Guides - Fodors Essential Caribbean

The four islands closest to the United States mainlandCuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic), and Puerto Ricoare also the largest in the chain that stretches in an arc from the Florida Keys to Venezuela. The Cayman Islands, just south of Cuba, are included in the Greater Antilles group. We also include Turks and Caicos Islands, which are part of the Lucayan Archipelago. Haiti and Cuba arent covered in this book.

Cayman Islands

Vacationers appreciate the mellow civility of these islands, and Grand Caymans exceptional Seven Mile Beach has plenty of fans. Divers come to explore the pristine reefs or perhaps to swim with sociable stingrays. Go if you want a safe, family-friendly vacation spot. Dont go if youre on a tight budget, because youll find few bargains here.

Dominican Republic

Dominicans have beautiful smiles and warm hearts and are proud of their island, which is blessed with pearl-white beaches and a vibrant Latin culture. Go for the best-priced resorts in the Caribbean and a wide range of activities that will keep you moving day and night. Dont go if you cant go with the flow. Things dont always work here, and not everyone speaks English.

Jamaica

Easy to reach and with resorts in every price range, Jamaica is an easy choice for many travelers. Go to enjoy the music, food, beaches, and sense of hospitality thats made Jamaica one of the Caribbeans most popular destinations. Dont go if you cant deal with the idea that a Caribbean paradise still has problems of its own to solve.

Puerto Rico

San Juan is hopping day and night; beyond the city, youll find a sunny escape and slower pace. Party in San Juan, relax on the beach, hike the rain forest, or play some of the Caribbeans best golf courses. You have the best of both worlds here, with natural and urban thrills alike. So go for both. Just dont expect to do it in utter seclusion.

Turks and Caicos Islands

Miles of white-sand beaches surround this tiny island chain, only eight of which are inhabited. The smaller islands are reminiscent of some long-forgotten era of Caribbean life. Go for deserted beaches and excellent diving on one of the worlds largest coral reefs. Dont go for nightlife and a fast pace. And dont forget your wallet. This isnt a budget destination.

Smaller in size but larger in number than the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles make up the bulk of the Caribbean arc. From the Virgin Islands in the north to Trinidad and Tobago in the south, these islands form a barrier between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The Lesser Antilles are further divided into the Leeward Islands, the northern islands in the chain; the Windward Islands, farther south in the chain; and the ABCs (Aruba/Bonaire/Curaao), southwest of the Windwards and just off the coast of Venezuela. The Leewards and Windwards are also referred to as the Eastern Caribbean. On any of these islands, the best beaches are usually located on the Caribbean (leeward) side.

Anguilla

With miles of brilliant beaches and a range of luxurious resorts (even a few that mere mortals can afford), Anguilla is where the rich, powerful, and famous go to chill out. Go for the fine cuisine in elegant surroundings, great snorkeling, and funky late-night music scene. Dont go for shopping and sightseeing. This island is all about relaxing and reviving.

Antigua and Barbuda

Beaches are bone-white and beckoningtheres one for every day of the yearand can be either secluded or hopping with activity. History buffs and nautical nuts will appreciate English Harbour, which sheltered Britains Caribbean fleet in the 18th and 19th centuries. Go for those beaches but also for sailing. Dont go for local culture, because all-inclusives predominate. Lovely as they are, these islands are more for tourists than travelers.

British Virgin Islands

The lure of the British Virgins is exclusivity and personal attention, not lavish luxury. Even the most expensive resorts offer a state of mind rather than state-of-the-art. So go with an open mind, and your stress may very likely disappear. Also go if you love sailing and island hopping. Dont go if you expect glitz or stateside efficiency. These islands are about getting away, not getting it all.

Guadeloupe

An exotic, tropical paradise, Guadeloupe is covered by lush rain forest and blessed with a rich Creole culture that influences everything from the dancing to the food. Go if you want to experience another cultureand still have your creature comforts and access to fine beaches. Dont go if you want five-star luxury, because its rare here.

Montserrat

Montserrat has staged one of the best comebacks of the new century, returning to the tourism scene after a disastrous volcanic eruption in 1995. Go for fascinating ecotourism and great diving or just to have a taste of what the Caribbean used to be like. Dont go for splashy resorts or nightlife. Youll be happier here if you can appreciate simple pleasures.