People also flock here from northern destinations to get away from winter cold and snow. North Atlantic deep water enters the Caribbean beneath the Windward Passage and is characterized by its rich oxygen content and by a salinity of slightly less than 35 parts per thousand. . Moskito Island, just across from Necker Island, also offers natural beauty surrounded by clear, blue waters, with estates available for guest buyouts. An array of fish thrive in the clear waters, including triggerfish, emperor fish, parrotfish and more. One of the greatest draws of the Southern Caribbean region is that most of its islands fall outside of the hurricane belt in the Caribbean, so youll likely avoid a major storm during your vacation. I suggest planning on shopping, shore excursions and other land activities in the mornings until temperatures get warmer. To eat, dont miss the lobster or conch. The islands are calling. Other islands, such as Grenada and Dominica, are full of national parks, rainforests, and outdoor adventures. Daytime temperatures for most of them average in the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. With over 300 waterfalls, tropical forests, mountains, and hot springs, this is the place to go if youre looking for some quality ecotourism. Belize and Costa Rica in the western Caribbean also have high levels of rain, but heavy rainfall is normal for them. 01 / Top Sights & Places Unmissable sights for your itinerary Discover more Sights Bonaire National Marine Park in Bonaire Christoffel National Park in Curaao Natural Pool in Aruba Museum Kura Hulanda in Willemstad Eagle Beach in Aruba Asa Wright Nature Centre in Trinidad Pirate's Bay in Tobago 02 / Articles Latest stories from Southern Caribbean Mountainous Grenada, whose tallest peak, Mt. [12] The Colorados Archipelago is located off the north-western coast. Opens in a new window. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. White-sand beaches on its 75 miles of coastline, rain forests, and waterfalls are part of the appeal, as is its vibrant culture, ancient rum distilleries, and historic architecture. 10 Places Where You Can See the Bluest Water in the U.S. Ready to book your dream cruise to the Southern Caribbean Islands? 4 1/2 hours, challenging, $$$. The divers paradise is also rich with culture and history, making it a well-rounded destination that even the most seasoned travelers will enjoy. The 4,450-acre wildlife preserve is home to animals like white-tailed deer and blue iguanas. The rainy season runs from October to January, but total precipitation is low. Caribbean weather in November historically averages no hurricanes and only one tropical storm every other year. Visitors in October may hope for better weather than September, which historically has the worst. But its still the third worst month of the year for rain. The word kralendijk translates from Dutch as coral reef, referring to Bonaires famously colorful shores. Although hurricanes in June are rare, the average rainfall climbs for many Caribbean islands. Our second eastern Caribbean cruise in December had fantastic weather with temperatures in the low 90s Fahrenheit and almost no rain. The dry season goes from December to May. These are the Yucatn, Cayman, Colombian, Venezuelan, and Grenada basins. Coral reefs fringe most of the islands. 10/2007", "Mangroves variability in the Sabana-Camaguay Archipellago", "Draft organic law on statutory and institutional provisions relating to overseas territories, Archived copy", "Is This the Most Crowded Island in the World? Few small islands represent the entire Caribbean vibe and image as well as Barbados. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Following is a summary of average Caribbean weather by month. Whether you are a first timer or a frequent visitor, these gorgeous places in the Caribbean are sure to wow you with the resplendency of their aqua waters and sun-dappled mountain peaks. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Currently, the Caribbean region comprises 13 sovereign countries and many territories/dependencies that are a part of other nations. Near the end of the second phase, gentle warping and faulting occurred, forming the Aves and Beata ridges. You'll travel by van to the eastern edge of the island to a beach near a bioluminescent bay. Landscapes in the Southern Caribbean run the gamut from arid and desert-like to lush and tropical, and if you prefer the latter its hard to beat the beauty of St. Lucia, Grenada, and Dominica. A Carnival Caribbean cruise takes you to some of the coolest little hotspots stretching across. Terms of Service apply. The main town on the islands north coast is Calibishie, an ancient fishing village lying just a mile from its seashore location to the rain forest. The island combines comfort with nature and a variety of activities. Add these stunning Caribbean islands to your must-visit list. The southern (particularly the Windward) Islands arise from the ocean where the Atlantic and Caribbean tectonic plates meet, and are actually the tops of a volcanic mountain range (and here you were thinking that Hawaii was the only volcanic islands in the Americas). Andros Island is the largest island in the Bahamas. They also take advantage of Christmas break from schools. Paradise Island features modern resorts, nightlife, and casinos; Eleuthera is more secluded, with pink-sand beaches and historic architecture; and on the Exumas, swimming pigs the attraction, as is a marine reserve that protects the beautiful undersea life. Here we go! Its also a popular time because of spring break from schools. Snorkeling and diving in the clear waters around the reef or relaxing on the sandy beaches are just a few ways to enjoy the island. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. The islands of the country of Antigua and Barbuda include:[1][2][3], The Commonwealth of the Bahamas is located in the Lucayan Archipelago, the portion of the Caribbean region in the North Atlantic Ocean rather than in or bordering the Caribbean Sea. The beauty continues under the sea, where divers and snorkelers can see coral, colorful tropical fish, and sea turtles. Subsurface water enters the Caribbean Sea across two sills. Rainfall averages about three to four inches during the month, which is slightly above average. Three phases of sedimentation have been identified. A handful of destinations have lower risk of rain. Each island offers stunning beauty, and we're sharing some of our favorites here. There are 54 islands in Antigua and Barbuda. The Caribbean Sea is divided into five submarine basins, each roughly elliptical in shape, which are separated from one another by submerged ridges and rises. About 100 miles from Puerto Rico, this archipelago consists of three main islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, the largest. Instead of limiting yourself to visiting just one country on your vacation, or having to book multiple trips to and from airports and hotels, a cruise will take you from one dreamy Caribbean destination to another in complete luxury. The rare bioluminescent bays are thrilling places where the water glows, thanks to microscopic organisms that are stimulated by movement. If youre looking for a little more activity, take a catamaran out to shore and swim with leatherback turtles in the ocean, or go snorkeling in Barbados through a sunken shipwreck. Some of the smaller islands are referred to as a rock or reef. But rainfall is higher than average for nearly all islands in the region, especially the popular cruise ports at Barbados, Grand Cayman, St. Lucia, St. Maarten and St. Thomas. Yes, the Southern Caribbean is home to some pretty spectacular beaches, which is, after all, one of the top reasons people travel here. Islands are listed in alphabetical order by country of ownership and/or those with full independence and autonomy. August weather is usually grim for the Bahamas. The Bahamas have the highest rainfall among major islands with an average of more than eight inches. [7], There are about 180 islands in Belize. Off the south coast are two main archipelagos, Jardines de la Reina and the Canarreos Archipelago. The following islands of Venezuela are in the Caribbean Sea: Media related to Category:Islands of the Caribbean region at Wikimedia Commons, San Andrs, Providencia and Santa Catalina, Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Offshore Island, 18.023828121448407N 62.999567126125626W, Archipelago of San Andrs, Providencia and Santa Catalina, List of islands of the Dominican Republic, Category:Islands of the Dominican Republic, List of islands of the Collectivity of Saint Martin, Category:Islands of the Collectivity of Saint Martin, List of islands of Mexico Gulf of Mexico / Caribbean, List of islands of Panama Caribbean Sea, Category:Islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis, List of islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Category:Islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, List of islands of the British Virgin Islands, Category:Islands of the British Virgin Islands, Category:Islands of the United States Virgin Islands, List of Caribbean island countries by population, List of metropolitan areas in the West Indies, List of Caribbean islands by political affiliation, List of West Indian First-level Subdivisions, "Important Bird Areas factsheet: Offshore Islands", "NORTHEAST MARINE MANAGEMENT AREA (NEMMA), ANTIGUA SITE REPORT ECO REPORT No. The Antillean islands in the island countries (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaao, Saba, and Sint Maarten, as well as the solitary island Sint Eustatius) of the Kingdom of the Netherlands are listed below. indicates external site which may or may not meet accessibility guidelines, indicates page is not optimized for a mobile device, Southern Caribbean from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL, Away We Go. let de Terre-de-Bas (les de la Petite Terre, la Dsirade). While all Caribbean islands share a common theme when it comes to tackling itinerary planning, there are some unique elements to a Southern Caribbean cruise. There are about 19 islands in Anguilla, including:[45], There are about 51 islands in the British Virgin Islands (16 inhabited), including:[46][47], The following are the islands of the Cayman Islands:[48], There are only a few islands in Montserrat, including:[49], The British Overseas Territory of the Turks and Caicos Islands is located in the Lucayan Archipelago, the portion of the Caribbean region in the North Atlantic Ocean rather than in or bordering the Caribbean Sea. Opens in a new window. Known for great weather, the islands receive minimal rainfall and the average annual temperature is 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Its a hot month. See more about December weather. Multiple national parks help preserve local flora and fauna and keep part of the island wild. Attractions include salt flats, ancient rock art, historic buildings and exquisite beaches. The southern Caribbean offers a stunning array of cultural diversity. In neither hydrology nor climate, however, does the Caribbean resemble the Mediterranean. Read: Best Places to Go Sailing in the Caribbean, Watch: Southern Caribbean Cruises on Celebrity Cruises. Historically, the region averages four tropical storms with three becoming hurricanes and two of the three becoming major hurricanes. September weather in the Caribbean historically is the worst weather of the year. This trapped wind helps to create rain, which keeps these islands particularly lush and fertile. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines March weather also offers one of the driest months of the year for the Caribbean. The southern Caribbean islands form the lower portion of the lesser Antilles (the main Caribbean islands arc), along with Netherland Antilles (Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire), Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago. Updates? As one of the more underrated islands of the region, St. Vincent possesses all the charm of the Caribbean. Copyright 2008-2010, WeBe23, LLC and Benjamin Teal There, sparkling white yachts stand out against the aquamarine water. As the largest city in the French West Indies, Fort-de-France is also one of the best places to try French and Creole cuisine in the Caribbean, and a glass of local rum, too. The Caribbean in January offers a warm escape from cold northern winters. 2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Cayman Basin, to the south, is partially separated from the Yucatn Basin by Cayman Ridge, an incomplete fingerlike ridge that extends from the southern part of Cuba toward Guatemala, rising above the surface at one point to form the Cayman Islands. Virgin Islands National Park, one of the nation's least visited, covers of the island, preserving it for generations to come. Located off the eastern coast of the Yucatn Peninsula, Cozumel is on the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. One of the main attractions of Bonaire is the Bonaire National Marine Park, a treasure trove for scuba divers who are interested in exploring one of the worlds largest reef ecosystems. An additional historical island that no longer exists as an island is also included in this list. Some destinations during the summer reach into the 90s Fahrenheit or low 30s Celsius. Some of the larger islands of Belize in the Caribbean Sea include:[8], Several Departments of Colombia include islands in the Caribbean area. Trek to the islands highest peak at Brandaris Hill for amazing views of the sea and city, or take a guided tour to learn more about the vibrant flora and fauna that call the island home. The largest of the three islands, Curaao offers Caribbean culture with a bit of Dutch flavor, reflecting its heritage. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Enjoy year-round tropical weather. Known as the Blue Hole Capital of the World, Andros offers the Caribbean's signature turquoise waters and the recognizable beauty of more than 150 blue holes; some are even preserved in the 40,000-acre Blue Holes National Park. Some destinations during the summer reach into the 90s Fahrenheit or low 30s Celsius. And here's a topographic map of the Caribbean and its islands. 7 Reasons to Visit the Islands of the Southern Caribbean. About 100 miles from Puerto Rico, this archipelago consists of three main islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, the largest. Kralendijk, the capital of Bonaire, offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, cosmopolitan chic and ultimate relaxation. Caribbean Rankings Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean for 2023-2024 By Nicola Wood | Reviewed by Elizabeth Von Tersch | Last updated on May 31, 2023 A trip to the Caribbean islands may. * Taxes, fees, and port expenses additional. There are at least five islands in Aruba:[34], There are at least seven islands in Curaao, including:[35], There are ten total islands of Sint Maarten, including:[36]. And we are often asking,"Why aren't we in the Caribbean right now?" Such storms also have been a major cause of crop failure in the region. Gros Piton and Petit Piton are two mountainous volcanic plugs overlooking the lovely island. The better options for weather in December include Antigua, Aruba, Grand Cayman and the Virgin Islands because they have lower risk of rain. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Dutch and English are widely spoken here, and the official currency is the US dollar, which is a nice plus. Average daytime temperatures often go above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or 32 Celsius for Aruba, Cancun, Cayman Islands, Cozumel and Curaao. To the south it is bounded by the coasts of Venezuela, Colombia, and . Here are seven reasons why they shouldnt be, from their incredible scenery and nature-centric adventure to to their colorful culture and flavorful food scenes. Antigua Best for beaches Boasting a beach for each day of the year, low-lying Antigua in the Leeward Islands delivers a multitude of postcard-perfect beaches, with coral reefs just a flipper-kick from shore. Visiting the Caribbean is convenient, with air service to most islands, while some require boats or ferries to reach their final destinations part of the fun of travel. In geographical terms the Caribbean area includes the Caribbean Sea and all of the islands located to the southeast of the Gulf of Mexico, east of Central America and Mexico, and to the north of South America. Among all destinations, they have the lowest risk of rain. You may opt out of email messages/withdraw consent at any time. Most hurricanes form in the eastern Atlantic near the Cape Verde Islands and follow the path of the trade winds into the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, although the exact path of any hurricane is unpredictable. If you visit the capital of Kingstown, youll be able to experience the life of a pirate as you board a schooner or catamaran and sail along the coast of the island, spend some quiet time admiring the serene St. Vincent Botanical Gardens, or lay out on one of the islands unique black-sand beaches. But St. Lucia, more than any other Caribbean island, is the place to enjoy with just your sweetheart. Locations with higher risk of rain include the Bahamas, Cancun, Cozumel, Dominica, Grand Cayman and Jamaica. These Are 9 of the Most Beautiful Caribbean Islands, How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Las Vegas, some of the most beautiful countries around the world, that upgrade (we promise, it'll be worth the splurge! And yet apart from Aruba, Barbados, and St. Lucia, they are often overlooked by U.S. travelers. Almost all of the Caribbean islands are in the Caribbean Sea, with only a few in inland lakes. Rolling hills, lush with vegetation, tumble into the sea and provide excellent outlooks for sweeping vistas from this island paradise. Other sizable islands include Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, North Andros, and Trinidad. The ancient sediments overlying the seafloor of the Caribbean, as well as of the Gulf of Mexico, are about a half mile (about one kilometre) in thickness, with the upper strata representing sediments from the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras (from about 252 million years ago to the present) and the lower strata presumably representing sediments of the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras (from about 541 to 66 million years ago).
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