The Caribbean is comprised of more than 7,000 islands, reefs and cays. The diverse range of landscapes feature emerald mountains, powdery white-sand beaches, brilliant turquoise seas, hills of sugar cane and bananas, spectacular waterfalls, and breathtaking coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. Holidays in the Caribbean often centre round the paradise islands of Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica, St Lucia, Tobago,the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic.

Overview:

Most islands in the Caribbean were at one point, or still are, colonies of European countries, including the Spanish, British, Dutch, French and Portuguese. Each island offers a unique experience: Antigua boasts 365 beaches, duty-free shopping, world-class scuba diving and all-night entertainment; the Bahamas, comprised of 700 paradise islands and cays, features endless swathes of fine white-sand beaches, and is known for its big-game fishing and glitzy casinos; the pretty coral island of Barbados, 'Little England', is home to traditional British-style seaside towns and beautiful colonial architecture; and Tobago is known as 'The Galapagos of the West Indies' due to its abundance of wildlife inhabiting its forest reserves and untouched coral reefs.

Holidays in the Caribbean also include Cuba and Mexico . Cuba, the biggest island in the Caribbean, offers the idyllic beaches and laid-back atmosphere synonymous with Jamaica or the Dominican Republic, but features Salsa beats and mojitos instead of reggae and rum punch. The southern tip of Mexico also lies on the Caribbean Sea, and offers swathes of white-sand beaches, breathtaking scuba diving, round-the-clock nightlife, and the nearby archaeological riches of Mayan ruins.