The Caribbean is home to more than two dozen islands, with each one boasting of different natural attractions and activities. Depending on what you want to do, here are some islands worth considering:
Antigua
If you’re looking for pink-sanded beaches, this is the island you’d surely want to visit. The sand in Antigua takes a unique shade of blushing pink, as it is home to microscopic sea creatures called foraminifera. As their chalky, bright pink shells break off due to the water current, their colored particles wash ashore along with bits of coral, white shells and sand making the vast shore look pink in its entirety. Aside from pink-sanded beaches, Antigua is also known as one of the popular destinations in the Caribbean for big-scale gambling. And if gambling is not your cup of tea, it also has a thriving night life, with good restaurants, cafés and discos to accommodate your every impulse to dance and drink.
Dominica
If you want to go on a nature trip in the Caribbean, this is the island best suited for you. Dominica is known as “The Nature Island” of the Caribbean. Two thirds of the entire island is covered by tropical rain forest that is home to 1,200 species of plants. Aside from its rich flora and fauna, different bodies of water other than azure blue shores can also be found in the Dominica.
Dominica is also home to the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the eastern Caribbean called The Morne Trois Pitons National Park. The park is an active volcanic site, and its eruptions gave birth to a few astounding areas such as the Boiling Lake, which is filled with bubbling grayish-blue water that is surrounded with vapor.
Jamaica
For a relatively small country, Jamaica produces more music than any other place in the world. In fact, it is considered as the rightful birthplace of reggae, thanks to a legend known as Bob Marley. However, those who’ve been to Jamaica can attest to the interesting diversity of its music. From mento and ska to rocksteady and ska jazz, Jamaica surely has more to offer than reggae-style beats.
Aside from its rich musical history and beautiful beaches, Jamaica is also home to many exotic species of birds that abound the country. And if you’re in for a little bit of golfing, Montego Bay in Jamaica actually houses the best golf courses in the Caribbean. So bring your dancing shoes, your golf clubs and hiking gear while you’re in Jamaica! There’s a lot to do besides lying on your swim trunks and sipping mojitos all day!
Bermuda
Only a two-hour flight from New York, Bermuda attracts a large number of Americans living in the East Coast every year. It is said to be one of the most elegant destinations among the Caribbean islands due to the strong British influence that still remains in their culture. In fact, there are still quite a number of establishments that serve traditional afternoon tea the way the English would, as well as cricket matches going on every now and then!
If you chance yourself in Bermuda, it’s worth it to visit the Crystal and Fantasy caves. The limestone formation is absolutely gorgeous and you wouldn’t want to take your eyes off it. You may also want to get to know a little about the military history of Bermuda through visiting St. Catherine’s Fort. It houses a museum that overlooks the ocean, and will surely make for a good afternoon trip. What’s not to love?
St. John
St. John has squirmed its way on top of the list of many budget travelers this year, much thanks to the many bargains and deals St. John offers. If you’ve decided to pay this lovely island a visit, Trunk Bay in St. John is one of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean, and this should be at the top of your list when you choose to visit this island. The marine life showcase of this area is absolutely astonishing with several species of fish, corrals and other creatures that are unique to St. John alone.
Barbados
This island offers a wide-ranged array of accommodations and activities for travelers of every budget and tastes. In fact, you can opt to stay in an all-inclusive luxury resort or stay in a low-budget local hostel, and that isn’t going to make your experience at the Barbados any less appealing!
The best way to get to know Barbados is to pay a visit to its capital, Bridgetown. It’s a lively city that is rich in culture and history, which spans all the way back from the 17th century. While you’re out and about the capital, make sure to stroll around the Cheapside market for good finds and fresh produce.
It’s a great idea to visit Harrison’s Cave, as well. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be greeted with flowing streams, towering columns and clear deep blue sea that is relaxing in all levels. Truth is, one can never go wrong in Barbados.
Lucia
For lovebirds on their honeymoon, St. Lucia makes for an excellent choice. It is considered as one of the most beautiful islands of the Caribbean and features a wide array of choices of all-inclusive resorts. Honeymooners need not look far for things to do when booking all-inclusive stays. Going here in the spring is a delight as they hold their famous annual jazz festival. And if you can’t make it during the spring, you get to be treated by mountainous terrains all year round anyway.
As each of the islands in the Caribbean offers unique attractions for each nomad’s palette, t’s up to you to choose which island suits you best. Whether you’d like to dance all night to reggae music, explore caves or get pampered 24/7 at an all-inclusive resort, there’s definitely an island out there that best suits the kind of adventure you’re in for. Once you’ve made your choice, all you have to do now is enjoy!
Leave a Reply