~ Top 10 Best Caribbean Vacations ~

[MysteRy]

Top 10 Best Caribbean Vacations


1. Barbados   



Located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, Barbados is an island of infinite beauty and water sports paradise. There are many ways to experience the spirit of this island and the most ultimate is surfing at Soup Bowl on the east coast at Bathsheba Beach. It is a place of devoted surfers, but its worthy only watching too. The scenery is inspiring. Barbados is also home to one of the most famous windsurfing tour at Silver Sands on the south coast. Nature lovers will fall in love with this small, but big in natural beauty island. Its botanical gardens, corals, the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, and the exotic flora will capture your attention in this joyful visual journey. During the weekend you can go for an outside street fair at Oistins Fish Fry or a rum tour. If you want great panoramic views go to Foul Bay, which is one of the most beautiful beaches in Barbados.

[MysteRy]

2. Aruba   



This 30-km long Caribbean island, located north of Venezuela, boasts everything you need for an exciting Caribbean experience - water sports, white beaches, shopping, scuba diving, snorkelling, etc. Aruba is quite famous for its white sandy beaches, the most common natural resource on the island. The best place for snorkelling is Baby Beach, as it is not deep and you can take your time. Palm Beach on Aruba's western coast is great for swimming and for gambling in the local casinos, just in case you want to try your luck. Aruba boasts cultural events, pristine beaches and historic sites. If you want to explore the islands history then visit the sacred site of the Arawak Indians, Ayo Rock Formations, or Bushiribana Ruins. The Arikok National Park is all about wildlife and exotic animals - whiptail lizards, rattlesnakes, parakeets, iguanas, and donkeys. You can always also try popular activities like horseback riding, jeep safari, hiking, sailing and kayaking.

[MysteRy]

3. Bahamas   



The word Bahamas comes from Spanish and means "Shallow sea", though your experience on the island surely wont be shallow. Bahamas is an archipelago consisting of about 2000 islands, although only less than 30 are populated. There is plenty things to see and do on these lovely islands inhabited by hospitable people. It is a great place for sightseeing, sunbathing, all kinds of water sports and partying. Especially if you arrive on Boxing Day (December 26) or New Year's Day (January 1) during the street carnival Junkanoo. Indulge in the atmosphere of Nassau (Old Town), a popular place with lively nightlife, historic sites and duty-free shopping districts. There are also marvellous white beaches, such as Cable Beach and Cabbage Beach. Popular destination for fishing is the island of Bimini. But if you prefer hiking then go to Grand Bahama Island's Lucayan Caverns. Snorkelling is a great experience, too, as there are endless coral reefs to observe.

[MysteRy]

4. Puerto Rico   



The tropical island of Puerto Rico was found in 1521. Today its a top Caribbean touristic destination due to its mountainous terrain and sandy beaches. There are many options for the tourists. Puerto Rico's rain forest, El Yunque, is great for all nature lovers with its various plant and animal life. Top historic destination is the 500-year-old El Morro fort, where you can also enjoy magnificent vistas over the ocean. Other amazing place is the bioluminescent bay close to Vieques where half-plant, half-animal microorganisms live in the water and glow when you swim or sail close to them. The place is called Mosquito Bay and it is extremely popular in the evenings. Great locations for swimming are Sun Bay, close to the town of Esperanza, and Rincón, where you can also surf. Outdoor activities, such as golfing, snorkelling, horseback riding and sailing are also popular among tourist.

[MysteRy]

5. St John, US Virgin Islands   



St John is the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, but it is big in natural Caribbean beauty. Besides world-class beaches, it boasts lush and unspoiled forest and great camp sites. Two-thirds (7,000 acres) of its land is a national park, which includes also underwater reefs, famous ruins of sugar plantations like Annaberg and interesting rock carvings (pyteroglyphs). It is a great place to learn about the history of this island, discovered by Columbus on his second voyage to the "New World". If you want to fully enjoy and learn more about the exotic Caribbean marine life then visit Coral World Ocean Park. Scott Beach and Francis Bay are great for snorkelling and swimming with turtles, watching the sunsets and relaxation. Maho Bay attracts tourist fond of eco-tourism with its environment-friendly built cottages and at Cinnamon Bay you can try a variety of water sports, from kayaking to windsurfing.

[MysteRy]

6. Dominican Republic   



La Hispaniola is the second largest island of the Caribbean after Cuba. It is where Columbus started the colonization of America. The legend says it was the most beautiful place he had ever seen, and he named it "La Isla Española" (translated as The Spanish Island) in 1492. Hispaniola hosts two countries - the Dominican Republic and Haiti, as the Dominican Republic covers two-thirds of the island. The Dominican Republic is the oldest European settlement located between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. In Santo Domingo, the capital of Dominican Republic, stand the first university, cathedral, and castle in the Americas. The modern city of Santo Domingo is a thriving port city, with bars, casinos, shops and the Cultural Plaza, which houses the Gallery of Modern Art and the National Theatre. Some of the most popular attractions are Samana Zipline Tour, Tainopark, and Rancho Lorilar.

[MysteRy]

7. Jamaica   



Jamaica is probably the most spirited island on the Caribbean, but not because of the rum. Its culture is popular throughout the world and you can see Jamaicas flags in many bars or cafes. Its typical yellow-green-black colours have become a fashion trend and a special way of thinking. Jamaica is a place of warm people and music that never stops. Reggae and dancehall follow your steps wherever you go. Vibes of the Jah culture spread around everywhere and anytime. The island is also rich in lush forests and beautiful scenery. The tropical forest of the Blue Mountains, the 600 feet Dunns River Falls in Ocho Rios, the Negril Cliffs or the Reach Falls will reveal to you the unspoiled heart of Jamaica. And dont forget to see Nine Mile, the place where Bob Marley was born and where he is buried.

[MysteRy]

8. Cayman Islands   



Plunge into the tropical ocean of sensations on the Cayman Islands and you will discover a place of amazing coral reefs, white beaches and great cuisine. Diving is actually one of the top activities on the island, with the Eden Rock and Devil's Grotto being the diving spot on Grand Cayman, while the Bloody Bay Marine Park is the top spot for divers on the Little Cayman. Other activities include snorkelling, sailing, hiking, scuba diving, golfing. The 200-year-old path of Mastic Trail is great for hiking as you will explore the exotic flora and fauna of the 2 million-year-old woodland area. The Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman is the hottest beach around. The three islands (Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac) offer many historical sites and attractions, such as Pedro St. James national historic site, Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, Stingray City and Rum Point.

[MysteRy]

9. St Maarten   



Divided into a French (St. Martin) and a Dutch (St. Maarten) side, this island is known for its clear waters and beaches with some of them also being clothing-optional. Besides that there is no border between the two sides, there is none for clothing on most beaches. On the Dutch side the famous spots are Cupecoy, surrounded by limestone cliffs, the tranquil Mullet Bay and the more crowded Maho Bay. Maho Bay is nice, but kind of noisy as its really, really close to the airport, though many people find it exciting. You might also like to check Mullet Bay, which is great for snorkelling and swimming.  On the French side, nudity is allowed at the Papagayo Beach, and at some smaller beaches. Orient Bay is the most popular place and among the others are Lotarie Farm (hiking), Friars Bay (family beach), and Pic du Paradis mountain, which offers amazing views over the island. Casinos and shopping are also quite popular activities on the island.

[MysteRy]

10. St Kitts and Nevis   



St. Kitts and Nevis are two beautiful twin-islands in the southern Caribbean, known for their luxurious hotels, tropical birds, monkeys, and black sands. These two small islands are top choice of many Hollywood stars. Their history is also attractive as one of the Founding Fathers of the USA, Alexander Hamilton was born in Charlestown, Nevis. You might like to visit his house, where you can also see Caribbean artefacts dating back to 4,000 years ago. St. Kitts' Brimstone Hill Fortress, formerly known as the "Gibraltar of the West Indies", is also a worth-visiting historic site. The Fortress is one of the best preserved forts and was designated a national park in 1985, as well as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Oualie Beach on Nevis is a great place to enjoy the sun and for swimming, as well as Pinney, which is the longest beach on this island. The best beaches on St. Kitts are the more secluded one Conaree Bay and the popular Frigate Bay. Diving is very popular on the islands, as especially hot spots are the sunken ship Wreck of River Taw, M.V. Talata Wreck and Wreck of the Corinthian.