The Caribbean is a mosaic of islands, each with its unique charm, culture, and natural beauty. From tranquil beaches to bustling ports, it's a dream destination for many travelers. Here's a comprehensive guide to the major islands and ports of call in alphabetical order. Each island or destination will have it's own page for you to explore.
Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory renowned for its pristine beaches, clear turquoise waters, and luxurious resorts. The island is a haven for water sports enthusiasts with activities such as snorkeling, diving, and sailing. Shoal Bay East, one of its most celebrated beaches, epitomizes the serene beauty Anguilla has to offer. Read more about Anguilla.
Antigua boasts 365 beaches, one for each day of the year, making it a paradise for beach lovers. The island's rich history is evident in the restored 18th-century Nelson's Dockyard, a cultural site in English Harbour. Antigua also offers fantastic sailing opportunities, especially during its renowned Antigua Sailing Week. Read more about Antigua.
Aruba is known for its unique desert-like landscapes, white-sand beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are crowd favorites, offering an array of water sports. Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad, is a picturesque town with colorful Dutch colonial architecture, bustling markets, and casinos. You can also visit our micro-site here. OR Read more about Aruba.
Bahamas is an archipelago of over 700 islands, each offering diverse experiences ranging from the bustling capital Nassau to the serene Exumas. The Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island is a major draw, featuring an extensive marine habitat, water park, and luxury amenities. The Bahamas are also famous for their crystal-clear blue waters, ideal for snorkeling and diving. Read more about the Bahamas.
Barbados blends British heritage with Caribbean charm. Bridgetown, its bustling capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its significant historical sites like George Washington House. The island’s beaches, notably the Platinum Coast, provide excellent spots for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Read more about Barbados.
Belize offers a mix of rich cultural history and diverse ecosystems. Belize City, the primary port of call, provides access to the Great Blue Hole, a large marine sinkhole beloved by divers. Inland, the lush rain-forests are home to ancient Mayan ruins and a variety of wildlife. Read more about Belize.
Bonaire is a Dutch territory famed for its dedication to marine conservation, making it a top destination for divers and snorkelers. The island’s capital, Kralendijk, is a delightful town with a relaxed vibe and colorful buildings. Bonaire National Marine Park encircles the entire island, protecting its coral reefs and marine life. Read more about Bonaire.
Cayman Islands encompass three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. Grand Cayman, the most visited, offers the famous Seven Mile Beach and Stingray City, where visitors can interact with friendly stingrays. The islands are also a financial hub, reflected in their modern and vibrant capital, George Town.
Costa Maya, Mexico - Costa Maya boasts beautiful beaches, rich Mayan heritage, and a laid-back vibe. Close to the port, the quaint village of Mahahual offers serene sandy shores and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding. Adventurers can explore nearby ancient Mayan ruins such as Chacchoben and Kohunlich, or dive into the Great Mesoamerican Reef for an underwater spectacle.
Cozumel is a Mexican island located in the Caribbean Sea, known for its coral reefs that attract divers worldwide. San Miguel is the main town, pulsating with a mix of Mexican culture and tourist activities. The island's Chankanaab National Park offers snorkeling, diving, and encounters with dolphins and sea lions.
Curacao features a unique blend of European and Caribbean cultures. Willemstad, the capital, is famous for its brightly colored colonial architecture and the floating Queen Emma Bridge. The island offers diverse activities from exploring Hato Caves to relaxing on the secluded Knip Beach.
Dominica is known as "The Nature Island" because of its lush, mountainous rainforests and numerous waterfalls. Roseau, its capital, offers vibrant markets and historical sights. Highlights include the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with volcanic activity, lakes, and hot springs.
Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti and is renowned for its stunning beaches, mountainous interiors, and rich culture. Punta Cana draws visitors with its all-inclusive resorts and beautiful beaches, while Santo Domingo, the capital, is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas, rich in history and colonial architecture.
Grenada is known as the "Spice Island" due to its abundant nutmeg plantations. St. George's, the capital, is considered one of the prettiest port towns in the Caribbean with its colorful buildings and horseshoe-shaped harbor. The island offers unspoiled beaches, rainforests, and the unique underwater sculpture park.
Guadeloupe comprises two main islands separated by a narrow sea channel, offering a blend of French and Caribbean cultures. Basse-Terre boasts the magnificent La Soufrière volcano and lush rainforests, while Grande-Terre features the island’s liveliest resort areas. Pointe-à-Pitre is the largest city and cultural melting pot.
Jamaica is celebrated for its vibrant culture, music, and scenic beauty. Montego Bay is famous for its beaches and all-inclusive resorts, while the capital, Kingston, offers an insight into Jamaica’s musical heritage with the Bob Marley Museum. Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios is a must-visit natural attraction.
Martinique offers a slice of France in the Caribbean, with charming towns, lush rainforests, and volcanic landscapes. Fort-de-France, the capital, is a bustling city with markets, historical buildings, and beautiful gardens. Mont Pelée, an active volcano, and the black-sand beaches are key attractions.
Puerto Rico blends American efficiency with Caribbean charm. San Juan, the capital, is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, including the impressive forts of El Morro and San Cristóbal. Puerto Rico’s diverse landscapes range from El Yunque Rainforest to beautiful beaches such as those in Vieques.
Roatán in Honduras is a diver’s paradise, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The island offers exciting marine encounters and pristine beaches. West Bay Beach is particularly famous for its white sands and clear waters, while the island’s inland provides adventure activities like zip-lining and eco-tours.
Saint Kitts and Nevis offer a blend of lush landscapes and historic sites. Basseterre, the capital on Saint Kitts, features Georgian architecture and lively markets. Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO site, provides fascinating history and stunning views. Nevis, the smaller sister island, is quieter and known for its natural beauty.
Saint Lucia features dramatic landscapes dominated by the iconic Piton Mountains. Castries, the capital, is vibrant and colorful with bustling markets. The island is also home to lush rainforests, volcanic beaches, and the world’s only drive-in volcano, Sulphur Springs.
Saint Maarten/Saint Martin is unique as it is divided between France and the Netherlands. The Dutch side, Saint Maarten, is known for its lively nightlife, casinos, and shopping. Philipsburg, the capital, is a bustling port city with beautiful beaches like Maho Beach famed for its low-flying airplanes. The French side, Saint Martin, offers a more relaxed pace, gourmet dining in Grand Case, and stunning beaches like Orient Bay.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines comprise a stunning chain of islands. Saint Vincent, the largest, offers lush landscapes and the active La Soufrière volcano. The Grenadines are famed for their pristine beaches and excellent sailing conditions. Mustique, a private island, is a celebrity hotspot.
Sint Eustatius (Statia) is a small Dutch Island that offers a quiet and relaxed environment. The dormant volcano, The Quill, dominates the landscape and provides excellent hiking opportunities. Oranjestad, the capital, is a charming town with Dutch colonial buildings and historic forts.
Turks and Caicos are a group of coral islands known for their beautiful beaches, especially Grace Bay in Providenciales. The islands offer crystal clear waters, excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities, and luxury resorts. Cockburn Town, the capital on Grand Turk, has charming colonial architecture and a relaxed vibe.
US Virgin Islands include Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix, each offering unique experiences. Saint Thomas is known for its bustling port and vibrant shopping scene in Charlotte Amalie. Saint John is the most unspoiled, with two-thirds of the island protected as Virgin Islands National Park. Saint Croix offers rich cultural history with sites like the Christiansted National Historic Site and picturesque beaches.
Lastly, U.S. Territories in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, provide a diverse blend of cultures and experiences, ranging from historical explorations and shopping to pristine beaches and outdoor adventures.
