Something for everyone — that's what the exotic Southern Caribbean offers visitors to its collection of sunny ports. The colonial influence is strong here, adding the enticing flavor of French, Dutch and English influences to everyday life. And the natural beauty is seemingly boundless. Imagine tropical rain forests, translucent seas, quaint villages, impeccable beaches and sightseeing opportunities galore.
Just 37 square miles in size, St. Maarten/St. Martin is the world's smallest land mass shared by two governments — Dutch and French, respectively — in relative peace for nearly 350 years. This serene setting is one of the island's most enticing assets, along with lovely lagoons, pretty beaches and rolling hillsides. St. Maarten's capital of Philipsburg, an early Dutch trading center, remains a duty-free paradise for shoppers. It's also known for its pastel-colored houses, flower-laden courtyards, and buzzing cafes and nightclubs. Simartin Museum, located on Front Street, and Fort Willem, an easy hike just west of downtown, offer visitors a glimpse of Philipsburg's past.
Lovely St. Lucia is a postcard-perfect panorama of staggering green peaks, low-lying forests and sand-framed coastlines. The towering Pitons, twin mountains that rise out of the ocean, are a long-popular attraction, and nature hikes, tours and programs are favorite pastimes. There's turtle watching at Grande Anse Beach on the north coast and bird watching (keep your eyes peeled for the rare St. Lucia Parrot!) at Bois D'Orange Swamp and Barre de L'isle Rain Forest. The capital of Castries is brimming with diversions — from the bustling market, a palette of tropical produce, flowers, spices and handicrafts, to historical sites like the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and nearby swimming at Choc Beach.
Balmy breezes, safe harbors and a protective reef lured legendary British Admiral Horatio Nelson to Antigua in 1784 to establish his country's most important Caribbean port. Today, these natural attributes still entice travelers to Antigua's shores, particularly favored by beachcombers, snorkelers and divers. In St. John's, the capital, visit landmarks like the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and Nelson's Dockyard at English Harbour, home to a museum, shops and restaurants. If your timing's right, watch the island's world-class cricket teams at play at the Antigua Recreation Center. Nearby Dickenson Bay offers water sports and dining options galore.
Talk about getting away from it all, that's where you'll find yourself on Castaway Cay, Disney's 1,000-acre private island not far from Nassau. Beach comb, play volleyball or bike here, or simply stretch out on Castaway Cay's mile-long white sand beach, one of several designated for adults, families and children. Take your pick of water sports — swimming, snorkeling, boat rides and the like — and then enjoy lunch al fresco and a massage with a view.
Despite the British influence — 300 years of it — Barbados remains a distinctly Caribbean island. Independent since 1966, the island nation continues to be a favorite vacation destination with Brits as well as international and U.S. travelers. Outside the tourist enclaves, you'll discover the friendly, laid-back attitudes and lush landscapes that make Barbados so appealing. Plantation houses — sugarcane was once king here — and rum distilleries dot the islands, offering a glimpse into the island's past. The capital, Bridgetown, is reminiscent of a tiny London, particularly along shop-laden Broad Street. If flowers are a favorite, visit the fabulous botanic gardens at Orchid World, Flower Forest or Andromeda Botanic Gardens.
Named by discoverer Columbus after none-other than himself, St. Kitts — originally St. Christopher — was long the object of desire of a trio of foreign nations who fought to claim her. Spain, Britain and France all struggled for control here, and fierce naval battles were once waged along the shores of popular Frigate Beach. An independent nation since 1983, St. Kitts is a peaceful paradise now and known for its ecotourism. Dormant volcano Mount Liamuiga, tropical rainforests, rare birds and butterflies, and the Vervet monkey are all draws here. The capital city of Basseterre, established by French explorers, is an architectural showplace of Georgian mansions and home to an area known as the Circus, a collection of fun shops, cafes and galleries patterned after London's Piccadilly Circus.
"One Happy Island" is the official motto of Aruba, an island of many peoples and cultures — Arawak Indians, Spaniards and Dutch, among them. Considered the Caribbean's "theme park," the island is famed for its casinos, nightclubs, world-class golf, duty-free shops and exciting dive sites. Baby Beach in Oranjestand, the capital, is best for beginners and blessed by powdery white sand. The Butterfly Farm is fun for families, and the California Lighthouse — named after the ship that received distress signals (ultimately ignored) from the Titanic and then sank off Aruba — offers expansive views.
Willemstad, Curacao, is a pastel-infused city of sidewalk cafes, offbeat boutiques and galleries, and interesting architecture. Be sure to visit the new Museum Kura Hulanda, featuring African artifacts from 500 B.C., and the Maritime Museum. For experiences off the beaten path, tour the Curacao Ostrich & Game Farm, Landhuis Chobolobo to see how the liquor curacao is made, or the Amstel Brewery.
Dominica is the ultimate destination for nature lovers, lured by its volcanic mountains, jungle forests, waterfall-drenched hillsides and magnificent diving venues. A network of hiking trails allows visitors of all ages and experience the island up close. A short hike takes visitors to the Emerald Pool and its 50-foot waterfall, while experienced hikers can head to Boiling Lake, the world's largest volcano-stoked lake. Other easy strolls are found in Trafalgar Falls and Cabrits, where you can visit Dominica's War Museum. The marketplace in Roseau is perfect for soaking up the local color while shopping for souvenirs and produce. Also consider exploring The Roseau Cathedral and The Botanical Garden with its captivating parrot aviary.
