Caribbean

Travel Guide
Emerald Bay featuring a sandy beach and sailing
At first sight, the Caribbean is all sea, sun and sand. But it’s the variety of people, music, activities and food that will make you want to return again and again.

Visiting the Caribbean isn’t just about lazing on idyllic beaches, swimming in turquoise waters and scuba diving around colorful reefs, although you are more than welcome to do exactly that. It is also about discovering the unique culture of each of its islands, which shines through in the architecture, music, language, customs and cuisine.

Running across the center of the Caribbean are the Greater Antilles. This string of pearls offers a wonderful range of landscapes and cultures in nations such as the Dominican Republic and Haiti, Cuba, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. Think stunning coastline, charming colonial cities, a mountainous interior, lush rainforests with waterfalls and you’ll get the picture.

Cuba, the largest of the Caribbean islands, stands out thanks to its fascinating history and vibrant culture. Come see Havana’s historic architecture and vintage cars and join the Cubans in one of the many live music bars to dance the night away.

Music is also what makes the Jamaicans tick, with mellow reggae beats accompanying diners as they munch on mouthwatering jerk chicken in Kingston Town.

Up north, just off the Florida coast, is the Lucayan Archipelago. The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands have some of the finest beaches and most comfortable resorts in the Caribbean, so this is as good as it gets.

Stretching down the eastern edge of the Caribbean are the Lesser Antilles which include smaller islands such as Barbados, Martinique, and St. Maarten. Many of these islands have Dutch, French and British colonial influences mixed in with their irrepressible Caribbean charm.

Tucked away in the far south of the Caribbean are the Leeward Antilles, home to the “ABC islands” of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. See the flamingoes, snorkel with sea turtles and experience the unusual blend of Dutch and Antillean island culture.

No matter which Caribbean destination you pick, just make sure you end your stay with a piña colada or cuba libre by the sea. Watch the sky take on colors as varied and awesome as the Caribbean islands themselves, a dreamlike part of the world.

Popular cities in Caribbean

San Juan Cathedral
San Juan
Known for Beaches, Excursions and Sea
Trip time! Discover the island views, history, and beaches in tropical San Juan.

Reasons to visit

  • San Juan Gate
  • La Fortaleza
  • Plaza de Armas
Malecon
Havana
Known for Dancing, UNESCO site and Jazz
Sip rum cocktails or enjoy a cigar on a terrace overlooking the intriguing Old Town while you contemplate the history of this newly accessible Caribbean city.

Reasons to visit

  • Hotel Nacional de Cuba
  • University of Havana
  • Fábrica de Arte Cubano
Dominican Republic which includes a sunset and general coastal views
Santo Domingo
Known for Historical, Entertainment and Dancing
The Caribbean’s first city is a thriving metropolis that has colonial buildings and modern masterpieces, captivating museums and a lively boardwalk.

Reasons to visit

  • Calle El Conde
  • Boca Chica Beach
  • Cathedral Primada de America
Bayahibe Beach featuring a beach, a sunset and tropical scenes
Punta Cana
Known for Beaches, Entertainment and Relaxing
Enjoy long stretches of white-sand beaches, all-inclusive resorts and sunshine in abundance at one of the largest tourist destinations in the Caribbean region.

Reasons to visit

  • Bavaro Beach
  • Punta Cana Beach
  • Macao Beach
Smith Bay Beach showing a beach and tropical scenes
St. Thomas
Known for Beaches, Islands and Excursions
Sandy beaches, spectacular scenery, exciting watersports, duty-free shopping and colonial monuments make this one of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ liveliest destinations.

Reasons to visit

  • Magens Bay Beach
  • Sapphire Beach
  • Coki Point Beach
Kingston featuring heritage elements, boating and a sunset
Kingston
Known for Dining, Business and Ports
On the Caribbean coast, at the base of rolling mountains, is Jamaica’s distinctive capital, a place that has seen a turbulent history but where life is mostly lived with laid-back attitude.

Reasons to visit

  • Bob Marley Museum
  • Devon House