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Caribbean holidays
We offer a wealth of Caribbean holidays, from Antigua and Barbuda to Trinidad and Tobago so whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got the perfect destination for you. The Caribbean offers a slice of paradise for everyone, combining temperatures exceeding 30C throughout the summer months and a refreshing breeze, and renowned for its idyllic stretches of fine sandy shores and turquoise seas.
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An island for everyone with holidays to the Caribbean
If you’re looking for a beach holiday, you can’t go wrong with a holiday to the Caribbean. Travel to the Dominican Republic for some of the finest beaches the world has to offer, or Jamaica is a great choice for water-sports: Seven Mile Beach in particular offers shallow waters and unparalleled scuba diving. St. Martin is popular with couples on their Caribbean holiday, boasting secluded shores that draw in the honeymooners seeking intimacy in the sun, or the waterfalls, rain forest and black sand beaches of St. Lucia provide a romantic setting for those special moments.
The Caribbean or West Indies is a huge collection of 7,000 or more islands stretching across the western Atlantic Ocean between North and South America. Most of the islands are uninhabited, others have become popular destinations for visitors whether enjoying cheap Caribbean holidays or luxurious all-inclusive breaks.
Must-sees on Caribbean holidays
With so many island destinations perfect for all-inclusive holidays in the Caribbean and so much to see and do on each island, it's hard to pinpoint the top must-see attractions. Here is just a tiny selection of some of the best:
- Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica: For scenery that will stay in your memory long after photographs have faded, you can't beat the Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica with its cascade of 600 feet.
- Swimming with turtles: The Caribbean waters provide the perfect habitat for turtles and responsible swimming with them is a memorable way of getting up close to these large but gentle creatures. Jamaica's coastal waters are home to two turtle species, the green and the hawksbill.
- Necrópolis Cristóbal Colón: In Havana, Cuba's capital, a wander through this huge cemetery is anything but eerie. Full of iconography and elaborate tombs it provides a walk back through Cuba's history.
- Cañón de San Cristóbal, Puerto Rico: This canyon that cuts 500 feet or more down into the country's Central Mountains takes your breath away when it suddenly appears in front of you. As well as being a must-see sight, it is also great for lovers of outdoor adventures such as canyoning.
- Harrison Cave, Barbados: This deep cave amazes visitors with a fantastic display of gleaming stalagmites and stalactites created over many millennia. Rivers of crystal clear water flow through the cave creating waterfalls and deep pools. You travel through the cave system on an electric tram!
- The Pitons: This iconic pair of mountains in Saint Lucia is one of the most photographed landmarks in the Caribbean and the world's most famous mountain pair. Rising regally from the Caribbean Sea, both Petit Piton and Gros Piton offer hiking trails with spectacular views. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this mountain pair is said to have mystical powers.
- Old San Juan, Puerto Rico: Another World Heritage Site, San Juan is one of the most historic cities in the western hemisphere with the oldest surviving church, castle and fortress. Stroll its cobbled streets admiring the Spanish colonial architecture, fountains and parks before indulging in a spot of shopping.
- Brimstone Hill Fortress, St Kitts: Originally built by the British, this huge fortress once protected the island of St Kitts and Nevis. Made of black volcanic rock, local historical societies have recently restored it to its former glory. It sits on top of a steep cliff offering panoramic views of the islands and ocean.
Top destinations in the Caribbean
The Dominican Republic: This diverse country delivers a mix of mountain scenery, desert interiors, tropical beaches and glorious colonial architecture. While the beach and landscape attract during the day, at night the locals like to party so you'll often find a fiesta or carnival to enjoy.
Jamaica: Maybe one of the most well-known Caribbean islands, familiar from both the large and small screen, Jamaica has its own laid-back rhythm of life. Coral reefs lie offshore while inland banana groves merge into sheer mountainsides of tropical rainforest. Jamaica is perfect for outdoor activities from mountain climbing to scuba diving.
Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico is a meeting place of American and Spanish history which is evident in its architecture, lifestyle and culture. Its coral reefs are perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving while big waves attract surfers from around the world.
Cuba: Cuba is slowly emerging into the modern world and offers visitors colonial architecture with grand squares and cobbled streets, a rugged interior to explore and white sandy beaches to laze on along with a vibrant music scene and, above all, a warm and proud welcome.
Barbados: This coral island lies in the eastern Caribbean Sea and has everything you could want of an island holiday from blissfully beautiful beaches to a vibrant nightlife when the sun goes down and restaurants serving delicious local fish and seafood to a unique landscape with something different to see on every day of your visit.
Best time of the year to visit the Caribbean
With warm ocean waters and land temperatures that rarely go below 24°C or over 29°C, Caribbean holidays can be enjoyed at any time of the year. While rainy seasons vary slightly across the Caribbean, they tend to be predictable with the drier months being December to April. The wettest months run from May through to November while the risk of hurricanes increases from July to October. For those prepared to take a risk, the hurricane season sees lower hotel prices. Hurricanes become increasingly less likely as you go south in the Caribbean.
Popular destinations in the Caribbean
The Caribbean is best for:
With so many islands and such a diversity of landscape, culture and history, the Caribbean offers holidays for everybody. With small exclusive resorts clustered around beautiful bays or charming inland cottages, Saint Lucia is perfect for couples looking for romance while single adventurers will feel comfortably at home in the all-inclusive resorts of islands as they offer plenty of fun-filled and family-friendly choices for those travelling with young children or teenagers.
Caribbean Holidays for families
For a Caribbean holiday that suits the entire family, Turks and Caicos offer truly stunning scenery as a backdrop for all the activities you’d expect from a top destination, or Jamaica is a more bustling alternative. Horseback ride along the smooth Jamaican shores, venture down the Rio Grande on a raft, climb the picturesque Dunn’s River Falls for unsurpassed views, or test your balance with a banana boat ride. For a more active Caribbean holiday, the Bahamas draw in tourists seeking world-class sailing conditions, and the coral reefs nearby make the area a favourite with divers.
To explore a little of Caribbean culture, if you can drag yourself from the beach, Barbados is scattered with Gothic churches and ornate buildings, or practice your best Johnny Depp impression in one of the towering pirate castles. Alternatively, if you’d rather shop than sightsee and no holiday to the Caribbean is complete without some shopping, both Bermuda and the Bahamas offer unrivalled opportunities to discover a bargain. In fact, holidaymakers looking for cheap clothing are frequently drawn to Bermuda for its lack of sales tax.
The Caribbean is known for:
With its Latin heritage and outdoor life, it's no surprise that few months in the Caribbean pass without festivals or special events. Cuba celebrates New Year's Eve in style especially in Havana where there are massive street parties while pre-Lent carnivals are widely held in February.
Trinidad and Tobago's is maybe the biggest. March sees the peak of high season and is when reggae lovers can enjoy the Moonsplash Festival in Anguilla. At the end of July, the world's top merengue bands and dancers take over the streets of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. With hurricane season safely over, mid-November sees some of the world's biggest DJ names hit their decks for the three days of the beat-filled Livin In The Sun Festival held on Anguilla. Many Caribbean festivals are linked to religious events or saints so remember to dress respectfully when joining in.
Do I need a visa and vaccines when visiting the Caribbean?
Although entry requirements vary slightly from island to island across the Caribbean, UK and EU residents do not require visas for visits of under 90 days. It is always a good idea to have at least six months left on your passport.
While the Caribbean is generally safe from a health point of view, you should take reasonable precautions about what you eat and drink as contaminated food and water can cause illnesses such as dysentery and hepatitis. If your holiday plans include travelling onto the Caribbean from an infected area, a yellow fever vaccination certificate will be required.
Caribbean Nightlife
Islands in the Caribbean vary when it comes to nightlife, so whether you’re looking for a relaxed cocktail in the moonlight, the sound of live music gently rising over the waves, or to dance the night away in a vibrant locale, there’s a Caribbean holiday to suit you. Aruba is known for its colourful party scene, and multiple casino/club combinations dot its lively shores. The Kukoo Kunuku is an experience you certainly won’t forget a party bus that moves you from one bar to another all night long- only for the serious party-goer.
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