Location
Destination Caribbean
The Caribbean Archipelago is a geographic region located in the Caribbean Sea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. This group of islands, often referred to as an "inner sea," stretches from the southeast of Florida and the eastern coast of Mexico to the coasts of Central America and Venezuela. The archipelago includes more than 7,000 islands, islets, and reefs, divided into the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles, and the Bahamas.
The Lesser Antilles
The Lesser Antilles form a chain of islands separating the Caribbean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean. They are divided into two main groups:
The Leeward Islands: Located in the north, these include the Virgin Islands (British and US), Anguilla, Saint Martin, Saint Barthélemy, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, and Guadeloupe.
The Windward Islands: Located in the south, these include Dominica, Martinique, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, and Grenada.
This classification reflects the position of the islands in relation to the trade winds, with the Windward Islands directly exposed to the prevailing winds and the Leeward Islands sheltered.
The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands
Although these islands are geographically close to the Caribbean, they are often considered separately. The Bahamas is an archipelago of around 700 islands and cays located north of the Caribbean, while the Turks and Caicos Islands are located southeast of the Bahamas and north of Haiti.
Geographical and Climatic Features
Tropical Climate: The Caribbean enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, making it a popular destination for beach vacations. Rainy seasons vary by island, but the region is especially vulnerable to cyclones during hurricane season (June to November).
Volcanism and Terrain: Many of the Caribbean islands are volcanic in origin, resulting in mountainous landscapes and black sand beaches in some areas. The region also has active but generally dormant volcanoes that are a key part of its geological history.
Biodiversity: The Caribbean is rich in both marine and terrestrial biodiversity, with coral reefs, mangroves, and tropical forests that host unique wildlife.
History and Culture
The Caribbean archipelago has been a significant stage in European colonial history, with Spanish, British, French, Dutch, and Danish colonization shaping the region. This history has deeply influenced local cultures, creating a unique blend of African, European, Indigenous, and Indian influences. The Caribbean is also a cultural melting pot, with music (such as reggae, calypso, salsa, zouk, and merengue), dance, and cuisine playing a central role in the identity of the islands.
Economic and Touristic Importance
Tourism is a key sector in the Caribbean economy, with millions of visitors each year attracted by the pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and cultural offerings. Agriculture (sugarcane, bananas, cocoa) and fishing are also important industries in the region.