Caribbean Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, things to do, accommodations, local culture, and transportation options in the Caribbean. Plan your perfect trip with this comprehensive guide.
- Introduction to Caribbean
- List of Places to Visit in Caribbean
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Caribbean
- Best Things to Do in Caribbean: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Caribbean
- Food and Drink Scene of Caribbean
- Where to Stay in Caribbean: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Caribbean: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Caribbean
- Best Time to Visit Caribbean
- Do’s and Don’ts of Caribbean
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Caribbean: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Caribbean
- Where to Go Next from Caribbean: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Caribbean
The Caribbean is a region of the Americas that consists of the Caribbean Sea, its islands, and the surrounding coastal areas. It is known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. The area is rich in history, with a unique blend of indigenous, European, and African influences that creates a diverse and exciting atmosphere.
List of Places to Visit in Caribbean
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- (1) The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda in St. John’s, Antigua
- (2) The Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, Jamaica
- (3) The San Juan National Historic Site in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Natural Attractions of Caribbean: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- (1) The Pitons in St. Lucia
- (2) The Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica
- (3) The Baths in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Hiking/Biking Routes of Caribbean
- (1) Gros Piton Trail, St. Lucia
- (2) Paria Bay Trail, Trinidad and Tobago
- (3) El Yunque Rainforest Trail, Puerto Rico
Best Things to Do in Caribbean: Activities and Tours
- (1) Snorkeling or scuba diving off the coast of Aruba
- (2) Catamaran Cruise in the Bahamas
- (3) Zipline Adventure in St. Kitts
Week-Long Itinerary for Caribbean
Day | Destination | Activity |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Explore Old San Juan and Castillo San Felipe del Morro |
Day 2 | St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands | Visit Magens Bay Beach and Coral World Ocean Park |
Day 3 | Philipsburg, St. Maarten | Go Zip-lining at Loterie Farm |
Day 4 | Oranjestad, Aruba | Snorkeling or Scuba Diving |
Day 5 | Willemstad, Curaçao | Visit Christoffel National Park and swim with dolphins at the Dolphin Academy |
Day 6 | Bridgetown, Barbados | Explore Harrison’s Cave and watch sea turtles at Paynes Bay Beach |
Day 7 | Castries, St. Lucia | Hike up to the Pitons and relax at Sulphur Springs |
Food and Drink Scene of Caribbean
Must-Try Dishes
- (1) Jamaican Jerk Chicken
- (2) Puerto Rican Mofongo
- (3) Trinidadian Doubles
Local Beverages
- (1) Cuban Mojito
- (2) Jamaican Rum Punch
- (3) Barbadian Rum
Where to Stay in Caribbean: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- (1) Four Seasons Resort, Nevis
- (2) Ritz Carlton, San Juan
- (3) Sandals Grande, Antigua
What to Buy in Caribbean: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- (1) Caribbean Rum
- (2) Handmade Hammocks from Nicaragua
- (3) Haitian Metal Art
Local Culture and Customs of Caribbean
The Caribbean is a melting pot of different cultures and traditions. Common customs and traditions throughout the Caribbean include:
- (1) Music and dance, including Calypso and Salsa
- (2) Carnival celebrations
- (3) Traditional dress, such as colorful Caribbean-style clothing and head wraps
Best Time to Visit Caribbean
The best time to visit the Caribbean is from mid-December to mid-April when the temperatures are mild, and there is little chance of rain. However, this is also the busiest tourist season, with higher prices and larger crowds. Avoid the hurricane season from June to November.
Do’s and Don’ts of Caribbean
Do:
- (1) Respect local customs and traditions
- (2) Bring plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent
- (3) Try local cuisine and beverages
Don’t:
- (1) Touch coral reefs or disturb marine life
- (2) Wear inappropriate clothing in religious sites
- (3) Leave valuables unattended in public places
Safety and Health
Safety in Caribbean
The Caribbean is generally a safe region for tourists, but visitors should exercise caution at night and avoid isolated areas. Be aware of petty crime, such as pickpocketing, and take precautions, such as wearing a money belt.
Health in Caribbean
Visitors to the Caribbean should take precautions to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses, such as Zika and dengue fever. Make sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants if possible. Visitors should also drink bottled water and be careful when eating street food.
Getting to Caribbean: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Caribbean
- (1) Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico
- (2) Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica
- (3) Punta Cana International Airport in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Bus Stations Near Caribbean
- (1) Bridgetown Bus Terminal in Barbados
- (2) Charlotte Amalie Bus Station in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
- (3) Rodney Bay Bus Terminal in St. Lucia
Other Options
- (1) Ferry service from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Virgin Islands
- (2) Cruise ship from Miami, Florida to various Caribbean destinations
How to Get Around in Caribbean
The best way to get around the Caribbean is by car, either renting one or hiring a driver. Ferries and water taxis are also available between islands. Some islands have public transportation, such as buses, but they can be unreliable and crowded.
Where to Go Next from Caribbean: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- (1) Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula
- (2) The Bahamas
- (3) Florida Keys
Conclusion
The Caribbean is a vibrant and exciting region that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, the Caribbean has it all. With this comprehensive tour guide, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip to this beautiful part of the world.
Caribbean Image Gallery
![Santo Domingo](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9d/Santo_Domingo_%28Dominican_Republic%29_taken_atop_Novocentro_tower_viewing_the_city_to_the_southwest_2010.jpg/100px-Santo_Domingo_%28Dominican_Republic%29_taken_atop_Novocentro_tower_viewing_the_city_to_the_southwest_2010.jpg)
![Queen Beatrix Airport, Aruba](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e6/Queen_Beatrix_Airport.jpg/100px-Queen_Beatrix_Airport.jpg)
![Mein Schiff I of the German TUI travel company docked in Grenada](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/37/Main_schiff_grenada_20091129.jpg/100px-Main_schiff_grenada_20091129.jpg)
![Valley of desolation at Morne Trois Pitons National Park](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0b/Valley_of_desolation.jpg/100px-Valley_of_desolation.jpg)
![Sunset on Montserrat](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bc/Montserrat_sunset.jpg/100px-Montserrat_sunset.jpg)
![A beach on Barbados. Beaches are a major draw of the Caribbean.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f9/Barbados_beaches_2007_001.jpg/100px-Barbados_beaches_2007_001.jpg)