Caribbean holidays
The Caribbean islands offer stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant island cultures, making them a perfect destination for relaxation and adventure. With their lush tropical landscapes, coral reefs, and diverse wildlife, the Caribbean is ideal for snorkeling, diving, and exploring nature’s beauty. From the rhythmic sounds of reggae music to the flavours of Caribbean cuisine, the islands provide an unforgettable holiday experience that combines relaxation, culture, and excitement.
Islands
Hotels
The Caribbean is home to some of the world’s most enchanting hotels, ranging from luxurious all-inclusive resorts to intimate boutique hideaways. Set along pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, these properties offer a blend of relaxation and adventure—whether it’s unwinding in a private beachfront villa, enjoying gourmet dining under the stars, or diving into vibrant coral reefs just steps from your room. With warm hospitality, diverse cultures, and year-round sunshine, Caribbean hotels provide the perfect escape for couples, families, and travellers seeking both indulgence and authentic island experiences.
Discover the magic of the Caribbean—where turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and vibrant cultures come together in paradise. The Caribbean is comprised of over 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and cays, divided into several main regions and territories. It spans the Caribbean Sea, southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and North America, east of Central America, and north of South America. The Caribbean is home to a mix of independent nations and overseas territories (British, French, Dutch, and U.S.), leading to a diverse blend of languages (English, Spanish, French, Dutch, Creole) and cultures.
Whether you’re seeking luxury resorts, world-class diving, or laid-back island charm, the Caribbean offers unforgettable escapes for every traveller. Every island offers a truly unique experience that is sure to leave you wanting more. Stunning scenery and high quality hospitality is found all across the Caribbean, but we are here to help match you to your perfect Caribbean escape!
The Caribbean includes:
- The Greater Antilles– Comprised of Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica and Puerto Rice.
- Lesser Antilles – Smaller islands grouped into two chains. Leeward islands: Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, St Maarten. Windward islands: Dominica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada.
- The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos – Over 700 islands and Cays, only 30 inhabited.
- Caribbean coast territories – Mainland countries with Caribbean coastlines including: Belize, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, Costa Rice, Nicaragua, Honduras.
Main International Airports:
Barbados
Grantley Adams International (BGI)
Frequent direct flights from London Heathrow & Gatwick (BA, Virgin Atlantic)
Antigua
V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU)
Direct from London Gatwick (BA, Virgin Atlantic)
St. Lucia
Hewanorra International (UVF)
Direct from London Gatwick (BA, Virgin Atlantic)
Grenada
Maurice Bishop International (GND)
Often via St. Lucia or Barbados (BA, Virgin)
St. Kitts
Robert L. Bradshaw International (SKB)
Seasonal/direct from London Gatwick (BA)
St. Vincent
Argyle International Airport (SVD)
Direct from London Heathrow (Virgin Atlantic – limited schedule)
The Bahamas
Nassau – Lynden Pindling International (NAS)
Direct from London Heathrow (BA)
Aruba
Queen Beatrix International (AUA)
Direct from London Gatwick (TUI)
Curaçao
Curaçao International Airport (CUR)
Seasonal via TUI from Gatwick
Capital:
Each island has its own capital however, Bridgetown in Barbados is often considered the cultural or transportation hub of the Caribbean.
Time zones:
| Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, Antigua | AST (UTC -4) | -4 hrs (UK winter) / -5 hrs (UK summer) |
| Jamaica, Cayman Islands | EST (UTC -5) | -5 hrs (UK winter) / -6 hrs (UK summer) |
| Cuba, Bahamas (with DST) | EST / EDT | -5 hrs (UK winter) / -4 hrs (UK summer) |
| Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands | AST (UTC -4) | -4 hrs (UK winter) / -5 hrs (UK summer) |
Flying Time:
Depending on destination, between 8 and 10 hours.
Language:
English is widely spoken however, due to the various colonial influences, there is a mix of French, Dutch and Spanish among specific islands. As well as the local Creol language.
Currency:
US $ is widely accepted among most islands and resorts, even in non US territories.
Electricity:
Bring a universal travel adapter that supports:
- Type A/B for most Caribbean islands
- Type C/E/F for French Caribbean
- Dual-voltage or voltage converter if your electronics aren’t compatible with 110–120V.
Best Time to Go:
| Season | Months | Weather | Travel Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Season | Dec–Apr | Sunny, dry, low humidity | Most popular (book early, higher prices) |
| Shoulder Season | May–June, Nov | Warm, fewer crowds, occasional rain | Great value and decent weather |
| Hurricane Season | July–Oct | Hot, humid, risk of storms | Cheapest time, but travel insurance recommended |
Quick Climate Facts:
Temps: 25–30°C (77–86°F) year-round
Sea temps: Warm all year—great for swimming and diving
Rain: Varies by island, usually short tropical bursts
Best for Beaches & Watersports: January–April
Best for Fewer Crowds & Deals: May, June, early December
Avoid: Late August–October (peak of hurricane season)
Hurricane Season
Whilst no Caribbean island is 100% risk free due to the hurricane belt that passes through central and northern Caribbean. There are Islands that are below this that are lower risk:
| Higher Risk | Lower Risk / Rarely Affected |
|---|---|
| Bahamas, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica | Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao (“ABC Islands”) |
| Puerto Rico, U.S. & British Virgin Islands | Trinidad & Tobago (southernmost islands) |
| Turks & Caicos, Haiti, Cayman Islands | Barbados, Grenada (low incidence) |
Hurricane Season in the Caribbean runs from June 1 to November 30, with the highest risk between August and October. While not every island is affected each year, it’s important to understand the potential impact when planning travel.
Fun Fact:
The Caribbean Sea is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world — the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which stretches over 1,000 km (620 miles) along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras.
It’s a diver’s paradise with vibrant marine life, coral gardens, and even underwater Mayan ruins!
| Festival | Where | When | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival | Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Dominica, others | Feb–Mar (Pre-Lent) | Costumes, soca, calypso, wild street parades |
| Spicemas | Grenada | July–August | Traditional “Jab Jab” (oil-covered devils), Monday Night Mas, steel pan, Grand Parade |
| Crop Over | Barbados | July–August | Colourful costumes, music, Grand Kadooment Day, cultural pride |
| Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival | St. Lucia | May | Global jazz acts, arts showcases, beachside concerts |
| Junkanoo | Bahamas | Dec 26 & Jan 1 | Parades, goatskin drums, cowbells, vibrant costumes |
| Cuba Carnival (Santiago de Cuba) | Cuba | Late July | Afro-Cuban music, traditional dancing, parades |
| Carifesta (Caribbean Festival of Arts) | Rotating Host Countries | Every few years | Regional art, literature, dance, and performance |
