The Caribbean

Geographically, the Caribbean region is defined as a chain of islands, both mountainous volcanic in origin and flat coral reef atolls surrounding the Caribbean Sea. There are many islands considered Caribbean – Antigua, Aruba, the Bahamas, Barbados, Bonaire, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curaçao, Dominica, Dominica Republic, Guadeloupe, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Martinique, Nevis & Saint Kitts, Puerto Rico, Saba, Saint Croix, Saint Eustatius, Saint John, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Thomas, Grenada, Saint Vincent, Tortola, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Turks & Caicos. The western Caribbean islands belonging to the Central and North American countries of Belize, Honduras, Mexico and Panama, are part of the Caribbean Sea and as such can be considered a Caribbean destination as well.

Culturally, the Caribbean’s diversity is as rich as its geography. Each island is a cultural crossroads where African, European, Asian, and Indigenous influences blend into something uniquely Caribbean. In Puerto Rico, the lively rhythms of salsa meet Spanish colonial architecture, while the Dominican Republic is alive with the beats of merengue and the warmth of its people. The French flair of Guadeloupe and Martinique contrasts with the British charm of Bermuda or the Dutch heritage of Curaçao, Aruba, and Saint Maarten.

The underwater world is a treasure trove of marine biodiversity. The crystal-clear seas that surround these islands are home to some of the world's most vibrant coral reefs, teeming with life. Divers and snorkelers are greeted by schools of shimmering fish, sea turtles and rays and the occasional playful dolphin gliding through the warm turquoise waters.

Above the waves, the islands are equally captivating. The rugged peaks of Dominica rise dramatically from the sea with miles of hiking trail leading to hidden waterfalls, while the mangroves and cays of the Bahamas create serene waterways perfect for kayaking and exploration. The golden beaches of Antigua, the black volcanic sands of Montserrat, and the pink shores of Barbados each offering a different story of geological wonder and beauty. Each island offers a unique lens into the heart of the Caribbean.