Caribbean

What more could you want than to sail though the warm, idyllic waters of the Caribbean. With an array of diverse islands there is so much to pick from. The Caribbean region is mainly a chain of islands within the Caribbean Sea and is home to about 9% of the world's coral reefs, many of which can be seen through the transparent tropical waters.

With some of the most picturesque beaches in the world The Caribbean really is that perfect place to relax, unwind and take a break. Whether having a snooze under the delightful crimson sky or a cocktail on a moon lit beach takes your fancy the Caribbean has it all.  Perfect temperatures and long lazy days are a dead cert and with the pace of life being so leisurely anyone will be able to slow down.  Alternatively if you are looking for a bit more excitement nearly every island can offer leisure activities such as golfing and diving.

Made up from over 30 major islands you can be sure to find one that suits your taste.  Every island is unique and has something to offer any discerning traveler.   We have put together a list of some of the most popular islands in the Caribbean to help you get one step clo ser to paradise. 

Barbados

Barbados is located furthest east out of all the Caribbean islands and is split into two very different cultures.  One side is hustle and bustle free with inexpensive accommodation resting upon cliff tops where the views of the ocean are magnificent.  The other side is very urbanized and houses some of the greatest shopping and nightlife.

On the West coast of Barbados you will find coral shore beaches laden with white delicate sand and warm turquoise waters.  The water here is excellent for snorkelling and scuba diving as opposed to the East coast where the water is a lot more lively and crashes against the cliff faces.  Barbados is a mostly flat coral island, but there are undulating hills and many deep ridges and gullies, with scatterings of fascinating flora.
English is the official language of Barbados with a strong feeling of UK presence; some places even offer afternoon tea! The climate is moderate tropical, with a wet season (June–November) and a drier season (December–May).

Bahamas

The Bahamas sit completely in the Atlantic Ocean, about 100 miles east of the Florida coast.  In total there are around 700 islands and islets, 30 of which are inhabited.  The main islands include Abaco, Acklins, Andros, Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Grand Bahama, Harbour Island, Inagua, Long Island, Mayaguana, New Providence (where the capital, Nassau, is located), Ragged Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador and Spanish Wells.

Full of history and unspoilt landscapes The Bahamas is one of the most romantic islands and attracts many newlyweds and couples looking for a romantic getaway.
Most of the people that inhabit the islands are well known for being courteous and polite and travellers will be greeted with a warm welcome across the island. The weather in the Bahamas is stable all year round, temperatures seldom alter from January to July. January temperatures average a low of 64 and a high of 77, while July sees average lows of 77 and average highs of 89.

Bermuda

Bermuda is not actually part of the Caribbean; in fact it lies hundreds of miles North of the Bahamas in the Atlantic Ocean, east of North Carolina. The island of Bermuda is probably most famous for things disappearing but it also has a lot to offer from some of the most breathtaking beaches to world class golf courses, most famously at Port Royal which houses the PGA Grand Slam of Golf. 

If Golf isn’t your favourite past time Bermuda is bursting with things to see and do.  With the most churches per capital, ancient forts, historic houses, blooming botanical gardens and the renowned Crystal Caves sightseeing is a must. Bermuda is also famous for its pink sandy beaches with sheer turquoise waters lapping the shore.  The pink beaches are actually formed by the skeletal remains of a small creature called the red foram found on the undersides of rocks.  With 75 miles of coastline there is something to offer everyone from snorkelling to being pampered at a speciality spa.

Mexico

Covering almost 2 million square kilometres, Mexico is the fifth-largest country in the Americas.  It definitely has a Caribbean feel to it and is very diverse bursting with ancient tourist attractions and beautiful beaches.  The mix of old and new is fascinating, from traditional sleepy towns to stylish beach hotels in some of the most popular resorts like The Yucatan Peninsula's Cancun and the island of Cozumel.  Cancun and Cozumel offer some of the most stunning beaches in Mexico and has something to offer everyone from water sports to sunbathing in the glorious sunshine.

One festival that is a must see is the Day of the Dead holiday, known as Dia de los Muertos to the locals.  This is celebrated between 29 October and 2 November.  This is Mexico's celebration for when dead relatives, both young and old, are allowed to return to the mortal world for two days to visit loved ones. Chichen Itza is a large pre-Columbian archaeological site built by the Maya civilization located in the northern center of the Yucatán Peninsula, in the Yucatán state, it is a must see and after a worldwide vote it now features as one of The Seven Wonders of the World. 

St Lucia

Saint Lucia is one of the Windward Islands, named for Saint Lucy of Syracuse and is located in the eastern Caribbean Sea on the boundary with the Atlantic Ocean south of Martinique.

Renowned for its natural beauty Saint Lucia has managed to preserve this whilst being able to offer travellers an incredible experience.  The landscape is very mountainous and its Pitons soar 2,000 feet from sea level.  It houses wonderful rain forests inhabited by birds of paradise, tropical birds and endangered species like the indigenous St Lucia parrot.  Lush fields, orchards of banana, coconut, mango and papaya trees are scattered amongst the natural landscape. There is a range of activities available on Saint Lucia from golf, hiking, bird watching and the thrilling Soufriere volcano, the world's only drive-in volcanic crater!

Jamaica

Jamaica is an island nation of the Greater Antilles situated in the Caribbean Sea,  145 kilometres south of Cuba, and 190 kilometers west of Haiti, island of Hispaniola, on which the Dominican Republic is also located.

Some of the beaches in Jamaica have been voted the best in the world and this really says a lot about the general atmosphere on the island.  Famous for the laid back approach to life people visit the island to escape the commotion of every day life. 

There is an array of things to see and do in Jamaica from ecological treasures like the limestone cave labyrinths to the invigorating Dunns River Falls.  History plays a significant part of Jamaica’s culture and with places like Devon House Heritage Site and the Bob Marley Mausoleum you can relive some of the most motivating moments in Jamaican culture. 

Cuba

Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and is an island country; Havana is the capital city, major port, and leading commercial centre of Cuba.  The landscape is made from a mix of mountains ranges and plains.  There is a choice of 289 glorious beaches to stroll along or kick back and relax with a well deserved Cuba Libre Cocktail, containing one of the islands favourites – rum!

The history of Cuba is significant, its years of independence and its unique Afro-Latin culture make it a holiday destination that is a must see. Famed for its coffee, cigars and rum the atmosphere in Cuba is like no other.  The island is littered with 1950’s car which takes you back to a time to a place where not even your imagination could take you.   Holidays here give you a chance to take in some of the best Spanish colonial architecture in the Americas with a Cuban flare.

The  Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic on the island of Hispaniola, was once visited by Christopher Columbus.  It is a very diverse island made from Spanish, French, Haitian and African history and cultures. 

Like other islands in the Caribbean The Dominican Republic is stunning with natural landscapes and great river valleys.  It is also has a vast array of beaches with miles of soft white sand and opaque turquoise waters.  The beaches offer numerous activities for all you thrill seekers and for all you sports lovers why not try one of the island favourites baseball. 

If shopping sounds more appealing there is an abundance of local stores offering all kinds of interesting souvenirs from beautiful amber, adorned carnival masks and Mamajuana a local liquid cure that is believed to help many ailments.

Grenada

Grenada is composed by three islands - Grenada, Carriacou, and Petit Martinique and it is known as "The Spice of the Caribbean" – this is primarily because Grenada produces a third of the world’s supply of nutmeg.  Numerous other spices also come from here like cinnamon, ginger and vanilla so the aroma on the island will certainly evoke your senses.

The capital of Grenada is St. George’s and has been described as one of the most picturesque cities in the entire Caribbean.  Visitors can expect to find several examples of French and British Colonial architecture.  Here you can also find sumptuous cuisine from Grenadian fare made from fresh local produce to callaloo soup, a blend of fresh local seafood.

British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada, all are equally as beautiful.  As there are 4 islands to choose from the things to see and do are endless.  There are 3 National Parks to visit; they are Fallen Jerusalem, Little Dogs, or Prickly Pear. Here you can really appreciate the natural beauty that these islands have to offer.

If you love to feel the wind in your hair and the sea at your feet why not try one of the islands water sports like windsurfing or kayaking.  If you like to be more in touch with nature why not swim with the dolphins in the warm tranquil waters, an experience that is like no other!

If relaxation is what you are after then The British Virgin Islands can cater for you needs perfectly, prepare for rejuvenation of the mind, body and spirit.

St Kitts & Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis are sister islands separated by a two-mile stretch of the Caribbean Sea, which only take 10 minutes to cross.   So how do you choose which island to visit?  Well both St Kits & Nevis have equally appealing delights to offer. Both islands are so peaceful that they are truly enchanting.  St Kitts is well known for the sugar colonies scattered amongst the natural volcanic land.  Nevis also has the same lush landscapes where the comical green vervet monkeys chatter in the trees and the botanical flowers flourish.Whatever your choice, both islands will provide you with your very own oasis of calm.

Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands comprise of three main islands. The largest and most developed is Grand Cayman the other two are Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, which are separated by only 5 miles.  Cayman Brac is the next largest island and the smallest island is appropriately named, Little Cayman.

Grand Cayman has over 500 banks and with the absence of direct taxes banking is one of its main industries alongside tourism.  There is a lot to see a do on the Cayman Islands; a visit to Cayman Turtle Farm is a must.  This is the only green sea-turtle farm of its kind and with green sea-turtles being designated an endangered species it would be a shame to not see them swimming in their natural habitat. 

All 3 of the Cayman Islands offer stunning beaches.  The most famous and popular is 7 Mile Beach on Grand Cayman.   Cayman Brac draws a lot of attention from scuba divers as it is home to a underwater 330-foot Russian Frigate ship built in the Soviet Union.

Aruba

Aruba is located in the southern Caribbean Sea, North of Venezuela.  It has a desert landscape that is not often associated with a Caribbean island.  Home to Divi-divi trees they and are easily recognized by their distinctive wind-sculpted shape.  Aruba does however have stunning beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see and serene turquoise waters that compel you to dip your feet in.  Some would say the weather in Aruba is close to perfection.  It sits outside of the hurricane belt which means rainfall is very rare and temperatures average at 28c – perfect for any traveller to sit back, relax and soak up some rays.  The culture is Aruba is very diverse; more often than not the people are from, Caquetio Indian, African and European roots, but as the economy is so strong and the living conditions are so good Aruba attracts many different nationalities from all over the world.

Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda are located right in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean Sea.  Antigua is home to one of the most significant events in the maritime calendar, Sailing Week.  Sailing Week welcomes participants from all corners of the globe each year competing for the chance to win this prestigious race.

Barbuda is one of the most undeveloped islands in the Caribbean with only a few choices of accommodations, the luxurious K-Club, Coco Point Lodge and Hotel Palmetto resorts.  Popular with escapists Barbuda is home to the Fregata Magnificens, or Frigate Bird.  Barbuda can easily be reached from Antigua, either by air (a 20-minute flight, twice daily) or by boat (in three hours). There are 365 beaches to choose from in Antigua meaning you really are spoilt for choice. Barbuda has unique beaches with white and pink sands on the South-western shore and more rugged beaches on the eastern shore. 

Martinique

Martinique is an overseas region of France.  The island was claimed by France in 1635 and officially annexed by the King of France in 1674.  In 1946, Martinique became a Department of France and in 1974 a Region of France. Martinique is alive with tales from the past and it has plenty of historical sights that must be seen such as La Pagerie, where Napoléon's Empress Joséphine was born in 1763, Diamond Rock, a 600-ft pinnacle in the sea manned by the British in 1804, St-Pierre, Martinique's principal city until May 8, 1902 when Mount Pelée volcano erupted, wiping out the city and its 30,000 people in just three minutes. Renowned for its Rum distilleries, Martinique invites guests to visit and sample the delicacies.  The St. James Distillery at Sainte-Marie is one of many.  The islands favourites are  Rhum NEISSON & Rhum LA FAVORITE.

Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is an archipelago located in the eastern Caribbean Sea and is one of 26 regions of France classed as an overseas department.   It mixes elements of France with a Caribbean twist. On the east of the island you will find Grande-Terre.  Here you will find everything you need.  Various water sports are on offer from surfing through to snorkeling.  If you fancy sipping a cocktail and soaking up some rays there are plenty of beach bars that can make this possible.  On the West side of the island you will find Basse-Terre, the East and the West are separated by The Rivière Salée.  Basse-Terre is where you can find the national park crowned by La Soufrière volcano.   This is perfect for all you adventures who love an action packed holiday, there are plenty of hikes to exhert yourself and a visit to a Jacques Cousteau underwater reserve is a must.  There are many ways to view the reserve from glass bottom boats to snorkeling amongst the coral reefs. 

St Barts

St. Barthelemy also known as St Barts is packed full of glitz and glamour where the champagne flows freely and is often accompanied by caviar, it is like being in France but in the Caribbean.  Elegance is all around even the police wear kepis as headgear.  St Jean, east of Gustavia is often where you will find tourists.  Here you will find an array of indulgent bistros, brasseries and chic boutiques. St barts has 20 stunning beaches the most famous being Anse a Colombier and the even more beautiful Anse des Flamands. There is a vast amount of activities from boating, sailing, coastal and deep-sea fishing, horseback riding, scuba diving and tennis.

Dominica

Dominica sits midway along the Eastern Caribbean archipelago, just a few miles from Martinique in the south and Guadeloupe to the north.  The Island of Dominica is the newest and most unspoilt island in the Caribbean.   Almost two thirds of the island is made from rainforest and lush green vegetation containing around 1,200 plant species.  Natural landscapes,  rivers, waterfalls and streams make the island a breath of fresh air far from urbanisation and the hustle and bustle of every day life.  Morne Trois Pitons National Park was the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the eastern Caribbean.

A perfect paradise for the intrepid explorer there is plenty on offer to put you back in touch with nature.  Water lovers can flounder in the Emerald pool, splash at The Trafalgar, Victoria, Sari Sari or Middleham Falls.  A visit to the awe inspiring Boiling Lake, the Cold Soufriere, or the Soufriere and Watten Waven Sulphur Springs would interest the eco traveller with some of the best natural formations in the Caribbean.

Belize

Belize, formerly British Honduras, is a country in Central America.  It does not take the form of a Caribbean island as it is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the south and west but it does have the warm Caribbean sea to the east and a Caribbean atmosphere.

Belize prides itself on being untouched by urbanization and offers an array of natural beauty spots like the longest barrier reef in this hemisphere and The Great Blue Hole.  The Great Blue Hole is an incredible formation in the Caribbean Sea.  It was formed in the glacial period as a limestone cave when sea levels were much lower, as the sea levels began to rise the roof collapsed and it filled with water.  The Great Blue Hole now forms part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System and is very popular with snorkelers from around the world. For all explorers there is plenty to see and do.  Scattered through the rainforests there are ancient Maya sites some of which have been excavated and some still lay nestled in-between the rainforest.

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