Shoal Bay East is a popular option thanks to its convenient on-site equipment rentals. Or snorkeling in a sea of Champagne? While Castries -- where the cruise ships dock -- is a fairly large city and the island's business center, the more intriguing parts of St. Lucia encompass its small villages, rainforest, beautiful beaches and stunning resorts. Martinique offers everything you think of when dreaming about a Caribbean cruise holiday, from historic sites and delicious food to beautiful beaches. The island is flush with activity in the summer and late fall, but there's a greater chance of hurricanes. Elsewhere on the island, you can bathe in the Blue Hole Mineral Spring (Westmoreland), visit Frenchmans Cove and the Blue Lagoon (Portland), or try surfing in St. Thomas. With its palm-fringed bays, shallow reefs and rustic rum bars, the Caribbean offers some of the worlds best tropical beach breaks. The smell of nutmeg, ginger, and cloves floats in the air, adding something unique to the atmosphere. 10 cruise ports that offer easy access to a beach Nassau, Bahamas Nassau is a beach-lover's dream port, with options for every kind of toes-in-the-sand experiencefrom a walk-to beach to one curated specifically for tourists. Many ships have a late-night departure, so for this stop we're suggesting two excursions. Here, youll find a wide, white-sand cove framed by small palm trees. A former Dutch colony and still part of the Netherlands, Aruba is home to some amazing Dutch colonial architecture, especially in photogenic Oranjestad. Take in the surroundings from a lounge chair, swim the calm warm waters, and enjoy local cuisine right near the beach. Anse Chastanet is popular among travelers for its optimal snorkeling conditions. Shete Boka offers a natural bridge, blowholes, and caves that serve as Sea Turtle breeding grounds. Founded in 1702, its the oldest still-operating rum distillery in the world. READ MORE: The 10 Best Waterfalls in the World (World Travel Bucket List). READ MORE: St. Thomas Islands (Outdoor Adventures on Cas Cay), But wait, I can hear you saying. As always, we encourage you to read up on Southern Caribbean ports, look into the Cruise Critic destination boards, ask questions and determine which excursions are best for you. In addition, it is also a great place to visit if tourists are looking for hiking paths. The 49 San Blas Islands that are inhabited are largely home to the Kuna Indians, a semiautonomous tribe that was driven from the mainland during the Spanish invasion. Here are 18 of the most beautiful Caribbean islands. Some liken this tour to swimming in a glass of Champagne, hence the name (sorry, it's bubbles rising through salt water! They are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and you can visit them on Southern Caribbean Cruises. Meanwhile, St. Kitts is where you'll find Banana Bay, which provides great views of neighboring Nevis. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Not very touristy as for the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago have a lot of unspoiled charm. Unlike many other Southern Caribbean cruise destinations, however, Aruba has no tropical jungles or mountains. The islands are part of the Corales Islas del Rosario Natural National Park, which was created to protect 4,633 square miles of reefs, sea grass, and mangroves (and the aquatic species that inhabit them). Bonaires beaches, coral reefs and land reserves are part of Bonaire National Marine Park, which offers world-class underwater exploration. VIVA LA VILLAGE LIFE Grab a bicycle and ride on one of the eight trails of Christoffel National Park in Curacao. Soft, sugary sand nudges the greenest-blue water, and constant trade winds ensure that no one gets too hot. If you're traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, a visit to Magens Bay is a must. But, there's much to be seen in the countryside, where sugar cane was harvested until relatively recently and today's "cane train" glides around verdant volcanic slopes. The island gets only 17 inches of rain a . NL: The Ultimate Guide to Caribbean Island-Hopping . Planning tip: Like all beaches in St Lucia, Anse Chastanet is a public beach with free access to all, and you dont need to be a resort resident to sunbathe here. This protected parkland in the British Virgin Islands requires a ferry or plane ride from St. Thomas or Tortola. Others are honeymooners, unwinding on one of the island's chalky beaches or holing up in one of its isolated resorts. Where To Stay:Named one of the top hotels of 2014 by Forbes, Yemaya Island Hideaway is a 16-cabana eco-resort offering a serious yoga program, farm-to-table food, and a peaceful atmosphere of laid-back luxury. Music lovers should consider visiting in early May specifically to attend the St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival that's held atPigeon Island National Landmark. Aruba is one of the most touristy Southern Caribbean Islands, with a variety of exotic, luxurious resorts and lots of Americans escaping winter in the United States. First-timers should visit Trunk Bay with its snorkeling trail managed by the National Park Service. The enormous 1.06 million square miles of the Caribbean archipelago is divided into regions: the Lucayan Archipelago, the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles and the ABC Islands. Also nearby is the Diamond Mineral Baths, commissioned by Louis XVI to soothe and restore French soldiers who were defending the West Indies in the late 18th century. Mind the service charge There'll be a 10%tip added to your hotel bill and to restaurant checks, as well as a tourism levy of a few dollars per night (depending on the cost of your hotel). Its also home to one of Grenadas best restaurants, Aquarium, and a 3-minute walk from picturesque Magazine Beach. Curaao is a curious country as colorful as any of its Caribbean neighbors, but with a distinctive personality all its own. This is island life at its absolute best. Best Cruise Ports In The Western Caribbean. Southern Caribbean islands are so beautiful they wont disappoint you. This is also the birthplace of rum, which is probably the most typical and famous liquor from the Caribbean. As for the activities offered by St Vincent, beaches take the first place. For now, enjoy the tranquility afforded by the rustic nature of Vieques Island. Climbing the Casibari Rock Formation provides breathtaking views of Arubas landscape. Published on October 2, 2019 What's better than exploring a beautiful, sunny island in the Southern Caribbean? The reason you have to pay to enter the water is because the underwater world is a protected area. 1. Situated in the Caribbean Sea between Costa Rica and Jamaica, Providencia is part of a Colombia-owned archipelago located 482 miles northwest of the mainland. St Lucias landscape is made of blue waters and lush greenery, with majestic twin Pitons in the background. The mountainous island (which has a maximum elevation 1181 feet) was the site of an English Puritan colony that was originally founded in 1629. Covered by lush rain forests, these two volcanic peaks are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you can explore. To discover the restof the island's indescribable charms, you'll have to visit for yourself. Refined and elegant, St. Kitts is a honeymooner's dream destination and appeals to romantics from every corner of the globe. St. Lucia is a hit with honeymooners thanks to its romantic boutique hotels and secluded stretches of sand. The islands capital, Oranjestad, is a lovely town to stroll. Natural beauty blends seamlessly with beach amenities at Playa Varadero. The island has introduced/expanded its protected areas, including Levera National Park (a nesting site for Leatherback Sea Turtles) and Grand Etang Forest Preserve (which offers birdwatching, hiking, and river tubing activities). Some of the Grenadine islands belong to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, while the rest is a part of the island nation of Grenada. Natural beauty blends seamlessly with beach amenities at Playa Varadero. On the North coast of Tobago, theres the marvelous Buccoo Reef, colorful and lively, with the nylon pool (a thin layer of crystal water) on its top. While Pinney's Beach is the most well-known, make like a local and head to Paradise Beach on the northern edge . On the island you'll find no high-rise hotels, let alone traffic lights. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the Four Seasons Hotel Boston. The exclusive, refined atmosphere of St. Barthelemy is evidenced by several hundred villas owned by "the beautiful people" of the world. Most of the islands are in the Windward Islands and the Leeward Antilles . Most of the islands are a mere hour apart by boat. Here, travelers can choose any of the plethora of resorts located on the sandy coast, enjoy a day of R&R or rent equipment for a day of water sport activities. There are 26 independent countries and other territories in the Caribbean. The journey takes just more than three hours, leaving plenty of time for shopping and exploring the colonial city of Basseterre, with its vibrant open market near the cruise ship dock, "High Street" shops filled with British imports and elegant tea rooms. Gros Piton and Petit Piton are two mountainous volcanic plugs overlooking the lovely island. The impressive sea turtle conservation program on the island is another. Curaao is one of those southern Caribbean Islands that can meet the expectations of various travelers. In the center you will find Kralendijk, the capital of Bonaire. No comments yet. We are open to discussing advertising, sponsorships, brand ambassadorships, freelance work, speaking/teaching engagements, and consulting opportunities. READ MORE:The 16 Best Mayan Ruins to Explore. Read more about. But some places wont disappoint even the greatest dreamers. Swim or snorkel through the shallow waters, keeping an eye out for sea fans and schools of blue tangs as you venture towards the outer reefs. Thats also where you should head to look for some secluded, pristine beaches. Leave your kids at home Airfare for three, four orfive vacationers can quickly add up. Do you want to spend your holidays on the beautiful southern Caribbean islands, enjoy stunning nature and unearthly views, but crowds of tourists are not your favorite thing? In addition to gorgeous beaches, the island has some of the most pristine snorkeling and scuba diving locations in the world. Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance for the lowest price. The Best Travel Places - Photo Credits: Dreamstime.com. Cocoa tea, made with local cocoa, spices and milk, is a standard breakfast drink, along with hot, deep-fried bread. The westernmost of the Southern Caribbean islands, Aruba is just north of the coast of Venezuela. Where To Stay:All 7 villas at Maca Bana are stylish, with hardwood decks, outdoor hot tubs, and stunning views. The white sand, blue waters, peaceful atmosphere, and tranquility is a real piece of Caribbean heaven to be found on Earth. In comparison to most of the Caribbean, the country is not very popular among tourists. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Tobago is one of the most vibrant of south Caribbean islands, mostly because of the annual Carnival celebrations. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. After a visit in Soufriere, you'll head to Sulphur Springs, "the world's only drive-in volcano." Know your airline's carry-on luggage size restrictions before you fly. Theres still a selection of beach amenities here, though, including loungers and umbrellas for rent. Just like its neighbors, Curaao and Aruba, Bonaire is outside of the Caribbeans so-called Hurricane Alley. Consisting of three bigger islands and some tiny pieces of land, Grenada is called The Spice Island. The names not accidental, as youll notice as soon as you arrive in Grenada. Saint Lucia, form all southern Caribbean islands, is the best one for a honeymoon or peaceful, but luxurious holidays. Its 500 years of history includes the17th century Fort Amsterdam, Mikve Israel Emmanuel Synagogue (the oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere), the Queen Emma and Queen Juliana Bridges, and the excellent slavery-focused Museum Kura Hulanda. Much of the western caribbean island is covered in lush pine forests, and lumber extraction remains a big business in the area. Visit The Baths, the most famous beach on the island with granite boulders that appear tossed about and grottoes in mysterious coves. This relatively undeveloped island features Rendezvous Bay with a view of St. Martin to the south. The Lesser Antilles islands are divided into the Leeward Islands, the Windward Islands, and the ABC Islands. SAIL SAFE Located approximately 31 miles south of Cuba, Isla de la Juventud (translation: Isle of Youth) was known as the Isle of Pines until 1978. It was a favorite stop on many Caribbean cruise routes before Covid-19 put a halt to US ships docking at the major ports; expect a rapid . The ride takes you back in time to the period when sugar was the currency of kings; it gives a fantastic view of the island, little villages and sugar cane fields, black-sand beaches and the distinctive ruins of sugar mills. When you're not wining, dining or shopping, consider a private tour. Local lore claims that the fumes are medicinal and will benefit your body and soul (we've as yet been unable to verify this, but we know it's relaxing). Since its establishment in the 1600s, the city has developed to become the major tourist destination it is today. Theyre more or less the border between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, located just off the north coast of South America. How about a train ride through the region's sugar cane history? There are some resorts and guest-houses, just enough to make you comfortable. It's a fabulous excursion for the fit and adventurous, taking you up to a crater lake and then on a muddy hike down to the bottom of the waterfalls. Based on user votes and expert insights, plus factors like accessibility to beaches, tourist attractions and comfortable accommodations, U.S. News compiled a list of the best places to visit in. Silky white sand, shady palms and warm waters await sunseekers who want a picture-perfect shoreline to explore. Highlights include Brimstone Hill Fortress (the "Gibraltar of the Caribbean") and views out to Nevis, birthplace of Alexander Hamilton. Visitors can also snorkel the islands impressively pristine coral reef system. While every island has its own distinct culture, Curaao stands out because of its diverse population, unique terrain and global cuisine. Other popular attractions that show the volcanic origins of the island of St. Lucia include sulfur mud baths, ancient pools and the worlds only drive-thru volcanic cave. Sky-blue waters, sandy beaches, sun shining, the wind gently blowing. While swimming is possible here, the often choppy waters make it a great spot for boogie boarding so make sure to bring a board and ride the lively waves. Initially a working harbor the large loading crane still present gives the beach its name this lush, subtropical idyll is now considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Barbados. 8 epic and affordable places for a tropical vacation, Reefs, rides and relaxation: Puerto Rico's unique beaches, 11 best places to take your parents and grandparents on holiday, 6 of the best things to do in Jamaica with kids, The 7 best places in world for snorkeling, The 6 best things to do with kids at Everglades National Park, 8 of the best things to do in the Bahamas with kids, 8 incredible ocean pools around the world, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information.