The Caribbean is an extremely colourful and multi-faceted region, both geographically and in terms of culture. Caribbean culture is a lively mix of African, European, Indigenous and Asian influences – the result of a long history of colonisation, the slave trade, migration and resistance. Here is a broad and topical description of the Caribbean and its culture:
Diversity and island histories
The Caribbean is made up of over 7000 islands, spread out across the Caribbean Sea, with approximately 30 inhabited island nations and territories. Each island has its own distinct culture and yet they also all share considerable similarities:
Music and Dance – The heartbeat of the Caribbean
The Caribbean has had a very significant influence on music – many world famous styles and genres of music were born here:
Dancing is integrated into every aspect of social life. Music can be heard everywhere, from the streets, from beaches, from boats and from parties, all year long.
Food culture – Spicy, creative and distinctly Caribbean
Caribbean food is an explosion of flavours – a blend of African, European, Indian and Creole traditions:
Fresh fish, mango, papaya, bananas, rice, maize and beans are often served and eaten in the islands – preferably at a beachside grill at sundown.
Traditions and festival culture
The Caribbean is known for its colourful festivals and Carnival is the highlight of the year in many countries:
Society and lifestyle
Art and Architecture
General information on the Caribbean
The Caribbean is made up of over 7 000 islands, generally classified in three main groups:
The Caribbean is known for its tropical climate, crystal clear waters, rich cultural heritage and friendly locals.
Weather and the best sailing season
The Caribbean has a tropical climate, with two main seasons:
To avoid the heightened risk of tropical storms and hurricanes it is recommended to sail during the dry season, especially from December to April.
British Virgin Islands (BVI) – 7 days
Day | Route | Distance (nm) | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Tortola → Norman Island | 7 nm | Snorkelling in "The Caves", pirate legends. |
2 | Norman Island → Peter Island | 5 nm | White Bay, relaxation. |
3 | Peter Island → Virgin Gorda | 18 nm | The Baths – granite cliffs, swimming. |
4 | Virgin Gorda → Anegada | 15 nm | Coral reefs, flamingos, lobster dishes. |
5 | Anegada → Jost Van Dyke | 25 nm | Beach bars, the Soggy Dollar Bar. |
6 | Jost Van Dyke → Cane Garden Bay | 7 nm | A lively seafront, music, rum. |
7 | Cane Garden Bay → Tortola (Nanny Cay) | 5 nm | Relaxation and return of the yacht. |
Total distance: ca 82 nm
Saint Martin and Anguilla – 5 days
Day | Route | Distance (nm) | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Marigot → Simpson Bay | 5 nm | Marinas, restaurants, nightlife. |
2 | Simpson Bay → Grand Case | 10 nm | French Caribbean cuisine, art. |
3 | Grand Case → Tintamarre Island | 3 nm | Uninhabited island, snorkelling, sea turtles. |
4 | Tintamarre → Orient Bay → Marigot | 10 nm | Kitesurfing, beach bars. |
5 | Marigot → Road Bay (Anguilla) | 15 nm | Relaxation, white sand beaches. |
Total distance: ca 43 nm
Saint Lucia to the Grenadines – 7 days
Day | Route | Distance (nm) | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Rodney Bay → Pitons Bay | 15 nm | Famous volcanic spires, snorkelling. |
2 | Pitons Bay → Bequia (Admiralty Bay) | 48 nm | A sailor town, local charm. |
3 | Bequia → Tobago Cays | 20 nm | Protected marine reserve, sea turtles. |
4 | Tobago Cays → Salt Whistle Bay (Mayreau) | 2 nm | A little island, relaxation. |
5 | Mayreau → Union Island (Clifton Harbour) | 4 nm | A colourful community, kitesurfing. |
6 | Union Island → Canouan → Mustique | 25 nm | An exclusive island, great beaches. |
7 | Mustique → Bequia → Saint Lucia | 68 nm | Some distance to sail. |
Total distance: ca 182 nm
Bahamas – Exuma Cays from Nassau – 7 days
Day | Route | Distance (nm) | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Nassau → Highbourne Cay | 35 nm | Great beaches, snorkelling. |
2 | Highbourne → Shroud Cay | 20 nm | Kayaking in the mangroves. |
3 | Shroud Cay → Warderick Wells | 15 nm | National Park, hike to Boo Boo Hill. |
4 | Warderick → Staniel Cay | 20 nm | Thunderball Grotto, swimming pigs! |
5 | Staniel → Compass Cay | 8 nm | Shark watching, beautiful nature. |
6 | Compass Cay → Norman’s Cay | 20 nm | Snorkel an aeroplane on the sea floor. |
7 | Norman’s Cay → Nassau | 45 nm | Return via Exuma Bank. |
Total distance: ca 163 nm