Review of the Caribbean Islands - how to travel cheaply in one of the most expensive regions in the world. Dominican Republic resorts

Caribbean from A to Z: the most popular islands, beaches and hotels in Jamaica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Barbados or Bahamas. colorful photo and video. Tour operators in the Caribbean.

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The legendary Antilia, and later the colonial West Indies, the Caribbean nestled comfortably in the geographical "hollow" between North and South America. Large and small, windward and leeward, heavily populated by tourists and uninhabited, the Caribbean is a paradise for downshifters and drug lords, and at the same time one of the most popular destinations beach exotic. On fifty plus islands caribbean a real and, moreover, well-balanced paradise, an ideal combination of natural and man-made: the rich heritage of the colonial past in the form of a mass of museum houses and pompous mansions perfectly complements the exotic nature, where greenery rainforest alternates with volcanic landscapes, and expanses of coffee plantations are replaced by thickets of sugar cane and bananas.

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Putting sentiment aside and turning to dry facts, we learn that the Caribbean includes the Greater and Lesser Antilles. The former include "stretching" to the mainland 4 major islands: Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and Puerto Rico; to the second - a round dance of all sorts of trifles, in turn divided into leeward and windward islands: the noisy Bahamas and the authentic Turks and Caicos, divided between the USA and Great Britain Virgin Islands, outlandish Antigua and Barbuda , discovered by Columbus Guadeloupe and birthplace of Josephine Beauharnais Martinique, Grenada, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, finally - glorified by the saga of Jack Sparrow Dominique. By the way, the island of Curacao (the one that gave the name to the popular liquor) is also located here.

Diving in Curacao

The reasons for the popularity of the Caribbean in the tourist market are obvious: the warm sea all year round, the amazing beauty of nature, a large selection of hotels and a whole bunch of entertainment - water and "dry" sports, nightclubs, discos, restaurants, interesting excursions. Let's take Cuba or the Dominican Republic as an example. Here you can not only enjoy the sea and the sun, but also wander around old Havana, walk through coffee and tobacco plantations, listen to the singing of street singers, "burn off" at the disco and, in general, breathe the air of freedom in every possible way.

A distinctive feature of the Caribbean region - big variety recreation options, because each state has its own “specialization” here.

In Barbados, for example, many English traditions are firmly rooted in life. There is a large selection of hotels, and not all of them accept small children: rest here is mostly calm and relaxed.

15 days in the Dominican Republic

Grenada is known as the "Spice Island", there are many botanical gardens, museums, attractions, and magnificent beaches so they invite you to lie down on a soft White sand. The Turks and Caicos attract the attention of a respectable public with their magnificent five-star hotels, as well as good conditions for diving and high-level SPA-centers.

Saint Lucia bears the proud title of "Garden Island" and is one of the most beautiful islands Caribbean Sea. In contrast, Aruba is a desert island, with magnificent hotels and a stormy nightlife. There are many hotels in Saint Martin different levels, while the Bahamas offer huge selection accommodation options, from secluded hotels to bustling urban complexes.

Finally, in Curacao, it is absolutely necessary to go to one of the bars and order a glass of a wonderful blue drink!

December 9th, 2016 02:13 am

So, an overview post on the Caribbean Islands and the shocking figures of the final budget!
Route: St. Petersburg - Helsinki - Boston - New York - Chicago - Puerto Rico - US Virgin Islands - Saint Martin and Sint Maarten - Curaçao - Trinidad - Saint Vincent - Barbados - Miami - Haiti - Dominican Republic- Cologne - Milan - Tallinn - St. Petersburg

Even such a connoisseur of geography as I, until recently, gave in to the Caribbean, there are too many islands, and on each separate country. So, let's systematize.
There are 30 countries in the Caribbean region:

Of these, 13 independent states: Cuba, Jamaica, Bahamas, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados
The rest are various kinds of colonies and possessions of four countries.
US possessions: Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands
Possessions of the Netherlands: Sint Maarten, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao
French possessions: Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélemy, Guadeloupe, Martinique
British possessions: Turks and Caicos, Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Montserrat


Geographically, the following groups can be distinguished:
1. Greater Antilles: Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic), Puerto Rico
2. Bahamas + Turks and Caicos
3. ABC Islands off the coast South America: Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao
4. Lesser Antilles. In English tradition, they are further divided into Leeward (north of Dominica) and Windward (south of Dominica). In the Russian and Spanish tradition, all these islands are called Leeward, and Windward are the ABC islands.

Also culturally and ethnographically Caribbean can be attributed to some territories on the mainland - everything that was not a colony of Spain. These are Belize, part of the coast of Nicaragua and Honduras (also a colony of England), Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. The ethnography is as follows: Spanish colonies on the mainland, the population is descendants of Indians or mestizos (a mixture of Indians with Spaniards), and in English, Dutch and French colonies population - descendants of slaves from Africa or migrants from other colonies (from India to Guyana, for example).

Visas
With a Russian passport:
1. All 13 independent states are visa-free
2. You can enter the United States with a US visa (there is no border control when flying from the mainland)
3. You can enter the Netherlands with any valid Schengen multivisa
4. You can enter the possessions of France ONLY with a Schengen visa issued by the French embassy, ​​or with a special visa for these islands, which is also issued at the French embassy. The exception is the French Saint-Martin, where you can drive from the Dutch part of the island, there is no border control there.
5. Do English possessions different policy. Turks and Caicos - visa-free. Montserrat - a visa can be obtained via the Internet. Anguilla, Caymans - you can enter if you have a UK visa. British Virgin Islands - you need to obtain a special visa from the UK embassy.
If you have a passport with which visas are not required in Europe, then in the Caribbean everything is also visa-free.
The length of stay is usually 30 days.
A return ticket is generally required everywhere, although I was often not asked for it even at check-in at the airport. Only in Saint-Martin I was interrogated with prejudice, I even had to show cash.

Currency
All smaller islands accept US dollars in cash. Local currencies usually pegged to the same US dollar.
East Caribbean dollars circulate on many islands in the Lesser Antilles. 1 American to 2.8 Caribbean.
Barbadian dollars = 1 to 2.
Trinidadian dollars = 1 to 7.
Netherlands Antillean florins on Sint Maarten and Curaçao = 1 to 1.75.
Euro per French Isles(including French Saint-Martin).
Haitian gourdes = 1 to 66.
Dominican pesos = 1 to 46.

How to get there
Without a US visa - very problematic. If you have a visa, you can use Norwegian flights from Oslo, Copenhagen, London to many US cities from $100 one way, including Florida to Orlando and Miami/Fort Lauderdale. I flew from Helsinki to Boston with a transfer in London for $180, and also visited Boston and Chicago.
There are direct flights from Russia to Cuba, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. They are expensive, at least $500 one way (both of my flights across the Atlantic came out cheaper in total). There are cheap options package tours to Cuba.
From Europe there are flights to many islands, as a rule, to their former or current colonies: from Amsterdam to the Dutch, from Paris to the French, but they cost a lot. I found cheap option from the Dominican Republic to Germany (Cologne) from $200.

Transport between the islands
The main transport in the Caribbean is aircraft. There are a lot of flights, you can fly every day. Prices are much higher than in the same insular Indonesia. On average, we can assume that each flight to the Lesser Antilles will cost around $100. There are almost no flights to Cuba, Jamaica, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Caymans from other countries, or they are very expensive, you need to fly through Miami.
The main airlines are LIAT (based in Antigua and Barbados, flies throughout the Lesser Antilles) and Insel Air (based in Curacao, there are also flights to Brazil, Colombia, Guyana).
It is believed that Caribbean airlines are often late, but I had almost no problems. Only the flight from Saint Martin to Curaçao was delayed by two hours.

Water transport is poorly developed and expensive. I will list the ferries that you can really use.
1. From St. Maarten to Anguilla (many times a day), St. Barthelemy (several times a day, you can go there and back in a day), Sabu (once a day, only with an overnight stay)
2. Between the islands of Saint Lucia, Martinique, Dominica, Guadeloupe - Express des Iles. Flights are frequent.
3. Between the US and British Virgin Islands - many times a day
4. From Miami to the Bahamas - several times a day, you can make it in one day
Within countries ferry service usually better: yes regular flights between Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, etc.

You can travel on a cruise ship. If you are alone then it will be more expensive than an airplane even taking into account the fact that you do not need to pay for food and housing, but you can overeat and generally live in a big way. On a cruise to each island, you will have only one day of light, but this is usually enough for small islands. ride on public transport no one will stop you. Cruises cater to retirees, not cruisers more countries, therefore, it is difficult to visit many countries at a time in one cruise - they rarely last more than 7-8 days, there are days at sea, they can go to different islands of one country (Bahamas, Virgin Islands). Since most cruises depart from Miami and Puerto Rico, the Lesser Antilles are harder to cruise around. Prices start at $200 per day per cabin, and following the good American tradition, you will be charged $15-20 "mandatory tips" per person every day. To what perversions it has come - already a tip is obligatory. You can estimate that the two of you visiting each island on a cruise will cost at least 300-400 dollars (including tips, days at sea, the return trip, which you also have to pay for).

Transport on the islands
Especially for tourists, there are taxis near the cruise ship terminal at unimaginable exorbitant prices taken from the ceiling. Designed for suckers, which are a little less than all Americans who never count money.
Public transport is decent for everyone inhabited islands. Absent mainly in the British colonies, because there is a very small population. A trip to the small islands costs from $0.3 to $2. On big islands such as Cuba and Hispaniola there are intercity buses.


For specific islands where I have been:
Puerto Rico. In the city of San Juan there are buses for $0.75. The system is inconvenient at most: payment is only in cash, change is not given, you can ONLY pay with coins. The frequency of flights is much less than stated on the website, the bus may suddenly change the route or not arrive. Between cities only collective taxis at horse prices. Most bad island in terms of transport.
American Virgin Islands. St. Thomas has one circular minibus route. Fares from $1 to $2 depending on the distance. It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the airport to the bus route.
Saint Martin and Sint Maarten. Buses run on several routes, including at night, very often between the Dutch and French parts of the island. Travel from $1 to $2.
Curacao. There are two bus stations in the capital, for eastern and western directions. Large buses run to the ends of the island once an hour, minibuses more often. On the bus, the fare is 2.20 florins, on the minibus 3.
Trinidad. Buses from Port of Spain around the island. Minimum 2 Trinidadian dollars (2/7 US). To the airport - 4.
Saint Vincent. Minibuses clockwise and against. From 1 Caribbean dollar (1/3 American). 25 km to Barroualier = $4 = $1.3
Barbados. Routes around the village south coast often. Price $1 = 2 Barabadian
Haiti, Port-au-Prince. Tap-taps in the city from 10 gourdes ($0.15). To the border with the Dominican Republic - 75 gourdes for 45 kilometers ($1.15).
Dominican Republic. Intercity buses about 1.5 pesos per kilometer. Around the city from 12-13 pesos by minibus, 20 by metro.

Housing
The most expensive housing is in the British and American colonies. With America, everything is clear - everything is expensive there and on the mainland, although the islands sometimes break records: in the US Virgin Islands, a bed in a hostel costs $ 50. British are expensive because they are not focused on tourism, but are offshore: 40% of offshore companies in the world are registered in the British Virgin Islands.
Also, very expensive housing on independent small islands: St. Kitts, Barbados, Antigua - everywhere the cheapest room without air conditioning costs from $ 50, there are no hostels. You can find something on airbnb for $40. The cheapest of the independent islands is Dominica. High prices can be explained by the fact that all these hotels are made exclusively for tourists, mostly Americans, who have an infinite amount of money. Local residents, who do not live very richly, simply do not need hotels, because you can get to anywhere on the island in one to two hours.
In Cuba and the Dominican Republic, hotels are cheap, almost like in Asia - you can find a room for $10.
On the French and Dutch islands, prices are comparable to metropolitan areas - for $30 it's easy to find through airbnb, for $20 you need to search.
This is me renting a yacht in Saint Martin for $30:

Food
Here the prices are more proportional to the standard of living. For example, in Puerto Rico, fast-food restaurants like Burger King are priced the same as the cheapest US states like Louisiana. In the impoverished Dominican Republic, you can dine for 2-3 dollars (quite good food - a couple of pieces of chicken a la KFC and fried slices of bananas instead of potatoes for a snack), in Haiti it’s even cheaper, but you won’t like the quality. In Trinidad, it’s about the same: two weeks in the USA and on expensive islands I got used to the fact that for 5 dollars you can buy something, but it turned out that in Trinidad, the exchanged five would be enough for any fast food.

What to see
The Caribbean has a good climate, at least in November - it's not hot. In Thailand and Malaysia, the weather varies from a terrible heat in the "season" in December to unbearable heat in April, and in the Caribbean, even air conditioning is not particularly needed. November is considered the last month of the hurricane season, weather forecasts traditionally promised pouring rain every day from morning to evening on every island, but really under heavy rain I got only once in the Dominican Republic, a couple of times there were short and light rains.


some legendary natural beauties not in the Caribbean, Indonesia is much better suited for these purposes: better transport accessibility, much cheaper, there are easily accessible active volcanoes. The islands are different: some are picturesque mountainous (Saint Vincent, Dominica, Saint Martin), others are flatter (Barbados, Trinidad, Antigua, Anguilla).
It’s not worth going to the Caribbean for the sake of the beach from Europe - until South-East Asia fly the same amount, it costs less, everything is cheaper on the spot, the beaches are no worse. It is very expensive to fly from the USA to Asia, so the only alternative is Mexico and possibly Brazil (if you find a cheap air ticket).
Most big Island Cuba is the most interesting, but it’s too early to go there: you have to wait a couple of years until the currency regime is canceled, sanctions are lifted and the Americans establish at least a minimal infrastructure there.
There are interesting cities built by Europeans during the colonization of America on some islands: San Juan (Puerto Rico), Willemstad (Curaçao), Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), with a stretch Bridgetown in Barbados (for some reason it is listed by UNESCO) . On all the islands they go cruise ships, there will definitely be one street for tourists with souvenir shops. For some reason, in addition to souvenirs, jewelry is massively sold there. Apparently, cruisers are so relaxed that they can be sold at double the price even this expensive thing like diamonds.

Results
From November 7th to 30th I spent about $2100 (I didn't count the following days in Europe when I was vacationing in Tallinn and sailing on a cruise, because that's another story), of which $1300 cost all flights and $800 (about $35 per day ) I spent on the spot. Of these, more than half for housing. The cheapest cost $10 per day and was just great - this is an airbnb in Curacao. The most expensive cost $54 in Barbados and was not worth the money. I spent $67 on a taxi, which is essentially two trips: to the Puerto Rico airport after I didn't get on the bus, and to Haiti. A total of 15-20 kilometers. All intercity transport took less - $ 47, this is for a bus ride over 1,000 kilometers long from Boston to Chicago and travel through the entire island of Hispaniola. Another $37 was the cost of local transport - metro in Chicago and Miami, travel by bus to different islands. Taxi is evil.


In general, it is not so terribly expensive to go to the Caribbean. In 2013, I spent $1,500 on a trip to the US for just 10 days without a single domestic or long distance trip.

If you want to spend your vacation in paradise, then you should go to the Dominican Republic resorts in the Caribbean. Whichever place you choose - La Romana, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana or any other - everywhere you will be met by palm-covered beaches, chic underwater tropical gardens smiling black locals and gentle breezes. The main wealth of the Dominican resorts are the warm sea and sandy beaches. Here are the best hotels in the world, operating on the principle All Inclusive. Average annual temperature air varies between +28 and +31 degrees. Travelers will forever remember the charming rainforests, coral reefs and stunning waterfalls.

General characteristics of resorts

The resorts of the Dominican Republic are not in great demand among tourists today, since, with the comfort organized at the highest level and constant sunny weather, they offer good rest. The most demanded is the elite type of recreation. Incredibly beautiful, one might say, fabulous, plays an important role in it. Vacation of tourists here is combined with national Caribbean events, incendiary carnivals and expressive dances.

If you briefly describe the resorts of the Dominican Republic on the Caribbean Sea, you will get the impression that they are a real paradise, which is located in a stunning tropical forest. Rest at any of the resorts will take place in the shade of coconut palms. Zones filled with golden and crystal white sand beach holiday impressive grooming and alluring warmth, they will give a complete sense of relaxation and absolute security.

One of the most popular resorts

One of the most popular Dominican resorts is Punta Cana. It is located on the Caribbean Sea, more precisely, on one of its shores, and its white sandy beaches stretch for 30 kilometers. It arose in the early distant 80s of the last century on a desert sea ​​coast. The resort includes several large tourist complexes. They are intended for family vacation or for couples' vacations. Only in spring you can meet only students here who come to have fun among the youth party.

The Punta Cana resort is known all over the world. And this is not surprising, because there are the best hotels coast, historical and cultural attractions are concentrated, and only here there is a lot of everything entertaining and educational. At this resort, even those travelers who make the highest demands on their vacation will satisfy their needs. In Punta Cana, guests are surrounded by peacocks, the rarest types of flowers, mangroves and flamingos. Things that are unusual for the eyes of Europeans will seem quite natural here.

Quiet and peaceful resort

La Romana (Dominican Republic) is a wonderful resort, which is the capital of the province of the same name. It was founded at the very beginning of the 16th century. On the coast modern resort there is a huge hotel, included in the list of the most respectable places in the world. This chic tourist center and is the main attraction of La Romana.

In the resort of La Romana (Dominican Republic) there are dozens of luxurious cottages and hundreds of luxurious villas. This place is recommended to visit for young couples who prefer a calm, quiet vacation on the seashore. You can have a wonderful time here and athletes, both professional and beginners. For them, there are several sports complexes. In La Romana you can go spearfishing and the most popular sports are equestrianism and tennis, and you can do them just in the resort of La Romana.

Resort on the island of Haiti

Wonderful resort Puerto Plata(Dominican Republic) is located on It has more than ten hotels, including two-star and five-star establishments. Hotels offer guests a lot of entertainment for every taste: there is a club right on the beach, everyone will be taught diving and snorkeling, and you can also take part in sports games and competitions. In you have the opportunity to enjoy the endless white sand beaches and the warm Dominican sun.

In the resort of Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic) there are not as many people as in other resorts of the republic. Here you can always find an incredibly beautiful, but secluded place for a relaxing holiday. Small Puerto Plata welcomes all its guests - it is designed in such a way that everyone who arrives here can feel calm and comfortable. Greenery is rampant here and there is an unsurpassed beach, and magnificent nature surrounds both on land and in the underwater world.

Favorite resort of the Dominicans

Juan Dolio is a Dominican resort located in the southeastern part of the island. He is loved by many travelers, but he deserves special recognition among local residents. Those who like the delights of the underwater world come here: near the shores of this particular resort there is a magical coral reef, which you can explore for days on end. Juan Dolio has more than ten upscale hotels, chic restaurants, clubs, discos and casinos.

It is almost impossible to imagine the Dominican Republic without the resort of Juan Dolio. Beautiful town, which is located near the capital, is crowded interesting places, it is characterized by luxurious nature and a curious history. There are many museums, small churches and chapels that can be visited at any time. Resort life here is slow, but everyone here only benefits from this.

The brightest resort in the Dominican Republic

Many Dominican resorts on the Caribbean Sea resemble a real fairy tale. One of these places was the resort of Boca Chica, located in a lagoon protected by reefs. The resort is located in the suburbs of the capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo. Boca Chica was founded by the wealthy industrialist Juan Visini in the first half of the last century. And the resort development of this place falls on the 50s of the twentieth century. This happened after the dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo ordered the construction of modern hotel"Amaca", which today is called Hamaca Coral By Hilton.

Modern Boca Chica is the liveliest resort on southeast coast. Life here takes place in the rhythm of "merengue", the sounds of which spread from the numerous restaurants located on the beach. Here you can try tropical drinks and dishes from different cuisines of the world. The most popular in Boca Chica are fish delicacies, especially those that are grilled. The main advantage of the resort is a natural 500-meter coral barrier.

Resort capital of the Dominican Republic

The best resorts were founded in the Middle Ages. So, for example, the now popular Santo Domingo was founded back in 1496 by Bartolomeo Columbus, the brother of that same Christopher Columbus. He named the city New Isabella, but then the resort was renamed Santo Domingo, which Spanish translated as Holy Sunday.

In Santo Domingo, the Osama River flows, which divides it into two parts. Western region is cultural and business center cities, and the eastern - historical. The most interesting regions for travelers will be the colonial zone and Gazcue. In the center of the western part of Santo Domingo is the "commercial" heart of the capital. Here are concentrated best shops and restaurants in the city.

Port city of Barahona

All popular resorts We have described the Dominican Republic above. But there was one more, on the Caribbean Sea, which is not very popular with tourists, but is no less wonderful for that - this seaport Barahona. He hid in the bay, which is surrounded by mountain ranges. Barahona's pride is picturesque lakes scattered throughout the area locality. The resort offers tourists a wide variety of excursions.

Travelers can visit Las Caritasm, an archaeological site located in the northern part of Lake Enrikillo. Live in this pond pink flamingos, iguanas and crocodiles. Magnetic hills are the most remarkable place in the resort of Barahona. And if you have a passion for reptiles, then you can visit Cabritos Island.

Holidays on the peninsula

The amazing country of the Dominican Republic. Which resort to choose for a vacation is a question that sometimes leads many travelers to a dead end. There is another place in the Dominican Republic on the Caribbean Sea that fascinates with its beauty. This is the Samana Peninsula.

In the 18th century, King Ferdinand VI of Spain ordered the founding of the city of Santa Barbara de Samana. Every year in February, a carnival is held here, which is opened with the ambula dance. Only representatives of the masculine sex, dressed in multi-colored masks, participate in it.

The Cordillera mountain range crosses the peninsula from east to west. The ridge has become a natural feature between the island and the protected area of ​​Samana. Samana Bay is true tropical paradise. It has small islands. The bay is 11 kilometers wide, and its length reaches as much as 54 kilometers.

Russians have also fallen in love with these resorts in recent years, despite the long and expensive flight. And yet, because of the exotic and romantic Caribbean resorts, many newlyweds choose this direction as a place for your honeymoon.

Varadero, Cuba

Holidays in Cuba will be interesting as lovers beach activities(paraselling, diving, sailing, snorkeling) and nature lovers, which is simply fabulous here. Beyond enjoyment beautiful beaches And sunny weather, you can walk around the colorful old Havana, visit tobacco and coffee plantations, and full chest breathe freedom.

How to get there: Direct flights from Moscow to Havana, on the way from 12 hours, or with a transfer in Paris, Frankfurt or Amsterdam - on the way from 16 hours.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

There are a number of resorts in the Dominican Republic that will appeal to diving enthusiasts, because here you can see picturesque coral reefs, many different types of exotic fish, and sometimes even shipwrecks. In addition, the Dominican Republic is very popular for organizing beach weddings and honeymooners.

How to get there: Direct flights from Moscow to Punta Cana, on the way from 13 hours.

Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is recognized as one of the the best resorts Mexico and now it is gaining popularity among tourists from Russia. Cancun is famous for its stunning white beaches, clear water and developed infrastructure. Also in Mexico you can see waterfalls of extraordinary beauty, cenotes, Mayan pyramids - Chichen Itza, Palenque.

How to get there: Direct flights from Moscow to Cancun, on the way from 13 hours.

Bahamas

The Bahamas are synonymous with luxury holidays. The archipelago of the Bahamas includes about 700 islands, only 30 of which are inhabited. Here beautiful beaches, developed infrastructure hotels, exotic nature. One of the best beaches in the Bahamas is Pink Sand Beach, the sand on which is an unusually beautiful pink hue.

How to get there: international Airport Freeport, Nassau. There are no direct flights. You can fly with a transfer in London or the USA, travel time from 13 hours.

Jamaica

Every year more and more tourists visit Jamaica to see exotic nature, gorgeous beaches, reed fields, listen to live reggae ... Jamaica will also appeal to lovers pirate stories, museums and monuments. Here you can dive with a mask and even hunt sharks.

How to get there: Kingston and Montego Bay International Airports. There are no direct flights from Russia, there are transfers in London and Frankfurt. Flight time is approximately 16 hours.

Virgin Islands

Trunk Bay Beach, which is located on the island of St. John of the Virgin Islands, according to the national geographical community is recognized as the most the best beach Caribbean. coral reefs and rich undersea world attract hundreds of tourists from all over the world to the Virgin Islands. The water near the islands is so clear that visibility is 40 m deep.

How to get there: International airports of Santa Cruz and St. Thomas. There are no direct flights, you can get there with a transfer in the USA or Puerto Rico.

Antigua and Barbuda

On the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, you can find both pristine nature and diverse tourist entertainment in the form of yacht clubs, bars, hotels and casinos. There are many cozy bays that are protected from the storm. coral reefs, snow-white beaches - of which there are as many as 365 on the island of Antigua.

How to get there: St. John's International Airport. There are no direct flights from Russia, only with transfers in London or Frankfurt.

Barbados

Since Barbados was once a British colony, some English traditions are still preserved here - for example, cricket is common, golf competitions are held. In addition, Barbados will delight vacationers beautiful nature, excellent beaches and many modern hotels. Rest here is measured and relaxed in English, so not all hotels accept families with children.

How to get there: Bridgetown International Airport. Transfer in London or Frankfurt, on the way from 14 hours.

Cayman islands

The Cayman Islands will be ideal for those who want to take a break from the metropolis and the crowds and feel like desert island- here you can find many beautiful secluded beaches. There is a diverse flora and fauna.

How to get there: International airport on Grand Cayman Island. Transfer in London or Miami, on the way from 20 hours.

Costa Rica

The sand on the beaches of Costa Rica has a variety of colors and shades: white, gold, silver and even volcanic black. In the resorts, in addition to sunbathing, you can go surfing, diving, sport fishing, as well as watch how sea ​​turtles lay eggs. In addition to all this, there are exotic fruits, National parks, mountains and volcanoes.

How to get there: San Jose International Airport. Flight - there are no direct flights, only connections in Madrid, Frankfurt, Havana are possible. On the way from 13. hours

It is difficult to say which of the islands or resorts of the Caribbean is the best. Despite the long, expensive and often indirect flight, a visit to one of the above resorts is a must. Holidays in the Caribbean are available almost all year round, Lately simplified visa regime and there are more and more direct flights. Kilometer-long white beaches with fine hot sand, green palm trees leaning over the water, exotic fruits, nature and a heady sense of freedom will remain in your memory for a long time.

Photo: thinkstockphotos.com, flickr.com