From high mountain peaks to shimmering reefs, spicy salsa rhythms to deep rolling reggae, pirate hideouts to sugar-sand beaches, the Caribbean is dizzyingly diverse. The Caribbean is a joyous mosaic of islands beckoning paradise-hunters, an explosion of color, fringed by beaches and soaked in rum. It’s a lively and intoxicating profusion of people and places spread over 7000 islands (fewer than 10% are inhabited). But, for all they share, there’s also much that makes them different. Azure seas, white beaches, green forests so vivid they actually hurt the eyes – there is nothing subtle about the landscapes of the Caribbean. Swim below the waters for a color chart of darting fish and corals. Feel the sand between your toes at any one of a thousand picture-perfect beaches. Hike into emerald wilderness and spot the accents of red orchids and yellow parrots.
Turquoise Water & Warm Soft Sand
Sun-drenched beaches sit next to desert wilderness in Aruba, one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. With warm and sunny weather, Aruba is a year round destination. Plenty of unique shops and bountiful dining experiences are readily available.
The east coast is less populated with stronger winds, larger waves and breathtaking natural beauty.
A Great Place to Take the Grandkids
Located just south and east of the Florida’s coast, the Bahamas comprises more than 700 stunning subtropical islands and 2400 cays. Although most of the islands are uninhabited, there are plenty of islands to visit and explore. While Nassau (on New Providence Island) isn’t really the Caribbean escape most travelers have in mind, it is the capital of the Bahamas. Paradise Island is perfect for families with many lodging options and the famous Atlantis Resort. Prefer to swim with the pigs, Exumas island is where you want to be!
Pink Sand Beaches
Bermuda, a British island territory in the North Atlantic Ocean, is known for its pink-sand beaches at Elbow Beach and Horseshoe Bay. Its massive Royal Naval Dockyard complex combines modern attractions like the interactive Dolphin Quest with maritime history at the National Museum of Bermuda. Stop by Bailey’s Bay Ice Cream Parlor for a sweet treat on a warm day.
The island has a distinctive blend of British and American culture, which can be found in the capital, Hamilton.
A Divers Dream
Bonaire, an island municipality of the Netherlands, lies off Venezuela’s coast in the southern Caribbean. Its reef-lined coast is protected by Bonaire National Marine Park. Beyond its rich marine life, the island shelters lizards, donkeys and birds within its immense Washington Slagbaai National Park, marked by beaches, lagoons, caverns and desert-like hills. Bonaire is a favorite of scuba divers!
Friendly People, Incredible Beaches
The British Virgin Islands, part of a volcanic archipelago in the Caribbean, is a British overseas territory. Comprising 4 main islands and 50 smaller ones, it’s known for its reef-lined beaches and as a yachting destination. The largest island, Tortola, is home to the capital, Road Town, and rain-forest-filled Sage Mountain National Park. On Virgin Gorda island is the Baths, a labyrinth of beach side boulders.
No Passport Required
A territory of the United States since 1917, the US Virgin Islands are an exotic group of islands located in the Caribbean Sea. The US Virgin Islands are comprised of three principal islands – St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas – plus 50 smaller islands, cays and islets that are part of the Caribbean archipelago. The islands provide gorgeous beaches, world-class recreational activities, fine dining, casinos and golf.
Each island is unique. Every island is amazing.
A Lush, Tropical Island Paradise
The Dominican Republic is known for its beaches, resorts and golfing. Its terrain comprises rain-forest, savannas and highlands, including Pico Duarte, the Caribbean’s tallest mountain. The islands are a virtual playground with activities like golf, scuba diving, snorkeling, zip-lines, fishing, hiking, inland safaris, caving, rappelling, mountain biking, horseback riding, paragliding, rafting and much more.
160 Unique Dive Sites
Situated in the western Caribbean Sea, Grand Cayman is the largest of the three coral islands that compose the Cayman Islands. Mainly flat, almost half of the island is wetland. Grand Cayman is a largely stress-free place to vacation and is a divers playground. Beaches are wide, sandy and fringed with palm trees, so beach-lovers have no shortage of coastline to enjoy. Swim with the stingrays at Stingray City or enjoy a day of kayaking, parasailing, windsurfing or snorkeling; there is plenty to do and see. Grand Cayman’s lineup of restaurants is one of the best in the Caribbean. Most are located along Seven Mile Beach or in George Town.
Grace Bay Beauty
The island of Providenciales is the most visited and developed of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
On its northern side you’ll find Grace Bay and its long stretches of white beaches together with its coral reefs. This area hosts many high-class seafront resorts, as well as the majority of the island’s restaurants.
This world-renowned destination comes from humble beginnings: it was relatively unknown until the 1970s, when the local government recognized the island’s tourism potential and established the first hotels, roads and port.