With year-round good weather and hundreds of islands to explore, the Caribbean offers something for almost everyone. There are still many places in Caribbeans that are not well known and discovered yet as touristy.
The Caribbean islands are made up of island groups including Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles, Leeward Antilles, and the Windward Islands. The islands in the Caribbean are also sometimes referred to as the West Indies.
Photo credit: Adam Modlin / Flickr
Saba
Saba is a small volcanic island of the Netherlands Antilles south of Saint Martin. The population of Saba is just under 2,000 people spread into four major villages.
The island attracts tourists for its diverse and vibrant ecosystem and the unique diving experiences. Saba is quickly becoming one of the top destinations in the world to go Scuba diving due to its sheer underwater cliffs, pinnacles, and the multitude of diving locations surrounding the island.
To protect the sea around the island, the “Saba Marine Park” has been established. There is also an airport which is the shortest international runway in the world.
There are a variety of shops and markets on the island, as well as a post office, police station and library.
Photo credit: Josefine Granding Larsson / Flickr
Grenada
Grenada is a group of three larger islands (Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique). The islands boast silky stretches of white sand beaches, sunken treasures adorned by corals and unspoiled landscapes undiscovered by crowds.
There is so much to see in Grenada such as historic forts, lakes, waterfalls, spice estate. You can find many amazing local products like Rum, Chocolate, Honey, Jams and Jellies, Spices, Clothing, and Art. Grenada is also known as the “Island of Spice” due to its production of nutmeg and mace crops.
Photo credit: tiarescott / Flickr
Nevis
Nevis and the neighboring island of Saint Kitts constitute one country: the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Nevis is one of the most unspoiled and relaxing islands in the Caribbean and a lot safer than many Caribbean islands. The local people who live on Nevis are kind and welcoming. A former British colony, these islands became independent from Britain in 1983.
Nevis food is a blend of European, American, with hints of African and Asian. The major source of revenue for Nevis today is tourism. There are no cities in Nevis; the settlements are mostly villages. Only the capital counts as a town.
Photo credit: Eddy Clio / Flickr
Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe is a French overseas group of islands in the eastern Caribbean. Guadeloupe is composed of five islands Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, Marie-Galante, Les Saintes, and La Desirade.
Guadeloupe is an eco-Tourism destination with 77% of its territories classified as a Natural Reserve and proud UNESCO Biosphere reserve since 1992.
There is an amazing assortment of tropical fish, even in water less than one meter deep and perfect for snorkeling. There are many hiking trails, one of the most scenic hikes is La Soufriere. Whale Watching is also a popular activity with about fifteen species of cetacean – toothed whale, whale, humpback whale, pilot whale, are present in the waters.
Photo credit: pontla / Flickr
Turks and Caicos
The Turks and Caicos Islands is an archipelago consists of two island groups, the Turks islands and the Caicos islands. These islands have fabulous beaches throughout, including the award-winning Grace Bay. The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of 40 islands and cays, eight of which are inhabited. The best time to visit Turks & Caicos Islands is April and May.
The economy of Turks and Caicos is dominated by tourism, offshore finance and fishing. Most of the activities in Turks and Caicos and things to do are around the ocean and beach. Some of the activities include scuba diving, snorkeling tours, kayaking eco-tours, and boat charters.
Photo credit: Malgosia Fiebig / Flickr
Curaçao
Curaçao is located in the Southern Caribbean, outside the hurricane belt near Venezuela with a strong Dutch influence. Curaçao is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This Dutch Caribbean island features building styles you’d find in the Netherlands. The clear waters and maritime life make it an ideal diving destination. The complete southwestern side of Curaçao is one large coral reef and marine park.
Curaçao’s public beaches are concentrated on the southern coast, especially the western side.
Photo credit: Abir Anwar / Flickr
Tobago
Tobago is one of the two islands that comprise the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago, and best known for its wide sandy beaches and remarkable tropical rainforest. All beaches in Tobago are free of charge. The island lies north of the South American coast and Tobago is also a popular diving location with some of the best diving sites in the Caribbean. Divers can discover a world of corals and brilliantly colored marine life.
Tobago is home to two golf courses, both of which are open to visitors. The highest point in Tobago is 550-meter.
Photo credit: gillyan9 / Flickr
Martinique
Martinique is one of the Caribbean’s top eco-destination and an overseas department of France. The Island offers nature, adventure, and water sport activities. One of the top highlights is exploring the Domaine d’Emeraude, an amazing nature estate featuring nearly four miles of walking trails through the rainforest.
The island cuisine is a superb blend of French and Creole cooking that is worth trying. Tourism has become more important than agricultural exports as a source of foreign exchange. Most visitors come from mainland France, Canada, and the USA.
Photo credit: Bart / Flickr
Dominica
Dominica is one of the best vacation destinations in the Caribbean for scuba diving, whale & dolphin watching, hiking, bird watching.
Exploring a pristine tropical rainforest along the Waitukubuli National Trail, the longest hiking trail in the Caribbean at 115 miles. This island country also has many diving spots with steep drop-offs, a healthy marine environment, and reefs.
Dominica also knows as the “nature island of the Caribbean,” attracts eco-tourists interested in landscapes and wildlife.
Photo credit: David Stanley / Flickr
Montserrat
Montserrat is a 40-square-mile British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean and about 30 miles southwest of Antigua. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization Montserrat is one of the least visited countries in the world.
In 1995 the Soufrière Hills volcano erupted and the island’s capital, Plymouth, was buried in more than 39 ft of mud, destroyed its airport and docking facilities. But the capital has been relocated and the airport rebuilt and now Montserrat is slowly reborn from the devastating volcanic eruption.
Montserrat, like many isolated islands, is home to rare, endemic plant and animal species. Montserrat is known for its coral reefs and its caves along the shore. These caves house many species of bats. The number of known beetle species is 718 species from 63 families.
Don’t forget to check some of our other travel resources and destinations in the Caribbeans category.
