Match Your Holiday Needs To The Perfect Caribbean Island

With a whole host of requirements in mind, we’ve created a great way for you to choose which island will be the background to your holiday. These are the best Caribbean destinations for a range of different things.

When referring to the region of the Caribbean, it can be easy to forget the diversity and variety of attractions that each individual island can offer. Although brought together by their geography and certain cultural traits, you can expect a different experience depending on where you decide to go.

So, with a whole host of requirements in mind, we’ve created a great way for you to choose which island will be the background to your holiday. These are the best Caribbean destinations for…

Guaranteed Sun

As long as you go at the right time of year (usually between December and April), the chances are that you’ll be impacted by very few rainy days. However, if you want to guarantee this, Aruba is the best choice.

Part of what’s known as the ABC islands and located further south, closer to the coast of South America, Aruba is statistically the driest island in the Caribbean. There is a fantastic range of five-star resorts here – all of which have access to breathtaking beaches.

Diving

The crystal clear waters in this part of the world make it a diver’s paradise, but some islands are better than others. Beginner divers and those who like to take to the water for impromptu sessions will be best to opt for Bonaire, another of the ABC islands. Here, marine life abounds on a reef close to the shore, meaning you don’t have to travel far at all to see what’s happening beneath the waves.

However, if you are a more experienced diver and you’re looking for something more organised, try Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. There’s a great selection of diving companies on offer and interesting dive sites like the RMS Rhone shipwreck are waiting to be explored.

Beaches

Choosing your ideal Caribbean island based on beaches is like choosing your favourite from a litter of puppies – they all look gorgeous and you’ll be happy whatever you decide. That being said, different types of beaches appeal to different people.

If you’re looking to relax with few other people around, Anguilla’s untouched sands and exclusive resorts will make your beach days even more special. However, if you like your beaches to be a bit more lively, offering a range of restaurants and other attractions, Grand Cayman’s award-winning Seven Mile Beach has to be at the top of the list.

History

History may not be the first thing you think of when considering a Caribbean holiday, but there are plenty of colonial towns and old naval bases with a few stories to tell. Some islands are influenced by British history, whilst others have more of a Spanish flavour but it’s always worth seeing what lies beyond the pristine sands.

Our favourite island for history buffs has to be Puerto Rico, a melting pot of Latin culture and American vibes. This is one of the most built-up islands in the region and as such, there is plenty to see and do. This is especially true for the capital San Juan, where historical neighbourhoods celebrate vibrant cuisine and traditions that have been passed on through generations.

If, however, naval history is more important to you, Antigua and Jamaica both have fascinating dockyards to explore.

Relaxation

The Caribbean does relaxation better than most other holiday destinations, offering a wide range of exclusive resorts in which to put your feet up and gaze out into the ocean. If you want to have the feeling that you’re tucked away on your own private retreat, Bequia (part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines) can definitely offer this. Pronounced ‘beck-way’, this tiny patch of land offers remote beaches, informal bars and great hiking opportunities.

Another great option if you want to get off the beaten track is Tobago. Nature provides plenty to see here, especially for bird watchers, and there is a range of resorts for different budgets.

Food

Caribbean cuisine may have a lot of similarities (lots of fish, fresh fruit and spices), but it can also differ a lot between each country. If you consider yourself a foodie, Barbados would be the ultimate choice for your holiday. Bajan food is so vibrant and fresh, offering something for all tastes and plenty for those with a sweet tooth.

The national dish of cou cou and flying fish (never the other way round) is a great place to start, but don’t stop there. Pudding and Souse (sweet potato and pork offal), cutters (salt bread sandwiches) and bakes (batter balls with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg) are also worth trying if you want to search out the local flavours.

If you would like to talk to us about a Caribbean beach break or couples holiday, call us on 0800 021 3237. You can also drop into our Woodbridge or Ipswich travel agents.