Hiring a car can be a great addition to a holiday . Of course if all you want is a sun-drenched study of the sand on a hotel beach, then you can arrange taxis to take you out to dinner or on an island tour. But if you would like to explore, a car enables you to travel the island at your own pace. You might want to spend the day on a remote beach, discover the sights inland or go out late when there are fewer taxis around.

If you are staying in a villa, however, a car will almost definitely be essential . You will probably need to stock up with provisions at the supermarket (only in a few islands will villa staff will stock the house for you in advance), and make other general errands, perhaps dropping off a baby-sitter or going down to the market to buy fresh fish.

It is advisable to book your car in advance, not least because you will often get a better car and a better deal . Also, around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and local cultural events like Carnival, literally all the cars on an island will be taken so it is probably best to book your car when you book your accommodation. You can do this directly (see by island below ) or through your tour operator, who may be able to offer a special rate. Unless you know your way around, it is probably best to ask the hire company to deliver your vehicle to your accommodation.

Standards within hire companies vary considerably across the Caribbean. The companies on DefinitiveCaribbean have been carefully vetted and are on the site by invitation only . They are listed by island via the menu below.

See our Essential Notes on Caribbean Driving and general hire regulations.

For the BEST CAR HIRE COMPANY(S) on each island, please select from the island list below: