Caribbean
The hundreds of islands that make up the Caribbean offer a plethora of riches, thus visitors are faced only with the need to make choices. Where to go for the best dining? Golf courses? Beaches? Romantic hideaways? Stretching from just off the northern edge of South America, all the way to Florida in the USA, the hundreds of islands that frame The Caribbean create a veritable melting pot of cultures, reflected in a range of traditions, delicious cuisines and languages.
History & Culture
Natural Wonders
Outdoor Adventures
Must-Do Experiences
Points of Interest
Best Time to Visit
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Carnival | February |
| Bob Marley Week - Jamaica | February |
| St Kitts Music Festival | June |
| Portland Jerk Festival - Jamaica | July |
| Bermuda Music Festival | October |
| Crop Over Festival - Barbados | May - August |
Getting Around
Getting to the islands or from one island to another is pretty much limited to boat or aeroplane and while a boat may seem the most romantic and cheap way to make your way around this seabound region, the fact is that it is very hard to find a boat or ferry that is going where you want to go, when you want to go, so aeroplane is usually the only practical option. The lower Antilles is an exception, where the islands are relatively close together.
Getting around on the islands themselves can be undertaken cheaply by bus and may allow you to interact with the locals however some islands aren't big anough to support a bus network so taxi or private car is the only option.
Dining
Caribbean cuisine is a fusion of African, European, Chinese, Arab and other cuisines. Tropical fruits, rice, beans, cassava, bell peppers and coconut are all common ingredients used in the Caribbean.
Jerk meat, especially chicken is a common dish. Jerk refers to a very spicy dry or wet rub applied to chicken or other meat. After absorbing the flavours, the meat is smoked and/or grilled to fiery perfection.
Ackee and saltfish is a famous and traditional dish of Jamaica. Ackee is a fruit native to Africa that is related to the lychee and rambutan and resembles scrambled eggs when cooked.
Callaloo is a vegetable stew common throughout the islands and may include leafy green vegetables, okra and coconut.
And then there is the seafood...!
Restaurants range from beachside shacks to 5 star restaurants. As tourism is a major income source for most of the Caribbean islands, it's never hard to find a meal.
Shopping
Shopping is a major drawcard for many Caribbean islands and many are duty free!
Art is plentiful and popular in Jamaica. Madras prints are the specialty in St Lucia and can be found in the form of dresses, bedspreads or table cloths. Woodcarvings are another popular souvenir and can be found just about everywhere. Pretty much every island has its own rum and these artisan spirits can be a great talking/drinking point back home.
What to Pack
You're in the Caribbean mon...you don't need much at all! Shorts, t-shirt, thongs, swimming costume and maybe some hiking boots if you intend to get off the beaten track and into some of the incredible natural attractions.
Just don't pack any camoflage gear if you are going to St Lucia...it's illegal to wear camoflage clothing, even for kids!
The Caribbean has a plethora of riches. Mountains, beaches, tranquillity, tropical charm, culinary delights and adventures in paradise.
Get some zip-line canopy thrills in Jamaica or St Lucia, visit an active volcano, cycle through the rainforest to a waterfall, take a beach swim with a horse or hike The Pitons at St Lucia, dive with sharks or swim with dolphins in the Bahamas, gaze at the stars in Antigua, go caving in Barbados and spot humpbacks in the Dominican Republic. There are plenty of opportunities for scuba diving and snorkelling, kite surfing, fishing and kayaking.
Recover between activities by soaking up the sun on the numerous stunning beaches, enjoy some Jamaican rum and local cuisine and groove to some reggae.