Exotic Caribbean In-Depth - 4227A

The city of Bridgetown is the capital and largest city of the island country of Barbados, a major tourist destination in the West Indies. The city has numerous attractions, landmarks, monuments, museums, and art galleries of an international standard. It is also a starting point for visiting many other popular cities on the island. This historic city and its nearby Garrison are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so be sure to take a virtual tour to explore the area. Read more about Bridgetown, Barbados

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a country of 32 beautiful Caribbean islands in the idyllic Caribbean, stretching south from Saint Vincent Island to Grenada. Proud of its French and British colonial history, it is now part of the Commonwealth of Nations and the Caribbean Community of 15 nations. Bequia (pronounced "Beck-way”) is blessed with white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and friendly people. Port Elizabeth is a bustling yachting town. Read more about Bequia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Castries is the capital of the volcanic island country of Saint Lucia, part of the Lesser Antilles in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Its popularity stems from the tropical weather (the dry season runs from December through May), scenery, and numerous beaches. Saint Lucia's population is predominantly of African and mixed African-European descent, and while the official language is English, French-Creole is spoken by 95% of the population. North of downtown and across the harbour is Vigie Peninsula, host to the island's largest duty-free complex, where many tourists spend the entire day. Read more about Castries, Saint Lucia

Charlestown is the capital of the volcanic island of Nevis, in the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Leeward Islands, West Indies. St. Kitts and Nevis, separated by a 3 km channel, undoubtedly rank among the most naturally beautiful of the Caribbean islands, and that beauty lends itself to a wide range of outdoor activities. The islands' tall, volcanic mountains, covered with lush vegetation, are perfect for hiking and exploring, while the inviting azure-blue waters of the Caribbean are ideal for swimming, sailing, fishing, and diving. Read more about Charlestown, Saint Kitts and Nevis

St John’s, the capital of the nation of Antigua and Barbuda (two islands) in the Caribbean, sits on the NW coast of the tropical island of Antigua that is home to magnificent beaches. St John's was hit significantly by Hurricane Irma (Sep 2017) but tourist infrastructure remained intact. St John’s reflects its British heritage with such edifices as Fort Barrington overlooking the shoreline, and 17th C Fort James. The national sport of cricket (think Sir Vivian Richards, Anderson "Andy" Roberts, and Richard "Richie" Richardson) highlights its predominantly British culture. Read more about St John's, Antigua and Barbuda

Basse-Terre, on Basse-Terre Island, is the administrative capital of Guadeloupe, an overseas region of France located in the Lesser Antilles, Eastern Caribbean. It is filled with various historical landmarks and forts that date back to 1643, as well as several colonial buildings and monuments all around the city. It is connected to Grande-Terre by the Point de la Gabare Bridge that is built over Riviere Salee. Known for its many delightful beaches such as Malendure beach, the Centre Nautique de Basse-Terre and Marina de Rivière Sens, all offer great opportunities for a range of water activities. Read more about Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe

The island is shared in two parts as: the northern part Saint-Martin (a French overseas collectivity) and southern part Sint Maarten (of the Kingdom of the Netherlands): hence its name St-Martin / St Maarten. It lies in the NE Caribbean, located 300 km E of Puerto Rico. This tiny island is an extremely popular holiday and duty-free shopping destination famous for its variety of 37 palm-treed beaches that include salt-water ponds. For 13 weeks in late 2017 the island was off limits to cruise ships, until facilities were rebuilt following the island’s destruction wrought by Hurricane Irma. Read more about St Martin (Philipsburg), Guadeloupe

Soper's Hole is a small settlement on the secluded south-west tip of Tortola, the largest and most populated of the British Virgin Islands. Tortola is a tax haven and home to many offshore companies that do business worldwide with many workers coming from other Caribbean islands. Read more about Sopers Hole, Virgin Islands (British)

Saint-Barthelemy (St Bart’s) is a French island located in the Caribbean among the Leeward Islands. St Bart’s has long been considered a playground of the rich and famous, and is known for its beautiful pristine world class beaches, gourmet dining in chic restaurants, and duty free high-end designer shopping. Two interesting fact are: firstly, that the population is nearly entirely of European ancestry, and secondly that the island - consisting principally cliffs and hills - has no rivers or springs. Another notable feature is that, as according to law no building can be taller than a palm tree, there is a complete absence of high rises and massive resorts. Read more about St Bart's, Guadeloupe

Basseterre is located on the SW coast of St Kitts Island in the Leeward Islands group, and is one of the oldest towns in the Eastern Caribbean. Subsequently, it is very well known for its variety of architectural styles and fascinating buildings, set against dense tropical forests and a huge dormant volcano. The domed colonial Treasury Building, or customs house, is a reminder of the value of these islands as sugar colonies. Take a stroll around Basseterre and wander around the Circus, a diminutive roundabout, modelled after Piccadilly in London. Read more about Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis

Portsmouth is a sea port and the second largest town of Dominica, an island in the Lesser Antilles region of the Caribbean Sea. It lies on the Indian River in the north of the island, and importantly, is close to Cabrits National Park. The town is a staging point for bird-watching, hikes and safari tours across Dominica to the mountains, waterfalls, lakes and tropical rainforests. Offshore coral reefs in Prince Rupert Bay provide for spectacular scuba and snorkelling excursions. Read more about Portsmouth, Dominica

Martinique is a Caribbean island that is an overseas department of France. It truly is a ‘little bit of France’, and visitors quickly become aware that very little English is spoken. On the other hand, it is intriguing in that it is one of the few islands where the lush countryside reflects the growth of sugar cane and bananas. The island also has contemporary appeal, as it offers elegant restaurants and chic boutiques in the Galleria shopping mall. Read more about Martinique, Martinique

Mayreau is the smallest inhabited island of the Grenadines, in the far SE of the Caribbean Sea. It has a population of about 300, centred at the Old Wall village, with its small school, a telecommunications building, and the Mayreau Catholic Church located on a hilltop in the SW of the island. With its picture-postcard beaches, it truly is a secret treasure of peace and tranquillity. Imagine calm waters and powder white sand, vendors selling souvenirs and drinks, the Bay Club restaurant and bar with great food and cocktails, and you have it all at Saltwhistle Bay - just one of the many beaches. Read more about Mayreau, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

The city of Bridgetown is the capital and largest city of the island country of Barbados, a major tourist destination in the West Indies. The city has numerous attractions, landmarks, monuments, museums, and art galleries of an international standard. It is also a starting point for visiting many other popular cities on the island. This historic city and its nearby Garrison are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so be sure to take a virtual tour to explore the area. Read more about Bridgetown, Barbados