The Caribbean is a tropical dreamland that is usually on top of everyone’s bucket list. The place itself, and the name that represents it, has become quite loaded over time as it introduces a certain level of expectation for every newcomer. The azure kaleidoscope of coral reefs and islands consistently manages to beat the highest expectations, almost by a rule. If you have not yet considered visiting this enchanting corner of the world, or if you feel as if it is out of your reach, here’s why you really should visit the Caribbean at least once in a lifetime.
The natural beauty
The Caribbean Sea is home to over 700 islands which are divided into groups – Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles, Leeward Antilles and the Windward Islands. It is not a secret that practically each and every one of these 700 islands is the epitome of natural beauty. Most of them look like romanticized visages from pirate literature and films. In fact, these fragments of land strewn through the turquoise sea are the very archetype of tropical, picturesque islands that serve as a backdrop to countless daring, swashbuckling adventures.
The underwater world
The Caribbean is the premier place for deep diving and snorkeling. Many professional and experienced divers from every corner of the globe flock to the Caribbean islands to plunge into the endless depths of the sea so they can explore and marvel at the mesmerizing assembly of flora and fauna. Thankfully, the Caribbean is filled with island groupings such as the Cayman Islands, where the complete novices can try their luck at some casual diving, as they get a chance to explore the vibrant and awe-inspiring biome of the Grand Cayman Reef.
The people
The overall Caribbean population is a bona fide melting pot of people that come from various cultural as well as ethnic backgrounds. It is an immensely interesting patchwork of cultural influences where you can learn so much about the complicated and restless history. Getting to know these cultural details and customs is so easy because the people are so welcoming and warm. There is a completely different kind of mentality among the people of this region that is so refreshing and pleasant when compared to the hectic neurosis of the Western world.
The meals
Of course, if there are people, there is food, and the huge range of diverse restaurants offered by the Caribbean islands is as staggering as it is surprising. This is a truly amazing place for people who’d like to go on a gourmet adventure and try out some new things. Your palate will be positively electrified and excited all the time. This is not that much of a surprise when you learn that the traditional Caribbean food is a sort of creative fusion between European, African, East Indian, Chinese and Armenian cuisine. So, in a way, it took the best out of every corner of the world and made its own “thing.”
The festivities
If you cannot get enough of people or food and beverages, you’ll be happy to know that the Caribbean is a hotspot for numerous colorful festivals. In fact, these carnivalesque festivities are the crucial part of the local traditions and the showcase of the cultural diversity. If you ever decide to come to the Caribbean, try to plan it out so you can revel in the overwhelming influx of senses during the Trinidad and Tobago festivals. Even if you are situated on a different island during your stay, do everything in your power to get to the location in time, because it truly has to be seen to be believed. With that in mind…
Island hopping
Over 700 islands is nothing when you take islets and atolls into consideration. In fact, you can hardly find a boring and plain corner of the Caribbean, and this is why the “culture” of island hopping has become so prominent among the tourists. This is also one of the rare seas in the world where this makes sense due to the oversaturation with the patches of land. Try to plan out your adventure by taking several island clusters into consideration. It will be a blast.
The marvelous Caribbean Sea has been immortalized in countless movies, books and paintings for a good reason – it is a mosaic of natural wonders and legendary destinations that brim with multicultural communities of welcoming people. Head into this very epitome of Tropicana to find out why it has managed to capture the imagination of so many people.
