Where are the Caribbean Islands. Which Caribbean island to choose for vacation? Islands of the Caribbean - names

Before you know where the Caribbean Islands are on the world map, you need to get a little general information about them. They include the Antilles, which rise significantly above sea level, as well as Bahamas from coral reefs. Most of them are of volcanic origin. Some islands are surrounded by large coral reefs, whose peaks protrude from the water and are overgrown with palm trees. The Greater Antilles include four large areas of land that stretch from the mainland, among them Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba. The Lesser Antilles include a scattering of small lands, which include the Bahamas, Caicos, Turks, Bourbuda, Antigua, the Virginia Archipelago, Guadeloupe, Barbados, and so on.

Hard to say, which country is the caribbean, since they include all land areas washed by the Caribbean Sea. At the same time, parts of the archipelago territorially belong to different states. Previously, they were known to the world as the legendary Antilia, then as the West Indies, and only then as the Caribbean, comfortably located inside a kind of geographical depression between the South and North America. Some of the islands are not inhabited, but most of them still have a developed resort network. Today, about fifty islands are places where visitors come from all over the world.

The popularity of the local latitudes is explained by the harmonious combination of a mild climate rich in historical heritage as well as picturesque natural landscapes.

An important advantage of the Caribbean is the opportunity to relax all year round, because it is not cold here, eternal summer and sunny weather reign. The big question is the need for visas. It is tourists who are constrained by visa restrictions who are most interested in Where is the Caribbean which countries they belong to. The Caribbean includes more than fifty islands, some of which are separate states, while others are considered the territorial property of France, America and England. However, most Caribbean sites do not require their guests to have a visa. All cruises are operated from Mexico, the Dominican Republic and the United States, so the city of departure still needs to be reached by plane, so lovers of cruise travel will still not be able to do without a visa. The most common cruise destinations are Eastern, Southern and Western Caribbean. It is also worth noting that the cost of the tour depends on the number of islands included in the route.

Which Caribbean Islands to visit

Among the huge list of sites in the Caribbean, there are several areas that are most popular. After the tourist has understood where the Caribbean islands are, he needs to make a specific choice where he will go to rest. To do this, you should familiarize yourself with the basic information known about the most resorts. Some of them are distinguished by a developed tourist network, others make travelers fall in love with their remoteness from the usual civilization. Domestic tourists, as a rule, choose among such offers:


The list can go on for a very long time. It is noteworthy that before you go traveling, you must also look at the weather of the Caribbean Islands by months, which will allow you to make the right choice.

Weather in the Caribbean

Weather conditions for different land areas belonging to the same archipelago may vary slightly. In general, however, the climate ranges from humid to temperate tropical. It is worth noting that the humidity index for any island will remain consistently high, which contributes to the excellent growth of various types of vegetation. Cleaner and drier air is always in mountainous areas. The air temperature here does not fall below +25 degrees. The water near the coast remains warm all year round, its temperature does not drop below +22 degrees. Care should be taken when planning a vacation in these latitudes from September to November. Since this period is characterized by increased rainfall with possible hurricanes.

The local summer is characterized by moderate heat, which is facilitated by the trade winds blowing from the sea. The peak of tourism falls on the period from December to April, so domestic travelers often meet here New Year. From August to November, the so-called "Dead season" begins in the Caribbean. It should be noted that predict Caribbean getaway it is quite difficult, because on one piece of land there can be a torrential downpour, and on the other, the sun can burn brightly. Thus, it is important not only to view photos of the beaches of the Caribbean Islands on the Internet, but also to read the reviews of tourists who have already had time to relax here.

And located in the tropical zone of the Western Hemisphere. In the northwest, the reservoir borders the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico) and connects to the Gulf of Mexico through the Yucatan Strait between Yucatan and Cuba. To the north and east are the Greater and Lesser Antilles. In the south, the sea washes the northern coast of South America. To the west and southwest is the coast of Central America. Here Caribbean waters join the Pacific Ocean through the Panama Canal.

Geography

The reservoir in question is one of the largest in the world. Its area is 2.754 thousand square meters. km. The volume of water is 6.860 thousand cubic meters. km. The maximum depth is 7686 meters. It is fixed in the so-called Cayman trough. It is located between Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. This is an underwater trench between the North American and Caribbean plates. Average depth the reservoir is 2500 meters.

Countries

A huge sea washes many countries. In South America, these are Venezuela and Colombia. In Central America: Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize. The last in this series is the Yucatan Peninsula. Its northern part is occupied by 3 Mexican states, and to the south there are lands belonging to Belize and Guatemala.

In the northern part of the Greater Antilles, there are states such as Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. The territory of the Lesser Antilles is occupied by such countries as Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago.

Caribbean Sea on the map

Islands

For those who are not in the know, you need to know that the Bahamas never belonged to the Caribbean. They are located north of Cuba and south of Florida. These are the waters of the Atlantic, and historically this area is called the West Indies. Here it covers both the Caribbean and the Bahamas. This term appeared after the discovery of America by Columbus.

In the reservoir under consideration are the Antilles, subdivided into Large and Small. The first includes 4 big islands: Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. This also includes small islands located near Cuba and forming the Los Canarreos and Jardines de la Reina archipelagos.

The Lesser Antilles are much more numerous. They are influenced by the northwest trade wind and are subdivided into windward and leeward or southerly. In the first group, there are about 50 islands. The southern group stretches along the coast of South America and includes both individual islands and archipelagos.

closer to west coast There are several archipelagos in the reservoir. These are the Cayman Islands (Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, Cayman Brac), Islas de la Bahia, belonging to Honduras, as well as the Miskitos and Turneff Islands. There are separate islands of San Andres and Providencia.

Rivers

Many rivers flow into the huge reservoir. The largest river in South America is the Magdalena. It flows through Colombia and has a length of 1550 km. Its annual flow is the largest and is approximately 230 cubic meters. km. The second Colombian river is called Atrato. Its length is 644 km. Some of the rivers flow into Lake Maracaibo (the largest in South America). It is connected to the Venezuelan Gulf of the Caribbean Sea by a shallow strait, the depth of which does not exceed 4 meters.

The reservoir is also fed by about 30 rivers of Central America. There are rivers and islands. For example, the Cauto River in Cuba. Its length is 343 km. Or the Artibonite River in Haiti with a length of 240 km. There are rivers in Jamaica. These are Milk River and Black River.

Climate

The climate is tropical. It is formed by the subtropical Caribbean Current, which is a continuation of the South Trade Wind Current. warm waters flow from the southeast to the northwest and through the Yucatan Strait go to the Gulf of Mexico, where the Gulf Stream is born. Therefore, the annual temperature is kept in the range from 21 to 29 degrees Celsius.

Trade winds dominate the reservoir. Their speed ranges from 16 to 30 km/h. Tropical hurricanes occur in the northern part of the reservoir. Their speed can reach up to 120 km/h. Such strong winds sometimes bring real tragedy: people die, houses collapse, crops die. For example, Hurricane Mitch, which formed in the western part of the sea in October 1998, brought a lot of grief. 11 thousand people died and the same number went missing. 2.7 million people were left without housing. They were mostly citizens of Nicaragua and Honduras.

Economy

The Caribbean Sea is inextricably linked with oil production. Approximately 170 million tons of oil per year are produced in its water area. In addition, the fishing industry is well developed. Sea waters give up to 500 thousand tons of fish per year. However, human activity pollutes environment. First of all, this negatively affects coral reefs, which are steadily bleaching, and their ecosystem is being destroyed.

In the near future, this may not affect the tourism industry in the best way. Up to 40 million tourists visit this area every year. Their net profit is about 30 billion dollars. Many tourists are attracted by diving and the beauty of coral reefs. Approximately 3 million local residents living on the islands are somehow connected with the tourism business. So the issues related to ecology are quite acute.

For those planning a tropical vacation, the Caribbean is an inexhaustible source of beauty, seclusion and adventure. All islands are beautiful, but still some are better than others. Guess which island ranks first in the top 25?

The best islands are those where low prices, beautiful beaches and there is something to do. Most often, an island refers to a separate country, republic or territory in the Caribbean.

5900 rub. per night.

Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, is the perfect place to unplug and relax. Wi-Fi is not very stable here, but the island boasts 23 historical scenic spots for you to explore, such as the Museum of the National Pantheon (Musee du Panthenon National Haitien) and the Iron Market (Marche de Fer).

Haiti's beach density index is low, only 0.06, i.e. beach line relatively small compared to other Caribbean islands.


10 150 rub. per night.

Guadeloupe is a paradise for lovers fresh air, although here the density of beaches is low - 0.19. 58 natural attractions starting serene botanical gardens Deshaies and ending with the protected pristine coral reefs of Pointe de Chateau.


10 100 rub. per night.

This island is called the "Island of Nature" for a reason. On it you will find peaks of volcanic origin, waterfalls beat here, dense evergreen forests grow, and tourist routes are 480 kilometers long - although the density of the beaches is low, 0.2. Many of Dominica's 69 attractions are located in the capital, Roseau.


24 100 rub. per night.

The Turks and Caicos Islands, with their 70 attractions, is one of the best places for diving and snorkeling. And if you like to wallow on the beach, keep in mind: their density on the islands of this chain is moderate - 0.41.


10 800 rub. per night.

"The highlight of the Caribbean", Grenada attracts adventurers and hobbyists alike beach holiday. This island has 68 attractions to choose from, a moderate beach density of 0.35, and a culture that combines influences from South American and European settlements.


RUB 18,130 per night.

This secluded, windswept island tucks away in the northern Caribbean, with Anguilla having the third-most density of beaches on this list (0.67). In first place out of 24 attractions is Shoal Bay with white sand and turquoise water.


RUB 18,130 per night.

Although the density index of Antigua and Barbuda's beaches is moderate, 0.35, due to the sinuosity coastline once it was not so easy for the discoverers to move along it. Today, tourists can enjoy secluded, soft as dust, long beaches. Among the 70 attractions of these islands are Stingray City, the coasts of Valley Church and Gally Bay.


16 900 rub. per night.

Despite St. Lucia's low beach density of 0.26, gorgeous palm-fringed beaches and miles of virgin evergreen forests make this island the perfect escape to the tropics. The island boasts 96 attractions including majestic mountains Python array, with hiking trails which offers panoramic views.


15 300 rub. per night.

With a high beach density of 0.53 and 77 attractions, the British Virgin Islands has something for everyone. Travelers can swim or walk along the beach on Virgin Gorda Island, the winner of various competitions, explore ancient ruins or try local cuisine. BVI includes four major islands: Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost van Dyck.


10 800 rub. per night.

Trinidad and Tobago is very close to Venezuela and is home to the oldest protected evergreen forest in the hemisphere. The reserve was established in 1763 to protect trees from being cut down by Europeans. The beach density is low, 0.07, but in return, the republic, spread over these two islands, offers 107 attractions and entertainment, including wildlife preserves and horseback riding along the beaches.


16 800 rub. per night.

Time stands still on the white-sand beaches of Aruba, which are the winners of various competitions. Beach density is moderate, 0.38. There are 78 attractions on this Dutch island, and Eagle Beach, Arashi Beach and Baby Beach crown it.

Thanks to the year-round winds, the island is popular with kiteboarders.


9750 rub. per night.

Located in the heart of the Caribbean archipelago, Martinique shows the cultural influence of France and the West Indies. Beach density is moderate, 0.31. There are 83 attractions here, including black sand beaches in the north.


6800 rub. per night.

Cuba is one of the most interesting places to visit in the Caribbean. Playa Paraiso beach is considered one of the best. There are 259 attractions and a moderate beach density, 0.34. The "Pearl of the Antilles" is distinguished by amazing views, rich story and culture and an unparalleled nightlife.


5600 rub. per night.

On the island of Montserrat, you can go rock climbing on volcanoes, explore ruins, and sunbathe and nap on pristine beaches while exhausting yourself from seeing all of its 16 sights. The island has a moderate beach density score of 0.39 and the most affordable hotel rates on this list.


11 900 rub. per night.

Nothing compares to the island breeze and a glass of rum punch on the beaches of Barbados. Beach density is moderate, 0.23. The 103 attractions include the calm enclosed waters of Carlisle Bay, many tropical gardens, cargo Ship 360 feet long, which can be viewed while diving.


14 400 rub. per night.

This Caribbean archipelago, consisting of the islands of Santa Cruz, St. John and St. Thomas, has 185 attractions. Although the density of beaches on it is low, 0.1, Virgin Islands The US boasts two Travelers' Choice winning beaches: Trunk Bay and Magens Bay.


11 900 rub. per night.

Do you want to get more adrenaline under open sky or just chill under the palm trees, Jamaica is for everyone. Beach density is low, 0.09, but there are 164 attractions, including the Blue Mountains and the Bob Marley Museum.


12 200 rub. per night.

The island pair of Saint Kitts and Nevis has a high beach density of 0.52 with 71 attractions to choose from. The hidden gem of the Caribbean, the 15.5-hectare Brimstone Hill Fortress and the Clay Villa Plantation House & Gardens are breathtakingly beautiful and historically interesting.


16 200 rub. per night.

The Cayman Islands is perhaps best known for its offshore bank accounts, but there's a lot more to be found here. These include Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. The Caymans boast world-class diving, gourmet restaurants and the world-famous Seven Mile Beach. There are 151 attractions and a high beach density of 0.61.


10 600 rub. per night. Although it has the lowest beach density on this list (0.03), the Dominican Republic leaves other islands far behind thanks to its easy accessibility, affordable room rates and 219 attractions. Bavaro Beach, Macao Beach, Paradise Island and mangrove forests all made it to the top 25 Caribbean beaches on TripAdvisor.


5th place. Curacao

10 400 rub. per night.

Curacao is the chosen destination for serious divers. Less discerning beach lovers can enjoy its sugar-fine sands - the island has the third-highest density of beaches on this list (0.82). The 61 attractions include the secluded cove of Kenepa Beach and underwater park Curacao.


16 500 rub. per night.

In the Bahamas, with a moderate beach density of 0.26, there is more entertainment than anywhere else in the Caribbean. The pristine beaches of this chain of islands, golf, free trade, casino, natural parks and a total of 368 attractions - here everyone will find something to their liking. Be sure to visit the capital, Nassau, on the island of New Providence.


10 300 rub. per night.

Puerto Rico is located in the blessed northeast of the Caribbean. Without a doubt, it is the easiest to get there, which should please you, because you will want to come here again and again. You can choose from 348 attractions, including San Juan's Spanish Colonial District and zip-line parks in evergreen forests. Although the beach density is low, 0.04, Flamenco Beach, located in Puerto Rico, is considered one of the best in the world.


Caribbean from A to Z: the most popular islands, beaches and hotels in Jamaica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Barbados or the Bahamas. Colorful photos and videos. Tour operators in the Caribbean.

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The legendary Antilia, and later the colonial West Indies, the Caribbean nestled comfortably in the geographical "hollow" between the North and South America. Large and small, windward and leeward, heavily populated by tourists and uninhabited, the Caribbean is a paradise for downshifters and drug lords, and at the same time one of the most popular destinations beach exotic. Fifty odd islands in the Caribbean are a real and well-balanced paradise, the perfect combination of natural and man-made: the rich heritage of the colonial past in the form of a mass of museum houses and pompous mansions perfectly complements the exotic nature, where the green of tropical forests alternates with volcanic landscapes, and expanses of coffee plantations are replaced by thickets of sugar cane and bananas.

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Putting sentiment aside and turning to dry facts, we learn that the Caribbean includes the Greater and Lesser Antilles. The first include 4 large islands "stretching" to the mainland: Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and Puerto Rico; to the second - a round dance of all sorts of trifles, in turn dividing into leeward and windward islands: noisy Bahamas and authentic Turks and Caicos, the Virgin Islands divided between the USA and Great Britain, outlandish Antigua and Barbuda, discovered by Columbus Guadeloupe and birthplace of Josephine Beauharnais Martinique, Grenada, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, finally - glorified by the saga of Jack Sparrow Dominica. By the way, the island of Curacao (the one that gave the name to the popular liquor) is also located here.

Diving in Curacao

The reasons for the popularity of the Caribbean in the tourist market are obvious: the warm sea all year round, the amazing beauty of nature, a large selection of hotels and a whole bunch of entertainment - water and "dry" sports, nightclubs, discos, restaurants, interesting excursions. Let's take Cuba or the Dominican Republic as an example. Here you can not only enjoy the sea and the sun, but also wander around old Havana, walk through coffee and tobacco plantations, listen to the singing of street singers, “burn out” at the disco and, in general, breathe the air of freedom in every possible way.

Distinctive feature Caribbean- a wide variety of recreation options, because each state has its own "specialization" here.

In Barbados, for example, many English traditions are firmly rooted in life. There is a large selection of hotels, and not all of them accept small children: rest here is mostly calm and relaxed.

15 days in the Dominican Republic

Grenada is known as the “Spice Island”, there are many botanical gardens, museums, attractions, and magnificent beaches invite you to lie down on a soft White sand. The Turks and Caicos attract the attention of a respectable public with their magnificent five-star hotels, as well as good conditions for diving and high-level SPA-centers.

Saint Lucia bears the proud title of "Garden Island" and is one of the most beautiful islands Caribbean Sea. In contrast, Aruba is a desert island, with magnificent hotels and a stormy nightlife. There are many hotels in Saint Martin different levels, and the Bahamas offer a huge range of accommodation options, from secluded hotels to bustling urban complexes.

Finally, in Curacao, it is absolutely necessary to go to one of the bars and order a glass of a wonderful blue drink!

The fact that somewhere on Earth there are Caribbean islands today is known not only by every schoolchild, but also by preschool children. But not every adult will answer the question where exactly these Caribbean islands are located. Today we will try to restore this gap and go to virtual journey on the islands of the Caribbean.

How to get to the Caribbean?

The Caribbean Sea, as well as the Caribbean Islands, are comfortably located between the two Americas - South and North. Getting here is quite simple - you just need to buy a ticket and a ticket to paradise already in your hands. Flights here are regularly operated by such airlines as Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Some of the islands of the Caribbean can be reached only with transfers, having first purchased an air ticket to Canada or the USA.

Caribbean - what country is it?

Tourists bound by visa restrictions, of course, cannot but be interested in which state the Caribbean Islands belong to. In total, the Caribbean includes more than fifty islands, some of which are separate independent states, while others are the property of England, America, and France. But tourists can be calm - to enter the territory of most of the islands of the Caribbean, a visa is simply not needed.

Where is the capital of the Caribbean located?

Considering the diversity political map Caribbean Islands, of course, it is not necessary to talk about their single capital.

Islands of the Caribbean - names

All the islands that make up the Caribbean are usually divided into three groups:

  1. Greater Antilles. These include Haiti, Puerto Rico, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.
  2. Lesser Antilles, including about 50 islands, such as Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Antigua, Martinique, St. Thomas, Tobago, Trinidad, etc.
  3. Bahamas, which includes about 30 inhabited islands and over 2,000 coral reefs.