From the western part of the American continent, beads of various sizes are scattered across the islands of the Caribbean archipelago. More than 700 islands are divided into the Greater and Lesser Antilles, an alternative name for the Caribbean. And also the Bahamas, which are part of the Caribbean archipelago, but are washed by the Caribbean Sea only on the western side.

The Caribbean is quite a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, although it most attracts residents of North America. In addition to the convenient location and predominantly tropical climate , here you can find everything your heart desires. Luxurious sandy beaches and coral reefs, mountains and jungle wildlife, distinctive culture and cuisine.

Season

Everyone can choose a time to travel to the Caribbean based on their interests, budget and intensity of recreation. Generally speaking, there are three main seasons on the islands:

high: January – May. The Cayman Islands in January are perhaps the best diving destination in the Caribbean, but other islands from November to May are also suitable. But it is better to plan a meeting with humpback whales in March and choose the Dominican Republic for this. However, if your vacation involves visiting mountains and tropical forests, then in winter it can be quite cold.
low: August – October. Summer and fall are hurricane season. But during this period there will be no crowds of tourists, and prices will become more reasonable. If you go to the Caribbean during the low season, choose a hotel that guarantees protection from bad weather and buy a good insurance policy.
off-season: May – June, end of October – mid-November.

Countries and their attractions in the Caribbean islands

It seems so easy to find the perfect Caribbean getaway. After all, there is a wide variety of cultures here, each of which is worth coming into contact with. But this is precisely what makes the task difficult. To understand what to choose, you should get to know the Caribbean resorts a little closer.

Anguilla

This is an island of sailors who still make their living from lobster fishing. Anguilla is a fairly expensive resort destination. Although there is not much to do here except soak up the sun and eat delicious food.

Antigua and Barbuda

The Antigua resort area is very glamorous. Among the attractions, naval objects are interesting. Antigua is politically linked to the island of Barbuda, which has only two luxury hotels.

US Virgin Islands

The islands previously belonged to Denmark. In 1917 they became part of the United States. In addition to luxurious beaches and idealistic landscapes, the islands offer scuba diving and sailing.

St. Thomas is called the shopping center of the Caribbean, because there are many branded stores, modern hotels and places to have fun. All this is available on Santa Cruz. But part of the island of St. John, with the light hand of Lorenzo Rockefeller, became a national park. On the downside, crime is rampant on these islands.

Aruba

Previously, the island of Aruba was built up with factories. Now people come here for the uninterrupted sunshine (it rarely rains here), high-rise resort hotels and gambling. Real Las Vegas in the middle of the ocean. And thanks to the great cultural diversity in Aruba, people of all nationalities and religions are tolerant.

Bahamas

The Bahamas is full of amazing places. Here you can find the world's deepest sinkhole (Long Island) and Boiling Lake on Cat Island. It literally bubbles during the ebb and flow of the tides. The famous Paradise Island is a paradise for entertainment lovers. This is the place that often appears in episodes of films about agent 007. There is also an amazing pink beach on Harbor Island. The sand received this shade thanks to inclusions of fragments of corals, shells and colored microorganisms ground by time and water.

Barbados

The birthplace of singer Rihanna is an island that grew out of a huge coral reef and is surrounded on all sides by beaches with golden sand. It is the most populous island in the Caribbean, with medium-sized hotels and quality service. Suitable for connoisseurs of history and architecture.

Bonaire

Like most of the islands in the waters of the Caribbean Sea, there is a rather arid landscape with not very rich natural resources, which are fully compensated by the abundance of marine beauties. People come here to watch the life of fish and birds.

British Virgin Islands

These are about 50 small, sparsely populated and not very developed islands that still belong to the Crown. The main island, Tortola, and the next one, Virgin Gorda, offer tourists some of the most luxurious hotels in the region. But lovers of yachting in the Caribbean islands liked Anegada. The islands have a relaxed atmosphere with small, cozy hotels and friendly locals.

Haiti

Haiti has many ancient buildings of cultural value. The Laferriere Citadel is the main attraction of the Haitian part of the island. She is often depicted on banknotes and stamps. Not far from the citadel is the dilapidated royal palace of Sans Souci. Locals consider him cursed.

In addition, Haiti has the pristine national parks of La Visite and Pic- Macai, as well as the salt lake of Trou Cayman, where you can watch birds.

Grenada

Its mild climate and fertile soil have made Grenada the largest spice producer in the Western Hemisphere. Travelers note the color and beauty of the Grennada capital, St. George.

Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is shaped like a butterfly, although, in fact, it is two different islands separated by a strait. This place is ideal for exploring the influence of French colonial from Troy to a piece of paradise. There are many varied beaches and the Guadeloupe National Park, home to coffee trees and wild orchids with vanilla vines climbing through them.

Dominica

Land of waterfalls and rainforests. There are not many beaches here and most of them are covered with black volcanic sand. There is one of the smallest capitals in the Caribbean – Rizo, which is more like a village. It is also one of the poorest islands in the Caribbean. After all, Dominica is located right in the hurricane belt.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic occupies almost two-thirds of the island of Haiti and is one of the most affordable destinations in the Caribbean.

The island offers excursions to sugar cane, coffee and banana plantations.

The Dominican Republic is thoroughly imbued with Latin American flavor and merengue rhythms. And this is where the bachata dance appeared. However, the local population is quite poor, which obliges tourists to be constantly on guard.

Cayman islands

The trio of islands are a magnet for wealthy fugitives thanks to lenient taxation and banking laws. The islands are quite marshy and covered with bushes. However, the marine life is attractive for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Curacao

People come to Curacao for the small beaches scattered along hidden coves, shopping, and Dutch culture in the Caribbean interpretation.

Cuba

Adventurous and wild Cuba beckons with fiery salsa rhythms and endless tastings of local rum. It is better to travel to Cuba as part of a tour or treat the search for food as an adventure. It’s best to start exploring local attractions in the capital, Havana.

Martinique

It is the cultural center of the French Antilles with tropical charm. The island of Martinique has beautiful beaches and delicious cuisine. Although the activity of the Montagne Pelee volcano at the beginning of the 20th century made adjustments to the appearance of the city of Saint-Pierre, there is still something to see.

Puerto Rico

The interior of the island is filled with tropical forests and volcanic mountains, and the coastline has magnificent sandy beaches. San Juan, the island's capital, has well-preserved Spanish colonial neighborhoods with historical and cultural attractions. But there are security issues.

Saint Barts Elemi

An expensive and exclusive holiday destination for the rich and famous, as well as lovers of French flavor. Here you can take a break from your busy life if you are willing to pay.

Saint Eustatius (Statia)

This is a place for those interested in the history of the American Revolution. Statia is a poolside hangout spot at informal local hotels. It’s good to come here for one day, see historical places, have lunch and leave.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts is located away from the usual tourist routes of the Caribbean islands and has its own charm. It is a fertile mountainous island with rainforest, waterfalls and the dormant Liamuiga volcano. The main attraction is the impressive Brimstone Hill Fortress. People come here to live in restored houses on sugar cane plantations, for mountaineering and horse riding.

Nevis is separated from St. Kitts by three kilometers of sea water. It is famous for its endless beaches with black and white sand. Foreign companies also love Nevis for its dedication to client confidentiality.

Saint Lucia

A volcanic island with high rainfall and great natural beauty, white and black sand beaches, bubbling sulfur springs and beautiful mountain scenery.

Saint Martin

On the Dutch side of the island there is a large airport, many shops and tourist attractions. On the French side there are some of the most luxurious hotels with excellent cuisine. But both of them have rich nightlife, casinos and… well-developed crime.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

This is one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world for sailing and diving. Saint Vincent is a large island with fertile lands. On other islands you can get acquainted with the life of communities that build boats, or find a nice hotel in the shade of palm groves thoughtfully planted by resort owners.

Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad welcomes you with its bustling capital Port of Spain and wildlife reserves. Good beaches are located quite far from the capital. So, for white, sun-warmed sand, head to Tobago. A place for those looking for beautiful coral reefs, rainforests and beach walks alone.

Jamaica

A favorite spot for North American honeymooners. A country with a distinct self-identity. The island offers excellent beaches, golf courses, ecotourism and decent hotels at all price points. Tours to the Caribbean Islands, with a partial or full stay in Jamaica, are very popular.

Question answer

Do you need a visa?

For each individual island, it is better to check with your travel agent. For example, to travel to Aruba, St. Maarten, Curacao and Bonaire you will need a Dutch visa.

How to get to the Caribbean Islands?

Flights to the Caribbean are made through European countries, Turkey, the USA and Canada. In addition, you can get there by cruise ship – at the same time you will be able to see more Caribbean islands.

Is it safe in the Caribbean?

There are islands where it is relatively safe. There are those where crime thrives. To ensure a perfect holiday in the Caribbean, tourists will have to strike a balance between relaxation and caution.