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Jamaica is the largest English-speaking country in the Caribbean.
The country's name is derived from the Arawak word "Xaymaca",
meaning "land of wood and water". Jamaica has one of
the most varied and lush landscapes in all the Caribbean. Known
for Reggae music and friendly people, Jamaica has something for
everybody. From the wonderful sandy beaches to the 7,400-foot
Blue Mountains, there are many areas to explore and many beautiful
resorts to visit. Come discover Jamaica.
These beautiful islands lie only 50 miles
off the Florida coast — far closer than any other Caribbean destination.
Calm waters and cooling tradewinds have earned the Bahamas an
international reputation for sailing, diving and many other water
activities. The natural beauty of the water extends to the thousands
of miles of shoreline, which has some of the world's most stunningly
beautiful beaches. Although the Bahamas are as diverse and numerous
as days of the year, the reassuring unifier is the charm and hospitality
of its people. Bahamians will be more than happy to introduce
you to the richness of their history and folklore including the
nefarious pirate Blackbeard and the playful Junkanoo Festival.
Antigua, the largest of the British leeward
Islands, is about 14 miles long and 11 miles wide. In 1784 the
legendary Admiral Horatio Alger sailed to Antigua and established
Great Britain's most important Caribbean base. Little did he know
that over 200 years later the same unique characteristics that
attracted the Royal Navy would transform Antigua into one of the
Caribbeans's premier tourist destinations. With a low yearly rainfall,
Antigua is one of the sunniest islands in the Eastern Caribbean
and the northeast tradewinds are nearly constant. All that and
low humidity year-round, make Antigua an island you must visit.
St. Lucia is the sort of island that travelers
to the Caribbean dream about — a small, lush tropical gem that
is still relatively unknown. It is located midway down the Eastern
Caribbean chain, between Martinique and St. Vincent. In natural
beauty, St. Lucia seems like an island plucked from the South
Pacific and set down in the Caribbean. Its dramatic twin coastal
peaks, the Pitons soar 2,000 feet up from the sea and not to be
missed is St. Lucia's Soufriere volcano, the world's only drive-in
volcanic crater. While the Atlantic Ocean kisses its eastern shore,
the beaches of the west coast owe their beauty to the calm Caribbean
Sea. There is truly a broad array of exciting and exotic activities
available for everyone on St. Lucia.
The beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands are situated 39 miles southeast
of Mayaguana in the Bahamas. Covering 193 square miles, the Turks
and Caicos Islands has the third largest coral reef system in
the world, making it a premier diving and snorkeling destination.
One of the most valuable possessions of the islands are the pristine
white sandy beaches which are complimented with crystal clear
turquoise waters. The islands are relatively flat but depending
on the island, the terrain can vary from sand dunes to lush green
vegetation. People on the islands known as "Belongers"
are known for their friendly spirit, which helps ensure a very
safe and pleasurable visit.
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