The islands of the Caribbean Sea or West Indies are an extensive archipelago in the far west of the Atlantic Ocean, mostly strung between North and South America. They've long been known as a resort vacation destination for

Understand

Map of the Caribbean

The Caribbean islands were first inhabited by the Arawak Indians, then were invaded by a more aggressive tribe, the Caribs. Unfortunately, the Caribs could not appreciate their victory for long, for the Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British, colonised their lands. The islands have known many historic battles - and more than a few pirate stories.

Other islands

These countries are not in the Caribbean basin but are variously close to it, and are commonly associated with the Caribbean (e.g. members of CARICOM, the Caribbean Community).

• The Bahamas - a cluster of islands north of the Greater Antilles and southeast of Florida.
• Turks and Caicos Islands - a cluster of islands south of the Bahamas
• Bermuda - some distance to the north of the Caribbean, but commonly associated with the region.
• Several countries in South America, Central America, and Mexico have shorelines – and islands – in the Caribbean.

Get Around

Another excellent way to explore Caribbean is sailing:

• Caribbean Yacht Charter - great selection of boats for rent along with lots of useful tips and facts about this vibrant area.
• Caribbean Cruises-great rates on all Caribbean cruises. Caribbean cruise specialists since 1999.
• Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Lines - Luxury cruise line offering six-star luxury cruise ships and all inclusive cruises to the Caribbean.
• Caribbean Cruise Vacations - offering information for planning Caribbean cruise vacations: itineraries, cruise lines and cruise ships serving Caribbean.

Caribbean Cruise

• Caribbean Cruise Information - Information for planning Caribbean cruise travel: itineraries, cruise lines and cruise ships serving the caribbean.
• World Wide Cruise Destinations - World Wide Cruise Destinations