One mention of the Caribbean and eyes light up. The beautiful sandy beaches, lush green rainforests and crystal clear waters have long made the Caribbean the dream destination...

Among the many and varied islands, one can experience jaw-dropping scenery and an island paradise unrivalled anywhere else on the globe.

The islands in the Caribbean are as many as they are varied and each holidaymaker is allured for all sorts of reasons. Whether they come for romance, adventure, natural beauty or a complete tropical escape.

Each island truly has something different to offer the last, from mangrove swamps and tropical rainforests to amazing coral reefs to breathtaking racing waterfalls.

You will find whilst some islands are sleepy and charming, others are full of life and you can party into the night with the steel drums!

Weather: Whilst all else varies from island to island, one thing that they all share in common is the year round sunshine, with average temperatures of 27-31 degrees celcius. In general, the rainy season is between May and November, but being so tropical, one minute there is rain, the next, clear and bright sunshine! It is worth noting however, there is a risk of extreme tropical conditions during this period, but the chances of this are still very slim. 

Culture: When most people think of the Caribbean, the same image of a laid back life style and culture always tends to ensue...and this isn't far wrong! However, from place to place the differing influences of Spanish, British, French and Dutch can easily be seen in the buildings. The spanish architecture of Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Cuba differs greatly to that of Curacao and Aruba's Dutch style buildings.

Language: On that note, it is no surprise that whilst English is widely spoken and understood on most islands, there are also a number of language differences from place to place. In the French Antilles (Guadeloupe, St Martin, St Barth, Haiti and Martinique), French is the main language. Dutch is the principal language in the Netherland Antilles (St Eustatius & St Maarten) as well as the ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Cuba speak Spanish as the main lingo.

Cuisine: Given the total variety of cultures and influences in the Caribbean, the cuisine can be anything you want it to be. Traditionally, the Caribbean is known for its proliferation of fresh fruit and vegetables and so most dishes will incorporate them. A particular favourite amongst the Jamaicans is jerk chicken, whilst goat stew is a quirky delicacy from Aruba. The ocean provides a wealth of fish to be used for cooking and eating, these include lobster, conch, snapper, king prawn and mahi mahi to name but a few....always deliciously fresh! 

Currency: Most of the Caribbean islands accept the US Dollar, except Martinique and Guadeloupe which deal in Euros. There are also a lot of local currencies. Travellers cheques and major credit cards are also widely accepted.

Medical Requirements: With the exception of Suriname, vaccinations are not generally required when visiting the Caribbean. However it is always advised that you seek medical advice before travelling. Most islands have good medical facilities.

Visa Requirements: UK passport holders with a return ticket do not need a visa to visit the Caribbean, apart from Cuba and Dominican Republic where a Tourist Card is needed and in Suriname, where a visa is required. UK passport holders travelling to any of the US Virgin Islands are also accepted through the US Visa Waiver Programme.

To explore the Caribbean as a whole by activity, click on the Caribbean Holiday Activity Guide. Alternatively, find out what each island has to offer by reading the individual travel guides placed in the Caribbean Islands Guide. Back to Travel Guide Section