The Caribbean is a haven for those seeking sunny temperatures, beautiful beaches and diversity. The range of islands makes it a culturally rich place to visit, and it also gives you plenty of choice! The water sports possibilities also makes the Caribbean popular amongst daredevils and sea life fanatics – you can try your hand at snorkeling and diving. This will allow you to see marine life for yourself! You can see dolphins, coral, rays and turtles up close!
The Caribbean is also loved by tourists for its festivals. It is a strong part of Caribbean culture and promises plenty of energy, color and music. Trinidad and Tobago festivals have a steel drum band playing and you can dance the night away. The islands promise one-of-a-kind experiences, a fun atmosphere and stunning scenery. You’ll feel like you’re in paradise!
Now it’s time to decide where you’ll choose to go! Read on to find out about our favorite locations.
Barbados
Needless to say, Barbados is one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean thanks to its glorious beaches and turquoise waters. Its natural beauty is outstanding and will take your breath away. Whether you’re discovering the beaches, the caves or its botanical gardens, you are constantly surrounded by picture-perfect views. The country has over 80 beaches – being the perfect place to take in those sun rays and take your kids swimming! The beaches of Carlisle Bay are the most popular beaches here. The waves are calm and the sands soft, so this is perfect for bringing your family. Plus, there is plenty of delicious food nearby!
Barbados has a lively nightlife – hit the beach bars and listen to reggae music, or get dancing with the locals! The club scene is vibrant, and it really seems like the island comes to life when the sun goes down. Holetown is the place to be during the night time, the area is known for its variety of bars and clubs. Every February, the Holetown Festival takes place, which is a colorful festival offering crafts, music and historical parades.
Newlyweds often choose the island for their honeymoon location. The variety of larger cities and more tranquil areas gives you the best of both worlds for your romantic getaway. The capital city of Bridgetown will capture your heart by teaching you about the area’s history, and offering plenty of museums and shopping opportunities upon your travels. Here, you can also stay at one of the many luxurious resorts and really embrace the experience!
Aruba
The island of Aruba is one of the most visited Caribbean islands, and it’s hardly surprising! The weather is gorgeous all year round thanks to its tropical climate, and its natural wonders are unforgettable.
Climb to the top of Hooiberg Hill, which is its iconic mountaintop forged by ancient volcanoes. It is 165 meters above sea level, and is the second highest point on the island after Jamanota. In 1951, Eduardo Tromp built a staircase on the mountain consisting of 900 steps, and they were renovated in 1990 to make them safer. A gazebo has been placed half-way up as a pit stop. You’ll be thrilled to reach the top and be in awe of the scenery! Along the way, you’ll be able to see the local wildlife such as colorful lizards and wild goats.
San Nicolas is the cultural hotspot, and here you can find galleries, street art and exhibitions. The Museum of Industry, the Community Museum and the Carnaval Euphoria exhibition will certainly make your itinerary during your stay. Its thriving arts scene will make your experience truly magical. It is also the home to the Aruba Art Fair, which takes place in November each year. This brings local and international artists together with music and dance performances, on-site sculpture making and culinary competitions. We recommend seeing this huge event during your vacation.
The island is also the home to delicious fusion cuisine. As the island is made up of over 90 nationalities, of course the food was going to be international! Its food is a combination of Caribbean, African and European cuisines. Plus, with the water nearby, they use fresh, local produce in their restaurants for delightful meals by the sea! The beaches here offer food shacks with plenty of delicious treats after a long day sunbathing. You can eat on the beach and watch the sunset with your travel companion!
Jamaica
When you think of the Caribbean, Jamaica immediately springs to mind. Known as the birthplace of reggae, the island offers beautiful sunshine all year round and diverse landscapes. As well as its world-class beaches, its natural sites and lagoon make it a sight to behold!
Dunn’s River Falls and Park is the place to see stunning waterfalls cascade down limestone tiers. You can climb up the park alone or with guides to see the sights. There are also stairs built by the waterfall for those of you who don’t want to get wet! The Blue Hole is a striking lagoon that is relatively secluded and unspoilt. This hidden gem offers spots to kick back and relax, or you can go for walks with small local tour companies to really live the experience!
If waterfalls aren’t enough for you, and you’re just desperate to get into the water, then Jamaica offers plenty of water sports for you to get involved in! You can rent a jet-ski or windsurfer and enjoy the turquoise waters. You can even book an excursion on a catamaran to get out there with your travel companions and get sailing! Snorkeling and diving are also very popular here, as it gives you the opportunity to explore the coral reef and admire marine life.
While in Jamaica, you have to try out the delicious food with a spicy kick to it! The island is home to jerk chicken, and every restaurant you will see will be serving this speciality! Ackee and saltfish are another firm favorite amongst locals and tourists, it’s the national dish and is made from boiled Ackee and codfish. This dish is often served at breakfast, and is one of the most authentic dishes you will taste!
Bahamas
The Bahamas will surprise you! The country is big and there are 16 major islands you can visit during your stay in the Caribbean. They have experienced great growth in tourism, and we’re pretty sure you’ll be making this idyllic destination your next getaway!
Why travel to the Bahamas? It offers everything you could possibly want! Natural beauty, beaches galore, shopping possibilities and activities for all the family. The country’s warmest season is between the months of March to November, but from May, it’s the rainy season. However don’t let this put you off, as this will mean you can get some serious discounts! And though we love the 2000 beaches here, the Bahamas have even more to offer than its postcard-like scenery.
The nightlife here is vibrant and eclectic. The nightclubs close late for the determined partygoers, and elegant cocktail bars are available for those who want a dynamic yet sophisticated atmosphere. The best nightlife spots are mainly focused in the Freeport and Nassau regions. The Bahama Boom Beach Club is a bar that hosts different themed parties each night, with a scenic view of the beach and the best dancefloor around! The dance floor leads onto a patio with amazing views of the beaches for an unforgettable night time experience!
Bahamian food is also some of the best! It combines elements of South American cuisine with Caribbean delicacies for a delicious mix! Conch is the national food, and many dishes feature these sea snails. You can expect conch on several of the dishes – from conch pizza to conch soup… You can also find a lot of restaurants and cafés in the Bahamas, which are all family-friendly. They boast fresh, local seafood and clean food.
Cayman Islands
Each year, around 2.5 million visitors come to the Cayman Islands. It boasts some of the best beaches in the world, and it is one of the Caribbean gems. The Seven Mile Beach was voted one of the world’s best beaches in the Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Awards. It has also been named the fourth best beach in the Caribbean by Tripadvisor. The beautiful views and long, walkable stretches of sandy shores make this very popular amongst tourists and locals alike. Another highlight of the islands are the temperatures – they won’t fail to disappoint! The average temperature here is 28°C, so you can expect sunshine all year round.
While you’re here, visit George Town! It’s the international finance center, as well as the stunning capital of the Cayman Islands. Here, you can expect luxury! If you’re looking for a unique experience, then this is the place to go! You can get a luxurious glass-bottom boat tour around the seas for a truly Instagrammable experience, or visit the rum distilleries and get a taste for life in George Town. Just a short drive from Seven Mile Beach, the capital also offers some brilliant shopping opportunities for those of you who love to splash the cash!
One of the other selling points for the Cayman Islands are the luxury resorts. The accommodations here are extravagant and beautifully furnished. You can stay in one of the stunning condos opposite Seven Mile Beach with its greenery and turquoise waters. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere for your accommodation, then Little Cayman is less developed and will take you away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
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