Where else can you see 365 beaches on one island, enjoy a pina colada where it was invented, meet an Indigenous tribe long since thought to have disappeared, admire 13 different species of wild hummingbirds in one day and climb a volcano? The Caribbean, of course.
Known for its stunning beaches and laid-back vibe, the Caribbean encompasses more than two dozen nations and 7000 islands and cays. Here’s your guide to experiencing it.
Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean
Visitors come for the scenic beauty especially the stunning beaches, nature, unique history and culture, food, lively festivals, spas, caves, boating, golf, botanical gardens, and an opportunity to relax and unwind in a sunny, tropical paradise.
The islands are quite varied geographically, encompassing semi-arid deserts (Aruba and Curacao), lush rainforests (Puerto Rico, Grenada, St. Lucia and Dominica) and abundant coral reefs and marine life (Bonaire, Cayman Islands and Tobago).
The bigger islands – Jamaica, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico – offer a little bit of everything including history, cities, beaches and water sports, botanical gardens, spas, golf, lively nightlife as well as quiet hideaways.
Some islands have a particular claim to fame: Grenada is known as the Spice Island (tour a nutmeg processing plant and visit spice plantations); Trinidad is renowned for its pre-Lenten carnival (you can even buy a costume and ‘play mas’); while Bonaire is popular among divers.
Other islands are closely associated with certain styles of music: reggae in Jamaica; merengue in the Dominican Republic; salsa, son, rumba, trova and more in Cuba; calypso and soca in Trinidad; and zouk in Guadeloupe and Martinique.
There’s plenty of history to be found, especially in some of the capital cities with their centuries-old government buildings, mansions, museums and churches. Havana (in Cuba) alone has 700 Spanish colonial buildings and a bevy of 1950s-era cars giving it the appearance of a place frozen in time (due in large part to the US trade embargo against the country).
If you want a place to unwind, consider smaller islands like Barbados, Tobago, Barbuda, and Anguilla. Many are free of fast food chains, casinos, cruise ships, jet-skis and mass tourism; they just boast fabulous beaches and some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean.
For more upscale seclusion, the Caribbean has plenty of private or secluded islands from which to choose. The Grenadines alone has Mustique, secluded Petit St Vincent, and the five uninhabited islands of the Tobago Cays. On Necker Island (owned by Sir Richard Branson) in the British Virgin Islands, you could spend the day all alone or potentially rub shoulders with rock stars or A-list celebrities.
Lodging options in the Caribbean include resorts (the most popular), inns and B&Bs. Condos, time-shares, and villas generally offer more space, kitchen facilities and are ideal for families or groups of friends. They can often be less expensive than hotels, especially if travelling with a group.