SunBeach Travel

A warm, friendly welcome awaits on this Caribbean island. You can relax in the sun or surf, swim and snorkel on one of the abundant white-sand beaches. Sail, cruise on a catamaran, dive to sunken ships or tour a submarine. See the natural wonders of Harrison’s Cave. Stroll the quaint streets of Bridgetown, the island’s historic capital, and take advantage of the duty-free shopping. And if you have any energy left, enjoy the island’s variety of bars and clubs, including the famous Harbour Lights.

Families and honeymooners alike adore this small Caribbean island. Activities range from the relaxing (sunbathing on golden-sand beaches, visiting Colonial villages, soaking in thermal baths) to the active (ziplining through the rainforest canopy, windsurfing in the clear blue water or climbing a dormant volcano). Enjoy the unique experience of walking between the steaming sulfur springs of volcanic Mt. Soufrière. On Friday nights, visitors join locals for outdoor dancing and seafood dinners.

A beach-lover’s paradise, this Caribbean island’s interior boasts desert, but the coasts are filled with picture-perfect, powdery white sand and tranquil sapphire waters. With gorgeous year-round weather, it’s always the right time to scuba dive, windsurf, snorkel, tee off, horse ride or hike. At night, enjoy casinos and Vegas-style shows. While Aruba displays hints of its Dutch influences (it’s still part of the Netherlands), don’t expect Old World reserve: the draw here is relaxation and fun.

Jamaica is a melting pot of African, Asian, European and Middle Eastern cultures. You’ll experience this diversity in its strong crafts tradition, performing arts and distinctive dining options, like ackee and saltfish with roast breadfruit. Take your vacation to new heights at famed cliff jumping spot, Negril Cliffs. Jamaica offers long beaches, protected coves, rugged mountains, waterfalls, caves and sunshine and chances to play in the surf, ride horses and swim with dolphins. Jump in!

The Dominican Republic lies in the same waters as Cuba and Puerto Rico, taking up the eastern two-thirds of the island it shares with Haiti. Offering a lush interior with a mix of caves, Victorian gingerbread houses and the lore of pirates, plus 900 miles of coastline along its brim, island highlights include riding a cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres and basking on stunning Saona Island. Oh, and did we mention the D.R. is family-friendly, has just about perfect weather and is affordable?