Caribbean and Mexico
The Caribbean boasts more than 7000 islands. The palm-studded unspoiled white sandy beaches, tranquil bays, sparkling warm waters, the soft hum of calypso music, coconut-covered hills, and lush valleys of sugar canes and bananas prove popular with couples and families. The Caribbean offers beautiful year-round weather but typically December to April are the driest months with warm sea breezes.
ISLAND LUXURY, YEAR ROUND SUNSHINE, BREATHTAKING SCENERY
Antigua has 365 beaches, one for each day of the year. Crystal clear waters, sugar-white sands, pretty coves, rolling hills and a laid-back vibe awaits you. Barbados offers some of the best rum in the world, an array of water sports, world-famous golf courses and a vibrant nightlife. St Lucia has stunning natural landscapes and volcanic scenery, an amazing place to hike through rainforests taking in the breath-taking waterfalls and flora and fauna, and even bathe in the mineral enriched mud pools. Jamaica boasts beautiful beaches including the globally popular Seven-Mile beach, lush landscapes, reggae music, delicious food, stunning sunsets, and world-famous waterfalls in Ocho Rios. Tobago (sister island of Trinidad) is dotted with small fishing villages, home to the oldest protected rainforest in the world, and it has cascading waterfalls and idyllic beaches. The Bahamas is popular for deep-sea diving in shipwrecks and in colourful reefs. For those who enjoy shopping, Freeport offers designer and boutique stores. In addition to the turquoise waters and soft sands, you can find Atlantis that has its own waterpark, casino and aquarium. The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean’s second-largest island and one of the most diverse. It boasts more than 1000 miles of white sandy beaches that are gently lapped by warm crystal-clear water. The island is well known for its waterfalls, rainforests, annual music festivals and cobbled streets of Santo Domingo (the capital and one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean).
The British Virgin Islands is likened to being in the Maldives. There are 4 main islands and more than 50 smaller isles that offer their own special magic. Richard Branson’s legendary private island is located here and hosted many celebrities. Turks and Caicos offer nearly deserted beaches, luxury spas and world-famous restaurants. Bermuda is well known for its pink sand and architecture. St. Bart’s is a popular place for celebrity spotting and shopping at designer stores. Anguilla offers one of the best beaches in the Caribbean; Shoal Bay. It is one of few islands that offer glass boat tours. Aruba lies in the Southern part of the Caribbean and is outside of the hurricane path. You can enjoy hiking and golfing as well as pristine islands. St Martin is popular with tourists who enjoy a flutter in a casino and there is plenty of nightlife to be enjoyed on the Dutch side of the Island. The French side of the island offers a more elegant appeal. The Cayman Islands consists of three islands; Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. The Cayman Islands have a cosmopolitan vibe, fine dining, nature trails, wildlife, limestone caves and is among the top three diving sites in the world.
Located within the Caribbean Sea are two culturally enriched countries; Cuba and Mexico. Cuba encapsulates the city break and beach escape. As a former Spanish colony, it is entrenched in the culture, famous for its striking architecture, classic cars and cigars. There are endless white sandy beaches, glittering lapping warm waters, superb snorkelling opportunities and fantastic golf courses. Mexico offers ancient history and contemporary resorts. Cancun is popular for its dazzling white beaches, brilliant blue sea, fun-filled nightlife and casinos. Located 2.5 hours away is the Chichen Itza; a complex of pyramids and temples. Riviera Maya is another popular destination and offers some incredible national parks and picturesque sandy beaches; close by is the ancient walled Mayan city of Tulum.
Whether you are seeking a family-friendly all-inclusive resort, small adult-only boutique, the ultimate destination for a romantic destination wedding or honeymoon, or even hire a private island for the ultimate getaway, the Caribbean has an abundance of choice. Due to its geographical location, the Caribbean can be the perfect combination with a multi-centre combining it with Miami or New York. Or if you prefer to experience several islands during your holiday you may want to consider a cruise.
Top 5 things to do in the Caribbean
- Visit the Dunns River Falls in Jamaica
- Swim with stingrays in the Cayman Islands
- Hike Gros Piton, the second highest peak on St Lucia
- Swim in the gorgeous Devil's Bay in Virgin Gorda (one of the best beaches in the Caribbean)
- Take a night time Kayak trip around the bioluminescent Mosquito Bay on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico
Top 5 facts about the Caribbean
- The Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport on the island of Saba has the shortest runway in the world
- The Caribbean has two seasons: dry and rainy!
- Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean
- Only around 2% of the Caribbean's 7000 islands are inhabited
- 71 brands of rum are produced in Caribbean distillerieS
Average Temperature
Between 27°C to 29°C in the day and around 21°C at night
Local Currency
US Dollars are widely accepted but check with your island destination before you travel as most have their own unique currency
Time Difference
There are 2 timezones, from west to east the difference from the UK is -5 hours and -4 hours respectively.
Official Language
There are 6 official languages. English is widely spoken, as well as French and Spanish.
Flight Time
Around 10 hours
When To Visit
May, June and November (the rainy season typically falls between June and November)