Destination Caribbean
Caribbean Overview
The finest gemstones in the Caribbean. More than 30 islands – large and small – each with unique charms, enticements and colors, all have one thing in common – a glorious natural beauty that leaves the soul stirred and the senses yearning for more. Since Columbus's voyage to the Caribbean over 500 years ago, visitors from all across the globe have come to sample the aquamarine waters, gleaming beaches, delectable cuisine and invigorating nightlife. With mountains to climb, volcanoes to conquer, rainforests to explore and secluded lagoons to discover, there are activities and temptations for any – and every – visitor. No other vacation could offer so many sunny, warm choices, and still be so close to home. As the trade winds blow gently through each perfect island, you'll revel in the culture and traditions that draw on a rich history. When blended with the modern rhythms and luxurious amenities of today, the Caribbean is a veritable wonderland overflowing with romance, adventure, discovery and awe.
Anguilla
Plush, powdery white sand beaches offset by radiant electric blue water - this is Anguilla, an idyllic hideaway where relaxation and pampering are assured. A British colony located off the coast of St. Martin, Anguilla boasts some of the region's most luxurious and architecturally stunning hotels. At any of its six marine parks visitors can dive pirate ship wrecks, snorkel protected coral reefs, windsurf, sail or rent brightly colored fishing boats to explore hidden lagoons. For those seeking land adventures, one can enjoy hiking, horseback-riding, bird watching, and excursions to the nesting grounds of the elusive hawksbill turtle. In the evening, romantic dinners of excellent gourmet and regional cuisine are enhanced by pink and violet-hued sunsets as they spread out across shimmering bays.
Antigua
Antigua offers 365 beaches, one for each day of the year. The great majority rest inside the calm, protected waters of the island's Caribbean side. All are open to the public and so the challenge posed for a visitor is not to gain access to the best of them but simply how to locate the beach that suits one's taste. Exploring on your own is the best way to do this, although is wise to bring a companion along to particularly isolated locations. Antiguans are understandably reluctant to divulge their own favorites, so here are a few for you: Northwest Coast - Ft. James, Deep Bay and Galley Bay; Southwest and South Coast: Fryes Bay, Darkwood Beach and the beaches around Johnson's Point; East Coast: Half Moon Bay and Long Bay. The average temperature range for Antigua is 73°F in winter and 85°F in summer.
Aruba
Aruba, where it is always summer. If you are looking for a tropical paradise offering everything from quiet romantic activities to exciting adventures for the whole family you have found it. Tons of beaches line Aruba's coastline, ranging from the surfer's beach to the family beach to the private romantic beaches hidden away from the crowds. The attractions extend far beyond the beaches. There are the coves of Andicuri and Dos Playa. The calm of the Conchi, or natural pool on the windward coast. Restaurants ranging from seafood to Oriental and lots of great places to shop - outlets, collector's shops specialty and antiques shops boutiques - and many more. The average annual temperature is 82°F and average annual rainfall less than 20 inches per year.
The Bahamas
The early 1700's was a golden age for pirates. Many famous pirates, including Sir Frances Drake and Blackbeard, used the Bahama Islands as a hiding place. The numberous islands and islets with their complex shoals and channels provided excellent hideouts. The former pirate Woodes Roger, who became the first Royal Governor, brought law and order to The Bahamas in 1718 when he expelled the buccaneers.
Barbados
Barbados, often called the "Little England" of the Caribbean, blends the finer elements of British tradition with warm island hospitality. Barbados is one of the first democracies in the New World and a regional leader in education and commerce. Explore the many beaches, rolling countryside, charming villages, old sugar mills and plantations that represent the colonial past of the island. Tour the East Coast where the Atlantic Ocean’s waves are a surfer's paradise. Shop in the capital city or stay out late to party in the nightlife. The average annual temperature ranges from 70°F–87°F.
Bermuda
Bermuda is long known for its famous pink sand beaches, delightful pastel-colored homes and English heritage. Bermuda offers charm, civility and good fun all within 2 hours of the U.S. Eastern Seaboard. Bermuda is less than 30 miles long, yet offers miles of enjoyment from world-class golf and boating to historic attractions and sightseeing. Take a harbor cruise or explore the island's many beaches and picturesque scenery. At night, find yourself in one of Bermuda's many pubs, restaurants or nightspots. Distinctive British charm and well-appointed details make Bermuda one of the most peaceful and effortless holidays you could possibly dream of. On your first glimpse of the island's famous pink sand beaches, you'll know you're in a paradise like no other. And the endless variety of activities means that a voyage to Bermuda can be as busy - or as restful - as you choose. Exceptional golf draws fans from nearly every country. Boating is practically a way of life in Bermuda, with translucent indigo waters beckoning at all hours of the day. Quaint historic attractions, walking trails and rejuvenating spas are easily enjoyed on one of Bermuda's ubiquitous scooters. From the charming and charismatic capital city of Hamilton to the most secluded and romantic getaway nook, you're never far from outstanding dining, celebrated shopping and renowned nightspots. That's what makes Bermuda the ideal destination to capture your heart again and again. The average annual temperature is 70°F in winter and ranges from 75°F to 85°F during the hottest part of the year, between May and mid-October.
British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are composed of sixty-odd islands, islets and cays of virtually untouched splendor. Here life centers on the natural riches of land, sea and sky. Tortola has mountain peaks covered with frangipani and ginger on its south coast while the north coast has white sandy beaches and clusters of palm trees. The average annual temperature ranges from 85°-90°F. The British Virgin Islands are the most popular destination for yachting enthusiasts. Explore 40 nearby islands and pink flamingo havens by boat. Fishing is also a popular activity in this paradise that revolves around it's bountiful waters.
Curacao
Curacao is an island proud and rich in multicultural heritage. You'll find pristine beaches and secluded romantic coves, marvelous hotels, glittering nightlife, casinos, international cuisine and fantastic duty-free shopping. Dive and snorkel among rare corals and marine life in water as clear as the air. Marvel at the beautiful Dutch architecture. Tour the historic countryside mansions, called "landhuizen". The annual average temperature is 82°F. Curacao lies outside the hurricane belt and has virtually no rainy days.
The Dominican Republic
Occupying the eastern portion of the lush island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic vacation offers a vibrant travel destination whose endless charms bring the island’s admirers back to vacation time and again. The flawless beaches and sparkling cobalt waters of the Dominican Republic are nature’s gift to visitors on vacation. And whether your vacation includes enjoying the unspoiled beauty of the Dominican Republic from a sailboat, surfboard or horseback, you’ll be enthralled with the beauty of your vacation experience. There’s plenty to explore while on vacation on the charismatic island of the Dominican Republic, where old world flavors and long-standing colonial traditions rest side by side with the contemporary rhythms of the Caribbean. And for the truly inspired, be certain to take in a baseball game - the national passion of Dominican Republic.
Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman offers much more than the gentle splendors of sun, sand and sea. Its unique attractions include the Cayman Turtle Farm, and Pedro St. James Historic Site with its restored 19th-century plantation great house. Marvel at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park and gardens. Visit the National Trust and learn about historic buildings. Explore bird sanctuaries, wetland reserves and nature trails, which can be found on all three Cayman Islands. Finally, meet the hospitable Caymanian people, who will enrich every experience.
Grenada
Grenada is made up of three main islands - Grenada, Carracou and Petite Martinique. Known as the "Isle of Spice", there are more spices here per square mile than any other place. An ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing, tropical vacation, with over 40 white sand beaches with exquisite turquoise waters. Grenada's physical beauty is complemented by its rich history. The island's easy rhythms and the friendly openness of its residents evoke an atmosphere hard to find elsewhere. Average temperatures range from 75ºF to 85ºF (24ºC to 30ºC), tempered by the steady and cooling tradewinds.
The Grenadines
The magical Grenadines. A part of the world where time is suspended, waters are clear and beaches are white. In this mystical strand of jewels lies the gem of Palm Island. Sea grapes snuggle around the five, dazzling, alabaster strands that frame the 100-acre sandy sanctuary, and unrivaled setting offering the most serene found anywhere in the entire Caribbean. With a total of three square miles, Canouan Island is one of the larger of the 32 islands that comprise St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Canouan is set about half way down the island group which drape like a watch chain between St. Vincent and Grenada.
Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe and its islands are veritable treasures of nature. Its topography is very diverse. It is mountainous with tropical rain forests and an active massive volcano. There are wild rivers, waterfalls and cascades, coastal plains, cliffs of dizzying heights, peaceful savannas, mysterious mangroves teeming with life, and of course the ocean with multicolored lagoons and sea bottoms and wonderful stretches of warm sand lined with coconut trees. The annual average temperature is 78°F.
Jamaica
No other Caribbean island offers as much splendor and diversity as Jamaica. Sugar-white beaches combine with shimmering waters to sooth your soul. Explore a rich island culture that expresses itself in superb cuisine, scintillating nightlife, and the sensual beat of reggae music. Jamaica is large enough to provide for every taste. From the world-famous beaches of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay to the toe-twinkling seven-mile stretch in Negril, to uncharted nooks where romantics can hide away, Jamaica is a paradise for everyone. Columbus described Jamaica as “the fairest isle mine ever eyes beheld…"
Martinique
Martinique is truly "a little bit of France in the Caribbean Islands". It exudes a distinctly French feeling -- in the excellence of its Caribbean cuisine and the beauty of its language. Yet Martinique has a cachet all its own, an endearing West Indian warmth, a special spice in the Caribbean music and dance, its local dishes, and way of life. It is an island with style. Martinique... So much in an island.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is the perfect blend of colonial Spanish culture, natural beauty and contemporary lifestyles.Visit historic Old San Juan and awe-inspiring rainforests. Explore sleepy villages and coffee plantations. Revel in the European sophistication of a modern metropolis. Take a swing at world-class golf, played amidst lush greenery. Explore endless stretches of pristine white beaches where you can snorkel, sail, fish and surf. Puerto Rico. Explore Beyond the Shore.
St. Barths
The rustic charms of Saint Barthelemy is a peaceful alternative to the high spirits of many other Caribbean destinations. Here the discerning traveler delights in a postcard-perfect paradise, where the glistening indigo waters quiet the noisy mind. Take in the island’s magnificence from horseback as you ride past quaint villages, colorful fishing skiffs, rolling pastures marked by low stone walls, and women wearing the distinctive white sunbonnets of the French provinces. Although tranquility is the rule, there are plenty of activities to thrill the dedicated water enthusiast. Diving is an unforgettable experience in the brilliant coral-fringed seas. Windsurfing is fueled by the irresistible trade winds, and waterskiing gets your blood pumping in exhilaration. But if peace and seclusion are what you’re after, Saint Barthelemy is one of the best-kept secrets in the Caribbean.
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis lie in the northeastern Caribbean on the shoulder of the long Caribbean island chain. St. Kitts is the larger island with the more varied terrain. Its volcanic peaks are coated with thick green forest and ringed with cane fields. Hiking, horseback-riding, casinos, watersports and historic tours are just a few vacationers' favorites on the island. Nevis' terrain is dominated by its single volcanic peak. Sugar cane and grassland characterize the foothills; the forest areas include some rainforest. Nature walks, horse-racing, shopping, fine dining and a truly romantic setting are some of the features of this lovely island. The average annual temperature range is 62°-92°F.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia is one of the Windward Islands, located in the middle of the Eastern Caribbean chain. Its terrain is a combination of high mountains, forests, low-lying lands and beaches. Mountain ranges runs the length of the island and forests dominate the mountains, while jasmine, scarlet chenille and wild orchids provide splashes of color to the lush green slopes. The average annual temperature range is 75°-85°F.
St. Martin/St. Maarten
St. Maarten / St. Martin with its busy cruise port and bustling commercial district, has long been an active center for trade and tourism. Wide beaches along the coast, full of sunbathers and surfers, seem a far cry from the quiet country roads and small towns of the hillsides. In the evening, the hills of the interior become even more peaceful, while the glittering casinos and pulsing clubs of the coast just begin to come alive. Emphasizing comfort and elegance, the beaches are secluded, and some of the restaurants offer the finest dining experiences in the Caribbean. The latest French fashions can be found in many of the shops, and the smell of fresh croissants and pastries mixes everywhere with the spicy aromas of West Indian cooking. Small cafés and charming bistros add a decidedly Gaelic and cosmopolitan flair to the place.
Tobago
Tobago is cool, serene and green, with its lush tropical rainforests and the mystery of her seas. Go diving with mantas and meet a people with a quiet pride and a relaxed way of life, rich folklore and customs, and a unique history. The average annual temperature is 86°F with refreshing tradewinds.
Turks and Caicos
Turks & Caicos is the ultimate upscale island escape – where delicious impeccable waters and palm-fringed beaches seem to go on forever. The delicate islands and secluded cays of this island masterpiece provide unquestionably spectacular scuba diving and snorkeling. Devotees come back year after year to swim alongside miraculous marine life in its natural state. But if your tastes run toward windsurfing, sailing or deep-sea fishing, Turks & Caicos will not disappoint.The relaxing atmosphere of this tropical heaven is picture perfect for golf or tennis, or a leisurely swim through the refreshing sea. And the world-class lodgings with impeccable dining are yet one more reason that visitors return time and time again.
US Virgin Islands
St. Thomas offers a wide variety of attractions, beaches and activities such as watersports, golf, tennis, sightseeing, restaurants and nightlife. The capital city, Charlotte Amalie, is a major port of call for duty-free shopping. The average annual temperature 75°- 84°F. St. Thomas Fun Fact: St. Thomas is home to one of the oldest standing structures in the Virgin Islands, Fort Christian. Built in 1672 and now a U.S. national landmark and museum, this brick fortress protected the island from pirates and European armadas. St. John is just offshore from St. Thomas and tailor-made for nature lovers since much of the island is National Park. The average annual temperature 75°-84°F. St. Croix is the largest of the Virgin Islands and retains an unhurried island atmosphere. Explore the many beaches, old Danish towns or take an excursion to a national park. The average annual temperature range is 75°-84°F.