Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about IslandVibes.nyc
About the Platform
What is IslandVibes.nyc?
IslandVibes.nyc is New York City’s premier Caribbean culture directory. We help you discover the best Caribbean restaurants, nightlife venues, events, DJs, businesses, and live radio stations across all five boroughs. From jerk chicken in Flatbush to soca parties in Queens, we are your guide to Caribbean culture in NYC.
Which neighborhoods do you cover?
We cover Caribbean communities across all five boroughs, with a focus on Brooklyn (Flatbush, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Canarsie, Bed-Stuy, Williamsburg), Queens (Jamaica, Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park), the Bronx (Parkchester, Fordham), Manhattan (Harlem, Washington Heights), and more. New neighborhoods are added regularly.
What is the AI Spot Finder?
The AI Spot Finder is our smart search tool powered by Claude AI. Instead of browsing categories, you can type a natural language query like “best jerk chicken in Flatbush” or “Haitian restaurant near me” and get personalized recommendations from our directory. It understands Caribbean cuisine, culture, and NYC neighborhoods.
Is IslandVibes.nyc free to use?
Yes! Browsing listings, using the AI Spot Finder, listening to Caribbean radio, and searching the directory is completely free for everyone. No account required.
For Business Owners
How do I list my business?
Visit our Submit Listing page, create a free account, and fill out your business details. Your listing will be reviewed and published within 24 hours. The basic listing is completely free.
What are the listing plans?
Free ($0/mo): Business name, address, phone, category, 1 photo.
Featured ($29/mo): Everything in Free plus featured badge, top placement, 10 photos, social links, and analytics.
Premium ($79/mo): Everything in Featured plus sponsored tag, homepage placement, booking/ticket link, and AI search priority. View full pricing details.
Featured ($29/mo): Everything in Free plus featured badge, top placement, 10 photos, social links, and analytics.
Premium ($79/mo): Everything in Featured plus sponsored tag, homepage placement, booking/ticket link, and AI search priority. View full pricing details.
Can I claim an existing listing?
Yes! If your business is already listed on IslandVibes.nyc, click the “Claim Listing” button on your business page. You will need to verify ownership, and once approved, you can edit your listing details, add photos, and upgrade your plan.
How do I advertise on IslandVibes.nyc?
We offer sponsored category placements, display advertising, and partnership packages for Caribbean brands, rum companies, airlines, and event promoters. Visit our Advertise page or contact us for rates.
Features
How does the Radio page work?
Our Radio page streams live Caribbean radio stations playing reggae, soca, dancehall, zouk, kompa, and more. Just click any station card to start streaming. Use the sticky player bar to control volume, pause, or switch stations. It works on desktop and mobile.
Can I submit my radio station?
Yes! If you run a Caribbean radio station, visit the Radio page and click “Submit Your Station” at the bottom. Send us your station name, genre, and stream URL and we will feature it.
How do reviews work?
Registered users can leave reviews on any listing. Reviews include a star rating and written feedback. Business owners can respond to reviews from their dashboard. Reviews help the community find the best spots.