The Caribbean is extremely diverse with many nationalities, languages and cultures. Many make the mistake of believing pristine beaches, reggae music and cocktails are what epitomize the many islands of the Caribbean, but there is more to these islands then white sand and turquoise waters, with each island celebrating its own unique way of life. For anyone who is interested in visiting the paradise islands (and I highly recommend that you do!) it is best to make sure you pick the island which best ‘fits’ you.
For Diving Enthusiasts:
Bonaire
A government-protected Marine Park ensures that diving in Bonaire is Caribbean diving as it should be – untouched and unspoiled. This means that Bonaire is renowned for its pristine reefs and diverse marine life. For those visiting, it is definitely worthwhile to scuba dive or snorkel and experience the island’s inviting warm water (78 to 84 F all year round) and unsurpassed visibility.
Cayman Islands
The three islands of the Caymans are often considered the birthplace of recreational diving in the Caribbean. The three islands are essentially an exposed top of an underwater mountain which provides extraordinary diving locations. The intense variety of marine life, historic shipwrecks, still, warm waters and 100-feet-plus visibility means it is difficult to find a better diving location in the region. After visiting, I would highly recommend taking a tour of 'Sting Ray City' – where you will come face to face with wild stingrays and even feed them as you snorkel.
Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
The resting place of HMS Rhone, which sank in 1867 off Salt Island near Virgin Gorda, has become one of the most glorious dive sites in the world. Schools of tropical fish swim by the spectacular coral and sponges and for the more adventurous divers an exhaustive selection of caves, reefs and pools are guaranteed to quench their thirst of underwater exploration.
For Beach Lovers:
While the Caribbean boasts a lot more than exotic beaches, there is a reason why people picture white sand, turquoise waters and palm trees – with the exception of Saba (which has rocky shores) and Dominica (where the few beaches have dramatic black sand which absorb the sun; be careful of blisters!). Wherever you go in the area, the shorelines will not disappoint. Here are a few which, in my opinion, stand out from the crowd.
Antigua
Legend has it that there is a beach here for every day of the year. Most major hotels open directly onto a good beach, so you can't miss the stunning shore. However, Antiguans claim their two best are Dickenson Bay, in the northwest, and Half Moon Bay, which stretches a mile along the eastern coast.
Palm Beach (Aruba)
This famous beach is what, some argue, put Aruba on the tourist map. Certainly, many publications have hailed it as one of the best beaches in the world. However, be careful as it inevitably does tend to get crowded.
The Gold Coast (Barbados)
Also called the Platinum Coast, some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean lie along the coast of Barbados. Certain beaches open to the public which are popular include Paradise Beach and Brighton Beach. You will also find here some of the swankiest and deluxe hotels in the Caribbean.
For Party Animals:
While night-time is simply sleep time for a majority of the island, there a few jewels which boast an extremely diverse and fun-filled nightlife that will not disappoint.
Trinidad
The home of carnival, the vivacious island of Trinidad boasts one of the loudest music scenes in the Caribbean. The Port of Spain especially is known for its calypso music and steel drum bands. Head here to witness for yourself the dazzling and glittering female dancers who take part in the carnival festivities.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico contains all the ingredients for a great party, including bars and taverns, casinos, dance clubs which often feature a diverse range of music from western imports to salsa and meringue, and cabaret shows filled with feather-clad and glittering girls. This is definitely the place for the more hardcore who wish to stay up all night and nurse their Bacardi hangovers the next day on the beaches.
Curacao
Known as one of the Caribbean’s hotspots for gamblers, Curacao is known for its casinos. Salinja, situated in Willemstad, has lively bars where locals and tourists mingle and drink until the early hours of the morning, while live jazz often fills the air.
For Nature Lovers:
The Pitons, St. Lucia
One of the most iconic vistas throughout the entire Caribbean, the twin volcanic Pitons rise dramatically from the sea and can both be seen by a bus tour or alternatively, a boat tour. The Pitons management area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, includes tropical forests, coral reefs, waterfalls and hot springs. For the more adventurous you can take the challenge of hiking to the top of the 2,619 foot Gros Piton.
The Baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Along the coast of Virgin Gorda there are a jumble of ancient underwater boulders that form a series of caves, pools and grottos. The calm and sheltered waters mean that even the most novice snorkeler can experience this magnificent natural wonder of rock formations.
El Yunque Rain Forest, Puerto Rico
The Caribbean’s most famous rainforest, its 28,000 acres include staggering biodiversity – home to thousands of plants and hundreds of animal species. The park can often feel overwhelmed with visitors but quieter experiences can be had. For those who truly want to immerse themselves in the rainforest experience, hiking, fishing and camping are also available.
For Explorers:
Saba
For the more adventurous types who wish to travel a little off the beaten track, the island of Saba offers a unique and hidden experience. Saba is known as ‘The Unspoiled Queen’ and is accessible from St. Martin via a fifteen minute plane ride or an hour and a half ferry ride. Saba does not have the sandy beaches which have made the Caribbean famous; instead, it’s a volcanic island with cliff faces and rocky shores. There are four small villages on the island meaning Saba really does allow you to escape from the many tourist trappings of the area.
Jamaica
Music is the heartbeat of Jamaica, and this is, of course, the birthplace of reggae and its most famous star Bob Marley. Avid fans can tour the places most significant in his life. Visit Gee Jam in Port Antonio, the ultimate base for aspiring musicians and get some studio time yourself. Alternatively, visit the colourful childhood home of Marley in Nine Mile, in the rural heart of Jamaica. The singer lived here until he was 13 and it includes the inspirational stone where he supposedly sat upon to meditate. For avid fans of reggae it is worth a visit to Studio 1 and the famous dancehalls of Kingston.
Wherever you decide to go the Caribbean offers a unique range of travel delights from picturesque beaches and dive sites to colourful carnivals and pulsing dancehalls. Whether you decide to indulge in the Caribbean stereotype, pina colada in hand, or decide to venture further afield for a truly shipwrecked experience, I am sure the Caribbean will never disappoint.
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