southern caribbean islands

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Because of their mountainous terrain, these Caribbean islands ensnare the trade winds blowing off the Atlantic. You may opt out of email messages/withdraw consent at any time. let de Terre-de-Bas (les de la Petite Terre, la Dsirade). The Southern Caribbean is made up of the islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, and Martinique. If youre dreaming of a vacation made up of palm trees, white-sand beaches, and turquoise waters, look no further than the Southern Caribbean islands. There are also large elkhorn coral formations and schools of sea horses that swim throughout the site. The third largest of the British Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda is known for its pristine beaches, history, nature sanctuaries, and the Baths pools and seawater grottos formed by huge granite boulders. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. 2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. I suggest planning on shopping, shore excursions and other land activities in the mornings until temperatures get warmer. Within the boundaries of the Caribbean itself, Jamaica, to the south of Cuba, is the largest of a number of islands. There are 30 inhabited islands. Fort-de-France, the capital city of Martinique, is packed with color, character, and charm. Princess Cruises: Southern Caribbean Cruises - Cruise to Aruba, St But St. Lucia, more than any other Caribbean island, is the place to enjoy with just your sweetheart. Of course, no one will judge you if you choose to simply enjoy a rum punch while lounging on one of the best beaches in Barbados. Anyone planning a Caribbean cruise might want to avoid the Bahamas. The Caribbean is a region situated to the southeast of the North American mainland and the Gulf of Mexico, north of South America, and east of Central America. The following islands are some of the major islands in the island country Cuba:[13], The island nation of Dominica with a total area of 750km2 (290sqmi) includes two small, off-shore islands and one disputed island:[14][15], There are about 73 islands in the Dominican Republic, including the following islands:[16]. var random_number=Math.random();if(random_number<.5){google_ad_client="pub-5472919931330782";google_ad_slot="3496261083";google_ad_width=336;google_ad_height=280;}else{google_ad_client="pub-5472919931330782";google_ad_slot="0168382623";google_ad_width=336;google_ad_height=280;} The geologic age of the Caribbean is not known with certainty. You can explore .css-7l5upj{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-7l5upj:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}white sand beaches and some of the most beautiful countries around the world, but we're willing to bet you'll want to head back to the Caribbean time and time again. A handful of destinations have lower risk of rain. Dont miss keshi yena (stuffed cheese casserole), stoba (beef stew), and bitterballen (Dutch meatballs). There are 700 islands and 2,400 cays in The Bahamas. Avoid northern destinations such as the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. With over 300 waterfalls, tropical forests, mountains, and hot springs, this is the place to go if youre looking for some quality ecotourism. August weather is usually grim for the Bahamas. The beauty continues under the sea, where divers and snorkelers can see coral, colorful tropical fish, and sea turtles. Not surprisingly, the Caribbean in May has warmer temperatures than April. The basins are connected by the submerged Aruba Gap at depths greater than 13,000 feet (4,000 metres). Subsurface water enters the Caribbean Sea across two sills. Known for great weather, the islands receive minimal rainfall and the average annual temperature is 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Located off the eastern coast of the Yucatn Peninsula, Cozumel is on the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Sea Islands - Wikipedia Bonaire is an island located in the southern Caribbean Sea, with an amazing climate, known for being safely outside the hurricane belt. Most major destinations have an average high temperature in the mid 80s Fahrenheit or high 20s Celsius. The rainforests of Dominica, crystal-clear waters of US Virgin Island St. Thomas, seaside villages of Barbados and white-sand beaches of Aruba are just a few of the exotic treasures you'll find on your travels and each of these iconic island experiences can be yours on cruises to the Southern Caribbean. What to Do in the Southern Caribbean. And we are often asking,"Why aren't we in the Caribbean right now?" This trapped wind helps to create rain, which keeps these islands particularly lush and fertile. While all Caribbean islands share a common theme when it comes to tackling itinerary planning, there are some unique elements to a Southern Caribbean cruise. caribbeanislands.com international luxury travels by ARE.pt. 06 Jan 2020 By: Matt Hochberg Taking a cruise to the Southern Caribbean offers the opportunity to visit some of the most exotic and beautiful islands. Other islands, such as Grenada and Dominica, are full of national parks, rainforests, and outdoor adventures. Bonaire CaribbeanIslands.com The region's tropical climate and all-inclusive resorts attract people from all over the globe, and there are hundreds of islands, islets, reefs, and cays to explore. Rainfall averages about three to four inches during the month, which is slightly above average. At Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, visitors will find rare blue iguanas, tropical gardens, and a two-acre lake with unique aquatic birds and animals. .css-o3veyj{display:block;font-family:Avenir,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:600;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-o3veyj:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-o3veyj{font-size:1.18581rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-o3veyj{line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-o3veyj{font-size:1.23488rem;line-height:1.3;margin-bottom:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-o3veyj{font-size:1.18581rem;line-height:1.3;margin-bottom:0.8rem;}}How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Las Vegas, 8 Best LGBTQ+-Friendly Travel Destinations, Why Fragrance Lovers Need to Visit France, Grand Hotel Redesigned Its Carleton Varney Suite, This Is Italy's Next Up-and-Coming Wine Region, How to Spend a Perfect 48 Hours in Nantucket, How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in New Orleans, This Luxe NYC Hotel Nails TikTok's Biggest Trend, RH's New Gallery Will Make You Feel Like Royalty. External site which may or may not meet accessibility guidelines, Pinterest. Opens in a new window. The Caribbean has fewer hurricanes than either the western Pacific (where these storms are called typhoons) or the Gulf of Mexico. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Itinerary Ship Reviews View All. The largest of the Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman combines coral sand and a lively waterfront with restaurants and beach bars on its famed Seven Mile Beach. [11] The largest islands in the Caribbean Sea are listed below: Cuba consists of over 4,000 islands and cays surrounding the country's main island, many of which make up archipelagos. One of the best things to do in St. Lucia is spend a day relaxing at the luxurious Sugar Beach or take a mud bath at Sulphur Springs, where all of your worries will melt away in one of their therapeutic sulfuric pools. My trips to the Caribbean in February have taught me to expect some of the lowest rain of the year but also some of the coolest water temperatures. Trek to the islands highest peak at Brandaris Hill for amazing views of the sea and city, or take a guided tour to learn more about the vibrant flora and fauna that call the island home. From beaches to mountains to rain forests, Puerto Rico offers a diverse environment. Other destinations with higher than normal rainfall include the western Caribbean destinations of Cancun, Cozumel and Grand Cayman. Islands may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Its hard to have a bad meal in Barbados, where even the local fast food known as a flying fish cutter (fried flying fish on Bajan salt bread) is quite tasty. Windward Islands - Wikipedia Ready to book your dream cruise to the Southern Caribbean Islands? Click on the links for average rainfall and temperatures by month for every major destination. Rank Island Area (km 2) Area (sq mi) Country or Countries . In my experience, April has the best weather in the Caribbean for any month of the year. The cool trade winds create an ideal environment for kitesurfing nearly year-round, novice to professional windsurfers enjoy catching waves off the many beaches, and there are few better places on earth to enjoy sailing off into the sunset. VIVA LA VILLAGE LIFE Grab a bicycle and ride on one of the eight trails of Christoffel National Park in Curacao. Opens in a new window. Temperatures average in the mid 80s Fahrenheit during the day for most destinations. The island is crisscrossed by bike trails, and charging stations for electric bikes are abundant. Grace Bay Beach offers soft white sand, calm seas, and an extensive barrier reef. Caribbean weather has average daytime temperatures ranging from the low 80s Fahrenheit and high 20s Celsius in the winter to the high 80s Fahrenheit and low 30s Celsius in the summer. The existing sediment cover of the seabed consists of red clay in the deep basins and trenches, globigerina ooze (a calcareous marine deposit) on the rises, and pteropod ooze on the ridges and continental slopes. The following islands are some of the more notable islands (cays) (see the main article for a comprehensive listing of all islands):[5][6], There are currently two islands and two banks in Barbados. Caribbean Cruises - Carnival Cruise Line Here are seven reasons why they shouldnt be, from their incredible scenery and nature-centric adventure to to their colorful culture and flavorful food scenes. There's just something special about putting on your bathing suit, ordering a tropical cocktail (or mocktail), sitting under a palm tree and completely unplugging from the rest of the world. Gorgeous beaches, rain forests, and mountains provide visitors with adventures like hiking, kayaking, and exploring the islands protected parkland. Take in the beach view on horseback or beach chair. The northeast trade winds dominate the region with an average velocity of 10 to 20 miles (16 to 32 km) per hour. Southern Caribbean | Travel Channel Antigua Best for beaches Boasting a beach for each day of the year, low-lying Antigua in the Leeward Islands delivers a multitude of postcard-perfect beaches, with coral reefs just a flipper-kick from shore. Its more about authentic preparation than a restaurant scene, per se, but be sure to check out the 20-course tasting menu at Patricks Local Homestyle Restaurant for a meal to remember. The 20 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit If You Love Nature Browse itineraries on our website and book your next vacation today. Nature, adventure, and flavorful food await travelers beyond the more popular playgrounds. Typical landscape in the Caribbean region. This site is not directly affiliated with Jimmy Buffett, Margaritaville.com, or Radio Margaritaville. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Hop onboard one of the Southern Caribbean cruises and find yourself in paradise. Each island offers stunning beauty, and we're sharing some of our favorites here. There are at least five islands in Aruba:[34], There are at least seven islands in Curaao, including:[35], There are ten total islands of Sint Maarten, including:[36]. If you dont have your scuba certification, experience the wonders of the park by snorkeling, booking a boat tour, and engaging in other fun water activities by the reef. These are some of the best Southern Caribbean islands to visit during your next getaway. Tropical storms reaching a hurricane velocity of more than 75 miles (120 km) per hour are seasonally common in the northern Caribbean as well as in the Gulf of Mexico; they are almost nonexistent in the far south. Instead of limiting yourself to visiting just one country on your vacation, or having to book multiple trips to and from airports and hotels, a cruise will take you from one dreamy Caribbean destination to another in complete luxury. Heat reaches the highest point of the year for many destinations. Read: Best Places to Go Sailing in the Caribbean, Watch: Southern Caribbean Cruises on Celebrity Cruises. It was warmer and drier than usual. Some destinations during the summer reach into the 90s Fahrenheit or low 30s Celsius. (UVF) in the southern town of Vieux Fort, which is about 35 miles to the south of Castries . Most of the major cruise lines have ports of call in the southern Caribbean, with Carnival and Royal Caribbean offering trips to this area of the Caribbean islands nearly every month of the year. Other sizable islands include Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, North Andros, and Trinidad. Kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, and paddleboarding are popular activities here. The wind-driven surface water accumulates in the Yucatn Basin and the Gulf of Mexico, where it results in a higher average sea level than in the Atlantic, forming a hydrostatic head that is believed to constitute the main driving force of the Gulf Stream. If teeing up in paradise is your passion, choose from five PGA-standard courses in Barbadosincluding Royal Westmoreland and Sandy Lane Green Monkeyand two in Aruba: Tierra del Sol and The Links at Divi Aruba, the latter of which is home of one of the Caribbeans best golf teachers. Go to farther south destinations for warmer weather. This beautiful island is nicknamed the "Spice Isle" for its production of spices, including nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, allspice, pepper, and vanilla. External site which may or may not meet accessibility guidelines, YouTube. Beauty beckons. Cruise Ports That Are Closest to the Beach | ShermansTravel This is a list of islands in the Caribbean by area. Updates? A Southern Caribbean cruise is a great way to discover these exotic islands for yourself. Coral reefs fringe most of the islands. Caribbean weather in November historically averages no hurricanes and only one tropical storm every other year. Caribbean Sea, suboceanic basin of the western Atlantic Ocean, lying between latitudes 9 and 22 N and longitudes 89 and 60 W. It is approximately 1,063,000 square miles (2,753,000 square km) in extent. Afterwards, relax with a tropically inspired massage at your resortmost properties on both islands have oneand if you have the stamina to continue and check out islands nightlife, check out the live music in St. Lawrence Gap in Barbados or one of the dozen casinos on Aruba. All three islands are verdant, mountainous, and perfect for anyone seeking back-to-nature adventure. Antigua, Antigua & Barbuda. Known for duty-free shopping, the U.S . Eighty-six dive sites dot the shores of Bonaire, and all are easily accessible from Kralendijk. Temperatures stay in the mid to upper 80s Fahrenheit for most destinations. To the south it is bounded by the coasts of Venezuela, Colombia, and . Caribbean Rankings Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean for 2023-2024 By Nicola Wood | Reviewed by Elizabeth Von Tersch | Last updated on May 31, 2023 A trip to the Caribbean islands may. In addition to its sandy shores, Jamaica offers rivers flowing from its mountains into the Caribbean. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Southern Caribbean Islands and Ports. In the south, you'll find the San Nicolas Bay Reef Islands, which are a perfect place to see the Cayenne tern as well as other tropical birds. Islands are listed in alphabetical order by country of ownership and/or those with full independence and autonomy. Continue to 2 of 2 below. October weather also is the second worst month of the hurricane season with higher than normal rainfall and the risk of tropical storms and hurricanes. Professor of Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa. Cancun, Cozumel, Jamaica and San Juan are usually still a bit wet. Southern Caribbean Cruises - Cruise to Aruba, St. Thomas, St. Maarten & More - Princess Cruises Southern Caribbean Cruises Unique flavors, diverse cultural history immerse yourself in hidden island gems What's on this page: Featured Ports Destination Highlights Onboard Experience Articles & Videos Flights, Hotels & Transfers 13 Places Where You Can See the Clearest Water in the World, 25 Caribbean Cruises for Your Next Tropical Vacation, 27 Best Things to Do in the Florida Keys, From Wildlife Encounters to Key Lime Pie Tastings, The Best Family-friendly Beach Resorts in the Caribbean, The 14 Best All-inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean, According to T+L Readers, The 14 Most Beautiful Places to Retire Abroad. The Windward Islands are the southern, generally larger islands of the Lesser Antilles. [9], Islands of the Bolvar Department of Colombia include:[9], Islands in the Crdoba Department include:[9], Islands in the Magdalena Department include:[9], Islands in the Archipelago of San Andrs, Providencia and Santa Catalina include:[9], Islands in the Sucre Department include the following islands in the Archipelago of San Bernardo:[9]. The climate of the Caribbean generally is tropical, but there are great local variations, depending on mountain elevation, water currents, and the trade winds. Absorb local culture, discover the rich history of European colonialism and explore the pastel vistas of Dutch architecture while watching a game of cricket on a cruise to The Caribbean.Cruise to the Southern Caribbean and venture deep into exotic island activities. Caribbean weather has average daytime temperatures ranging from the low 80s Fahrenheit and high 20s Celsius in the winter to the high 80s Fahrenheit and low 30s Celsius in the summer. You'll travel by van to the eastern edge of the island to a beach near a bioluminescent bay. Meanwhile, more than 80 species live inside the Bubali Bird Sanctuary, which is close to Eagle Beach. Cruise To Southern Caribbean | Caribbean Vacations | Carnival Large island groups include Berry Islands and Exuma. Forces producing the Panamanian isthmus and the Antillean arc were vertical, resulting in no ultimate horizontal movement. Caribbean culture is by nature colorfulthink feather-and sequin-embellished costumes at Carnival time, pastel-hued wooden houses, magenta bougainvillea, and brightly hued artworkand it all seems especially vibrant on the islands of Martinique and Curacao. Snorkeling and diving in the clear waters around the reef or relaxing on the sandy beaches are just a few ways to enjoy the island. [7], There are about 180 islands in Belize. [12] The Colorados Archipelago is located off the north-western coast. Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, Dominica offers untouched natural beauty, rivers, rain forests, mountains, and waterfalls. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Our second eastern Caribbean cruise in December had fantastic weather with temperatures in the low 90s Fahrenheit and almost no rain. Ultimate Caribbean Islands Travel Guide (Travel Tips & Advice) Opens in a new window. Martinique, a French island that has been shaped by West African and Indian traditions into a Creole melting pot, is known as a place where multicolor madras fabrics mix with pink Provencal ros and curry-flavored seafood dishes. Near the end of the second phase, gentle warping and faulting occurred, forming the Aves and Beata ridges. My advice: click on the January link to see temperature charts for every major destination and choose the warmest. Visitors can snorkel among coral reefs, mangroves, and colorful marine life. All rights reserved. This volcanic isle also boasts a river for every day of the year, with 365 freshwater streams in its verdant, jungle footprint. ABC Caribbean Islands: Cruise to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao | Royal The island is also home to the world's third-largest barrier reef. The sunny Caribbean, filled with marvelous beaches and crystal blue waters, is the most popular destination for cruise ships, with ships traveling to the eastern, western, and southern Caribbean. December is a popular month for Caribbean vacations because of better weather than the previous four to five months. Barbados. The Aves Ridge, incomplete at its southern extremity, separates the Venezuelan Basin from the small Grenada Basin, which is bounded to the east by the Antillean arc of islands. An additional historical island that no longer exists as an island is also included in this list. The lush green landscape of St. Lucia is distinguished by the Pitons, two impressive volcanic peaks that provide a dramatic backdrop for the entire island. Dominica, at just 290 square miles, is home to both natural hot springs and lush rainforests, making it a paradise for nature-loving hikers. Caribbean Weather Forecast - 10 Day Reports - Satellite Map The Sabana-Camagey Archipelago runs along the northern coast and contains roughly 2,517 cays and islands. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. The Abaco Islands, meanwhile, are known for fishing, sailing, boating, and charming colonial towns. Grand Cayman is popular in the winter, thanks in part to warm weather and Seven Mile Beach. As part of the Central American Sea, it is presumed to have been connected with the Mediterranean during Paleozoic times (i.e., about 541 to 252 million years ago) and then gradually to have separated from it as the Atlantic Ocean was formed. Best of all, the mild climate means it doesn't even matter what time of year you go. St. Lucia Travel Guide | U.S. News Travel List of Caribbean islands - Wikipedia Caribbean Maps Show Where Your Cruise Is Going - TripSavvy The dry island of Aruba in the southern Caribbean still is the leader for the lowest risk of rain, followed closely by nearby Curaao. More than 7,000 islands in the Caribbean Sea are blessed with near-perfect weather, white-sand beaches, and brilliantly blue waters. There, sparkling white yachts stand out against the aquamarine water. Which Waters Do You Pass Through When You Sail the Seven Seas? Its one of the best times to visit for a cruise or hotel vacation.