Bahamas Garden Grove | from BTO
Caribbean Destination Guide
by Will Venn
Summary
The Caribbean - made up of more than 7,000 islands largely between the Gulf of Mexico and the North Atlantic - is a diverse wonderland of luxury beaches, dense rainforest and a celebratory carnival atmosphere.
Turquoise seas gently lapping pristine white sands in places such as the Bahamas, Barbados and the Cayman Islands give it a postcard appeal and are great honeymoon locations. It's an ideal winter sun location, enjoyed by beach lovers, scuba divers, honeymooners and cruise passengers.
Its attractions are varied. Cuba's lie more in its colonial architecture and political history, whereas Trinidad and Tobago are renowned as party places. The carnival culture of steel pan, brass bands, flamboyant street parades, rum and salsa extends across the whole region.
Getting there, getting around the Caribbean
There are around 11 airlines which fly regularly from Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester to about 14 Caribbean countries. To avoid the hurricane season and to take advantage of carnival, visit in the early part of the year; January to March are ideal months, with temperatures around 30C.
Once there, the best way to travel from island to island is by air. Boat transfers can take a while unless you're on a catamaran. Once you're on the islands you'll use taxis, cars, bikes and buses. If you do take a taxi pre-arrange what price you'll pay.
Quick facts
Currency: Several local currencies circulate in the region. US dollars command a good exchange rate on most islands
Language: English and a Creole patois that's similar to French. French, Dutch and Spanish are official languages on certain islands
Flight time: Between 9-14 hours depending on stopovers and which island you choose to visit
GMT: - 4 hours
Weather: Temperatures are balmy all year, averaging over 27C (81F). August is the wettest month
Dialling code: Dominican Republic 001 809, Jamaica 001 876, Barbados 00 1242, St Lucia 00 758, Grenada 00 473, Trinidad and Tobago 001 868, Antigua 001 268, Cuba 00 53, Cayman Islands 001 345
Electricity: 240V. English-style plugs are used
Beach cricket - from Barbados Tourism Authority
Caribbean beaches
You'll be spoilt for choice. Family favourites on Jamaica include Doctor's Cave Beach and Cornwall Beach in Montego Bay or the famous Seven Mile Beach. The Bahamas' Guana beach is also seven miles, bordered by gentle swaying palm trees. Treasure Cay in Abaco on the Bahamas is one of the Caribbean's most exclusive beaches where activities include deep sea fishing, sailing and scuba diving.
Cabarete Beach in the Dominican Republic is ideal for surfing as is Bathsheba's Soup Bowl in Barbados. Snorkellers should head for Turks and Caicos; its six main islands and cays are ideal to explore underwater; particularly Salt Cay where sting rays and whales may become your diving buddies.
For something secluded, try Crane beach on Barbados, while the volcanic black sand beaches of St Lucia and St Kitts also won't disappoint.
Caribbean sightseeing
Cuba's a real eye-opener; its political isolation makes Havana appear defiantly stuck in the past; the vintage cars passing by churches and palaces from yet another era make this perhaps the most fascinating city in the Caribbean. The Plaza de la Revolucion and Catedral de San Cristobel should not be missed.
Back in the water, if you head down to Stingray City on Grand Cayman, you'll be in underwater paradise, as the marine life must qualify this as one of the top dive sights in the world.
Harrison's Cave on Barbados is another natural wonder. Take the electric tram and see emerald pools, stalactites and other amazing geological wonders.
Finally, on St Lucia view the dramatic twin peaks of the Pitons, before visiting the drive-in volcano at Mount Soufriere.
Caribbean family attractions
Barbados, Antigua and St Lucia have the best facilities for children with many of the larger hotels running specific programmes for kids.
Resorts such as St James Club in St Lucia and Half Moon Bay in Jamaica are ideal for the whole family. Supervised activities include the chance to swim with dolphins, go horse-riding, or at St Lucia, check out the National Rainforest and the volcano's sulphur springs.
On Barbados, the island's Wildlife Reserve and Harrison's Cave are popular with kids while the Adventure Beach at The Boatyard has kayaks, an ocean trampoline and a rope swing from the pirate pier to help fulfill those Pirates Of The Caribbean fantasies.
Caribbean day trips
Take to the water in a powerboat in Nassau in the Bahamas and visit the stingrays around Exuma Cays. Or enjoy a glass bottomed boat ride; if you're on Tobago this is a good way to see Buccoo Reef.
Reach the volcanic peaks of Mt Liamuiga on St Kitts, the flowering Blue Mountains of Jamaica or see the strange cacti in the desert-like interior of Aruba.
The ruined forts on Pigeon island off St Lucia or the cocoa and coconut plantation of the Mount Coubrail Estate on the mainland are great day trips.
Diamond Falls - from St Lucia Tourist Board
Eating out in the Caribbean
In Jamaica expect to find Ackee, saltfish and jerk food. It's at its very best when sampled from street vendors at food festivals or during the carnival.
St Lucia may export six different types of banana but French and West Indian-influenced cuisine and Creole-style cooking indicates how the history of colonial settlement has infused home-grown products across the Caribbean.
Flying fish in Barbados and curried chick pea dough balls in Trinidad are a must and if you've had a bit too much rum, finish it off with some coconut water.
Caribbean nightlife
Head to Aruba with US dollars and prepare to win or lose it all in one of 10 casinos. Cabaret shows and other musical entertainment are also on offer in some of the casinos. Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo are casino friendly destinations in the Dominican Republic and it's the place to move to the merengue beat.
For rum and reggae style, fun head to Bridgetown in Barbados or enjoy the weekly beach parties in Montego Bay, Jamaica. If you're fortunate enough to visit Trinidad and Tobago in February during the carnival, head for Port of Spain which comes alive with masquerade bands and bear witness to the greatest show on Earth.
For some Latino rhythms, rumba, tequila and a cigar, it's Havana in Cuba all the way. Remember to take your dancing shoes.
Caribbean shopping
Splash out on locally produced arts and crafts, such as batik and shell jewellery in Tobago, cigars from Cuba or rum from Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad. Precious and semi-precious gems can be picked up from various boutiques, particularly amber from the Dominican Republic.
In St Lucia there are over 30 duty free shops in Pointe Seraphine Harbour front shopping complex. In fact, tax-free shopping throughout the Caribbean is one of the reasons many people visit. Luxury items can be bought for about half the price you would expect to pay in either Europe or America.
Related destinations
If you're interested in Caribbean you may also like to look at these related destinations:
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