plenty of options in this tropical paradise.
Budget
- Rockhouse Hotel, Jamaica – Located in Negril, this budget-friendly hotel offers comfortable thatch-roofed cottages overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
- Tobago Tranquil Guesthouse Apartments, Trinidad and Tobago – These self-catered apartments offer budget-friendly accommodations with beautiful beachfront views.
- The Champs Hotel, Dominica – Located in Portsmouth, this affordable hotel offers comfortable rooms and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
Luxury
- Casa de Campo Resort and Villas, Dominican Republic – This luxurious resort offers a range of high-end accommodations, including spacious rooms and private villas.
- Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa, Grenada – This all-inclusive luxury resort offers world-class service, gourmet dining, and stunning beachfront views.
- Jumby Bay Island, Antigua and Barbuda – This private island resort offers luxurious villas, world-class dining, and a range of recreational activities.
Where to Eat in the Caribbean
The Caribbean offers a diverse culinary scene, from local street food to gourmet dining. Whether you’re on a budget or looking to splurge, you’ll find plenty of delicious options to choose from.
Budget
- Oistins Fish Fry, Barbados – This popular street food market is a must-visit for its fresh seafood, local dishes, and vibrant atmosphere.
- Gros Islet Street Party, Saint Lucia – Every Friday night, the streets of Gros Islet come alive with food stalls offering delicious local dishes at affordable prices.
- The Pork Pit, Jamaica – Located in Montego Bay, this local eatery is famous for its jerk chicken and pork, offering a taste of authentic Jamaican cuisine.
Luxury
- The Cliff, Barbados – This upscale restaurant offers a gourmet dining experience with stunning sea views. The menu features a blend of Caribbean and international cuisine.
- Graycliff Restaurant, Bahamas – Housed in a colonial mansion in Nassau, this 5-star restaurant offers an exquisite menu of Bahamian-influenced international dishes.
- Cobblers Cove, Barbados – This luxury resort’s restaurant offers a daily changing menu of Caribbean and international dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
Detailed Itinerary for Exploring Caribbean Filming Locations Day by Day
To make the most of your cinematic journey to the Caribbean, we have curated a comprehensive four-day itinerary that covers the region’s most iconic filming locations.
Day 1: Jamaica
Start your journey in Jamaica, the setting for several James Bond films. Begin your day at Kingston’s Harbor, featured in “Dr. No”, before heading to Laughing Waters Beach for a relaxing afternoon. End your day with a visit to Dunn’s River Falls, a location featured in both “Dr. No” and “Cocktail”.
Day 2: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Travel to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the primary filming location for the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series. Spend your day exploring Wallilabou Bay and the beautiful beaches featured in the films.
Day 3: Dominican Republic
Arrive in the Dominican Republic and explore Santo Domingo, a filming location for “Before Night Falls”. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Zona Colonial, the city’s historic district, and the Alcázar de Colón, a colonial palace featured in the film.
Day 4: Puerto Rico
End your journey in Puerto Rico, a filming location for “GoldenEye”. Explore the charming streets of Old San Juan, before heading to El Yunque National Forest, another location featured in the film.
Caribbean Local Legends and Curiosities
The Caribbean is steeped in history and folklore, with many local legends tied to its cinematic and literary landmarks.
One such legend is the story of the Flying Dutchman, a ghost ship doomed to sail the Caribbean Sea forever. This legend inspired the cursed ship in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series.
Another intriguing tale revolves around James Bond Beach in Jamaica. According to local lore, this is where author Ian Fleming, who lived in Jamaica, got the inspiration for his famous spy series.
Hidden Gems in the Caribbean
While the Caribbean’s famous landmarks often steal the spotlight, the region is also home to several lesser-known filming locations and literary settings worth exploring.
- Sandy Point, Saint Kitts and Nevis – This beautiful beach was a filming location for the finale of “Dr. No”, where Bond battles with the villainous doctor.
- Falmouth, Jamaica – This historic town was featured in “Live and Let Die”, another James Bond film, as the fictional town of “Savannah La Mar”.
- Saint Pierre, Martinique – This town, known as the “Little Paris of the Caribbean”, is the setting for part of Patrick Chamoiseau’s novel “Texaco”.
What to Pack for a Trip to the Caribbean
When packing for your Caribbean journey, consider the region’s tropical climate. Pack lightweight clothing, a swimsuit, a hat, and sunglasses for protection from the sun. Don’t forget comfortable shoes for exploring, and a camera to capture the beautiful landscapes. For evenings, pack a light jacket or sweater as it can get cooler. Also, remember to pack your favorite film, book, or TV series set in the Caribbean to enjoy during your trip.
Transportation Tips
Getting around the Caribbean can be an adventure in itself. Depending on the country and the specific areas you’re visiting, you can travel by local buses, taxis, or even boats. Renting a car can be a convenient option if you’re comfortable driving on the left side of the road, which is common in many Caribbean countries. For inter-island travel, consider regional flights or ferries.
As we draw the curtains on this cinematic journey, it’s clear that the Caribbean is much more than just a tropical paradise. It’s a region that has inspired countless stories, from swashbuckling adventures to tales of love and survival. So why not make it the setting for your own story? Pack your bags, grab your film guide, and set sail for the Caribbean.
