# data[].attributes.body
The Caribbean Islands is a massive archipelago located in the Caribbean Sea, that can be subdivided into a few different regions: the Lucayan Archipelago, the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles and the ABC Islands. There are 13 sovereign states and 17 dependent territories in the Caribbean, and the predominant languages are English, Spanish, French, Dutch and Antillean creole. The Caribbean sprawls across more than 1.06 million square miles and is primarily located between North America and South America.
The Caribbean islands are located in the region of the Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean Sea region is located southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and the North American mainland, east of Central America, north of South America and West of the Atlantic Ocean. The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands, considered as the Lucayan Archipelago and do not border the Caribbean Sea, they are technically part of the West Indies but not the Caribbean. The mainland countries of Belize, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana are often included as Caribbean Islands due to their political and cultural ties with the region.

# data[].attributes.body
The Caribbean islands are made of 25 independent countries and other territories

1. Anguilla (Anguilla is a British overseas territory since 1980)

2. Antigua and Barbuda

3. Aruba (Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

4. Bahamas

5. Barbados

6. British Virgin Islands (BVI is a British overseas territory )

Tortola

Virgin Gorda

Anegada

Jost Van Dyke

7. Caribbean Netherlands also known as the BES islands are the three special municipalities of the Netherlands that are located in the Caribbean Sea. Consist of the islands of

Bonaire

Sint Eustatius

Saba

8. Cayman Islands (Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory since 1962)

9. Cuba

10. Curaçao (Curaçao is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

11. Dominica

12. Dominican Republic

13. Grenada

14. Guadeloupe (France overseas territory since 1946)

15. Haiti

16. Jamaica

17. Martinique (France overseas territory since 1946)

18. Montserrat (Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory established since 1632)

19. Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States since 1898)

20. Saint Barthélemy (Saint Barthélemy is an overseas collectivity of France since 2007, having been previously a french colony since 1648, exchanged with Sweden in 1784 and sold back to France in 1878)

21. Saint Kitts and Nevis

22. Saint Lucia

23. Saint Martin (France overseas territory)

24. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

25. Sint Maarten (Sint Maarten is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

26. Trinidad and Tobago

27. Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI are a British Overseas Territory)

28. United States Virgin Islands USVI is a territory of the United States. Consist of the main islands of

Saint Croix

Saint John

Saint Thomas

# data[].attributes.body
The climate of the area is tropical to subtropical in Cuba, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico. Rainfall varies with elevation, size and water currents (cool upwellings keep the ABC islandsarid). Warm, moist trade winds blow consistently from the east creating rain forest /semi desert divisions on mountainous islands. Occasional north westerlies affect the northern islands in the winter. The region enjoys year-round sunshine, divided into 'dry' and 'wet' seasons, with the latter six months of the year being wetter than the first half.

Hurricane season is from June to November, but they occur more frequently in August and September and more common in the northern islands of the Caribbean. Hurricanes that sometimes batter the region usually strike northwards of Grenada and to the west of Barbados. The principal hurricane belt arcs to northwest of the island of Barbados in the Eastern Caribbean. A great example being recent events of Hurricane Irma devastating the island of Saint Martin during the 2017 hurricane season.

Water temperatures vary from 31 °C (88 °F) to 22 °C (72 °F) all around the year. The air temperature is warm, in the 20s and 30s °C (70s, 80s and 90s °F) during the year, only varies from winter to summer about 2–5 degrees on the southern islands and about 10–20 degrees difference can occur in the northern islands of the Caribbean. The northern islands, like the Bahamas, Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, may be influenced by continental masses during winter months, such as cold fronts.

# data[].attributes.body
Clearly the colonizing countries left a huge influence that characterizes many aspects of the culture, but the African slaves overwhelmingly demonstrated their existence in the Caribbean through their huge contributions to the folklore of the islands.

For example, many dances and certain cultural occasions were born in Africa. The Junkanoo Parade in the Bahamas emerged from African musical traditions during the 17th century in the form of masked dancers moving to the rhythm of percussion instruments. The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival — one of the most renowned in the Caribbean — also preserves the meaning that this festival had for Africans who danced their desires for freedom at a time when their practices and social expressions were prohibited, prior to emancipation in 1838.

One of the best known kinds of Caribbean music that has gone beyond national borders is reggae from Jamaica. Pushed to the international level by the iconic figure of Jamaican singer Bob Marley, reggae was fed by musical ancestors such as ska and rocksteady and became known for its social content and its distinctive bass and percussion.

The rumba, meanwhile, is synonymous with Cuba, though like other Caribbean musical genres it has not lost its African musical origins. Today, the rumba goes on with new forms — guaguancó, columbia and yambú —and is often part of folklore performances that are part of efforts to preserve Cuban heritage.

Without question, the genres discussed above, as well as meringue and salsa — which are linked to the Spanish islands — and the rest of the list of Caribbean rhythms are evidence that the Caribbean is an archipelago that continues to radiate musical joy and quality, not only to its own islands, but to the entire world.

# data[].attributes.body
Caribbean cuisine is a fusion of African, Creole, Cajun, Amerindian, European, Latin American, East Indian,and Chinese. These traditions were brought from many different countries when they came to the Caribbean. In addition, the population has created styles that are unique to the region.
Ingredients that are common in most islands' dishes are rice, plantains, beans, cassava, culantro, bell peppers, chickpeas, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, coconut, and any of various meats that are locally available like beef, poultry, pork or fish. A characteristic seasoning for the region is a green herb and oil based marinade which imparts a flavor profile which is quintessentially Caribbean in character.

# data[].attributes.headline
No matter what you love, you’ll find your rhythm in the Caribbean

# data[].attributes.subject
No matter what you love, you’ll find your rhythm in the Caribbean

# data[].attributes.body
The Caribbean is incredibly diverse. Beyond the beautiful beaches and resorts, you will find historic towns and harbors, rainforests and waterfalls, and lively scenes of celebration, dancing and music. In fact, it is music that is at the heart of what keeps the Caribbean moving. The many genres, instruments, and sounds represent the diversity of vacation opportunities waiting for you here.

# data[].attributes.headline
Caribbean quest, or In the footsteps of Jack Sparrow

# data[].attributes.subject
Caribbean quest, or In the footsteps of Jack Sparrow

# data[].attributes.body
1.PIRATIC LOGIN

IN FRAME. Island Tortuga, pirate base. Here, Jack Sparrow and the key characters of the first three films meet, drink rum, fight, recruit sailors. In the fourth series, Captain Barbossa orders from the bridge of the ship "Revenge of Queen Anne": "Course on Tortuga!"

A POINT ON THE MAP. Tortu, Haiti.

# data[].attributes.body
IN FRAME. Pelegosts - a tribe of cannibals, captivated the team of the Black Pearl. They take Captain Jack Sparrow for God and are going to eat him in order to "release."

A POINT ON THE MAP. Dominica.

# data[].attributes.body
IN FRAME. With the help of water from the spring of youth and the tears of a mermaid, the pirate Blackbeard is trying to appropriate the years of his daughter Angelica’s life. But Jack Sparrow swaps the bowls of “living” and “dead” water, and Blackbeard dies.

POINTS ON THE MAP. Dominica and Guadeloupe.

# data[].attributes.body
IN FRAME. Master Gibbs says that the green ray on the horizon means that "someone's soul has returned from the next world." A green flash is seen by Elizabeth Swann, when at the end of the film he sees off and meets the Flying Dutchman.

A POINT ON THE MAP. Barbados.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
From the alabaster-white beaches of Bermuda in the north to the cactus-topped desert inland of the ABC Islands in the south, the windswept coves and surfing reefs of Dominica in the east to the jungle-dressed tips of Cuba and the Antilles in the west, the Caribbean has long been a treasure trove of things to do and see.

Combining adventure with relaxation, hundreds of years of colonial history with enthralling Arawak culture, West Indian spices with European gastronomic flair, honeymooners with hill walkers, budget backpacker haunts with some of the most exclusive hotels on the planet, it's got something for every type of traveler.

It's got everything from Cuban cigarillos to magma-spouting mountains, not to mention countless airbrushed beaches of pristine sand and shimmering turquoise sea. See you in the rum bars!

Let's have a look at our list of the best Caribbean islands to visit:

1. Jamaica

Start on the Jamaican north shore, where powdery white sands run their way along the coast from the ivory stretches of iconic Seven Mile Beach, past the sheer-cut Negril Cliffs, through the luxury uber-resorts of Montego Bay, around the gushing Dunn's River Falls, and out to where famous James Bond Beach gives way to the jungles of Ocho Rios in plumes of swaying coconut palms, juniper bushes, mangrove and tamarind.

Further in the east and the mighty Blue Mountains rise in verdant swathes of jungle, Jamaican boas swinging from the vines and the scents of coffee beans wafting along the undergrowth.

Then, on the inland hills, visitors can seek out the birthplace of legendary Bob Marley at Nine Mile, or simply opt to flit between the rum bars of Kingston listening to the master and his steel-drum, Rasta off-beats.

Mo'Bay, meanwhile, pulses with nightlife and the smells of jerk chicken, while honeymooners kick back on beachside decks and sip Red Stripe to the sunset.

Also see: Best things to do in Jamaica

2. Turks and Caicos

If it's beaches you're after (and let's face it, what traveler to the Caribbean isn't?), then Turks and Caicos is perhaps the perfect spot.

A peppering of over 300 tiny islets in the midst of the Lucayan Archipelago, many of the TCI (as it's known for short) are little more than just sand banks or rugged pillars of rock that rise above the waters of Caribbean Sea.

The salt-washed jetties of Cockburn Town might be the capital, but it's laid-back Providenciales that draws all the crowds.

And why not? This U-shaped speck of land comes fringed by alabaster-white Grace Bay, punctuated with luxurious five-star resorts, imbued with old pirate carvings from the 19th century, and ringed by coral gardens just waiting for the intrepid SCUBA diver.

Oh, and it's the home of the island's deep-fried conch clams too! Further afield and the TIC offers up uber-romantic honeymoon suites on their own private island, beaches like Malcolm Beach, and the glowing turquoise currents of Chalk Sound to boot!

Also see: Best things to do in Turks and Caicos

3. St. Lucia

St. Lucia is like the child that refused to conform.

Instead of settling down to be overgrown by mangrove and palms, it rose and rose, peaking with the mighty duo of the Pitons, or rising to a whopping 950 meters with the jungle-dressed Mount Gimie at its heart.

Then there are the bubbling volcanic springs and mud pools, forever carving and changing the interior of the island around Soufriere.

And talking of little Soufriere on the south coast, it's here that travelers will discover the gorgeous cove of Anse Chastanet, hidden between cliffs and promontories and clusters of coastal waterfalls.

The north of the island continues to offer up beauties too, like the golden powder of Reduit Beach and the strong bulwarks of Pidgeon Island National Park - home to fortresses raised by the British during the Seven Years' War.

Also see: Best things to do in St. Lucia

4. Cuba

A tumultuous past and political penchant for communism has meant Cuba has remained something of an off-the-beaten-track option for travelers in the Caribbean until only recently.

The latest news is a loosening of travel and import restrictions from America, both expected to bring hordes of new tourists to the so-called Pearl of the Antilles.

There's certainly no shortage of pulls.

For one, the capital at Havana oozes a vintage charm.

Cadillacs bump up and down the streets and peeling stuccoed frontispieces circa 1925 give way to the off-beats of samba, rumba and songo aplenty; cigar smoke puffs out of the speakeasies and the sun-splashed Malécon is strutted by all sorts! Leaving the Che monuments and Spanish streets behind, the greater island offers up picture-perfect beaches at Varadero, ecotourism amidst karst mountains in Pinar del Río, breathtaking vistas in the Viñales Valley - the list goes on!

Also see: Best things to do in Cuba

5. Antigua and Barbuda

Separated by a short gap of sky-blue Caribbean Sea in the midst of the Leeward Islands, the duo that makes up Antigua and Barbuda represent one of the region's most well-rounded tourist draws.

In St. John's parish, the small and tight-knit capital of the archipelago, there are cricket grounds and bobbing cruise ships on the horizon, while the slap and click of casino chips is never too far away.

For the best intro to the rest of Antigua (the larger of the two islands), most travelers will scale up to Shirley Heights Lookout, where the pearly-white of beaches, the deep green of the palm forests and the occasional bloom of bougainvillea spread out to reveal Falmouth and English Harbour - two of the earliest colonial towns here.

Stone churches atop cliffs belie the English influence, while old sugar plantations await inland.

And then there's Barbuda: a mecca for sailors and swimmers in search of real seclusion.

Also see: Best things to do in Antigua and Barbuda

6. US Virgin Islands

The USVI aren't your usual Caribbean paradise.

That's not to say they don't have all the ubiquitous shimmering sands and aquamarine-hued waters.

They do.

It's to say they have other things up their sleeve too! A mecca for yachters, the trio of Saint Croix, Saint John and Saint Thomas, together with countless smaller specks of rocky land like Water Island, Thatch Cay and Hassel Island, offer up a pick and mix of little coves and cliff-backed inlets to explore by boat.

Then there's Salt River Bay, a verdant bloom of mangrove forests that spills into the cobalt blue and pretty underwater corals of Buck Island Reef.

Rum distilleries come ten to the penny too, while pretty remnants of Danish rule still stand above the palm trees and the ferns. Yep, this one's a real top choice!

Also see: Best things to do in the US Virgin Islands

7. Aruba

Cacti-topped Aruba shares much with its Latin American neighbors.

After all, this gem-shaped island on the far southern reaches of the region is closer to the mainland than it is to many of the other salt-washed islands of the Caribbean.

Let's start with the weather, which remains unusually steady and warm, unperturbed by the hurricanes and cyclones that wash through the Atlantic belt.

The 300 days of sun and soothing shore waters ensure a steady stream of snowbirds from the US, who can be seen reclining on the sands of Baby Beach in the south, the windblown rocks of Hadikurari, shaded Arashi, or the reef-ringed likes of Boca Catalina right throughout the year.

Then there's Aruba's dusty, desert-like interior, peaked over by the lookouts of Haystack Mountain, and the island's curious Papiamento lingo, fusing Spanish and Dutch, Creole and Portuguese.

Also see: Best things to do in Aruba

8. Dominican Republic

From the swaying palms and rugged cliffs of Los Haitises in the east to the old mineshafts and dusty trailheads of the Sierra de Bahoruco in the west, the surfing hotspots of Cabarete and Puerto Plata in the north to the urban sprawl of Santa Domingo and its concomitant colonial treasures in the south, the Dominican Republic has plenty of tricks up its sleeve! For most, the piece de resistance is Punta Cana, where strips of white sand run along the windward coast like glistening ribbons in the moonlight, punctuated only by the occasional luxury resort, its infinity pools butting up right to rollers of the Atlantic.

Others will aim for the beautiful coast of Cibao, and hop between fishing towns and salt-washed cays.

Others still will go intrepid and seek out the ridges and hikes of the Enriquillo Valley, and indelibly green Armando Bermúdez. The choice is yours!

Also see: Best things to do in the Dominican Republic

9. Grenada

Grenada is the Spice Isle: a land of nutmeg and vanilla pods and fragrant wafts of cinnamon that twist and turn in the sultry Carib air, rolling down in breezes with the trade winds to the pretty bays of Grand Anse and the shiny white sands of Morne Rouge Beach.

Volcanic in origin, the island spikes and dips with the cones of Mount Saint Catherine and the grass-rimmed crater lakes of Grand Etang alike.

Waterfalls gush and carve the landscapes too, running swiftly over the rocks at Royal Mount Carmel and flowing in moss-clad steps at the Seven Sisters, accessible only by winding hiking trails through the mountains.

Oh, and let's not forget the human side of things: the lively local fish fries of Gouyave; the River Antoine brewing house - home to some of the oldest rum labels in the world.

Also see: Best things to do in Grenada

10. The Bahamas

Spread out over a whopping 470,000 square kilometers of ocean between where the beaches of northern Cuba give way to the Lucayan isles, The Bahamas connect the Caribbean with the coastal reaches of the United States - and more specifically, the Sunshine State of Florida.

Since the late 18th century, these glistening cays and sand bars have been joined with the Commonwealth.

The British made a colony here after ousting bands of buccaneers and pirates from the shores, leaving the elegant neoclassic looks of the Bahamian Parliament and the juggernaut walls of Fort Charlotte in their wake.

More recently, the rich and famous came, settling their yachts between the coves of New Providence and the beachfront villas of Paradise Island, or slapping poker chips on the Atlantis casino floor.

Don't worry though, The Bahamas are for everyone: ecotourists flock to the reefs of Grand Bahama, beach-hunters for the secluded inlets of Long Island, sports fishers and divers straight to the coral gardens of Bimini.

Also see: Best things to do in The Bahamas

11. St. Martin

Cut in two halves by an international border, the pretty island of St. Martin (that's Sint Maarten or Saint-Martin depending whether you're from the north or the south) remains uber-popular with cruise shippers and sun seekers, not to mention the crowds of gamblers and shoppers that hit its shores each year in search of the Vegas-style games rooms and duty free shopping in Cole Bay, Phillipsburg and the rest of the Dutch side.

Meanwhile, sands shimmer and shine against an electric-blue sea at Orient Bay in the north, cocktail joints spill into the tide at Mullet Bay, and the footsteps of pirates still mark the untrodden and secluded smuggler's coves of Pinel Island in the east.

Marigot's markets are popular too, while the fusion of Dutch and French cultures makes for a truly interesting mix.

Also see: Best things to do in St Martin

12. Puerto Rico

Defended by the age-stained bulwarks of colonial forts and crenulated, cannon-holding palisades, washed over by some of the wildest surf spots in the Caribbean (think the legendary likes of Tres Palmas, Rincon and the Middels), trodden by the likes of Christopher Columbus and the marauding pirates of the great seas, and shaped by American and Spanish history alike, Puerto Rico is unquestionably one of the jewels of the region.

The UNESCO-attested capital at San Juan is a real treat, awash with Baroque churches, the mighty El Castillo fort and the shimmering beaches of Condado.

It has a party side too, with oodles of Senor Frogs and spring breaker bars bursting from the cobbled streets after dark.

Go east to find the beautiful Luquillo beaches and the frog-spotted forests of El Yunque, or south to see off-the-beaten-track Ponce, complete with curious multi-coloured cathedrals and some of the emptiest sands on the island.

Also see: Best places to visit in Puerto Rico

13. Barbados

In Barbados, the waves lap like rhythmic samba beats against the soft, soft sands of Alleynes Bay or Brandons Beach; the palm trees sway in the Atlantic trade winds of the rugged east coast, the wild surf swells spattering the boulders of Bathsheba and Cattlewash with salt and whitecap water.

In Barbados the yachts bob in the harbours of UNESCO-attested Bridgetown, and potent rum is sipped between the distilling tanks of Mount Gay.

In Barbados, the flying fish become frying fish with a scotch bonnet top in the earthy holes-in-the-wall, and luxurious all-inclusive resorts loom on the clifftops, their infinity pools just edging over the shore.

In Barbados, there are millionaires and backpackers alike, some kicking-back with pina coladas on sunning terraces, others hiking the jungle trails, SCUBA diving the reefs and enjoying the local rum shacks on the streets. Barbados is, simply, awesome!

Also see: Best things to do in Barbados

14. Guadeloupe

Nestled in the middle of the Lesser Antilles, Guadeloupe is the tropical Caribbean chart-topper that no one's ever heard of.

Shaped like a butterfly, the destination spreads its wings over two large main islands: Basse Terre and Grande Terre.

These are joined at the hip with a series of manmade bridges, and each offer up a different medley of treats.

On Grande Terre is where travelers will find the heady nightlife and stylish fashion outlets of Gosier, giving way to the shimmering beaches of Caravel and the haunting graveyards of Morne à l'eau.

Basse Terre, the larger of the two isles, is a wilder place.

Dressed in jungle that springs in one thousands shades of green from the volcanic soils, it's cut-through by countless waterfalls, towered over by the mighty tops of La Grande Soufrière (the tallest mountain in the whole Lesser Antilles chain!) and peppered with ancient Arawak archaeological sites.

Also see: Best things to do in Guadeloupe

15. Bermuda

Fabled for its place on one point in the mysterious Bermuda Triangle (although perhaps people might not mind going missing here!), this hook-curve of land is actually not, strictly speaking, in the Caribbean at all.

Instead, it bridges the gap where the Caribbean Sea meets the North Atlantic, giving it an altogether different character to many of the islands on this list.

Take the beaches, which are hued in pink thanks to powdered corals, and lapped by waves of frothy Atlantic rollers.

The topography is rugged, with rocky walls rising straight from the ocean to host clifftop golf resorts at spots like Tucker's Point, while the climate maintains a steady sultriness and pleasant humidity, from December to December.

There are also glaring similarities to the Caribbean, like the colonial Englishness, which still sprouts up in Bermuda's hearty country pubs and oozes from the whitewashed mansions of St George.

Also see: Best things to do in Bermuda

16. Cayman Islands

Join smiling locals, flapping endangered sea turtles, blooming ghost orchids, multi-coloured iguanas, and some of the richest folk to ever raise mansions on the edge of the Caribbean Seas on the trio of isles that form the Caymans.

Enfolded between Cuba and Jamaica, it's hardly surprising that these sun-kissed spots look the part.

There are gorgeous beaches, going from Seven Mile on Grand Cayman (one of the most popular) to the untouched, seaweed-dressed sands of little Cayman Brac.

There are formidable colonial forts, like St. James Castle, and museums chronicling British maritime history and Carib piracy in George Town.

Treasures lurk underwater at Stingray City (guaranteed stingray viewing!), while uber-rare turtles wait in the pools of Boatswain's Beach.

And at night the hedonism takes over, with al fresco parties at the legendary Sunset House, and rum-packed cocktails aplenty at Billy Bones!

Also see: Best things to do in the Cayman Islands

17. British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands poke their jungle-clad heads above the swells where the North Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea.

Blown over by the perpetual trade winds, these crown territories have long been a mecca for the chino-wearing, well-to-do sailor, raising a flapping sail and weaving designer yachts amidst the empty coves and crevices that line the moneyed tax haven of the VI archipelago.

However, in recent decades the spot has also entered the mainstream more and more, with intrepid types focusing on the endangered hawksbill colonies off Ginger Island, the blooming colours of the coral gardens, and awesome SCUBA spots, like the sunk RMS Rhone.

There's surfing opportunities on Apple Bay, while the whitecaps all around Anegada isle offer windsurfers some long and challenging rides.

And when it's time to relax, be sure to hit the glimmering crystalline waters of the so-called Baths, hidden between black volcanic boulders on the edge of Virgin Gorda.

Also see: Best things to do in the British Virgin Islands

18. Haiti

Where other Caribbean islands are all about luxury resorts and bespoke cocktails, designer brands and well-to-do hotel suites, Haiti is more about one thing: adventure.

This half of Hispaniola has certainly had its troubles, from devastating earthquakes to coup d'etats, but that can't change the rugged cliffs and palm-fringed beaches of Jacmel, nor the turquoise-blue waters of Labadee, where cruise ships now dock by their thousands.

But for all intents and purposes, Haiti remains an off-the-beaten-track option with oodles of hidden surprises.

Check out the soaring walls of the Citadelle Laferrière, the largest fortress in the Americas that oozes tales of slave revolts and colonisation alike.

Then there are the gorgeous sands of Cape-Haïtien, the pirate retreats of Tortuga, the dense Forêt de Pins and its hiking trails - the list goes on.

Yep, Haiti looks like it's set to become one of the Caribbean's top draws in the 21st century!

Also see: Best things to do in Haiti

19. St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Saint Vincent is the kingpin of its eponymous archipelago, shaken like a pepper pot to release the empty and secluded reaches of the smaller Grenadines to the south.

And what a kingpin it is! Clad in swathes of emerald rainforest, it's got biodiversity to rival anywhere in the Americas: hummingbirds flit between magenta orchid blooms; waterfalls crash through tropical glades; turtles and dolphin pods weave past each other amidst the deep-blue waters.

Tourist wise, there are much fewer folk here than in say St. Lucia just to the north.

Some do come however, to explore the lagoons and sparkling cays of the Grenadines, or to honeymoon with views of Bequia Beach, or on the isolated Tobago Cays.

Others will strap on the SCUBA gear and go underwater, flitting between Bat Cave and the endless schools of frogfish and barracudas.

Also see: Best things to do in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

20. Montserrat

Hailed by many as the Pompeii of the modern era, Montserrat was ravaged back in 1995 when the mighty dome of the hitherto quiet Soufrière Hills mountain exploded in plumes of magma and ash, covering the pretty little English-flavored capital of Plymouth with flows of volcanic rocks and stone.

The people who lived there - many descendants from Irish immigrants in the 1600s - largely moved to the northern section of the island, which is now the only safe place to visit outside of the so-called Seclusion Zone.

But travel to tiny Montserrat has and always will be an adventure.

Proudly off-the-radar of the typical Caribbean luxury trail, this mountain-topped speck in the Lesser Antilles is a place for hitting empty trails and driving empty coastal roads.

You'll find the likes of isolated Rendezvous Bay, jungle-spotted volcanic massifs deep in the Central Hills, see multi-coloured thrushes amidst the trees, and dive in young coral gardens.

Oh, and drink frothy Guinness in hearty Gaelic pubs!

Also see: Best things to do in Montserrat

21. St. Barts

Home to some of the most luxurious hotel resorts and exclusive boutiques on the planet, St.

Barts has a certain air of importance that often works to keep away the casual visitor.

But you don't need to be a billionaire oil fat cat to enjoy this one. (It just helps a little.)

There's no question that the prize is worth paying for though...glistening sands hide between the green headlands at Shell Beach and uber-romantic Flamands, snorkelers trawl the waters at Colombier, and cocktail-sippers chatter the days away in designer bikinis between the bars of Grand Cul-de-Sac.

Evening sees the SCUBA divers and submarine tourers emerge from the depths to enjoy fresh lobster cuts, while Gustavia - the capital - has countless private yachts and bespoke fashion shops in its midst.

There's also a charming Francophone edge to this overseas territory of Paris', with elegant haute and fine-dining just two examples of the European influence.

Also see: Best things to do in St. Barts

22. Trinidad and Tobago

Unlike most all of its Caribbean neighbors, the duo of Trinidad and Tobago has a special economic trump card: oil.

Yep, thanks to the refineries and booming fossil fuel industry here, tourism has remained firmly in the backseat. That's not to say it's a bad place to come.

On the contrary: it's perfect if you want something a little less in the way of Disneyland tropics and something more in the ilk of wild Carib backcountry.

Trinidad is the largest isle, its hills cascading in blooms of coconut palms down to beautiful beaches like Maracas, Chagville and Las Cuevas.

Tiny little Tobago, meanwhile, is even more undeveloped.

It's got Pigeon Point and Englishman's Bay - both picture-perfect images of exotic beaches, the sort you could find in a travel brochure.

Travelers can also see the whitewashed remains and canons of Fort George, go turtle seeking on Matura Beach, or join the raucous celebrations of the archipelago's Pre-Lenten Festival - a medley of Brazilian colour and carnivalesque dances that's one of the biggest cultural dates on the Caribbean calendar!

Also see: Best things to do in Trinidad and Tobago

23. St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis is sculpted volcanic hills covered in blankets of tropical green.

St. Kitts and Nevis is historic sugar plantations clad in ages of moss and crumbling colonial fortresses where canons rust in the salt sea breezes.

St. Kitts and Nevis is about soaring Mount Liamuiga and its brooding volcanic cone.

St. Kitts and Nevis is the eye-opening dive sites of the Monkey Shoals and the gliding sea turtles of Frigate Bay Reef, it's the English-style churches and regal fountains of Basseterre; the striking remains of Brimstone Hill and sheer-cut black cliffs that drop to a wavy ocean.

St. Kitts and Nevis is a fine balance of adventure and relaxation, gorgeous tropical vistas and interesting - if occasionally brutal - colonial history.

In short, St. Kitts and Nevis is a well-rounded holidaying spot in the middle of the sun-splashed Lesser Antilles.

Also see: Best things to do in St. Kitts and Nevis

24. Martinique

A patchwork of virgin forests and rising volcanic mountains, cascading coastal hills and the occasional powdered cove where the Caribbean Sea drifts in and out at regular intervals, Martinique combines the beauty of the tropics with all the refinement you'd expect of a French overseas territory.

For example, there are exhibitions dedicated to the artistic output of Paul Gauguin (who came here in the late 19th century) set in the shadow of the steaming top of active Mont Pelée.

Then, countless folds of empty sand going from Grand Anse to Anse Turin are met by the rugged, moss-clad walls of the Gorges de la Falaise (the Caribbean's answer to Greece's Samaria Gorge), and curious mashups of spice-packed Tamil curries mix with Francophone pastries on the streets of Fort-de-France.

Also see: Best things to do in Martinique

25. Curaçao

The elusive 'C' of the ABCs makes its home between the cacti-spotted reaches of Aruba and the shimmering reefs of Bonaire.

There, just a stone's throw from the Venezuelan coast, it rises from the cobalt waters to display multi-coloured Dutch mansions in Willemstad (a UNESCO World Heritage Site besides), craggy boulders and cliffs and swimming sea turtles at the Shete Boka National Park, boat-bobbing harbours at Fort Amsterdam, floating markets and cactus-topped hills for walking.

Given the diversity, it's hardly surprising that Curaçao draws a really broad range of travelers.

Some come to kick-back in luxury resorts like the Hyatt with its private beach at Barbara, others will dive into awesome Playa Kalki, explore the hanging stalactites of the Hato Caves, or case out the colonial history at spots like the Maritime Museum and Postal Museum in the capital.

Also see: Best things to do in Curacao

Jamaica

Turks and Caicos

St. Lucia

Cuba

Antigua and Barbuda

US Virgin Islands

Aruba

Dominican Republic

Grenada

The Bahamas

St. Martin

Puerto Rico

Barbados

Guadeloupe

Bermuda

Cayman Islands

British Virgin Islands

Haiti

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Montserrat

St. Barts

Trinidad and Tobago

St. Kitts and Nevis

Martinique

Curaçao

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
25 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit - The Crazy Tourist

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
From the alabaster-white beaches of Bermuda in the north to the cactus-topped desert inland of the ABC Islands in the south, the windswept coves and surfing reefs of Dominica in the east to the jungle-dressed tips of Cuba and the Antilles in the west, the Caribbean has long been a treasure trove of things to do and see.

# data[].attributes.body
The term French West Indies or French Antilles (French: Antilles françaises) refers to the seven territories currently under French sovereignty in the Antilles islands of the Caribbean:

The two overseas departments of:

Guadeloupe (Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre)

Martinique

The two overseas collectivities of:

Saint Martin

Saint Barthélemy

The islands forming dependencies of Guadeloupe, namely

Les Saintes

Marie-Galante

La Désirade

Due to its proximity, French Guiana is often associated with the French West Indies.

The French Caribbean (or Francophone Caribbean) includes all the French-speaking countries in the region. It can also refer to any area that exhibits a combination of French and Caribbean cultural influences in music, cuisine, style, architecture, and so on. The Francophone Caribbean is a part of the wider French America, which includes all the French-speaking countries in the Americas.

However, the term varies in meaning by its usage and frame of reference. It is not used much in France, unless the speaker wants to refer to every French dependency in the Caribbean region. This term is thus more ambiguous than the term "French West Indies", which refers specifically to the islands that are French overseas departments, which means they have overall the same laws and regulations as departments on the mainland of France. Collectivities can be included too.

The following Caribbean regions are predominantly French-speaking and/or French Creole-speaking:

French Republic:

Guadeloupe

Martinique

Saint-Barthélemy

Saint Martin

French Guiana

Independent nation(s):

Haiti

Dominica*

Saint Lucia*

(*) = gained independence from Great Britain. English is its official language, but French-based Creole languages are widely spoken by the island population due to a period of French colonization

# data[].attributes.body
The Caribbean islands are remarkable for the diversity of their animals, fungi and plants, and have been classified as one of Conservation International's biodiversity hotspotsbecause of their exceptionally diverse terrestrial and marine ecosystems, ranging from montane cloud forests to cactus scrublands. The region also contains about 8% (by surface area) of the world's coral reefs along with extensive seagrass meadows, both of which are frequently found in the shallow marine waters bordering the island and continental coasts of the region.
Many of the ecosystems of the Caribbean islands have been devastated by deforestation, pollution, and human encroachment. The region's coral reefs, which contain about 70 species of hard corals and between 500–700 species of reef-associated fishes have undergone rapid decline in ecosystem integrity in recent years, and are considered particularly vulnerable to global warming and ocean acidification.
Some Caribbean islands have terrain that Europeans found suitable for cultivation for agriculture. Tobacco was an important early crop during the colonial era, but was eventually overtaken by sugarcane production as the region's staple crop. Sugar was produced from sugarcane for export to Europe. Cuba and Barbados were historically the largest producers of sugar. The tropical plantation system thus came to dominate Caribbean settlement. Other islands were found to have terrain unsuited for agriculture, for example Dominica, which remains heavily forested. The islands in the southern Lesser Antilles, Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, are extremely arid, making them unsuitable for agriculture.
The natural environmental diversity of the Caribbean islands has led to recent growth in eco-tourism. This type of tourism is growing on islands lacking sandy beaches and dense human populations.

# data[].attributes.headline
The top 10 most visited Caribbean islands which account for nearly 80% of visitors to the Caribbean region.

# data[].attributes.subject
The top 10 most visited Caribbean islands which account for nearly 80% of visitors to the Caribbean region.

# data[].attributes.body
Since the end of the 1980s, the Caribbean shores have taken their place in the mass tourism era, achieving prominence on the international scene through a number of major destinations (Cancun, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic). The Caribbean region does not have equal levels of tourism - certain areas are over visited by tourists.

# data[].attributes.headline
15 Interesting Facts About Caribbean Island

# data[].attributes.subject
15 Interesting Facts About Caribbean Island

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Caribbean Islands, which is located between North America and South America, is famous for its amazing sun kissed white sandy beaches, encouraging magnetic attraction to the worldwide. Caribbean Island is a extensive archipelago, located in the Caribbean Sea. The islands are divided into different groups of:-

1. The Lucayan Archipelago

2. The Greater Antilles

3. The Lesser Antilles

4. ABC Islands

Lets Hunt The Unknown Caribbean Island Facts

1. The highest point on Anegada Island (one of the British Virgin Island) is less than 28 feet above sea level. Obviously, Anegada had to mean the "drowned land."

2. Maho beach is the most amazing place for both the sun bathers and people coming to experience something unusual. Planes pass just 100 feet above the beach on St. Maarten Island. Tourist flaunt to experience planes flying at low elevation.

3. Approximately 2% of the Caribbean Island is inhabitant, which means, the islands is completely ruled by the Flora and Fauna. Imagine the undiscovered wildlife of Caribbean Island. You never know, how the nature can surprise you any time.

4. The three most popular inhabitant territories are The Dominican Republic, Cuba and Haiti. 75% of the population is covered by these three countries, having 30 million people altogether.

5. The habitats of Caribbean Islands are mainly Africans decedents. Years ago, these African were once brought as slaves by the Colonist, to exploit the natural resources like Cotton, Sugar Cane etc.

6. Surprisingly, Jamaica has more churches in single square mile compared to any other country having 1600 total !!!

7. These tiny island host so many tourist, among which The Dominican Republic attracts 4.3 million tourist per year. The second most visited is Puerto Rico by 3.7 million followed by Cuba at 2.7 million. Seriously, these small tiny islands are real magnets.

8. Did you know, you can take tours of the reef life in Aruba through SUBMARINE? Yup! that true. Take the biggest adventure of taking tour in a submarine going 130 ft under the sea. You will witness the astounding marine life, giving you a lifetime memories.

9. The" Caribbean" got its name after the "Carib Tribes" of America, whom the colonist believed to be Cannibals. The Europeans on the other hand referred them as the Cannibalistic Caribs. This created a Xenophobia in the rest of the nations towards these tribes. (Know More About FIJI- "A CANNIBAL ISLES" )

10. Moreover, if you are ready for some more adventure, do land on the airport of Saba Airport (Caribbean island). It is just 1,300 feet LONG, world's shortest runway.

11. Visit the Curacao Ostrich Farm, where you can take a ride on it, test the strength of the Ostrich egg by stepping up on them(only if you are less than 80 kg), pet them and much more.

12. Geologist believe that the Caribbean Island were formed due the volcanic eruption beneath the ocean which occurred million of years ago. Still in few places you may find water with popping bubbles.

13. Tourist who hunt for Eco-tourism, Caribbean Island is the best place to visit. No doubt, being only 2% occupied by the habitats, these islands have indigenous species of flora and fauna. It's not only about the white sandy beaches, but Island has lot more to offer. Asa Wright Nature Center in Trinidad, Balenbouche Estate in St. Lucia, The Reef Resort in Cayman, Little Tobago which also known as Bird of Paradise Island. In fact, these are few to mention to enjoy the Eco-Tourism spots.

14. Anegada has the fourth largest barrier reef in the world. In addition, the legend also says that, once the pirates use to hid in these reefs.

15. Trafalga falls is one of the famous spots in The Dominican Republic. Enjoy the twin waterfalls merge together giving swimmers a nice bathing experience. The twist is, one fall has hot water due to hot springs and the other with cold water.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Were they Cannibals? Know About Caribbean Island Facts !!!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Caribbean Islands, which is located between North America and South America, is famous for its amazing sun kissed white sandy beaches, encouraging magnetic attraction to the worldwide. Caribbean Island is a extensive archipelago, located in the Caribbean Sea. The islands are divided into different groups of:- The Lucayan Archipelago The Greater Antilles The Lesser Antilles ABC Islands 1.