The Caribbean

U.S. Virgin Islands

A territory of the United States of America since 1917, the United States Virgin Islands is an archipelago comprised of three principal islands—St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas—plus 50 smaller islands, cays, and islets. The flags of seven different nations have flown over these islands, leaving their distinct imprint on the people and culture.

From world class diving, deep sea fishing, sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding to windsurfing and jet skiing, there is an abundance of exhilarating ways to get on and in the water. On land, horseback riding, hiking, biking, and eco-tours afford awe-inspiring vistas, and you can step back in time in one of the historic towns or 17th- and 18th-century forts.

Jamaica

For generations, Jamaica has enchanted visitors with its long beaches,turquoise waters, rugged mountains, a multitude of rivers, and copious sunshine. The island is a melting pot of African, Asian, European and Middle Eastern cultures—a kaleidoscope of color, music, flavors, and warm welcomes.

You could spend your days basking on the beach with tropical drink in hand, but there are endless adventures to lure you inland and offshore. Ride horseback into the cooler mountain air, snorkel, swim with dolphins. Skim along a lazy river on a raft or in a tube. Try bobsledding or zip lining. Tour a spooky “haunted” mansion after dark, visit a rum distillery for a tour and tasting, and then return to your all-inclusive resort to enjoy the amenities.

Nassau

The fine harbor of Nassau lies on the 21-mile long island of New Providence. In 1718, Great Britain declared The Islands of The Bahamas a crown colony and appointed former privateer Woodes Rogers the first Royal Governor. Rogers flushed out the pirates, restored law and order, and built Fort Nassau.

Today Nassau beckons with the lure of a tropical utopia, rich in charm, pirate lore, and colonial history. Swim with dolphins, snorkel, shop for duty-free items, play golf, experience the open-air markets, and enjoy the pleasures of the beach.

Grand Cayman

Edged with white sand beaches and aquamarine water, Grand Cayman offers some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling sites in the Caribbean, as well as the abundant natural beauty of its interior, and picture perfect sunsets. Feed the wildlife at Stingray City, send a postcard home from the town of Hell, or swim with turtles at Boatswain's Beach. Savor Cayman cuisine, from conch fritters and "Heavy Cake," to Tortuga Rum and Stingray Beer. Explore the underwater world without getting wet aboard a submarine or explore Pedro St. James, Cayman's oldest surviving stone structure.

ABC Islands (Lesser Antilles)

The ABC islands, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao are part of the Lesser Antilles, situated just off the coast of Venezuela and outside the Caribbean hurricane belt. Aruba is a windswept island of white sand beaches and blue-green waters. The island is known for its one-of-a-kind cuisine, a blend of Dutch, Caribbean, and Spanish influences. Bonaire is a quiet island, undeveloped and a diver’s paradise due to the beauty of its protected reef and shore diving options. Curacao’s capital, Willemstad, is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Caribbean and a treat for the eyes, with its sherbet-colored Dutch colonial architecture.

Barbados

On Barbados’ West Coast, beaches of fine white sand stretch along the blue-green water and coral reefs fringe the shore. Along the East Coast, steady trade winds give Barbados its mild tropical climate. Visit the island’s capital, Bridgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Go horseback riding through the island’s rolling hills, explore Harrison’s Cave, and take the rum tour at Mount Gay. Try wreck diving in Carlisle Bay, cruise along the coast on a catamaran or snorkel and walk the plank of the Jolly Roger pirate ship. Dominoes is the national table game, played with such spirit that the slap of the dominoes on the table may give you a start. But, of course, it is all in fun!

St. Kitts

St. Kitts is one of the most seductive spots in the Caribbean. More than a quarter of the island is a National Park, with a rainforest that is actually expanding in size rather than shrinking. Hidden among lush vegetation, discover cascading waterfalls, chattering monkeys, scurrying families of mongoose, swinging vines, and hidden trails. Hike through the Valley of Giants, zip line through the forest canopy, and climb up to sit on Sofa Rock, once the very cap of a volcano. Then be guided 100 feet down to its steaming crater floor. Admire restored plantation homes and vast sugarcane fields that kiss the shoreline. In St. Kitts, the water is deepest closer to shore, so you won't have far to go to snorkel along the perfect reef.

Antigua

Divide your days between beach naps and adventure. Catamaran tours take you to the best snorkeling locations or into the sunset. Scuba, deep sea fishing, sailing, and speed boating are tempting options. On land, enjoy golf, tennis, mountain biking, hiking, and zip lining, as well as jeep safaris and off-road buggy trips through the inland tropical forest. Discover the rich history of Antigua with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes Betty’s Hope, Nelson’s Dockyard, and Shirley Heights. Golf, tennis, mountain biking, hiking zip lines, as well as jeep safari and off-road buggy trips through the inland tropical forest.