The Caribbean is a region made up of more than 700 islands and thirteen distinct countries. Well-known for their magnificent scenery, tropical climate and warm hospitality, the Caribbean islands are a popular choice for a vacation spot, attracting millions of tourists every year.
Here are just some of the reasons why one of the Caribbean islands could be the perfect destination for your next holiday.
Caribbean beaches are amongst the most idyllic in the world. With its soft white beaches and turquoise oceans, this paradise is the perfect place to yacht charter. With excellent fishing, snorkelling and diving opportunities on offer, sailing the Caribbean is a phenomenal experience and a diver’s paradise.
There’s also no shortage of pristine beaches, including Cuba’s famous ‘blue beach’, Playa Varadero, Pigeon Point Beach in Tobago and the beaches along the Platinum Coast of Barbados. Or how about a pink sand beach instead? Getting their pink hue from crushed foraminifera shells, there are several to choose from in the Caribbean, including Crane Beach in Barbados or Harbour Island in the Bahamas.
Caribbean cuisine is highly influenced by other cultures, including African and East Indian as well as European influences from countries such as Spain and France. The wide variety of ingredients and flavours used means there are Caribbean dishes to appeal to all palates.
Different Caribbean islands also have slightly different cuisines or slightly different takes on the same dish. Of course, there are some famous dishes you won’t want to miss during your trip, such as conch fritters in the Bahamas, Antigua’s national dish, fungee and Jamaica’s world-famous jerk chicken.
Each Caribbean Island has its own history and unique culture, including differing traditions, cuisine, festivals and music. There is a rich tradition of festivals in the Caribbean, celebrating everything from harvest to reggae to independence.
The culture in Antigua and Barbuda, for example, has been largely shaped by the country’s African heritage and British colonialism, whereas you’ll find Cuban culture rooted more deeply in Spanish influence and socialism.
The islands do share some common cultural traits. They all have a very laid-back lifestyle and a warm sense of hospitality with tourism being a significant source of income for the region.
There’s nothing quite as spectacular as a Caribbean sunset. Though you’ll need to be prepared! Caribbean sunsets are earlier than you might be used to, with the area being so close to the equator. Depending on the time of year that you’re visiting, the sun will set anytime between 5.30 and 8 pm. Sunsets in the Caribbean are widely regarded as amongst the best in the world, however, the closer you are to the equator the shorter they will last so get ready to be awed!
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