If you’re planning to visit Florida, it’s important to know which Caribbean islands are closest to the state. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a chance to get away from it all, you’ll find a number of tropical islands that are within easy reach of the Sunshine State. Read on to learn more.
St. Kitts and Nevis
If you are planning to visit the Caribbean, you should consider Saint Kitts and Nevis. They are two small islands located in the Lesser Antilles. It is an easy trip from the United States and Canada.
There are many interesting things to do on these islands. You can enjoy a relaxing seaside stroll, explore old plantation houses, or snorkel in turquoise waters. In addition, these islands are home to a variety of wildlife.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site Brimstone Hill Fortress is located on St. Kitts, and is one of the most interesting sights in the Caribbean.
Nevis is the smaller island, and has a rustic charm. One of the best beaches on the island is South Friars Beach, which is filled with activity. At this beach, you can relax and have fun, but you can also find a variety of fresh seafood.
Another beach you should check out is Cockleshell Beach. This beach has two miles of powdery white sand. The area is also known for its lively beach bar scene. Guests can enjoy live music and Caribbean cocktails.
On the northern side of the island is Pinney’s Beach, which is three miles long. Locals love to go to this beach on Sundays. A nearby beach bar offers jet ski rentals and parasailing.
Trinidad and Tobago
If you’re thinking about visiting the Caribbean, then you may want to consider a trip to Trinidad and Tobago. These islands are the most southerly Caribbean islands. They are a great destination for sun lovers.
Located off the Venezuela coast, these two islands have a variety of attractions. One is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the John Crow Mountains. You can see over 200 species of resident birds at this site.
The Caribbean is also home to a variety of tropical flora and fauna. Many of the plants and animals are indigenous to the region. A wide range of marine life is also found in the coastal seas.
Tourism is a major industry in the Caribbean. The region boasts many islands with vibrant cultural scenes. You can also find waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the opportunity to explore colorful markets.
The main industries in the region include agriculture, oil refining, textile manufacturing, and citrus. Historically, the West Indies was a plantation economy. But these days, these countries are diversifying their agricultural production.
While many of the islands have a tropical maritime climate, they can experience wet or dry seasons. On the windward side of the higher islands, rainstorms are common between August and October.
Barbados
If you’re looking for a Caribbean holiday that is close to the United States, Barbados is one of the best islands to consider. It’s located in the Lesser Antilles, a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean. There are many reasons to visit this island, including its British heritage, delicious food, and unique attractions.
While the Caribbean has a tropical climate, some islands are prone to storms and hurricanes. Visitors should be prepared for this. Fortunately, Barbados offers top-notch security services in touristic areas.
While it’s a bit more expensive than the United States, Barbados is also a great place to live. The real estate prices are much cheaper. And, you’ll find a thriving economy fueled by tourism.
Tourists can enjoy a stingray adventure at Stingray City. Or, they can explore the beautiful emerald forests of El Yunque. You can even spot a fiery red orchid.
For nightlife, visitors can try Senor Frogs. This bar serves a potent rum punch. They’re also a popular site for petty theft. Be sure to travel in groups to lower your risk of being harassed.
Another good time to visit the Caribbean is in spring. During that time, the temperatures are warm and humid. However, the trade winds keep days and nights comfortable.
Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman, a British territory, is a beautiful island with a pristine environment and crystal clear waters. The island is known for its award-winning beaches, its gastronomic delights and its marina activities.
It is also a popular destination for scuba diving. This Caribbean island has its own currency. However, visitors should make sure to get bottled water. Tap water can contain harmful bacteria.
You can find a variety of restaurants, bars and cafes in this beautiful island. Restaurants serve local seafood and rum. A local signature drink is the Cayman Mama, made from pineapple juice, coconut and light rum.
The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is another attraction. It features a variety of plants, including poinciana trees, coconut palms and wild banana orchids.
Another popular attraction is Stingray City. This is a stingray sanctuary where visitors can snorkel with stingrays. There are also several beaches where you can view turtles.
If you are planning to go on a cruise, make sure to visit Royal Watler Cruise Terminal. This terminal is unlike any other in the Caribbean. Instead of hawkers and tourist shops, it offers free entertainment and no unlicensed operators.
Cayman Airways and United Airlines are two airlines that offer direct flights to Grand Cayman. Other airlines that fly to the Caribbean include Jet Blue, American Airways and Delta.
Aruba
Aruba is a Caribbean island that’s a popular vacation destination for travelers. It’s a gem-shaped island in the southern Caribbean Sea. The island is Dutch-owned and has a population of about 106,000.
The island’s main city is Oranjestad. There are several all-inclusive resorts here.
Aruba is a favorite among travelers who love sun, sand and water sports. Its famous trade winds keep the island cool and mosquito-free.
One of the most important industries in the country is tourism. Every year, millions of visitors flock to the Caribbean islands.
Visitors can enjoy the sandy beaches and turquoise waters of Aruba. These are some of the best in the world.
Those who want a bit of culture can visit the capital of Orangested. There are plenty of museums to peruse, including a weekly cultural festival.
Aruba’s beaches are some of the best in the world. The west coast is home to some of the island’s most beautiful, such as Palm Beach and Manchebo Beach. If you’re into surfing, you can check out Wariruri Beach on the east coast.
Unlike most islands, Aruba is one of the only destinations in the Caribbean that has no rainy season. You can still enjoy 300 days of sunshine a year.
Cozumel
Cozumel is one of Mexico’s most popular Caribbean destinations. It offers an enchanting culture, world-class diving, and a variety of activities. If you want to get away from the sweltering heat of the mainland, this is a great place to go.
There are three main ports on Cozumel. The main one, called Punta Langosta, is the most well-known. Norwegian and MSC cruise ships dock here. Aside from the ships, there are many stores, shops, and restaurants along the waterfront.
One of the more interesting things to do on Cozumel is to take a Jeep tour. This allows you to explore the Mayan ruins and jungles. Another fun activity is snorkeling. You’ll get a chance to see sea turtles and colorful clown fish.
The Occidental Grand Cozumel is an all-inclusive resort that’s worth considering. It’s located in the southern part of the island. Located in a lush nature preserve, the resort has a spa, kids’ club, tennis courts, and four bars.
Another must-see attraction on Cozumel is the Punta Sur Eco Beach Park. This is an interactive beach park that features a museum based on the history of the island. Besides the museum, there are several catamaran rides through the habitats of the island.
St. John and St Croix
St John and St Croix, two islands in the Caribbean, are some of the most beautiful destinations you’ll ever visit. This island, which is located in the Virgin Islands, is a great place for a romantic getaway or an adventurous trip.
Both islands offer an array of activities. You can snorkel, dive, or go on a hiking adventure. The island also has plenty of history. There are several historic buildings and plantations to explore.
You can take a ferry from St. Croix to St. Thomas, which takes about two hours. If you want to stay on the island, you can find hotels, resorts, and villas, many of which are small and quaint.
Many of the newest hotels are updated versions of older historic properties. A lot of them are situated in the Cruz Bay area, and they’re close to restaurants and shops.
There are several hiking trails to explore on the island. There are also several beaches. One of the most popular is Turtle Beach, which has powder white sand. Other beaches include Cinnamon Bay and Salt Pond Bay.
Besides being home to the world-famous Trunk Bay, St. John is also a popular destination for sportfishing. Divers can encounter more than 500 species of fish.