GUIDE TO THE CARIBBEAN

Rum Cocktails and Salsa Beats!

Caribbean holidays will take you to a cluster of over 7000 islands, nestled off the east coast of Central America between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

Perched just above the equator, the Caribbean offers a good temperature all year round making it an excellent winter choice, perhaps avoiding September as this is usually the hurricane season.

The Caribbean islands, while so similar with their white powder soft sandy beaches and wonderful blue waters are also very individual in their own rights. A wonderful mixed culture of French, Spanish and British origins, the Caribbean dances to many different beats with reggae, calypso and salsa all keeping you on your toes. The street parades and carnivals on some islands always ensure there is a lively colourful beat wafting through the air.

A Caribbean holiday has sun, sea, sand and seclusion with so many remote and tranquil places to choose from. Lie back with a sumptuous rum cocktail at one of the many thatched beach bars, or try some water sports in the crystal clear waters, with kite boarding and parascending, snorkelling or scuba diving.

Sail the Caribbean

There are many fabulous dive sites where you can discover colourful fish and wonderful coral, search for hump back whales off the Dominican Republic, dive for treasure off the Bahamas amongst the pirate shipwrecks, or wander the underwater tunnels observing the marine life without getting wet! Take a trip to one of the wonderfully aromatic pineapple, coffee or sugarcane plantations, Nature Reserves, Crocodile Farms or the Green Sea Turtle Farm.

Sailing is another favourite in the Caribbean whether you charter your own yacht or simply enjoy an island hopping trip, visiting some of the neighbours. Discover the natural beauty of the Caribbean on horseback, splashing through the waves on long white sandy beaches, or take a hike through lush green beauty and colourful wildlife.

The typical Caribbean island of Aruba lies just off the Venezuelan coast and offers the choice of whether to explore the hidden coves, designer shops or a mixture of both. The intensely diverse Cuba is one of the main destinations of British tourists to the Caribbean as it offers excellent value for money. The largest of the islands, you can still enjoy the stunning scenery and beaches the Caribbean is famous for while discovering the vibrant nightlife of Havana or Varadero.

Sample the Latin party atmosphere of the Dominican Republic, while lazing your days away on the longest stretch of beach in the Caribbean at Punta Cana. The fun island of Barbados has field after field of sugarcane, edged with beautiful pastel colonial houses, and a buzzing nightlife in its capital Bridgetown. The infectious Reggae rhythm of Jamaica will have you swaying to the beat at every turn.

Holidays in the Caribbean can be romantic and unspoilt, relaxing and energetic, full of wonderful sights, smells and sounds. Caribbean Holidays can be as diverse as you want them to be, the biggest decision you'll have to make, is which Island to visit!