The Southern Caribbean
Beccy Miller
The Caribbean Islands are busy all year round and can be split in very distinct regions. This week, we are looking at some of the lush islands of the Southern Caribbean, which include the popular ABC islands, the Dutch Antilles.
Aruba
Like the other two ABC islands, Bonaire and Curacao, the Dutch influence can still be found in Aruba. It’s one of the drier Caribbean islands, with sun almost all year round, perfect for lounging on the white sandy beaches.
Eagle Beach is rated one of the best in the world and is also a nesting spot for leatherback turtles. A day can be easily lost here, relaxing and swimming in the turquoise waters, but for the more adventurous, head inward and take a hike through the Aritok National Park. The 7,907-acre park is home to spectacular caves, native rock drawings and quirky land formations from the impact of lava, quartz and limestone cutting through the island.
Bonaire
The beautiful island of Bonaire is the least populated of the ABC’s but packs a punch when it comes to things to do. It has one of the Caribbean’s best reef systems, which offer excellent diving and snorkelling. These can be found at the Bari Reef and at the National Marine Park, which boasts 86 different scuba diving spots. Expect to find manta rays, octopuses, barracuda and many more creatures.
The excellent Terramar Museum in Kralendijk features an exhibition that takes you on goes on a journey through 7,000 years of Caribbean and Bonairean history. Food in the Caribbean is delicious and Bonaire is no exception. There are lots of amazing restaurants, perfect to sample the catch of the day, so make time for a lazy lunch.
Curaçao
Curacao is the largest of the ABC’s. Ships sail into Williamstad and arrivals are greeted by colourful gabled houses along the waterfront that resemble a pastel version of the Amsterdam canals. The town is split into four quarters, each teeming with activities such as museums and forts rich in local history.
It’s also another great spot for watersports. Head over to Blue Bay, a palm-fringed paradise with some of the clearest water in the Caribbean, perfect for snorkelling among the colourful fish. For sun-worshippers seeking to settle on white sand, Mambo Beach is where to head the calm waters of this bay making it great for swimming. The boulevard has some shops and cafes too for when you’re in need of refreshment.
Barbados
The beautiful island of Barbados, with its stunning beaches and lush rainforests, is one of the most loved islands of the Caribbean. The historic capital of Bridgetown is the docking point for most cruises and a day could easily be lost here, without even venturing further outward. Tour the old British garrison, shop duty-free or sample some of the delicious local cuisines, like macaroni pie and the national dish, cou-cou made with flying fish.
Want to leave the bustling town behind? A trip to the Wildlife Reserve makes for a good journey out, with playful green monkeys, colourful birds and other native animals. Get there at 2pm – it’s monkey feeding time - which is always a favourite if travelling with children. Another great place to visit is Harrison’s Cave. Take a solar-powered tram ride 52 meters below ground to discover this intricate limestone cave system, with streams, waterfalls, emerald pools, stalactites and imposing tall columns, all formed over a thousand years ago.
St. Lucia
The twin peaks of The Pitons, soaring high above sea level, dominate the skyline on this gorgeous island. It passed between French and British rule for years and both countries have left their influence on the landscape.
Go inland to the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens & Mineral Baths for a zen experience. The springs are known for their restorative properties where a mineral mud mask and a soak in the natural thermal pools are a treat for the senses. To admire the flora and fauna, the Maria Island National Park is a must. Private tours can be arranged and the beaches around the park also offer great snorkelling opportunities.
St. Vincent
The magical St. Vincent and the Grenadines are less commercial than some of the other neighbouring islands; the capital of Kingstown in particular is committed to persevering the local history of the island. There are quaint little churches and museums along the cobbled streets in the town and Fort Charlotte, the 18th-century British-colonial garrison, makes for some amazing photo opportunities with the sparkling seas in the background.
As it is a volcanic island, most of the beaches on St. Vincent are black sand, but take a boat out to the Grenadines and you’ll find the white sand postcard variety the Caribbean is known for. We’d suggest leaving the beaches for other islands and taking a hike inland. There are some incredible trails; for the more experienced you can head up Mount Soufriere for magnificent views or take the gentler, Vermont Nature trail, which loops around the rainforest in The Parrot Reserve.
If you want to sail the gorgeous Southern Caribbean, have a look at these cruises.
