Most Beautiful Caribbean Islands

The Caribbean Islands are an eclectic blend of cultures, histories and natural attractions. Explore locations occupied centuries ago by native island peoples. See the homes of historical figures and hear the stories of notorious pirates. Experience some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Ride horses on the beach or ATVs across little known desert locations. Beaches offer the chance to try kayaking or parasailing, while marinas provide opportunities for deep sea fishing excursions and speedboat rides.

Anguilla

Anguilla View

Located just a couple of hundred miles east of Puerto Rico, Anguilla attracts visitors from all financial spectrums, as the island has a reputation for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Guests sunbathe on striking white sandy beaches and enjoy a number of water activities that include scuba diving and snorkeling. The underwater adventures around the island include numerous colorful tropical fish, shipwrecks and unusual rock formations. Hiking through the tropical forests is also popular and many trails provide the opportunity for wildlife viewing or the chance to explore historic plantations. In the evenings, the smell of barbecues fill the air and nightlife destinations include the sound of reggae and jazz music at the local bars and clubs.

Dominican Republic

The coastal capitol city of Santo Domingo offers a wide array of centuries old cultural, environmental and historical locations. This was the first city established in the New Americas and was founded by the brother of famous explorer Christopher Columbus. The city also boasts having the first church and the first university, both constructed in the latter 1500s. Guests often frequent Alcazar de Colon, the 1510 palace built for Diego Columbus and his bride. The palace welcomes visitors to tour dozens of period rooms featuring artifacts and personal possessions belonging to the Columbus family. For the explorers at heart, the city is rich in cave systems that feature hundreds of ancient paintings created by aborigines and the Taino peoples. Agricultural attractions include a vast botanical garden, along with chocolate and cigar factory tours.

St. John

St. John Dinning

When looking to escape the overcrowding of Santa Cruz Bay, many venture to other areas on St. John. Being the least commercially developed and the least populated, the island attracts many visitors from the budget conscious to the elite. Two thirds of the island is deemed a National Park, offering numerous hiking opportunities at varying levels of difficulty. For the outdoor enthusiast, Cinnamon Bay features rustic camping in the tropical forests that lie close to the beach. Many beaches have changing tents and concession stands, but other locations offer secluded alcoves and beaches. Even youngsters get a glimpse of the underwater environment, as certain bays have colorful coral reefs located just a few feet from the shore.

St. Lucia

The unique terrain of St. Lucia more closely resembles that of a destination in the South Pacific rather than a Caribbean Island. The Piton Mountains stand 2,000 feet above sea level and are the island’s most recognizable landmark. Venture through rainforests filled with wild orchids, native fruit and nut trees, in addition to the indigenous parrot. Trails lead to waterfalls that existed from times before Louis XVI. Sulpur Springs features a drive through volcano and a tour provides information concerning the geological aspects of the location. Visitors also have the opportunity to visit centuries old plantations, ancient petroglyphs and the beach where turtles lay their eggs and hatchlings journey back to the sea.

Tortola

Tortola Beach Snorkeling

Though discovered by Christopher Columbus, the most notorious residents of the island include the likes of Blackbeard and Captain Kidd. The largest and most populated of the British Virgin Islands, the location is filled with swash buckling and military history. Visit the remains of St. Michael’s Church, whose parish priest moonlighted as a local pirate. The island’s long history of piracy includes rum distilleries, which remain functional and provide tours along with a chance to sample factory wares. The Dutch invaded the island in the mid 1600s, building Fort Burt and Recovery, which welcome guests to tour the facilities. The Virgin Islands Folk Museum offers a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Arawak and Carib peoples, along with exhibits that feature a shipwreck, historical ship artifacts and plantation memorabilia. Enjoy the nightlife and cuisine at dozens of local bars and restaurants that serve everything from fresh seafood, Creole, French and Italian meals.

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