Diverse, exotic, dramatic, stunning, pristine, vibrant–just a few of the words used to describe the Southern Caribbean. Taking a cruise to the Southern Caribbean allows travelers to explore some of the most beautiful beaches and waters in the world. The Southern Caribbean is made up of the islands south and east of Saint Maarten. The region is a mix of European influence and island traditions, making it a culturally diverse experience.
Any exploration of the Southern Caribbean must begin with the ABC Islands–Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.
Aruba is a favorite cruise destination and is known as one of the best beach destinations in the world. Cruise ships will dock in the capital city of Oranjestad, where passengers are greeted with pastel-colored buildings and Dutch and local culture. Aruba’s most popular shore excursions include Eagle Beach with its powdery white sands, jet skis, and banana boats; snorkeling over the sunken Antilla shipwreck; and classic island tours. Aruba is considered the liveliest of the ABC islands.
On the other hand, Bonaire is a less-crowded, quieter, eco-friendly island known as “the shore diving capital of the world.” The island is focused on marine conservation, and its waters are protected as part of the Bonaire National Marine Park, making the coral reefs some of the most vibrant in the world. In fact, other than snorkeling and diving excursions, one of Bonaire’s most popular excursions is exploring the marine park on a glass-bottom boat or semi-submarine tour. Other popular excursions include observing the Caribbean pink flamingo at Pekelmeery Flamingo Sanctuary and visiting the white mountains of salt at the Pink Salt Pans. Some guests prefer to enjoy a walking tour through the historical and colorful streets of Kralendijk, Bonaire’s capital city and main port.
Which brings us to the island of Curaçao, found just off the coast of South America. Curaçao’s capital city, Willemstad, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its pastel-colored waterfront architecture. The island itself is also known for its colorful street murals, alleys, buildings, and homes, as well as its signature liqueur, which you can learn more about and sample at a distillery in a 19th-century mansion. Guests enjoy crossing the floating Queen Emma Bridge, which connects the colonial districts of Punda and Otrobanda. Guests can also swim with stingrays and sea turtles, explore a sunken tugboat, or relax on one of the island’s more than 35 beaches.
Barbados is another small island with clear blue water and colorful buildings. Its capital, Bridgetown, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering a glimpse of the colorful British architecture of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Among the most popular excursions are catamaran and snorkel boat excursions. Most of these excursions take guests to Carlisle Bay, which features six shipwrecks. Their proximity in the shallow waters has created an artificial reef, allowing passengers and snorkelers to observe colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and sea turtles up close and personal. The island also boasts of the historical Mount Gay Rum Distillery, where guests can learn about (and taste) the world’s oldest commercial rum brand. Foodies will want to enjoy fresh lobster in Speightstown or take part in Oistins Fish Fry for the catch of the day.
Lastly, we will head to Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua and Barbuda are two large islands that form one country. Its capital and cruise port is St. John’s on the island of Antigua. The majority of the population lives on Antigua, meaning Barbuda is a perfect getaway from tourism. Antigua also has an UNESCO World Heritage Site just a short drive from the port–Nelson’s Dockyard. With Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, guests enjoy visiting the restored 18th-century military lookout, Shirley Heights, which offers beautiful panoramic views of the region. Guests who love the beach could visit a different beach every day of the year in Antigua, as it boasts of 365 distinct beaches. Most cruise lines do not offer excursions in Barbuda because of time constraints, but you can choose to visit Barbuda independently during your cruise stop. If you do, you could enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, Pink Sand Beach, snorkeling, or the Codrington Lagoon, but be mindful of arriving back at the ship on time. No one wants to be a pier runner.
When you choose a Southern Caribbean itinerary, you are choosing colorful towns, pristine beaches, exotic wildlife, stunning waters, a more diverse cultural experience, and typically a longer itinerary. Cruises to this region range from 7 to 12 nights and often include more sea days, allowing passengers to explore the ship and enjoy the onboard amenities. The best time to sail the Southern Caribbean is December to April, when the weather is just a little better.