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Aruba is our favorite of the many Caribbean islands and we hope that you will love Aruba too. But if you decide to “shop around” first.... below is a little information to get you off to a good start.
Most islands of the Caribbean have beautiful white sandy beaches and clear aquamarine-colored water. The beaches facing east are rougher with more waves, suited for surfers. Calmer waters for snorkeling and swimming can be found on the western sides of the islands which are usually a little more sheltered from the constant trade winds.
But, that is where the similarities end. The Caribbean islands range from very small to huge. The well known islands are popular with tourists and cruise ships, and there are others, though possibly not as easy to get to, are almost untouched. The African Slave Traders, although a dark and evil part of European and America’s past, hugely impacted the culture throughout Caribbean, but each island has its own culture that has been molded by its history and the people who came to live there.
For a more in-depth look at the Caribbean Islands, visit
le-caribbean-islands.com.
There you will find a site with lots of info on the Caribbean Islands including family vacations, Caribbean weddings and honeymoons, all inclusive vacations, resorts, exotic beaches and much more.
Favorite Caribbean Vacation
Without a doubt, our trip to Aruba is our favorite Caribbean island vacation but, we cannot possibly visit all of them. As you can see, I could use some help.
If you have a vacation tip, review, or suggestions for your favorite Caribbean island, please post your story here. The form below will walk you through the simple process. And you will have published your very own web page. Don't forget to include pictures. Everyone loves great pictures of beautiful places. Thanks for your help.
These four islands were once owned by France and have a heavy French and African influence. The most visited of the Windwards is St. Lucia while St Vincent is the most untouched and least visited.
Leeward Islands
Montserrat
Nevis
St. Kitts
Antigua
Barbuda
Anguilla
These six islands are made from volcanic peaks and covered with rain-forests. The Leeward Islands were all once colonies of Great Britain, but, now, except for Montserrat and Anguilla these islands are completely independent. The islanders speak English, a key selling point for many U.S. and European tourists.
(If Anguilla peaks your interest, you have to check out Nori’s site,
Anguilla-Beaches,com)
British Virgin Islands
Tortola
Virgin Gorda
(and more than 60 smaller islands)
Some of the British Virgin Islands are uninhabited and designated as national parks. But even the two largest of them are more secluded and quieter than the U.S. Virgin Islands.
U.S. Virgin Islands
St. Thomas
St. John
St. Croix
The U.S. Virgin Islands are a well known destination for tourists, offering excitement and entertainment.
French Antilles
Martinique
Guadeloupe
(Guadeloupe includes a group of smaller islands)
Les Saintes
La Desirade
Marie-Galante
Saint-Barthelemy
St. Martin
The culture, food and lifestyle of French Antilles are...well... French. They include two islands that are volcanically active and even though they are well known vacation spots, they still maintain some of the most peaceful and “un-touristy” islands of the Caribbean.
The Dutch influence can be seen on theses islands though currency, food, and most definitely the pastel painted buildings. Most of the Netherlands Antilles speak a language called Papiamento – It is a real language with its origins consisting of a mish-mash of Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, English and a dash of African for good measure.
Commonwealth of US
Puerto Rico
Guam
These islands are considered “unincorporated organized territories” of the United States. What that actually means… I’m not sure.
These islands have their own government and culture.
(Want to know more about Jamaica, you will find everything you need at
Jamaica-No-Problem.)
Have A Great Story About Your Favorite Caribbean Island Vacation?
Do you have a great story about your favorite Caribbean island vacation?? Share it here!
Which Caribbean island did you visit? What is your favorite vacation spot? What made you vacation special? What activities did you enjoy most while you were there? Did you have a destination wedding there? Who came with you?
