best southern caribbean islands
Grenada is the world's spice basket and a beautiful island of plantations, rum distilleries, mountains, forests, waterfalls and soft sand beaches. Eagle Beach, Aruba Perfection might be the best word to describe the picturesque Eagle Beach. One of the Windward Islands, Martinique is just north of St. Lucia and south of Dominica, making it a logical and convenient stop on Southern Caribbean cruises. Waters is surrounding the island areas intensely blue as the famous Curaao liqueur, especially if you dive. Planning tip: Like all beaches in St Lucia, Anse Chastanet is a public beach with free access to all, and you dont need to be a resort resident to sunbathe here. There are also numerous restaurants, shopping plazas and hotels and resorts nearby. The Best Caribbean Islands for US Travelers - Culture Trip The Greater Antilles contains the Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. Try the roadside barbecue shacks for affordable meals. Southern Caribbean cruises tend to attract luxury travelers and repeat cruisers. But in 1995 the long-dormant Soufrire Hills volcano roared to life, destroying the capital city of Plymouth and forcing two-thirdsof the local population to flee. Other sites worth visiting include les Salines, the salt ponds which once provided salt exports throughout the region; Grand Cul de Sac, where posh hotels wrap around a lagoon popular with kiteboarders; and the Colombier lookout point, which reveals a splendid panorama extending to St. Maarten and other neighboring islands. It looks like all of the "warm" colors in a Crayola box are melting together and then reflecting on the calm turquoise water. To socialize, head to Navio, the islands best beach, and for quiet, Garcia Beach offers palm trees and an island escape just a short swim away. 8 top places to visit in the Caribbean - Lonely Planet Underwater plaques identify the coral and fish residing there. Shete Boka offers a natural bridge, blowholes, and caves that serve as Sea Turtle breeding grounds. Mount Gay Rum is the most famous domestic brand; you can buy it in rum shops or have a drink at a bar. But with so many dreamy island coastlines to choose from, which are the best beaches in the Caribbean? Where To Stay: Read reviews of the 15 Best Isla Holbox Hotels and Resorts here. Get In the water by diving off Andros, swimming off the pink beaches of Harbour Island or water parking it on Paradise Island. Kralendijk is a pleasant town where you will find nice shops, restaurants and bars. To help you choose, U.S. News with the help of reader votes and expert opinions ranked the best Caribbean beaches. Some Southern Caribbean islands, including Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Barbados and Grenada, lie below the hurricane belt, but do, on occasion, get . Most of the islands are uninhabited, but along the way you can see Mustique, where the rich and famous unwind in multimillion dollar villas, the 1,200-acre Raffles resort in Canouan, the fishing island of Bequia and the quaint and remote Mayreau. You'll also visit humble Christ Church Parish Church, a beautifully situated place of worship with a graveyard that harbors a secret. Visit banana plantations, go ziplining through the rain forest, swim at resort beaches or go duty-free shopping. No one can mistake this island for any other -- Gros Piton and Petit Piton, sheer volcanic spires rising 2,618 and 2,438feet above the sea, serve as the iconic landmarks. Anyone who thinks that if you've seen one Caribbean sunset you've seen 'em all has never watched the sun go down in Aruba. But, for more adventurous travelers, here are our picks for 20 of the best Caribbean Islands to visit if you love nature and hate crowds: READ MORE: 30 Best Exotic Islands to Visit. 10 best Caribbean islands to visit | CNN Explore festivities ideal for maximizing the sweater weather season. The Ultimate Guide to Caribbean Island-Hopping | Oyster . Bonaire is a paradise for divers and surfers. Nature lovers will enjoy the hike from Caneel Bay or Cruz Bay to Honeymoon Beach to discover this serene paradise. But those who ventured off-property reported finding several delicious local eateries. Best Southern Caribbean Islands To Visit | Celebrity Cruises Come with U.S. News on a tour of The Langham, Boston. You can not only taste heavenly dishes made with the use of these delights but also visit spice estates, gardens, plantations, and factories. Not very touristy as for the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago have a lot of unspoiled charm. In addition to learning about their indigenous culture, other popular activities in the area include snorkeling the calm waters of Cayos Limones and Cayos Holandeses. Discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus and named after his flagship, Maria-Galante is a 61-square mile island located in the Guadeloupe archipelago. Another hidden gem is North Bay Beach, a beautiful white shore on secluded Salt Cay that offers plenty of space to stretch out and several snorkeling spots. Climbing the Casibari Rock Formation provides breathtaking views of Arubas landscape. You visit Canada for undisturbed nature and friendly locals and Europe for history and rich cuisine, but you travel to the Caribbean for the beaches. The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is valued at a little less than 40 cents. Shoal Bay East is a popular option thanks to its convenient on-site equipment rentals. A former Dutch colony and still part of the Netherlands, Aruba is home to some amazing Dutch colonial architecture, especially in photogenic Oranjestad. The island combines comfort with nature and a variety of activities. Its easily one of the most popular Southern Caribbean cruise destinations. Please contact us at info@GreenTravelMedia.com for more info. Located about 40 minutes northwestof Cancun (around 3 hours by bus from the airport), Holbox Island is a tiny fishing village thats developing into a haven for ecotourism in the Caribbean. READ MORE: Top 10 Things to Do in Curaao for Nature Lovers. Learn more about us in ourMedia Kit. Tell us about the cruise or deal you are interested in. To enter and exit St. Lucia, you will need a passport that is valid during the duration of your stay. And its worth it, as you sunbathe on a white-sanded shore, paddle in warm waters and order fruity drinks and flavorsome food from the locally owned beach bar. Based on user votes and expert insights, plus factors like accessibility to beaches, tourist attractions and comfortable accommodations, U.S. News compiled a list of the best places to visit in. See them all on an island tour, along with some local flavors. But there are also gorgeous remote beaches, wildlife refuges, and mangrove forests to explore. Virgin Voyages is a well-designed, adults-only cruise line. Peter Island, the largest of the seven, is a popular spot for yachts and has a number of beautiful . The best Southern Caribbean cruises will take you to splash in the crystalline Caribbean Sea or rove through rainforests. Most of us come to Aruba for the beaches, which are extraordinary indeed. St. Lucia St. Lucia is arguably the most beautiful of all Caribbean Islands with its two UNESCO World Heritage designated Pitons standing proud. Situated approximately 40 miles off the countrys northern coast, Roatn is the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras. These incredible trips are sure to inspire romance and relaxation. But it doesnt stop there, though! You'll get a brief orientation at the dive shop, followed by a 15-minute boat ride down the coast to this unusual underwater playground, where bubbles rise from a volcanic vent in the seabed. So if you dont like water sports, this island is less suitable. One stop that will take your breath away is Col de la Tourmente, a viewpoint near the center of the island and perhaps the only traffic intersection where incoming flights buzz close overhead as they plunge to the island's tiny airstrip. 10 cruise ports that offer easy access to a beach Nassau, Bahamas Nassau is a beach-lover's dream port, with options for every kind of toes-in-the-sand experiencefrom a walk-to beach to one curated specifically for tourists. The best time to visit St. Lucia is between May and June. And thats precisely what makes it one of the best Caribbean islands to visit. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Both Trinidad and Tobago have gorgeous beaches with powdery sand and clear-blue waters. It's a fabulous excursion for the fit and adventurous, taking you up to a crater lake and then on a muddy hike down to the bottom of the waterfalls. There are actually ports with nary a fast food chain in sight and islands where English is barely spoken. Even the biggest of the islands 7.1-square mile Bequia and 12.6-square mile Carriacou only have around 5,000 to 6,000 permanent residents. This white-powder beach is one of the best flat-water windsurfing locations in the world. As you glide along the coastline, you'll get a firsthand look at a few of Antigua's stunning beaches and coves. One form is required per family. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. This article was first published March 2021 and updated January 2023. From museums and a tram tour to boating and kayaking adventures aplenty, these are the best things to do with kids at Everglades National Park. Planning tip: Hungry? Don't worry: St. Lucia refuses to be pigeonholed as any "type" of Caribbean vacation. Theyre more or less the border between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, located just off the north coast of South America. This island (one side is Dutch and the other is French) offers a unique travel experience unlike anywhere else in the world. Also consider visiting Scotts Head Marine Reserve. READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Aruba for Nature Lovers. These 11 amazing destinations make it easy. Beloved by celebrities, Frenchmans Cove is a private enterprise (owned by Garfield Weston), and access to this beach utopia costs around $10 a day. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the XV Beacon Hotel in Boston. Music lovers should consider visiting in early May specifically to attend the St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival that's held atPigeon Island National Landmark. But Isla de la Providencia was best-known as the base for Welsh pirate Henry Morgan, who eventually became Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica. But, instead of limiting yourself to a loll in the sun, why not incorporate an activity like kayaking and snorkeling? It's hard to top Grand Cayman's Seven Mile Beach: The white sand and calm waves are nothing short of spectacular. TrustedHousesitters weve found great pet sitters to watch our house and love on our two dogs! Caroni Swamp, an extensive mangrove wetland, is a home for various species of birds, some of them indigenous. Searching for new travel destinations? Vacationing with parents or grandparents for the first time can be a pivotal moment. We've selected some of our favorite places and shore excursions -- journeys that offer varied glimpses of life of these islands. Yemaya, Little Corn Island, Nicaragua Courtesy of Yemaya Island Hideway & Spa Discover a truly untrammeled side of the Caribbean on this blissfully lost-in-time, car-free island. Playa Dorada (or Golden Beach) located on the country's Amber Coast, is one of the most popular beaches. After a swim and a drink, you get to hike back up again. There is some walking involved but nothing too strenuous, so this trip is accessible to nearly everyone. Rental cars can be obtained at the Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in the southern town of Vieux Fort, which is about 35miles to the south of Castries. Best for culture Curaao is the largest of the three islands that make up the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaao), a family of Dutch islands in the Southern Caribbean. Born and raised in Belgium, Bram is currently based in the Pacific Northwest where he spends his days blogging, hiking, indulging in freshly roasted coffee and sipping craft beers. This tour gives a great overview of the island and still allows time for shopping in Oranjestad or relaxing beachside at Palm Beach or Druif Beach. Not only that, but there's a shoreline for every type of beachgoer. Vacationerswill also need to fill out an electronic immigration form listing their itineraries and contact information within 72 hours of arrival. READ MORE: Top 20 Things to do in Jamaica for Nature Lovers. Striking shorelines abound, including the honey-tinted sands of Oualie Beach and Pinney's Beach on the island of Nevis. White-sand Apple Bay is a surfing hotspot where youll find some of the best riding waves and swells in the Caribbean. The 10 Best Caribbean Islands, Ranked By Their Beaches - TheTravel 1. The more specific you are, the quicker we can get back to you. The twin-island nation of St. Kitts & Nevis bursts at the seams with charm. Along this three-mile (5km) sandy stretch, snap-happy tourists flock for pink-sand selfies among luxury accommodations and excellent dining options. When you choose a cruise to the Southern Caribbean that includes a stop in Martinique, you get to experience a truly unique island life. This is the largest of the former Netherlands Antilles, a gorgeous island home to epic beaches, a bustling island life, excellent snorkeling locations, local liqueur distilleries, and natural attractions like the Hato Caves and Boka Tabla Sea Cliffs. Situated in the Caribbean Sea between Costa Rica and Jamaica, Providencia is part of a Colombia-owned archipelago located 482 miles northwest of the mainland. The Lesser Antilles islands are divided into the Leeward Islands, the Windward Islands, and the ABC Islands. READ MORE:The 16 Best Mayan Ruins to Explore. Most of the islands are in the Windward Islands and the Leeward Antilles . Top 5 Southern Caribbean Islands to Visit Its also home to one of Grenadas best restaurants, Aquarium, and a 3-minute walk from picturesque Magazine Beach. The best way to get around St. Lucia is by car or minibus, though taxis are also available and water taxis around the island are plentiful. The bay's versatile conditions are ideal for water sports ranging from snorkeling to windsurfing. Thats the kind of scenery we mostly dream of, cause it seems too ideal to exist in the real world. 1. There are 26 independent countries and other territories in the Caribbean. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. To get a comprehensive overview of Barbados -- its history, its commerce, its terrain and its charms -- this five-hour trip takes you on a brisk scenic drive of the island. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. 2,000), the islands centerpiece is the aptly named Mount Scenery, which rises 2,910 feet above sea level. Consisting of three bigger islands and some tiny pieces of land, Grenada is called The Spice Island. The names not accidental, as youll notice as soon as you arrive in Grenada. If youre not a fan of snorkeling or Scuba diving, you can also go birdwatching on the aptly-named Bird Islands, try kayaking or paddle boarding, or search for the curious Manatees that frequent nearby Man Of War Caye. You can even enter some of the old prison cells there. The team at the on-site dive shop can kit you up shoreside and take you on guided scuba and snorkel trips through the colorful corals. Or go for a walk to spot some animals. This former U.S. Southern Caribbean islands that definitely need to be on your bucket list When you need a break from the sand, hike one of Sage Mountain National Park's 12 trails or dive one of the hundreds of offshore shipwrecks. Also nearby is the Diamond Mineral Baths, commissioned by Louis XVI to soothe and restore French soldiers who were defending the West Indies in the late 18th century. Southern Caribbean: Top 10 Places to Snorkel & Dive - Cruise Critic Bonaire does not have many beautiful sandy beaches. While youre there, relax in the soft sands of Anse des Flamands or discover your own beach when you climb Columbier for the 30-minute walk down to the secluded Anse du Grand Columbier, only accessible by hike or boat. Union Island, a kiteboarding haven, has recently emerged as an off-the-radar adventure travel hotspot. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. The 4,450-acre wildlife preserve is home to animals like white-tailed deer and blue iguanas. Located approximately 31 miles south of Cuba, Isla de la Juventud (translation: Isle of Youth) was known as the Isle of Pines until 1978. Anse Chastanet is popular among travelers for its optimal snorkeling conditions. Only a 12-minute flight from St. Martin, its easy to tack on a day trip to this five-square-mile island. Explore 150 of the worlds most enchanting islands in this inspirational coffee table book that features beautiful photography, illustrations and maps. While Castries -- where the cruise ships dock -- is a fairly large city and the island's business center, the more intriguing parts of St. Lucia encompass its small villages, rainforest, beautiful beaches and stunning resorts. . From swimming with rays in Australia to spotting lionfish in Honduras, if you're going to snorkel anywhere, make it one of these seven special spots.