Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the islands nine world-class rainforest hiking trails, stunning scenic coastlines, and some of the best Scuba diving the Caribbean has to offer. Or snorkeling in a sea of Champagne? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Start the conversation!. Where To Stay: For amazing ocean views and private beaches check out Secret Bay, an award-winning boutique eco resort with six sustainable luxury villas. Up to $650 OFF + 30% OFF Every Cruise + Kids Sail FREE, 40% OFF Every Guest, Every Sailing + Up to $200 Onboard Credit. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Of course, as an island, fresh seafood plays a central role, with everything from conch to mahi-mahi prepared in a myriad of ways. Depending on where you are, the hue shifts from brilliant white through rose gold to cotton-candy pink. 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. And yet apart from Aruba, Barbados, and St. Lucia, they are often overlooked by U.S. travelers. and restaurants, and then continue to a chain of southern islands in the B.V.I. The best time to visit St. Lucia is between May and June. A long stretch of white sand located in islands southwest, Magazine Beach is a serene snorkel spot in Grenada where you can float above sea fans, damselfish and angelfish. Best Time for Southern Caribbean Cruises. Another 26 sites ring the tiny, uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire, just offshore and accessible by boat. And caves along the coast feature stalagmites and stalactites, as well as a colony of bats (in Guadirikiri Cave) and Arawak Indian drawings (in the Fontein Cave). Swim or snorkel through the shallow waters, keeping an eye out for sea fans and schools of blue tangs as you venture towards the outer reefs. The ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao) are a popular family destination with a variety of restaurants, bars, and hotels. If Grace Bay Beach is too crowded for you to secure a beach umbrella, try Governor's Beach or Pillory Beach on Grand Turk instead. On the North coast of Tobago, theres the marvelous Buccoo Reef, colorful and lively, with the nylon pool (a thin layer of crystal water) on its top. Take some time to walk around the capital, which retains its friendly charm, even with big ships in port. Restaurants, beach bars and hotels line the beach, renting chaise lounges and umbrellas to guests. From the family-friendly thrills of Paradise Island to exploring the depths of the jungle, here are the best things to do in the Bahamas with kids. And thats just one of the many reasons its at the top of our personal list of the best Caribbean destinations to visit. READ MORE: Top 20 Things to do in Jamaica for Nature Lovers. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Here are 18 of the most beautiful Caribbean islands. These remote, idyllic tropical vacation destinations are some of the most beautiful caribbean islands and are rarely visited. READ MORE: Exploring Coiba Island & Coiba National Park, Panama. Nevis. But it only has a population of around 86,000 people, most of whom reside in the northern city of Nueva Gerona and the central city of Santa Fe. For a quieter beach experience, try Cofresi Beach, where you can relax and enjoy one of the several restaurants nearby or spend a day at the Ocean World Adventure Park adjacent to the beach. Where to Stay: With welcoming owners and breathtaking views, the El Momo Cottages are an eco-friendly hideaway offering romance and relaxation in equal measure. The smell of nutmeg, ginger, and cloves floats in the air, adding something unique to the atmosphere. Its shoreline, on the other hand, is as stunning as any other in the Caribbean. Comprising 32 islands, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is full of beautiful beaches. The sky seems endless while wisps of clouds turn colors that range from pale yellow to the deepest crimson, with streaks of burgundy and tangerine and eggplant. It looks like all of the "warm" colors in a Crayola box are melting together and then reflecting on the calm turquoise water. Experienced surfers can take advantage of the consistent and strong swells, which provide long rides along the shore. 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. Located just a 45-minute boat ride away from the historic city of Cartagena, this little-known treasure is an archipelago comprised of 30 small islands. The more specific you are, the quicker we can get back to you. After a visit in Soufriere, you'll head to Sulphur Springs, "the world's only drive-in volcano." 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. Newbies can book kitesurf lessons on the beach, or hop on a Jet Ski to rip along the shoreline. READ MORE: The 10 Best Waterfalls in the World (World Travel Bucket List). 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. This relatively undeveloped island features Rendezvous Bay with a view of St. Martin to the south. The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is valued at a little less than 40 cents. From the left side of the shoreline, youll find snorkeling opportunities in crystal-clear waters, where you can explore a sea-fan garden populated by colorful fish. The best way to island-hop while in the Caribbean. As your ship pulls out of port, watch for the almost-daily display of mist and light that often creates awe-inspiring moments. But the archipelago is sparsely populated. Cable Beach in Nassau is both beautiful and easily accessible. St. Lucia is an island that cherishes its history and traditions, making efforts to preserve its way of life and to ensure an ecological balance while catering to visitors. 1. You can also explore the islands cactus-strewn backcountry via an ATV or Jeep safari, try an undersea adventure with Substation Curaao (which takes visitors 1,000 feet beneath the waves), or Scuba diveworld-renowned sites such as the Tugboat and the Blue Room. If this type of beach vibe isn't your style, stay in St. Maarten and visit family-friendly Friar's Bay or famous Maho Beach, where you can watch planes descend practically on the beach thanks to the nearby airport. This applies not only to divers, but everyone over 12 years old needs a STINAPA ticket. For more experiences, you can hike the Vermont Nature Trail or climb the La Soufriere Volcano. On this lush island, you can hike in rain forests, visit thundering waterfalls, explore botanical gardens and unwind in bubbling hot springs. But with so many dreamy island coastlines to choose from, which are the best beaches in the Caribbean? You've probably seen some of them already, as the area's sands were featured in the first "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie. Each year before the Ash Wednesday, the island changes into a huge party. Or go for a walk to spot some animals. This former U.S. You're on an island where independence and privacy is valued above all, so St. Barts is one place where it's worth springing for a private tour by air-conditioned van (consider sharing with another couple). 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. The region is synonymous with incredible scenery, including idyllic islands, reefs and cays. Lets check out some of the best destinations to visit on Southern Caribbean cruises. With its tiny population of 11,000 and tightly controlled development, Nevis features a flat coast that climbs to the 3,200-foot tip of Mount Nevis. There are some resorts and guest-houses, just enough to make you comfortable. The original rail was used to carry cane to the mills and then the processed sugar to the capital of Basseterre for export. This is partly due to its location 40 miles from Venezuela, partly due to its ownership by the Netherlands, and partly due to its complex history. The currency is different But this will work out to your advantage. SAIL SAFE Come with U.S. News on a tour of the Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston. 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. A buffet lunch of Creole delicacies -- perhaps local rotis (a wrap filled with curried meat and vegetables) or lamb, beef or chicken pepperpot -- is followed by a boat trip back to Castries and the ship, stopping along the way for a swim. Most of the excursions we've chosen are available on major ship itineraries, although they might vary slightly from one cruise line to the next. Its also home to one of Grenadas best restaurants, Aquarium, and a 3-minute walk from picturesque Magazine Beach. Eagle Beach, Aruba Perfection might be the best word to describe the picturesque Eagle Beach. Bonaire does have a beautiful nature park where you can make an excellent tour by car. To make holidays more enjoyable, you can always leave the resorts for a while and go exploring. Stops include Bridgetown, followed by lunch at Sunbury Plantation House, where you'll enjoy a buffet repast featuring Bajan specialties (which always includes "rice and peas," which are actually pigeon peas that look and taste like beans) and local wine in a tranquil, elegant atmosphere. Grande Anse is also a special spot, as it welcomes hundreds of leatherback turtles that crawl onto the beach to lay their eggs every year. Another great option is Rum Point on the island's north side, where you can mix with locals while sipping a tropical drink at the beachside bar. While the southern Caribbean Islands have the best beaches, Grand Turk provides an excellent option for those wanting a shorter cruise. Thats also where you should head to look for some secluded, pristine beaches. 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. But if you're hoping to avoid rubbing elbows with other tourists, head to Rendezvous Bay instead. Bordering 600 tropical acres, this black-sand beach has prime snorkeling and diving opportunities among coral-covered rocks. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Island Shore Excursions On the island youll find no high-rise hotels, let alone traffic lights. The fishis stewedwithpeppers and onions andserved with boiled, unripe bananas. St. Lucia 7 Stunning Islands to Visit on Southern Caribbean Cruises The Southern Caribbean islands are the far southwestern corner of the Caribbean Region. #2 in Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. You surely dont have to worry about lack of things to do or places to stay. Underwater plaques identify the coral and fish residing there. Many Kuna still practice the ancient traditions of their ancestors, including the crafting of brightly colored, appliqud fabrics known as molas. While Pinney's Beach is the most well-known, make like a local and head to Paradise Beach on the northern edge . READ MORE: Caribbean Music Styles (An Overview of Caribbean Island Culture). You can not only taste heavenly dishes made with the use of these delights but also visit spice estates, gardens, plantations, and factories. As always, we encourage you to read up on Southern Caribbean ports, look into the Cruise Critic destination boards, ask questions and determine which excursions are best for you. Dominicas capital, Roseau, is the one of the smallest capitals in the entire Caribbean, yet it oozes charm, liveliness and general joie de vivre. The Windward Islands are Barbados, Dominica, Greeda, Martinique, Saint Lucia, St.Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago. The larger of the two islands is known for its sugarcane fields and well-preserved . This melting pot is home to close to one hundred nationalities and two official languages, Dutch and Papiamento. The Caribbean is in the continent of North America. When youre in search of relaxation on the beach, choose Anguilla, where on a clear day you can see St. Barts in the distance. The island combines comfort with nature and a variety of activities. Curaao is one of those southern Caribbean Islands that can meet the expectations of various travelers. Nearby, youll find several local restaurants and boutique hotels. 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. Take a hike to remote Cas en Bas beach, explore the island's sweet chocolate culture (and make your own! As for the activities offered by St Vincent, beaches take the first place. Disembark and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Caribbean island life. Best known for sugar production during the colonial era, the island offers a rural taste of French West Indies tranquility, with myriad farms, pristine beaches, and lagoons protected by coral reefs. 1. While some of the other cruise destinations in the Southern Caribbean, and especially in the Western and Eastern Caribbean, get hit by hurricanes almost annually, the ABC Islands are usually spared. Theres still a selection of beach amenities here, though, including loungers and umbrellas for rent. The electricity is different St. Lucia's electric current runs on 220 to 240 volts. The Best Travel Clothes for Women & Men How about a train ride through the region's sugar cane history? We found you 285 cruise s Filter Sort: Popularity Celebrity Beyond Jan 8, 2024 11. Its a must-see for bird-watchers. These incredible trips are sure to inspire romance and relaxation. Many of the islands are ringed by healthy coral reefs and gorgeous water, which has made them increasingly popular amongst Scuba divers and sailing enthusiasts. Bonaire does not have many beautiful sandy beaches. Where To Stay: Built by Staniel Cay natives on their familys ancestral lands, Embrace Resortis the areas first sustainable eco resort. Located on the coastal highway on the Pennsula de Pedernales is the popular pebble beach Playa Los Patos. St. Barts is, like Guadeloupe and Martinique, a "Department" of France, and as French in attitude, cuisine and laissez-faire as its Mediterranean counterparts like Nice and St.-Tropez. Aruba is one of the best Caribbean islands to visit and has a fantastic blend of different cultures that includes indigenous Spanish, African, Dutch, and South American influences. For example, you can rent diving equipment, have bottles filled and dive with guides. Looking for more adventure? Try the roadside barbecue shacks for affordable meals. While swimming is possible here, the often choppy waters make it a great spot for boogie boarding so make sure to bring a board and ride the lively waves. This is island life at its absolute best. Grand Anse Beach is the main island's most famous shoreline, offering azure water, powdery sand and plenty of amenities. Rather the contrary, in fact, it boasts gorgeous tropical islands, fascinating cultural heritage, and that laid-back vibe that makes the Caribbean such a popular cruise destination. It's hard to top Grand Cayman's Seven Mile Beach: The white sand and calm waves are nothing short of spectacular. Curaao is a curious country as colorful as any of its Caribbean neighbors, but with a distinctive personality all its own. To enter and exit St. Lucia, you will need a passport that is valid during the duration of your stay. Caribbean Island-Hopping Itinerary #1: Use Public Ferries . 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. But once you venture outside these meccas for sun/sand/surf worshippers, Jamaica has plenty to offer those seeking the sanctuary of nature. In addition to gorgeous beaches, the island has some of the most pristine snorkeling and scuba diving locations in the world. But there are also gorgeous remote beaches, wildlife refuges, and mangrove forests to explore. Snorkeling right off the beach puts you inthe South Water Caye Marine Reserve, which boasts an impressive array of marine life, including Rainbow Parrotfish, Reef Sharks, Moray Eels, and Spotted Rays. The Rich culture and a bounty of natural beauty, classy resorts and small, cozy hotels, in Barbados theres everything one needs to have a perfect vacation. You'll also visit humble Christ Church Parish Church, a beautifully situated place of worship with a graveyard that harbors a secret. There is some walking involved but nothing too strenuous, so this trip is accessible to nearly everyone. Located southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and North America, north of South America and east of Central America, the Caribbean is comprised of the Caribbean Sea, the islands within it and even some islands in the Atlantic Ocean (Bahamas & Bermuda). 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. So the snorkeling and Scuba diving here are easily among the best in the Caribbean. This eight-square-mile island is pricey with hotel rooms at nearly $1,000 a night and upscale restaurants.
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