The Caribbean Islands are ideal for holidaymakers and beachgoers. You can escape to a warm paradise island or enjoy your water sports doing scuba diving, surfing, sailing and windsurfing off the shores of some of the beautiful islands. Most of the Caribbean Islands have white sand beaches and there is a variety of tropical islands for all kinds of vacationers.

The islands vary in size and popularity, some attract cruise ships, shoppers or families, while others are secluded and small and only honeymooners go here. Larger towns on the Caribbean islands have excellent shopping facilities. There are golf courses and horse stables which attract tourists. The natural beauty of the lush rainforests is home to hundreds of plant and bird species. There are about 50 islands in the Caribbean, ranging from small coral outcrops to large nations.

Division

The Caribbean Islands are interestingly divided according to their heritage, cultural and geographical background. There are the Windward Islands, the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, the French Antilles, the Netherlands Antilles and a number of Caribbean states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

The Windward Islands have a heavy African influence and have the most breathtaking beaches. French heritage is strong here and St. Lucia is the most developed and frequently visited island. There are six Leeward Islands and they were British colonies, which is why the islanders are English speakers. The Virgin Islands are divided between the British and the United States, the British islands are secluded and quiet and the United States islands offer many entertainment choices.

The French Antilles show a French influence in culture, food and lifestyle. They are known as some of the most peaceful and authentic islands among the complete Caribbean Islands. The Netherlands Antilles are also known for their excellent beaches. The Dutch influence is still visible on these Caribbean Islands, including their food and gabled houses.

The Caribbean states like Cuba, Jamaica, and Haiti have an entity of their own and each one has its own government and its own culture. They have different visitor attractions than the other Caribbean islands, but also attract a large number of tourists.

For Tourists

Though many vacationers cruise to the Caribbean Islands, many travel there by air. Sometimes outlying islands can also be reached by air. The accommodation in the Caribbean Islands varies from local bed and breakfast inns to all-inclusive luxury resorts with major hotel chains from the United States.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are the popular pastimes throughout the Caribbean Islands, and Caribbean vacationers throng to the beaches to enjoy these water sports as an integral part of their vacational trip. Sailing is also a common pastime and several sailing classes are also offered to tourists. There is so much to do and see at the Caribbean Islands, that you will like to go back to them again and again.