The islands of the Caribbean Sea or West Indies are an extensive archipelago in the far west of the Atlantic Ocean, mostly strung between North and South America. They've long been known as a resort vacation destination for honeymooners and retirees, but a small movement toward eco-tourism and backpacking has started to open up the Caribbean to more independent travel. With year-round good weather (with the minor exception of hurricane season in the late summer and early fall), promotional air fares from Europe and North America, and hundreds of islands to explore, the Caribbean offers something for almost everyone.
The Caribbean islands were first inhabited by the Arawak Indians, then were invaded by a more aggressive tribe, the Caribs. Unfortunately, the Caribs could not appreciate their victory for long, for the Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British, colonised their lands. The islands have known many historic battles - and more than a few pirate stories.
Greater Antilles
To the south and southeast of Florida, are several relatively large islands (hence the name):
Cuba
Cayman Islands
Jamaica
Navassa Island - uninhabited wildlife refuge
Haiti - western Hispaniola
Dominican Republic - eastern Hispaniola
Puerto Rico
Lesser Antilles
In an arc between the Greater Antilles and along the north coast of South America are dozens of small tropical islands:
Virgin Islands
British Virgin Islands
Anguilla
Saint Martin
Netherlands Antilles (Leeward group)
St Barthelemy
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Antigua and Barbuda
Montserrat
Guadeloupe
Dominica
Martinique - the "little France" of the Caribbean
Saint Lucia
Barbados - the "little England" of the Caribbean
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Grenada - "The spice isle"
Trinidad and Tobago
Margarita Island
Los Roques
Netherlands Antilles (Windward group)
Aruba
San Andres and Providencia
Other islands
These countries are not in the Caribbean basin but are variously close to it, and are commonly associated with the Caribbean (e.g. members of CARICOM, the Caribbean Community).
The Bahamas - a cluster of islands north of the Greater Antilles and southeast of Florida.
Turks and Caicos Islands - a cluster of islands south of the Bahamas
Bermuda - some distance to the north of the Caribbean, but commonly associated with the region.
Several countries in South America, Central America, and Mexico have shorelines – and islands – in the Caribbean.
Get In
By Plane
From Europe to:
Antigua and Barbuda (ANU) from London (LGW),Manchester (MAN) by BA, BMI, Virgin, XL and from Frankfurt (FRA) by Condor
Barbados, Bridgetown (BGI) from London, Manchaster by Virgin, BA, Caribbean Airlines, XL and from Frankfurt by Condor
Cuba from London (LGW)by Virgin, Air Jamaica, from Madrid (MAD) by Iberia, from Paris (CDG) by Air France and from all three by Cubana
Grenada, Point Saline (GND) from UK by Virgin, BA, Excel from Germany Condor
Saint Lucia, Hewanorra (UVF) from London (LGW) by Virgin, BA, Caribbean Airlines and from Manchester (MAN) by Virgin
Martinique Fort-de-France (FDF) from Paris by Air France, Air Caribes (cheapest from Germany ?)
Tobago (TAB), from London (LGW) by BA, Virgin, XL and from Frankfurt (FRA) by Condor
Trinidad, Port-of-Spain (POS) from London by Caribbean Airlines
Turks & Caicos Islands (PLS), from London (LHR) through Nassau, Bahamas
Airlines:
Air Caraibes: from Paris to Guadeloupe, Martinique
Air France: from Paris to Guadeloupe, Martinique
Air Jamaica: London to Jamaica and Cuba
British Airways: from London (LGW) to Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Tobago and from Manchaster to Saint Lucia
Caribbean Airlines: from London to Barbados, Saint Lucia, London - Antigua, Belfast - Tobago (see BWIA Route map)
Condor/Thomas Cook: from Frankfurt (FRA), see Condor Route map
Cubana: To Cuba from Madrid, Paris, London
Virgin Atlantic: from London to Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Havana, Jamaica, St Lucia, Tobago and from Manchester to Barbados and St Lucia
XL: from London to Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, St Kitts, St Lucia, Tobago
Get Around
Another excellent way to explore Caribbean is sailing:
Caribbean Yacht Charter - great selection of boats for rent along with lots of useful tips and facts about this vibrant area.
Caribbean Cruises-great rates on all Caribbean cruises. Caribbean cruise specialists since 1999.
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Lines - Luxury cruise line offering six-star luxury cruise ships and all inclusive cruises to the Caribbean.
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