By being farther from the U.S. mainland, the islands in the Southern Caribbean tend to be the road less traveled in this tropical region. Places such as Martinique, Dominica, St. Lucia, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines or the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao) retain a more exotic feel than other Caribbean destinations. These islands are also incredibly diverse, ranging from mountainous tropical wonderlands covered in lush rainforests to windswept, rocky havens with beaches that will remind you why you came to the Caribbean.
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Antigua
Lord Nelson once harbored his fleet on this British Leeward Island where today Nelsons Dockyard is home to scores of dazzling yachts. Visit Clarence House where King George resided, then make your way to one of 365 beaches for relaxation in paradise.
Aruba
Located 15 miles north of Venezuela in the warm waters of the southern Caribbean, Aruba is home to beautiful white-sand beaches, 82-degree days, and some of the warmest people in the world. Our island is 19.6 miles long and 6 miles across, with a total area of 70 square miles. We're located just below the hurricane belt, and unlike many islands in the Caribbean, our climate is dry, so we rarely have a rainy day. On the south and west coasts of Aruba, you'll find Oranjestad, our capital city, and miles of beaches that have been named some of the best in the world. Here, you'll find most of the hotels and all-inclusive resorts in Aruba, and Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA). In the interior of the island, you'll find Arikok National Park, a desert like preserve with a variety of wildlife, cacti and dramatic rock formations. You'll also find some of Aruba's most striking views, as the ocean crashes against the rugged shoreline below. On the northeast coast, along the windward shore, you'll see our island's unofficial mascots, the fofoti trees. The constant trade winds have permanently sculpted them into graceful, southwesterly bending forms.
Barbados
Another of the British influenced islands, Barbados retains the Empires customs of afternoon tea, cricket and polo matches. For more fun, take a stroll through the outdoor straw market and Trafalgar Square in Bridgetown, The Barbados Meseu and the Flower Forest. Soak up the sun on one of the many postcard beaches. Barbados beaches are truly some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. In fact, the beach at The Crane was rated "one of the ten best beaches in the world" by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.
Bequia
The Grenadines comprise a string of 100 tiny, rocky islands and cays, which are scattered between St. Vincent and Grenada. Bequia, called "the island of the clouds" by the Carib Indians, is the largest of the St. Vincent dependencies. The seven-square-mile island attracts a good number of yachtsmen and smaller cruise ships. Boat building and repair work is the main industry, but tourism is becoming increasingly important. Apart from unspoiled beaches, the island's interior consists of hilly and forested terrain, interspersed with a variety of fruit and nut trees.
Bonaire
Least populated of the Netherlands Antilles islands off the coast of Venezuela, Bonaire is a place to enjoy water sports and observe nature. You´ll see thousands of tropical birds, including parrots and pink flamingos. Clear waters around the pink-coral reef island make it a superb diving spot.
Bridgetown
The easternmost of the Caribbean islands, Barbados is also one of the most beautiful. Opt for one of the many tours available, such as the popular sojourn to tropical Andromeda Gardens. They are situated on a boulder-strewn hillside high above the sea, where ocean waters dramatically thunder against the giant rocks below. The beaches on the exclusive east coast are superb, and you may choose to head straight for one and spend the entire day relaxing. Of course, there is always shopping in Bridgetown.
Cabrits
In the north-east of Dominica, the Cabrits Peninsula is covered in dry forest, separated from the main island by marshland, which attracts herons, doves, and a variety of migrating birds. Explore the beaches and rainforest trails.
Captain's Best
St. Vincent & the Grenadines form a multi-island nation well known to wintering yachties, aristocrats and rock stars but off the beaten path for most other visitors. St. Vincent is a refreshingly rugged and raw-edged backwater, while the 30 islands and cays that comprise the Grenadines are among the most popular cruising grounds in the Caribbean. The Grenadines reach like stepping stones between St. Vincent and Grenada and are surrounded by coral reefs and clear blue waters ideal for diving, snorkeling and boating.
Castries
St. Lucia is dotted with swaying palms, and blessed with warm, turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming. Stroll through the lovely shops in the Port Seraphine area of the Castries; or take a tour to Soufrieres "drive-in" volcano, on to the famous Diamond Mineral Baths and waterfall, set in one of the most beautiful gardens in the world.
Curacao
Surprising pastel colors adorn the Dutch style houses in Willemstad, the island's capital. As the largest of the Netherlands Antilles, Curacao lies 40 miles north of Venezuela and boasts 38 beautiful beaches, superb shopping and great snorkeling. It is also the origin and only source of the orange- flavored liqueur named for this intriguing island.
Dominica
Dominica's location is 15 degrees North latitude and 61 degrees West longitude. The island sits midway along the Eastern Caribbean archipelago, just a few miles from Martinique to the south and Guadeloupe to the north. Its official name is the Commonwealth of Dominica, which is mostly referenced in official communiqués and to distinguish the island from its northerly Caribbean sister, the Dominican Republic. Known as "The Nature Island," Dominica's tropical rainforests cover two thirds of the island, and are home to 1,200 plant species. Rivers, lakes, streams, and waterfalls abound, fed by the island's high annual rainfall. Its volcanic physique points to extensive geothermal activity – even underwater. The Morne Trois Pitons National Park was the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the eastern Caribbean. The island is sparsely populated with 70,000 people inhabiting its 289 square miles. A significant portion of the population lives in and around the capital city of Roseau. About 80% of the population is Roman Catholic. English is the official language, spoken with a melodic French lilt, but a large portion of the population speaks Kwèyòl (Creole), and a few northern villages speak Kokoy.
Fort de France
Paradise with a distinct French accent, Martinique offers you delicious Creole cooking and French fashions in the capital of Fort de France. Take an excursion to see the lilies at Balata Gardens, or celebrate for a few hours aboard the launch Calypso.
Grenada
This "Spice Island of the Caribbean" enchants each visitor with aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger carried on soft tropical breezes. A Nature lover´s delight, Grenada has it all; rain forests and waterfalls, forested mountains and blankets of flowers. The town of St. George nestles around a natural harbor and holds the French, West Indian and English cultures in a pleasant balance.
Isla Margarita
There's a good reason why Margarita Island is known as the "Pearl of the Caribbean." With 50 beaches - many of them still unspoiled - and the perfect conditions for windsurfing, visiting here is like stumbling upon a rare jewel.
Kingstown
St. Vincent is part of the Windward Islands in the eastern Caribbean and lies south of St. Lucia and north of Grenada. At the head of the idyllic island chain of the 30-or-so Genadines, scenic St. Vincent packs into its 18 x 12 miles an extravagant canvas of lush tropical valleys and mountains, home of hummingbird and hibiscus, breadfruit and bamboo, limes and mahogany. In the little capital of Kingston, the animated fruit, vegetable and fish markets, dramatic coastal views from historic Fort Charlotte, and luxuriant Botanical Gardens.
Kralendijk, Bonaire
Here the beaches come in three colors: pink, black or white. And in the waters around Bonaire and neighboring Klein Bonaire, undersea treasures are protected in a National Marine Park. Inland, the landscape in the south is flat and desert-like; it's green and hilly in the north. A leisurely stroll in Kralendijk takes you to food markets, shops and the charming waterfront promenade.
La Guaira
From the port of La Guaira, where South America kisses the Caribbean, it´s just a short jaunt to the eternal springtime of Caracas. Exciting architecture, stunning shopping centers, and first-class restaurants abound. Visit the Plaza Bolivar, the historic heart of the city, and the Centro Simon Bolivar, a much photographed and most modern commerical center.
Las Piedras
Las Piedras known as "La Ciudad de los Artesanos" (artesian city). Las Piedras was founded in 1773.
Los Roques
Ninety-two miles due north of Caracas lies Venezuela's largest group of islands - the Los Roques archipelago. It comprises about 340 islets and reefs and constitutes one of the country's loveliest National Parks. Its main attraction are long stretches of white sand beaches, miles of corral reef with crystal-clear water and many bird nesting sites. Small lizards, iguanas and cactus vegetation on some of the islands add to the atoll's variety. Gran Roque is the main island, where flights arrive from mainland Venezuela near scattered fishing villages. The other islands are basically uninhabited, except for a few local fishermen who have settled in one of these isolated places. The islands of Los Roques are the new spot on the map and on their way to becoming a favored destination for those who treasure unspoiled natural beauty. Unhurried and uncrowded, these tropical hideaways beckon to be discovered by those who wish to get away from it all.
Martinique
Paradise with a distinct French accent, Martinique offers you delicious Creole cooking and French fashions in the capital of Fort de France. Take an excursion to see the lilies at Balata Gardens, or celebrate for a few hours aboard the launch Calypso.
Mayaguez
Mayagüez is known as "La Sultana del Oeste" (the sultana of the West). Founded in 1760 by Faustino Martínez de Matos, Juan de Silva and Juan de Aponte. Originally named "Our Lady of the Candelaria of Mayagüez", but dwindling tradition from the Indian name of its river, the Yagüez River (the word means "clear waters") the city was eventually named just Mayagüez. Mayagüez (pronounced Mah-yah-goo-ehz or Mah-yah-GWEHZ) is a variation on this name, which means "Land of the Clear Waters". Mayagüez is located in the west coast, north of Cabo Rojo, Hormigueros and San Germán; south of Añasco; and west of Las Marías and Maricao. Today, Mayagüez is the fifth-largest city and is considered one of the most important cities in the island. The city itself is centered around the impressive Spanish-style Plaza Colon, a tribute to Christopher Columbus, whose stature stands in the middle of the square, surrounded by 16 bronze statues.
Mayreau
Mayreau is the smallest (approx. 1.5 sq. miles) inhabited Grenadines with a population of approximately 300, all living in the village on the south-west side of the island. There is a trail from Saltwhistle Bay to the village that is currently being improved. The village boasts four bars and restaurants and colorful local rum shops with domino tournaments and pool tables.
Oranjestad
Oranjestad, the lovely Dutch-gabled capital, is situated on the southwest coast of Aruba. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, colorful Dutch-style houses, busy duty-free shops, and glittering casinos.
Orinoco River
The Orinoco was sighted in 1498 by Christopher Columbus and was first explored by Europeans
Pigeon Island
Pigeon Island National Landmark (don't let the name lead you astray) is a 44-acre island reserve just off the north coast of St. Lucia. Connected to the mainland by the construction of a man-made causeway in 1972, the island park is hailed as a monument to St. Lucia's history and its role in 18th-century maritime trade. An interpretation center located within the confines of the park traces the history of long ago battles between English and French troops struggling to control the strategically important outpost.
Ponce
With a population of 194,636, Ponce is Puerto Rico's second largest city (San juan is the first and Mayaguez is the third). Ponce is commonly known by several names: "La Perla del Sur" (Pearl of the South), "La Ciudad de los Leones" (City of Lions), or "La Ciudad de las Quenepas" (Genip City). Ponce is also known as the "Ciudad Señorial" (Majestic or Noble City), because of its many beautiful neoclassical buildings and facades. Ponce was founded in 1692 by Juan Ponce de León's great-grandson - Loíza Ponce de León. Ponce was Spain's capital of the southern region until it fell to the U.S. in 1898. Ponce is located in the Southern Coastal Plain region (about 5 km (3 mi) from the south central coast of the island), south of Adjuntas, Utuado and Jayuya; east of Peñuelas; and west of Juana Díaz. The annual precipitation is approximately 36 inches on the coast and 48 inches in the interior and the average temperature is 75°F. Nearly one half a billion dollars have been spent preserving the colonial core of Ponce. The heart of Ponce dates from the late 17th century and has been declared a national treasure. It consists of plazas and churches and highly decorative colonial homes, some glorious fountains and a unique fire station. Ponce is an important trading and distribution center, and has a port of entry; Playa de Ponce Port is one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean area, handles tobacco, coffee, rum, and sugar cane.
Port of Spain
As one of the larger islands in the Caribbean, Trinidad embodies the best of all of them. There is a smooth compliment of cultures that contributes to the unique nature of this island. Trinidad was discovered by Columbus during his third voyage. The Caribe Indians from South America were its first inhabitants, soon joined by the Spanish, the English and the African slaves brought to work the cane, cacao and cotton fields. Home to not only calypso, Trinidad is credited with inventing the "pan" or steel drum.
Puerto Ordaz
Located 180 miles upriver, Puerto Ordaz is a growing metropolis on the Orinoco River. From here you can take an optional flight-seeing excursion over Angel Falls and visit the jungle camp of Canaima in Canaima National Park. Located in a spectacular natural setting, Angel Falls is the highest waterfall in the world15 times higher than Niagara Fallswhere the rushing torrent falls 3,200 feet in a matter of seconds. The Falls were named after American aviator and explorer Jimmy Angel who reported their existence in 1935.
Rodney Bay
This scenic bay is a 15-minute drive north of Castries. Set on a man-made lagoon, it has become a chic center for nightlife, hotels, and restaurants--in fact, it's the most active place on the island at night. Its marina is one of the top watersports centers in the Caribbean, and a destination every December for the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, when yachties cross the Atlantic to meet and compare stories.
Roseau
Roseau is a charming costal village of Dominica and your gateway to one of the Caribbean's most untouched islands. With its lush forested mountains, countless rivers, and black-sand beaches, you'll see why it's called the "Nature Island of the Caribbean." If you've ever wondered what an authentic Caribbean island was like, this is it.
Santo Domingo
A great place to begin your explorations is the nation's capital, Santo Domingo, an enchanting city uniting modern sophistication, old world charm, and Latin charisma. This throbbing metropolis seduces you with superb dining, vibrant night life, and fashionable shopping. It is the first European city in the Western Hemisphere, and a large part of its rich colonial heritage is preserved in a unique enclave beside the Ozama River called the "Colonial City."
Scarborough
Blanketed in the luxuriant greenery and brightly-colored flowers, this enchanted island is scalloped with beautiful beaches. There are sandy coves beside coral reefs, and alabaster crescents below tiny trails, leading to pretty waterfalls or plantation ruins. Best of all is the Main Ridge Rain Forest Trail, where jungle-thick ferns and giant bamboo grasses flourish under a canopy of foliage 60-feet high.
St. Eustatius (Statia)
Statia Sint Eustatius is a Dutch island, once a merchant gateway to the Caribbean and today a getaway for the world´s wealthy merchants and VIP´s.
St. George's
Exploring the islands of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique is only a click away. There are a variety of tours offered by local operators many of which can be booked online or through your travel agent or hotel. Must see trips visit various attractions including The Grand Etang Forest Reserve and Lake, Waterfalls, Spice Estates and Plantation Houses. A visit to a Rum Distillery is a must to see how the Sugar Cane juice is turned into Rum, in many cases using the original technology and equipment from days gone by.
St. Kitts
Authentic Caribbean foods at Basseterre, and a peaceful setting virtually untouched by tourism are among St. Kitts most enchanting features. For breathtaking views, visit Brimstone Hill Fort, an impressive construction atop Mt Liamuiga that is one of the wonders of the Caribbean.
St. Lucia
Saint Lucia is the perfect destination, whether you're after romance, rejuvenation or adventure. A genuine, natural landscape of gorgeous palm-fringed beaches, miles of unspoiled rainforest and the majestic Piton Mountains, are sure to indulge every taste. Natural waterfalls, breath-taking views, friendly locals and authentic culture impress the most traveled individuals for a holiday with lasting memories.
St. Martin
There is a unique combination of Dutch and French here that resolves itself nicely in streets adorned with flowers and superb island cuisine. In Philipsburg, hand painted signs in both languages invite you to become familiar with this delightful territory, shared by two soveriegn states.
St. Vincent
St. Vincent is part of the Windward Islands in the eastern Caribbean and lies south of St. Lucia and north of Grenada. At the head of the idyllic island chain of the 30-or-so Genadines, scenic St. Vincent packs into its 18 x 12 miles an extravagant canvas of lush tropical valleys and mountains, home of hummingbird and hibiscus, breadfruit and bamboo, limes and mahogany. In the little capital of Kingston, the animated fruit, vegetable and fish markets, dramatic coastal views from historic Fort Charlotte, and luxuriant Botanical Gardens.
Tobago
Time seems to stand still on this sleepy little island, the legendary home of Robinson Crusoe. Forests of breadfruit, mango, citrus, and cocoa decorate Tobago with unmatched beauty. Stroll through the market near the quaint harbor of Scarborough, spend a lazy afternoon in a solitary cove, or snorkel over the incredible Buccoo Reef.
Tobago Cays
The Tobago Cays are a scatter of islets ...uninhabited, lazy, enchantingly beautiful with their abundance of marine life and beaches so remote you might well be the first to discover them.
Trinidad
As one of the larger islands in the Caribbean, Trinidad embodies the best of all of them. There is a smooth compliment of cultures that contributes to the unique nature of this island. Trinidad was discovered by Columbus during his third voyage. The Caribe Indians from South America were its first inhabitants, soon joined by the Spanish, the English and the African slaves brought to work the cane, cacao and cotton fields. Home to not only calypso, Trinidad is credited with inventing the "pan" or steel drum.
Union Island
Union Island is the Southernmost of the Grenadines. Due to its dramatic silhouette, Union is also called by some the Tahiti of the West Indies. Its location just a few miles from the Tobago Cays, Mayreau and Petit St. Vincent has made it the ideal starting point for day charters to these islands.
Vieques
Vieques, Puerto Rico, is the ideal gateway to explore the bioluminescent bay only a short distance to the east of town. From the pier you can take a walk along the waterfront promenade or visit a handful of little shops. There are also a couple of bars and some pleasant restaurants all within walking distance. There will be time for a stroll in this laid-back Caribbean community but do not miss the opportunity to sign up for the visit to the amazing "Bio-Bay!"
Willemstad
Surprising pastel colors adorn the Dutch style houses in Willemstad, the islands capital. As the largest of the Netherlands Antilles, Curacao lies 40 miles north of Venezuela and boasts 38 beautiful beaches, superb shopping and great snorkeling. It is also the origin and only source of the orange-flavored liqueur named for this intriguing island.
