Caribbean Islands

The Caribbean, is a region consisting of more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs and cays in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of the Gulf of Mexico, east of Central America, and north of South America. It is known for its tropical climate, miles of white sand beaches with crystal clear blue and turquoise waters, unique wildlife (especially in the ocean), mix of European and African cultures, and a truly unique blend of cuisines, music, art, customs and traditions, and languages, including English, Spanish, French, Dutch and Antillean creole.

The Caribbean was occupied by indigenous people as early as 6000 BC. Life in the region changed forever when, in October, 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on the shores of the Bahamas. Columbus and his conquistadores developed the first European settlement on the island that today is split between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, then island-hopped and exploited both the natural resources and the native populations, claiming lands as their own and enslaving the local populations. In the 17th century, the English arrived and claimed St. Kitts, Barbados, Antigua and other lands. They were followed by the French who claimed Guadeloupe and Martinique, and the Dutch who settled St. Martin, Saba and Sint Eustatius. For the next two centuries, the Europeans battled for control of the islands, and possession frequently changed hands.

Today, the Caribbean can be divided into a few sub-regions:

1. The Greater Antilles: The most visited part of the Caribbean, the Antilles sub-region is home to Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and the Cayman islands

2. The Lesser Antilles: A chain of islands that form the border between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, the Lesser Antilles sub-region is further sub-divided into three island chains: The Leeward Islands, the Windward Islands, and the ABC Islands.

3. The Leeward Islands: The northernmost islands in the Lesser Antilles, the Leeward Islands include Anguilla, Antigua, the British Virgin Islands (Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke), Guadeloupe, Montserrat, Saba, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint Martin, Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the US Virgin Islands (Saint Croix, Saint John, Saint Thomas)

4. The Windward Islands: In the south Caribbean, the Windward Islands part of the Lesser Antilles includes the islands of Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Martinique, Saint Lucia, Saint Vicent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad & Tobago

5. The ABC Islands: Also known as the Leeward Antilles, the ABC Islands include Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao

6. The Lucayan Archipelago: Technically in the North Atlantic, and not in the Caribbean sea, the Lucayan Archipelago islands of Bahamas and Turks & Caicos are often loosely referred to as being in the Caribbean

Destinations

Key sights to see

Bahamas

The Bahamas comprises nearly 700+ islands that are part of the Lucayan Archipelago, which is in the North Atlantic, but is loosely considered to be a part of the Caribbean. The Bahamas has some of the most beautiful beaches and waters in the Caribbean, from seafoam green to turquoise blue and every hue in between. The capital, Nassau, is sprinkled with rainbow-colored buildings, vibrant shops with local arts and crafts, and the scent of authentic island cooking everywhere.

Puerto Rico

Located in the northeast Caribbean Sea, Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States. Originally settled nearly 4,000 years ago, the islands became a Spanish colony after the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1493, until after the Spanish-American War of 1898, when it was acquired by the United States. Puerto Rico has much to offer tourists from historical sites, to vibrant cities, to beautiful natural parks and beaches, and several adventures activities.

Jamaica

Jamaica, the Caribbean’s third largest island, is nothing more than the peak of a massive underwater mountain protruding from the water to reveal wonders millions of years in the making. It has several famous attractions including the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, historical monuments like Fort Charles and the Green Grotto Caves, spectacular beaches like the Ocho Rios Bay Beach and James Bond Beach, and several locations for ziplining, rock climbing and water sports.

Turks & Caicos

Part of the Lucayan Archipelago, Turks & Caicos is made up of two island chains. The Caicos chain is made up of larger islands like Provo, while the Turks chain is made up of smaller islands like Grand Turk and Salt Cay. Both chains are famous for miles of sparsely populated white sand beaches, excellent scuba diving locations, the stunning coral reefs and huge schools of fish, sharks, turtles, and octopuses at West Caicos Marine National Park, watersport activities, and amazing resorts and spas.

Cayman Islands

First discovered by Christopher Columbus, the Cayman Islands is an archipelago consisting of three islands—Grand Cayman, the largest, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac. The main attractions of these islands include pristine white sand beaches, transparent blue waters, water sports like parasailing and jet skiing, diving to see the storied shipwrecks off the coast, sunset cruises, and bioluminescence tours at night. Of the beaches, Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman is the most famous.

British Virgin Islands

The 50+ islands of the British Virgin Islands offer unmatched bliss for travelers seeking water sport fun and luxurious serenity. Many of these islands are home to world-class resorts, most famously Necker Island, owned by Sir Richard Branson. Tortola, the largest island, is home to Mount Sage National Park and Smuggler's Cove, which offer stunning panoramic views, as well as Road Town, which has several colorful colonial buildings, and restaurants offering rum-soaked island cuisine.

US Virgin Islands

Just a 20-minute ferry ride away from the British Virgin Islands, the US Virgin Islands include St. Thomas, St. Johns, and St. Croix, and more than 50 other islands. The islands have several famous beaches including Sandy Point Beach on St. Croix, Magens Bay Beach on St. Thomas and Maho Bay Beach on St. John, as well as several historical sites like Blackbeard's Watchtower and Castle, and the Annaberg and Cinnamon Bay Sugar plantations. The Cruzan Rum Distillery is another popular tourist site.

Anguilla

Voted Travel + Leisure’s Best Island in the Caribbean, Anguilla is one of the Caribbean’s hidden gems. The island has several historical sites along the Anguilla Heritage Trail, untouched white sand beaches stretching for miles, great opportunities for snorkeling and viewing dolphins, and some of the Caribbean's finest culinary experiences with snapper and lobsters seasoned with islands spices sizzling on outdoor grills around every street corner.

St. Martin & Sint Maarten

Saint Martin and Sint Maarten is one island that is shared by two countries. The north side, called Saint Martin is French, while the southern side, called Sint Maarten is Dutch. Sint Maarten is known for its vibrant nightlife with several bars and casinos, while Saint Martin is more laid back with beautiful beaches and excellent restaurants. The other unique thing about the island is Princess Juliana International Airport, whose runway is extremely close to Maho Beach on the Dutch side of the island.

Antigua & Barbuda

Known as the ‘Land of 365 Beaches,’ Antigua is a beautiful blend of history, nature, and idyllic pleasure. When the British arrived in 1632 they built sugar mills on the backs of nearly 32,000 enslaved Africans, who were eventually emancipated on August 1, 1834, the date of the annual Carnival festival in Antigua. In addition to its historical sugar mills and cannon-lined forts, Antigua has excellent snorkeling options, water sports, and stunning views from the Shirley Heights Lookout.

Saint Kitts & Nevis

Nicknamed ‘The Mother Colony of the West Indies,’ St. Kitts & Nevis are twin islands that were colonized by the British and the French. The island's western shore exhibits British influence, while the capital Basseterre, showcases French architecture. The islands have several historical sites including Brimstone Hill Fortress and the St. Kitts Scenic Railway, the Caribbean's only railway system used for for transporting sugarcane. The volcanic landscape and glistening beaches are also stunning.

Barbados

The jewel-shaped island of Barbados is a gem in the Caribbean, sparkling as bright as the twinkling turquoise waters surrounding it. It only takes about three hours to drive around the entire island. But with historical landmarks like 17th century sugar plantations and several monuments in Bridgetown, popular beaches like Carlisle Bay, Pebbles Beach and North Point, and quaint restaurants serving up the island's famous fish fry, it is recommended to make the journey at a relaxed pace.

St. Lucia

As the only country in the world named after a woman, St. Lucia nurtures visitors with beauty and tranquility. You can’t visit St. Lucia without spending time admiring its most iconic landmarks, The Pitons, which tower over the island. Castries, the capital, is the heartbeat of the island. Immerse yourself into the local culture pulsating through the colorful Central Market, wander inside local galleries, or gaze over ships entering Castries Harbour from atop Mount Fortune.

Dominica

Often confused with the Dominican Republic because of similar names, Dominica is one of the youngest islands in the Caribbean. It is often called the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean" for its iconic natural landmarks like Trafalgar Falls, Emerald Pool, which is surrounded by the whispering jungle, the volcanic activity at Champagne Reef, the Indian River, which has several filming sites for the Pirates of the Caribbean, and Scotts Head Bay, where the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea meet.

Martinique

Martinique is one of the most unique Caribbean islands. It feels like a French city placed on the other side of the Atlantic. But culture is only a tiny piece of this island paradise, which is dominated by rainforests and Mount Pelée, an active volcano that reaches towards the heavens. The island also has several historical sight like Fort Saint Louis, sugar plantations like Habitat Clement, lush green vegetation, beautiful botanical gardens, and spectacular beaches. So say Bonjour to Martinique!

Grenada

Known as the Spice Isle, Grenada is an island rich in flavors, from the pastel-colored buildings of the capital St. George, to tastes of the rich nutmeg and chocolate growing abundantly on the island, and sounds of Caribbean music filling the air. St. George has the island's cultural venues, like the Grenada National Museum, while the lush, verdant island interior holds hidden gems like the Annandale Waterfall, and the coast features Grand Anse Beach, which has finely ground white sand.

Trinidad & Tobago

The twin islands of Trinidad & Tobago have something to offer everyone. Trinidad is the nation’s cultural hub, famous for hosting one of the largest Carnival celebrations in the world. The island also has several ecotourism sites with rich marine and bird life and bioluminescent waters, and historical sites like the 19th century Fort George. Just a three-hour ferry ride away, Tobago is more popular for outdoor enthusiasts, with its lush, tree-lined shores of white sand beaches.

Caribbean Islands

Destinations

Map

Add to favorite

Create new board

Add to current board

Add to favorite

Delete from favorite

Add to favorite