Caribbean

The Americas

Tropical islands, picture-perfect beaches, tales of buccaneers, beautiful rain-forests - all served up with warm Caribbean smiles...

Overview

This treasure trove of dazzling turquoise seas, pristine sand beaches and glorious deserted islets also offers a laid-back lifestyle, romance, mystique and Robinson Crusoe appeal.

Sailing and island hopping offer the best way to fully explore, with sheltered bays and coves offering up the perfect places to lay anchor. The Grenadines, Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas are island chains where sailing is the only way to see each jewel of an island. - whether by private yacht charter or on a shared vessel.

Highlights

More than just beaches - there are mountains, volcanoes, rainforests and valleys, waterfalls, lagoons, mangroves and caves waiting to be discovered. Add to this a multicultural heritage, colonial relics, vibrant markets, duty-free shopping and music everywhere!

Dishes to die for...

Influences from Africa, Asia, Europe and Arabia are nowhere more apparent than in the region's cuisine. Dining out on Caribbean delicacies is an experience not to be missed.


Dishes such as salt fish, ackee and jerk chicken are intertwined with Jamaican culture, flying fish is a specialty in Barbados, and Antiguan rum cake is an indulgence not to be missed. Pepperpot, callaloo, conch fritters and fresh seafood are Caribbean staples that can be found on menus across the region. And let’s not forget the region’s most famous export, rum!

Beyond the beaches...


With towering volcanoes, lush rainforests, picturesque mountains, stunning waterfalls, lagoons, and intriguing cave systems, the islands offer endless adventure for those seeking a more active holiday.

Try zip lining, kayaking and river rafting or hike to the top of an active volcano. Explore on foot, by bike, by Segway or by boat - there's an option for everyone.

Aquatic adventures...


The Caribbean is home to some of the best diving in the world - with first-class sites in and around Cozumel in Mexico, Turks and Caicos, Bequia in the Grenadines and Grenada.

Dive schools all over the region provide tuition for beginners - right up to advice and escorted dives for those who are more skilled. From snorkeling around the inshore reefs, to day trips to world famous, offshore dive sites and sightseeing excursions by submarine - there is an underwater adventure waiting for every type of aquatic explorer.

When to visit

With one of the most pleasant climates on the planet, and temperatures at 24-29°C year round, There’s never a bad time to visit the Caribbean. However most people think that December to April is the best time to visit, when it’s slightly cooler (particularly in the northern Caribbean), drier and less humid.

The Caribbean Sea covers such huge area though, that it’s hard to generalise, but May to November can be wetter, with hurricanes possible from July to October – though these are rare in the far south. May to June and late November to mid December provide cheaper rates and fewer crowds – while still experiencing good weather.