Caribbean

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:

  • Historical colonial influence from Spain, France, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Denmark.
  • African roots, as a consequence of the slave trade which saw millions of African slaves transported to the Caribbean in the 17th and 18th centuries.
  • Indigenous Indian heritage from the Taino and Kalinago people (also called the Arawak and the Karib people).

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:

  • Reggae (Jamaica): associated with Rastafarianism and with artists such as Bob Marley.
  • Soca and Calypso (Trinidad and Tobago): Rhythmic, energetic genres, often heard at carnival time.
  • Ska and Dancehall (Jamaica): Fast, danceable styles, with a strong DJ culture.
  • Zouk (Guadeloupe, Martinique): Sensual dance music, with French influences.
  • Merengue and Bachata (The Dominican Republic): Popular dance music throughout Latin America.
  • Steelpan-music: A characteristic sound of Trinidad, made using old oil drums.

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:

  • Jerk chicken (Jamaica) – spicy, grilled chicken.
  • Callaloo (island stew) – with spinach, coconut milk and sometimes seafood.
  • Roti and curry – Indian influenced dishes, common in Trinidad, Saint Lucia and Guyana.
  • Ackee and saltfish – the national dish of Jamaica.
  • Rum punch – Caribbean rum is world famous, particularly that of Martinique and Barbados.

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:

  • The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival – one of the world’s largest, with colourful costumes, steelbands and soca music.
  • Crop Over (Barbados) – celebrates the end of the sugarcane harvest, with music, dancing and rum.
  • Junkanoo (The Bahamas) – a richly coloured parade with masks, music and local folklore.
  • The Saint Lucia Jazz Festival – mixes local music with performances from top international jazz artists.

Society and lifestyle

  • The ”No problem” mentality – the pace of life is slower, with an emphasis on happiness, togetherness and spontaneity.
  • Family is central and religion (Christianity, Rastafarianism, Voodoo, Hinduism) often plays an important role in everyday life.
  • Languages vary – English, French, Spanish, Dutch, Creole and Patois are spoken in different combinations, depending on the island.

Art and Architecture

  • Colonial era architecture – pastel coloured houses with verandas, distinctive window blinds and intricate carpentry are typical of the region.
  • Caribbean art – often features powerful colours, symbolism and political messaging. Local markets sell hand-made jewellery, batiks, wood carvings and paintings.
  • Street art – a very vibrant scene, particularly in Kingston (Jamaica) and San Juan (Puerto Rico).

General information on the Caribbean

The Caribbean is made up of over 7 000 islands, generally classified in three main groups:

  • The West Indian islands: Islands such as Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola (The Dominican Republic and Haiti), Puerto Rico and the Greater Antilles.
  • The Lesser Antilles: A chain of islands stretching from Dominica in the North to Trinidad and Tobago in the South. Includes islands such as Barbados, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
  • The Bahamas: A group of over 700 islands and islets, lying North West of Cuba.

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:

  • The dry season (December - April): This is the best time to sail, with stable trade winds, low humidity and minimal rain.
  • The rainy season (May – November): The risk of tropical storms and hurricanes is greater, particularly from August to October.

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

Wind and weather:

  • Season: December – April (the dry season).
  • Wind: North Easterly trade winds, 10–20 knots.
  • Temperature: 25–30°C.
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

Wind and Weather:

  • Season: December – April.
  • Wind: Prevailing North Easterly, 15–20 knots.
  • Temperature: 26–31°C.
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

Wind and weather:

  • Season: December - April.
  • Wind: North Easterlies, 15–20 knots.
  • Temperature: 27–31°C.
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

Wind and Weather:

  • Season: December - April.
  • Wind: Easterly trade winds, 10–15 knots.
  • Temperature: 24–28°C.
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

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