The Caribbean, as a region, consists of several islands which all offer a tropical climate, stunning beaches, and wonderful adventures.

It stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to the mainlands of North, Central, and South America. Some of the islands of the Caribbean also have a maritime border with the Atlantic Ocean.

Nearly 700 reefs, islets, cays, and islands make up the Caribbean. The largest island of the group is Cuba, while Saba is often cited as being the smallest island. There are a handful of private islands in the region as well. Each offers at least one stunning beach, if not several, and many have well-developed resort areas that provide guided tours and excursions around the island or group of islands.

Many of the islands in the Caribbean are governed independently, but some are considered to be special member state territories and are part of the European Union. Most belong to France or Britain, but the Netherlands has Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles in the region as well.

One important part of the planning process or a visit to the Caribbean involves the weather. The hurricane season for the region is usually June through November, with August and September the most likely to have one develop. The northern islands experience hurricanes more often than the southern islands.

Europe, the United States, and others have had some influences on the culture of this region, but there are still many unique festivals, events, and practices to discover, including Carnival. Most of the islands have a well-developed infrastructure, which means a visit to the area can be a simple and easy proposition.

Below you find a list of countries belonging to the region known as Caribbean.

THE BEST PLACE TO VISIT IN THE CARIBBEAN

A neverending sweep of stunning sandy beaches, crystal clear seas and mesmerising scenery, the Caribbean is a culture-filled cocktail waiting to be discovered.

From its vibrant green forests and azure seas to the kaleidoscopic colours found in the local marketplaces, your Caribbean holidays will play out in glorious technicolour. Revel in its year-round sunshine, stroll along its coconut-tree lined coast and savour the mouth-watering flavours of the island as your fantasies become reality. Whether you’re jetting off on a romantic honeymoon or you’re simply looking for the laid-back holiday of a lifetime, holidays to the Caribbean will not disappoint.

If you’re a fan of lazing on beaches, you’ve come to the right place. This idyllic paradise boasts a wealth of beautiful sands for sprawling on, with the striking landscapes of Barbados a favourite for many. Kick back with a cocktail on its stunning white sands or shimmy into your wetsuit to take full advantage of stunning blue seas.

Holidays in the Caribbean will also reveal to you a slower pace of life, with the laid-back charm of Antigua and Barbuda remaining a holiday hotspot for those looking to unwind. Grab a luxurious beachside hotel or stay within the confines of its charming harbour – wherever you choose to base yourself, you’re bound to be inspired on your Caribbean holidays.

Although renowned for its glorious beaches, the Caribbean offer a wealth of opportunity for culture vultures. Explore the diverse islands of Trinidad and Tobago with a myriad of art galleries, museums and temples to discover – just don’t forget your camera.

Don’t just stop at the Caribbean’s white sands. There is a wealth of spectacular landscape on the island just waiting to be discovered – from historic volcanoes to the vast rainforests found in beautiful Puerto Rico. Release your inner Tarzan as you zip-wire 50ft above the forest canopy, catching a glimpse of some spectacular views on the way.

The Caribbean is the ideal place to take part in water sports, whether you want to try your hand at surfing or dive deep beneath the surface of its crystal-clear waters to catch a glimpse of the teeming marine life below. If you’re feeling especially brave, you can embark on a shark dive in the Bahamas for a unique and unforgettable experience on your Caribbean holidays.

This lively island is famous for its party atmosphere and with delicious rum cocktails and vibrant festivals at every opportunity; it isn’t difficult to see why locals and travellers alike flock to sample its scintillating culture. Rustic beach bars and laid-back cocktail lounges are scattered around the island, the sounds of rooftop reggae and jamming beats in the gentle island breeze.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic, found in the heart of the Caribbean, is a beach lovers’ paradise and an absolute must for those craving all things exotic. If you are looking for some laid-back, Caribbean relaxation, then Dominican Republic holidays are ideal for you. White sand and crystal-clear waters make this a true haven for any sun, sand and sea worshipper. Situated in an archipelago of islands, the Dominican Republic continues to be one of the most popular long-haul destinations due to its stunning beaches, rejuvenating atmosphere and immense national parks.

Nothing screams relaxation like a beachside abode in the Dom Rep. Fall asleep to the crashing of waves and wake up to brilliant sunshine and glorious temperatures in places like Juan Dolio, whether in 5-star luxury and all inclusive indulging or self-catering digs and wallet-friendly beds, holidays in the Dominican Republic have the accommodation to suit everyone. Find your dream hotel in La Romana, the epitome of Caribbean beauty. Serving up a mix of colonial heritage, beautiful architecture and even better looking beaches, it’s a sure-fire way to facilitate your holiday of a lifetime. For a beach break at its absolute best however, Boca Chica is a complete knock-out. Endless white-sand shorelines meet sapphire blue waters – all you’ll need to do is pick your spot and settle down, whether on the sand, a sun lounger or in a beachside bar sipping on a fruity cocktail in the shade – order some traditional grub to go with that drink!

From the beautiful beaches to the jaw dropping lagoons, waterfalls and mountainous terrain, the diverse landscapes define this stunning country, all of which are awaiting your exploration. You’re likely to begin your Dominican Republic holidays however in the engaging capital city of Santo Domingo. Explore the incredible Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest European city in the Americas. Get your fill of culture and history in the form of colonial buildings, churches and engrossing museums, the perfect warm up before your outdoor adventures. Get to grips with nature during your holidays to the Dominican Republic, whether taking to the inland landscapes or ducking below the waves. Numerous water sports opportunities will allow you to explore the world beneath the water, with some fantastic diving and snorkelling trips giving you the chance to meet some of the Dominican Republic’s most charming inhabitants.

The country is home to nine fantastic national parks, offering exploration through a variety of landscapes including highlands and mountains. There are some great hiking trails to be enjoyed across the inland areas of the Dominican Republic – keep an eye out for National Park of the East and Lake Dudu for some particularly rewarding treks and trails. If you fancy a little bit more culture, hop over to the neighbouring island of Cuba for some more discovery and intrigue in a Caribbean paradise. The Dominican Republic has a massive amount of attractions and activities for you to get involved with, scattered all over the country from the sandy beaches of the south coast to the mountains of the north. A holiday in Dominican Republic can be as action-packed or as relaxing as you choose.

Whether your preferences lay with exploring the nature of the Punta Cana Ecological park, uncovering the history and culture of the island of La Hisiola, getting in touch with your inner child at the Samana Zipline theme park or simply exploring the beaches and the countries wonderful historical capital of Santo Domingo, there is something to suit everyone. The town of Bayahibe is home to beautiful stretches of pristine white sands but if these aren’t secluded enough take a boat over to Saona Island and its perfect desert island beaches. For a nice family beach, visit Punta Cana which boasts 62 miles of coastline and safe waters. Kite boarding is a popular water sport in the Dominican Republic, with the world championships being held annually on Bozo Beach, which can be found between Kite Beach, the country’s designated kite surfing beach, and Cabarete. Head there for kite boarding, wind surfing and surfing. Meanwhile, if you’d like to hire a Jet Ski then Bayahibe or Playa Dorada on the Amber coast are good places to start. Other popular sports include fishing in the marinas and diving off the north coast.

Up in the far northwest corner of the Dominican Republic, not too far from the borders of Haiti, you’ll find the province of Monte Cristi home to the Playa Monte Cristi. The beach here is surrounded by a dramatic landscape of mountains and golden sands, there is an island just off the shore which sets the scene for beautiful sunsets – and you’ll more than likely have the beach to yourself. In the north east head to Las Galaras and take a boat to Playa Rincon and the close by Playa Madama – both of which are secluded and easy to find a spot to yourself. The north coast is home to the best diving and snorkelling in the country and the beaches there have a great selection of dive sites suitable for all classes. There are also several places to start learning if you’re a new diver. The numerous dive spots have a great selection of shipwrecks, rock and coral formations and ocean walls to explore. While mainly for the advanced diver, Cabrera has a series of underwater tunnels and fresh water caves that are spectacular. Sosua is fine for both beginners and advanced divers with tropical fish, dolphins and even whales spotted here in season. Water parks are always great fun for everyone and the Dominican Republic has a good selection. Between Sosua and Puerto Plata is the Columbus water park, it has a range of slides and tube runs with a lazy river for those just wanting to relax on the water. The Kaskada water park is similar but a little more modern they also play host to events throughout the year that often includes live entertainment. An absolute must see in the Dominican Republic is the Ocean world Adventure Park. The park offers the opportunity to swim with, feed and touch dolphins in the largest man-made dolphin habitat in the world. You can also scuba dive and snorkel in the coral reef aquarium with the dolphins! There are also sharks, stingrays and exotic fish to discover. The adventure park is also home to a tropical rainforest which has rocky lagoons, waterfalls and sandy beaches. There is a tiger grotto and a free flight aviary which is home to hundreds of colourful birds.