Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Waters so brilliant they almost glow; sand as fine as powder; and sun that seemingly never sets- the Caribbean is true paradise! The perfect escape, whether you want relaxation or adventurebut with close to thirty islands and thousands of accommodations, which one is right for you? Lets look at the top destinations and what makes each one special
Jamaica: This Reggae Island is really the one that started it all for Caribbean travel, and
is arguably one of the most commercialized of all Caribbean destinations. There are a number of tourist attractions on Jamaica, but we will only look at the primary beach settings.
Montego Bay is edged with sand by the mile and lush mountaintop jungles, yet it is the most metropolitan of the Jamaican beach destinations. A great choice for families, MoBay also features a beach theme park! AguaSol Theme Park and Walter Fletcher Beach feature white sand beaches, lifeguards, a snack bar, TVs and even a go cart track. In addition to the theme park, there are also numerous other beaches here, most of which get rather crowded-not unusual, since this city has the highest concentration of accommodations on the island. Montego Bay offers a variety of activities in addition to the beaches; there is tennis, golf, water sports, and numerous historical monuments.
Ocho Rios does have some beautiful beaches, however the claim to fame here is a 600-foot series of waterfalls that are climbable. Most of the beaches here belong to private resorts, so when selecting your accommodations check on beach access. You can also find public beaches to the west in Runaway Bay- this is also where you will find some of the best snorkeling in Jamaica! Though there are activities such as horseback riding and golf, the scenery is what is most spectacular about this region. This will be a quieter venue than Montego Bay, and not as hedonistic as Negril.
Negril is synonymous with beach-Seven Mile Beach to be exact. Thats right, seven miles of pure white, powdery sand along crystal clear turquoise waters. Protected by reefs, the waters here are free from rocks, seaweed, and undertow-making swimming very safe. For the more adventurous there is horseback riding, snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, water skiing, and camping available. If camping isnt your style, there are numerous hotels, villas, and cottages available.
Also be aware though that Negril is also synonymous with uninhibited! There are many clothing optional venues, including beaches, cruises and resorts. This place didnt earn its reputation as party central for nothing! In addition to the beaches and resorts, you will find a multitude of bars, bars, and more bars! Now, its not all decadence and debauchery, there are some family friendly resorts here. But be sure if you are planning on taking your entire family to Negril, check out your accommodations thoroughly ahead of time. You could avoid some potentially embarrassing situations!
The Bahamas: This Island Chain offers many opportunities for eco-adventure. Theres
kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling and diving along spectacular coral reefs.
Grand Bahamas is the most popular Bahamian destination for tourists.
This gorgeous island offers a little something for most everyone-beautiful
beaches, golfing, fishing, museums and historical landmarks, and an active
nightlife. Navigating the island is easy with a rental car or scooter, just
remember to keep to the left! Accommodations are available to appeal to
most any budget, from luxury to modest, from major resort chain to
small, family run inns.
Nassau and Paradise Island are also popular destinations here. This dynamic duo offers a combination of international flair and relaxed serenity. The beaches here are gorgeous with a combination of emerald green and crystal blue waters that average 80 degrees year round. There is canoeing, jet skiing, water skiing and snorkeling at some of the most stunning reefs you will ever find. In addition you will find casinos, nightclubs, and plenty of live music to keep you entertained well into the night!
The Bahamas also has numerous other islands, referred to as the Out Islands, which offer fabulous beaches, swimming with dolphins and excellent deep-sea fishing. If looking for a Beach Vacation that is off the beaten path, these are worth checking out!
US Virgin Islands: A cultural melting pot in a tropical setting with breathtaking beaches
and translucent waters-that is the US Virgin Islands!
St. Thomas has its beach claim to fame in the heart shaped Magens Bay. This is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, according to both National Geographic and Conde Nast Traveler. Be aware though that this beach can get pretty loud on the weekends, as the locals regularly have beach parties at this popular spot! This island also has a very sophisticated side with its elegant restaurants, world famous shopping, and exciting nightlife. For the sports minded, in addition to all of this, St. Thomas also offers golfing, yachting, and sportfishing.
St. John boasts world-class beaches paired with a national park that makes this destination a nature lovers dream. You will also find camping, hiking and awe-inspiring views. This island offers many alternative accommodations for the eco-tourist, including tent-like lodging. I say tent-like because even though they resemble tents, they offer private toilets, solar energy, kitchen facilities, twin beds, futons, and some even have wheelchair access-and the $75 to $125 price tags arent exactly campground rates! In addition to all of the traditional water sports available throughout the Caribbean, these eco-friendly resorts also offer yoga, massage, and glassblowing demonstrations.
St. Croix is very laid back with a Danish influence. You can ride horses, play golf, or visit historic sugar mills. One of the most popular attractions here is an Underwater National Park with an underwater snorkeling trail; this is one of only two underwater monuments in the United States. This island also offers world-class scuba diving, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, and world famous golfing.
You will find yourself wondering though if this is actually sand beneath your feet, or really sugar from the mills!
Aruba: This island offers white sand beaches, high-rise hotels, pristine villages, glitzy
casinos, and shopping without end. Though the air surrounding you is most decidedly tropical, the environment is anything but- mostly desert like with far more divi trees than palms. There are several terrific beaches here and transportation around the island is fairly easy, either by rental car or taxi. If you wish to venture from your hotel to check out other beaches, I recommend Baby Beach-powder fine sand, calm shallow waters excellent for children, and great coral heads for snorkeling! There is also a natural bridge, a bird sanctuary, caves, and an abandoned gold mine that are worth checking out.
As far as accommodations you can find everything from high-rise luxury to modest and quaint, you can also consider renting a house here. And even though there is a very active nightlife here, Aruba is an excellent family destination!
The Cayman Islands: Made up of three islands, Grand Cayman boasts its own Seven
Mile Beach while Little Cayman offers secluded beaches and much more privacy (though you will have to share the beach with one of the islands 2000 resident iguanas!). Though the beaches are spectacular here, the real tourist draw is UNDER the water! The Caymans offer some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world due to coral reefs that surround these three islands. The water adventure possibilities are endless-you can feed stingrays, go sailing, experience sea turtles ranging from 6 ounces to 600 pounds, windsurfing and parasailing. Though these exotic opportunities come at a cost, The Caymans are one of the most expensive travel destinations in the Caribbean.
The Caribbean is home to many exotic locales, powdery beaches, eternal sunshine, and sparkling aquamarine waters. Whether its a beach with a theme park, an eco-adventure, or nightlife with your sunshine, the opportunities are seemingly endless here. Each island offers a little something different and it is up to you to decide which one is right for you. Just dont forget your sunscreenand dont forget to come home!
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