Largest island in the caribbean sea: Largest countries and territories in the Caribbean

CUBA :. caribbeanislands.com

Cuba

Near the end of 2014, reports swirled that the long-time embargo and other restrictions placed on this massive island nation by the U.S. were finally being lifted. If that comes to pass, Cuba should start enjoying a massive influx of American visitors in the years to come. Despite the strained relations between the two nations, however, Cuba has long been a popular vacation spot.

Cuba holds the distinction of being the largest island in the Caribbean. It’s situated between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, and it’s about 90 miles south of Key West, Florida. As far as its location in the Caribbean, it is east of Mexico, northwest of Jamaica, west of Haiti and between the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas. The capital is Havana, the official currency is the Cuban peso and the official language is Spanish.

In addition to Havana, major cities in Cuba include Baracoa, which is known for its amazing beaches; Trinidad, which is famous for its colonial architecture; Varadero, another beach resort area; Pinar del Rio, home to the country’s most prominent cigar manufacturing facilities; and Santiago de Cuba, a lovely town on the Caribbean coast.

Most people who come to Cuba arrive at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana. If you’re planning a trip here, the best time to visit is between December and April. Summertime tends to be oppressively hot and humid, and it is also when major storms and hurricanes tend to roll through.

While visiting Cuba, be sure to hit some of the most popular attractions. The Havana Malecon, or boardwalk, is a great place to stroll, sightsee and people-watch. Havana Viejo lets you catch a glimpse of Cuba as it was many years ago. Of course, the country is studded with incredible beaches, so there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. In terms of cuisine, the government owns and operates all restaurants, so the food is disappointingly bland. However, be sure to sip on a mojito or Cuba Libre, which is essentially rum and Coke, and don’t leave before purchasing cigars, coffee and rum.

• Capital city – Havana
• Language – Spanish

Cuba in video

Havana, capital city of Cuba

The most vivacious city in the Caribbean, Havana has a legendarily infectious energy and romantic atmosphere. Locals are passionate about nearly everything but especially their city, and it is easy to see why. Cuba’s roller-coaster history has created one of the most culturally unique and electrifying societies in the region. The area was once a haven for swashbuckling pirates, Spanish slave traders and the North American Mafia, but today Havana is a city of modern Latino culture. The city offers something for everyone, from rum and cigars to mambo and a mesmerizing vibe that lures you into the city.

La Habana Vieja, or Old Havana, where Caribbean and African rhythms are the soundtrack

You could spend days just exploring La Habana Vieja, or Old Havana, where Caribbean and African rhythms are the soundtrack, pulsed out by drummers in streets lined with Spanish architecture and dotted with lush patios. There stands the Capitolio, which may look a bit familiar to visitors from the United States.

Modeled after the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., Havana’s version is just as rich in iconography. Visitors are greeted by two statues; one represents virtue while the other stands for work. The main door is decorated with over 30 bas-reliefs that tell the story of Cuba’s long history, and the main hall is dominated by an imposing statue of Minerva, made of bronze. At her feet sits a shining diamond, representing the very heart and center of Cuba. El Capitolio is the most grandiose and ambitious building on the island, and its seemingly boundless treasures are a great introduction to Cuba’s history, architecture and incomparable style.

Museum of the revolution, where the history of the nation of Cuba

To fully understand the island nation’s history, visit the Museo de la Revolución. Formerly the presidential palace, the elegant building was converted to a museum following Castro’s victory in 1959. Outside sits a foreboding Russian tank, employed by Cuban forces to fight off the Bay of Pigs Invasion. The interior speaks to the contradictions in Cuba’s story; magnificent murals and decadent marble staircases tell one story, but the galleries tell another through photos of tortured revolutionaries, bloodstained uniforms and maps of the war’s progress.

Fundación Destilera Havana Club is half Museum, half distillery

No trip to Cuba is complete without at least a sip of rum and a puff on a cigar. You can find both at the Fundación Destilera Havana Club. Part museum, part distillery, the club offers visitors a glimpse into the country’s famed rum industry. It shares grounds with the Casa del Conde de la Mortera, a lovely 18th-century mansion once integral to Cuba’s sugar industry.

The food scene in Havana is rapidly improving. Snag a seat at a paladar, a family-owned restaurant limited to 12 seats or less by law. These friendly spots are where you are guaranteed to find a home-like, cozy atmosphere and fresh, inexpensive and authentic cuisine. The best are found in the historic Playa, Vedado and Miramar districts where they serve up crispy tostones, sweet plantains and the nation’s most ubiquitous staple of black beans and rice. For an authentic Cuban experience, wash it all down with a cool and refreshing mojito.

Havana nights are bursting with vibrant energy exuding from salsa clubs, piano lounges, intimate restaurants and rooftop garden bars

The city really heats up after the sun sets into the Caribbean. Havana nights are bursting with vibrant energy exuding from salsa clubs, piano lounges, intimate restaurants and rooftop garden bars. Be ready to dance for hours and make friends with lots of locals, and be on the lookout for roving street bartenders.

Havana Location

Havana is on the northernmost coast of Cuba towards the western end. It faces the Gulf of Mexico and has a population of 2,200,000.

Havana Language

The official language of Havana is Spanish.

Havana Predominant Religion

• 85% Roman Catholic
• 15% Other

The government officially promotes religious freedom but in practice has been known to prohibit certain religious beliefs.

Havana Currency

The national Peso and the convertible peso are the two official currencies in Cuba.

Havana Climate

Havana experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures all year and heavy rainfall from June to October. Hurricanes do strike Cuba occasionally but Havana is positioned away from the full force.

Havana Main Attractions

• Old Havana
• Old Square (Plaza Vieja)
• Playas del Este

Other Attraction in Havana

• Museo de la Revolución
• The Malecón
• Casa Oswaldo Guayasamin
• Catedral de San Cristobal de la Habana

What is the Most Populous Country in the Caribbean?

The Caribbean archipelago is made up of more than 7,000 islands. However, only a tiny percentage of the islands are inhabited, and now independent countries or dependent territories aligned with France, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, or the United States.

The legacy of European colonizers and the descendants of enslaved Africans have heavily influenced everything about the Caribbean region, including history, architecture, culture, languages, and food scene. All of this makes the Caribbean so much more than sun, sand, and sea typically used for marketing the region.

So what is the population of the Caribbean? Well, the Caribbean region has an estimated 45 million people, most of whom are the descendants of enslaved Africans. Below is a highlight of the population for each Caribbean island starting with the 13 independent countries and then the 17 dependent territories.

Independent Caribbean Countries by Population

Three Cuban women in traditional dresses in Havana, Cuba. Photo Credit: © Macmonican via 123RF.com

Cuba Population

Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, and it is similarly the Caribbean’s most populous country. Cuba has a land area of around 42,426 square miles with over 130 populated cities.

The population of Cuba stands at an estimated 11.3 million people, which is made up of several ethnicities. The population is concentrated in the bigger cities and towns such as Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Camagüey, Santa Clara, and Guantánamo.

The majority of Cubans self-identify as white, with others identifying as Black or mixed. Most Cubans have European and African ancestors due to colonial history, and a small percentage of them are indigenous people.

Haiti Population

Haiti falls just short of Cuba for the mantle of being the most populated country in the Caribbean. It is also the third-largest country in the Caribbean, just behind the Dominican Republic and Cuba. Haiti shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic and has a land area of 10,710 square miles.

Haiti’s growing population currently stands at an estimated 11.2 million and will most likely soon surpass Cuba. Haiti’s French & Creole-speaking society is mainly Black, with 95% of Haitians identifying as Black and the rest as white or mixed.

Dominican Republic Population

The Dominican Republic is the second-largest Caribbean island and is the third most populous country in the region. It shares the island of Hispaniola with its western neighbor, Haiti, and has a land area of 18,792 square miles.

The population in the Dominican Republic stands at an estimated 10.7 million people, all of whom speak the country’s official language, Spanish. Many in the Dominican Republican identify as white, Black, and mixed, being descendants of European colonizers and enslaved Africans.

Jamaica Population

Jamaica is the fourth most populated Caribbean island. Jamaica is also the fifth-largest island in the region, with a land area of 4,244 square miles.

Jamaica is home to an estimated 2.9 million people, with the majority the descendants of enslaved Africans. It’s common to hear Jamaicans speak rapidly in Jamaican/English patois and then switch to perfect English, the country’s official language.

Trinidad and Tobago Population

Trinidad and Tobago is a country made up of two islands. Together, they have a 1,956 square miles land area, with Trinidad at 1,841 square miles and Tobago at 115 square miles.

Around 1.3 million people call Trinidad and Tobago home, with 96% of them living in Trinidad. The majority of the population are also the descendants of enslaved Africans and indentured laborers from India.

As a reflection of its ethnic diversity, several languages are spoken in Trinidad and Tobago. This includes the official language English along with Trinidadian and Tobagonian Creole French, Caribbean Hindustani, and Spanish.

The Bahamas Population

The Bahamas is one of the region’s renowned tourist destinations, despite not being directly in the Caribbean sea. It has 5,358 square miles of land area, making it one of the largest Caribbean islands. The Bahamas is not just one island; it includes over 700 islands, cays, and islets.

The Bahamas has just under 390 000 people, most of whom are Black, with a small percentage being white, mixed, and other ethnicities. Bahamians speak English, the official language of the country, and some speak English creole.

Barbados Population

Barbados, popular with tourists from North America and Europe, is located on the Eastern side of the Caribbean, and the island is just 169 square miles.

Barbados has an estimated population that’s just shy of 290,000, with over 90% of the population identifying as Black. The remaining 10% are a mix of white, East Indian, and other ethnicities. English is the country’s official language, but most Barbadians, aka Bajans, also speak Bajan creole.

School children walking down a street in Bridgetown, Barbados. Photo Credit: © Marina113 via 123RF.com.

Saint Lucia Population

The volcanic island of Saint Lucia is located in the Eastern Caribbean and is one of the more mountainous ones in the region. A major landmark and tourist attraction are The Pitons, two mountainous volcanic plugs, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. The nation’s land area stands at 238 square miles.

Saint Lucia’s population is approximately 182,000, with most people living in and near Castries, the nation’s capital is a favorite among tourists. Saint Lucians are mostly the descendants of enslaved Africans, with Afro-Europeans and East Indians making up the rest of the population. They speak English, the official language, as well as French Creole, aka Kwéyòl.

Grenada Population

Grenada is a Caribbean nation affectionately known as “the Island of Spice” due to having a wealth of spices, including nutmeg referred locally as black gold. The country encompasses the larger island of Grenada itself, plus two smaller islands, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Grenada spans just 134.6 square miles in terms of land area.

The Caribbean island of Grenada has an estimated population of 112,000 people. Most Grenadians are the descendants of enslaved Africans. A small portion of Grenadians identifies as mixed, East Indian, or another ethnicity. While English is the official language, many Grenadians speak Grenadian English Creole and Grenadian French Creole.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Population

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is made up of mainland Saint Vincent and about 32 islands and cays in The Grenadines. Not all the islands in The Grenadines are inhabited. The main ones include Young Island, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Petit Saint Vincent, Palm Island, Mayreau, and Union Island.

Saint Vincent is 142 square miles, and The Grenadines spans a land area size of 150 square miles on which an estimated 110,000 population. Most Vincentians are Black, and a small percentage are mixed, with indigenous (Carib), East Indian, and European ethnicities. English is also the official language but most also Vincentian Creole.

Antigua and Barbuda Population

Antigua and Barbuda, also located in the Eastern Caribbean, is made up of two islands. The islands have a combined land area of 170 square miles, with Antigua being much larger than Barbuda.

With just an estimated 97,000 people, Antigua & Barbuda is one of the least populated countries in the Caribbean. Antiguans and Barbudans are primarily Black, with a small percentage identifying as mixed, Hispanic, white, and other ethnic groups. The official language is English, although a number of the citizens also speak Antiguan creole.

Dominica Population

Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean island of Dominica has a land area of 290 square miles. Part of the Windward Islands chain in the Lesser Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean Sea, Dominica is known as the nature island.

Dominica has an estimated population of 71,000 people, with most identifying as Black and a small percentage being mixed and indigenous. Dominicans speak English officially as well as French patois.

Saint Kitts and Nevis Population

Saint Kitts and Nevis comprise two islands, part of the Leeward Islands chain of the Lesser Antilles. The country is both the smallest and least populous independent country in the Caribbean. It has a land area of just 101 square miles, with a population of 52,000 people.

The majority of Kittitians and Nevisians are Black, with a small percentage being mixed, white, East Indians, and other ethnicities. The official language for Saint Kitts and Nevis is English.

Caribbean political map with capitals, national borders, important cities rivers, and lakes. English labeling and scaling. Photo Credit: © Peter Hermes Furian via 123RF.com.

Dependent Caribbean Countries by Population

There are seventeen islands known as dependent territories within the Caribbean region with ties to former colonial powers in Europe and the United States of America. They make up the rest of the leading Caribbean islands where people live and work.

The United States has Puerto Rico, the Caribbean’s largest and most populated (3.1 million people) dependency. Connected to the United States is also the United States Virgin Islands, which has approximately 106,000 people.

Overseas Territories for the United Kingdom include the British Virgin Islands (30 000 people), Cayman Islands (64,000 people), Turks & Caicos Islands (38,000 people), Anguilla (18,000 people), and Montserrat (5,000 people).

France has sovereignty over Martinique (400,000 people), Guadeloupe (451 000 people), Saint Martin (32,000 people), and Saint Barthélemy (7,000 people).

The Netherlands controls the rest of the Caribbean’s territories, including Aruba (120,000 people), Bonaire (20,000 people), Curaçao (157,000 people), Saba (1,900 people), Sint Maarten (44 000 people), and Sint Eustatius (3,100 people).

Population for Caribbean Countries beyond Geography

The Caribbean region extends beyond geography as Bermuda, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, is closely aligned due to shared history, culture, and heritage. Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory.

Also, closely aligned with the Caribbean is Belize which does have Caribbean Sea shorelines but is located on the northeastern coast of Central America.  The only Central American country where English is the official language, Belize a member of the Caribbean Tourism Organization is closely aligned with the Caribbean as it is a former colony of the United Kingdom.  

Two more countries closely aligned with the Caribbean are Guyana and Suriname that are members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) with the primary objectives to promote economic integration and cooperation. This is why I often include them when doing rankings such as Caribbean Olympic athletes, even though I get grief from people who continually tell me I don’t know geography.

That said, the population of Bermuda is 64,000 people and the population of Belize is 420,000 people. Guyana has a population of 783,000 people, and Suriname has a population of 582,000 people.

Caribbean Sea: 9 small beautiful islands

Islands in the Caribbean Sea – a coveted piece of paradise for tourists: white sand, gentle sun and excellent service. Everyone has heard about such places as Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Bahamas and Jamaica more than once. Therefore, we decided to talk about the less known, but no less attractive islands of the Caribbean.

Sixty islands in the northeastern Caribbean are considered British Overseas Territories and maintain close ties with the Metropolis, so the level of service, language and culture here is English, but the money is American. You will need a lot of them to travel here: the standard of living in this archipelago is one of the highest in the region.

Many tourists come to the British Virgin Islands by ferry from other nearby tiny states for a day or two. What to do here? Tortola, the main island, is famous for its white beaches and chalk cliffs, small Jost van Dyck has the best restaurants with Caribbean cuisine, the former pirate residence of Anegada attracts diving enthusiasts – more than 200 ships are sunk in coastal waters, and The Baths are located on Virgin Gorda ( Baths) are unique natural stone reservoirs filled with sea water.
See also:
5 most unusual dive sites

The archipelago north of Puerto Rico and south of the British Virgin Islands belongs to the United States and differs little from the British namesake in terms of prices, service and luxury. Sao Tomas is the largest island in the archipelago, it is also called Rock City because of the rocky horizon line. From the entertainment there is the Ocean Park, diving and numerous festivals, and from the attractions – the castle of Blackbeard, the famous pirate.

The smallest island of St. John attracts celebrities and honeymooners seeking solitude on picturesque uncrowded beaches, as well as nature lovers: there is a large nature reserve with hiking trails. The southern island of Santa Cruz is of interest to history buffs: here in colonial times there were sugar cane plantations and distilleries, which now open small museums.

The small, teardrop-shaped island of Saint Lucia, the second largest of the Windward Islands, has become increasingly popular in recent years. The wildlife here is quite well preserved (unlike many other Caribbean islands) and is relatively inexpensive.

In spring, the island hosts an international jazz festival attended by famous musicians. Newlyweds, for whom almost half of all rooms are prepared in hotels, like to spend their honeymoon “weeks” here. Outdoor enthusiasts can climb to the crater of an extinct volcano or climb the twin mountains of the Pitons, protruding directly from the sea in the southwestern part of the island.
See also:
Top 10 mountains to climb

One of the most picturesque places in the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands were so named because the first Europeans mistook the blue iguanas that lived here in large numbers for caimans. An archipelago of three islands lies south of Cuba.
Do not miss:
Why you should go to Cuba right now

The largest island is Grand Cayman, it is home to the capital Georgetown and Stringray City – an entertainment center named after the stingrays living in coastal waters ,

which can be fed. Here you can also visit the former capital city of Bodden, next to which there are Pirate Caves that they used for centuries for shelter, or a turtle farm, or walk along the Mastic Trail in the middle of the island.

On the island of Little Cayman, nature is almost untouched: mangroves where wild (or feral) animals are found. There is also a bird sanctuary here. On the island of Cayman Brac, there are many caves and a national park of parrots. Interestingly, all the islands have beaches with both white and black sand.

5. Turks and Caicos Islands

A network of 40 small islands with white sand beaches, clear azure waters, and colorful coral reefs is an ideal place for a quiet secluded vacation. Most of the islands do not have permanent residents, only the staff of the
hotels and lodges. The largest island, Providenciales, hosts huge ocean liners in a port that looks more like a pier.

On the island of Grand Turk, two hundred meters from the shore, there is a reef very popular with divers, which abruptly breaks off at a depth of 2.4 kilometers. The National Museum is also located here, where among the exhibits there is evidence that Columbus first entered the Western Land on this island (although historians dispute this fact).

Barbados sets the standard for island holidays: pristine sandy beaches, green golf and cricket fields, palace-like hotels, European service (with traditional British tea drinking) and Caribbean climate. Here they drink first-class local rum, participate in horse races and dance calypso.

The west and south coasts are traditionally used for beach holidays, while the east Atlantic, more hectic, is loved by surfers. Bathsheba beach is especially popular among fans to catch a wave. The cultural program also includes a visit to the Andromeda Botanical Garden and the gallery of pirate caves.
See also:
Surfing: five rules for a successful trip

The little-known twin islands in the southern Caribbean offer a choice of black sand beaches and luxury hotels, or the opportunity to find adventure and visit places with history. The livelier island of St. Kitts is filled with restaurants, bars and nightlife.

In calm Nevis, you can walk and swim on quiet beaches. There are also attractions on the islands: the ancient Brimstone Fort, which the conquerors of these lands called the Gibraltar of the West Indies.

Saint Maarten or Sint Martin is the smallest of all inhabited islands, controlled simultaneously by two independent governments, located in the northern part of the Caribbean Sea. The northern part of the island called Saint-Martin belongs to France and attracts tourists with gourmet restaurants and trendy beach parties.

The southern Dutch part of Sint Martin is known for its casinos and Maho Beach. Above the beach, literally over the heads of vacationers, intercontinental liners are landing. This attracts spotters (fans to photograph aircraft) from all over the world and surfers.

On the island of Bonaire in the southern Caribbean, almost all of the main attractions are underwater, so if you’re not an avid diver, you might be better off heading to the neighboring islands of Aruba and Curaçao, which are more famous and full of tourists. The coral reef surrounding the island has the status of a National Natural Park, and all living things living up to 60 meters deep are under protection.

If you want to take a breather between dives, you can take a land trip: Washington Slagbay National Park is a charming nature reserve with hills and lakes, parrots, pink flamingos and iguanas.

Holidays in the Caribbean cannot be called cheap, but when ordering the Flight + Hotel package, you can save up to 30% of the cost. Do not forget about visas – you will need them to visit most of the Caribbean islands.

The Caribbean Sea and Caribbean islands on the world map

We tell you why the Caribbean Sea is so popular among foreigners from all over the world.

Geography of the Caribbean

The Caribbean Sea is located at the junction of Central and South America and is bounded by a chain of 700 Caribbean islands. The sea is semi-enclosed and belongs to the basin of the Atlantic Ocean. Its area is comparable to the Mediterranean Sea.

The hurricane season, or wet season, runs from May to November. Hurricanes are most common in September. On average, there are ten storms a year, five of which reach the strength of a hurricane, that is, they break houses and trees.

To protect the population from hurricanes, governments in the Caribbean are seeking to replace buildings with special sustainable structures. For example, Dominica founded the CREAD association, which is regulated by the Climate Resilience Act. The association develops building codes that take into account the resistance of buildings to hurricanes. All modern hotels in the Caribbean are built with these standards in mind.

The Caribbean is warm all year round. The average water temperature is around 27°C with slight fluctuations of 2-3°C throughout the year. Such climatic conditions are due to the influence of the warm current of the Atlantic Ocean – the Gulf Stream.

Diving and Fishing in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is an ideal place for diving and fishing. There are many lagoons, bays, small uninhabited islands, reefs and underwater caves. There are 450 species of fish. Off the coast you can meet humpback whales, sperm whales, manatees and, of course, dolphins and sea turtles. And sunken ships lie at the bottom.

The most popular for diving and fishing are the Cayman Islands, as well as the islands of Roatan, Santa Cruz, St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, Barbuda, Grenada, Saba. For beginners, there are diving courses on each island.

Top 6 Diving & Fishing Spots in the Caribbean

• French Cay, Turks and Caicos
• Blood Bay, Little Cayman
• North Face, Grand Cayman
• Jardines de la Reina, Cuba
• Port Louis Marina in St. George’s, Grenada
• La Roche Rock half a kilometer from Rodney Bay Pier in St. Lucia

Fishing in the Caribbean is only half a kilometer from the islands. In addition to deep sea fishing, there is fishing in shallow water and reefs. To guarantee yourself a catch, it is better to contact travel companies. They will provide a boat with a crew, a professional guide and the necessary equipment.

To fish from a boat, you need to purchase a license, its cost is set by the government of each country separately. For example, in Antigua and Barbuda you will need to pay $100. You can get a fishing permit at the regional fisheries department, which is located in the capital of each Caribbean state.

Most of the coral reefs of the Atlantic Ocean are located off the coast of the Caribbean Sea. In addition to the picturesque coral gardens, in the Caribbean Sea, divers from all over the world are attracted by clear turquoise water, tropical fish, colorful sponges, sea urchins, a large number of caves, grottoes and sunken ships

from 1492 to 1898. One of them is “Santa Maria” by Christopher Columbus

The Caribbean is home to 450 species of fish. White and blue marlin, king and Spanish mackerel, yellowfin and blackfin tuna, swordfish, Jack Crevalle are local favorites for anglers

There are 90 species of mammals in the Caribbean Sea. For example, sperm whales, humpback whales, dolphins, harbor seals and manatees

Yachting in the Caribbean

From December to May, yachting enthusiasts visit the Caribbean Sea, many regattas are held. The route along the Caribbean archipelago is very convenient – along a flat semi-arc without large detours. On each major island, you can moor a yacht in a marina, get maintenance or rent a yacht.

Service in marinas and ports is first-class, because the yachts of billionaires often call at the Caribbean. For example, in 2019, around Christmas, 52 superyachts gathered near St. Maarten, as reported by the Bloomberg news agency.

Top 3 best marinas in the Caribbean

• Christophe Harbour, St. Kitts: 250 modern marinas, 50 of which are for yachts up to 60 meters in length
• English Harbor in Falmouth, Antigua and Barbuda: the port can accommodate 300 ships up to 100 meters in length
• Port of Louis Marina in St. George, Grenada: 227 berths for yachts up to 100 meters in length

The cost of a yacht in the Caribbean is lower than in the EU countries. For example, the cost of registering a pleasure yacht in Dominica, regardless of the length of the hull, is $1,900. For comparison, in Malta, registering a yacht with a displacement of seven tons will cost 6,400 €.

The registration process in the Caribbean is fast – from an hour to three days. For comparison, in Europe, registering a yacht can take up to two weeks.

Annual yacht tax in the Caribbean is also lower than in European countries. In Malta, the owner of a yacht with a displacement of seven tons will pay a tonnage tax of 2,800 €. Many Caribbean countries do not have such a tax.

Therefore, it is more profitable to register a yacht in the Caribbean. But the registration of a vessel in the Caribbean is available only to citizens of these countries.

Obtain citizenship in the Caribbean

In order to pay less taxes when buying a yacht, save on the maintenance of a vessel and have access to developed ports, wealthy yachtsmen receive a second citizenship of the Caribbean countries.

The easiest and fastest way to get Caribbean citizenship is through government investment programs. The term of receipt is from 2 to 6 months. Investors make a contribution of $100,000 to the country’s economy in exchange for a Caribbean passport.

Caribbean Regattas

Yachtsmen from all over the world gather in the Caribbean to compete. The Antigua Sailing Week regatta is annually attended by 120 to 200 yachts from 30 countries, or approximately 1,000 yachtsmen.

To take part in a regatta in the Caribbean on your own yacht, you need to register your vessel and crew, if any. To do this, you need to go to the official website of a particular regatta, register as a participant, fill out all the necessary forms in your personal account and pay participation fees.

Online registration form for participation in the Antigua and Barbuda Regatta “Antigua Sailing Week”

Annually, 10 international sailing competitions are held in the Caribbean Sea. In 2022, athletes can choose from twelve regattas:

1. Barbados Sailing Week 18-23 Jan
2. Grenada Sailing Week 3-4 Feb
3. Caribbean Multihull Challenge 4-6 Feb
4. RORC Caribbean 600 21-25 Feb 601 St.901 Regatta 601 Feb 21-25 Maarten Heineken, March 3-6
5. Antigua Superyacht Challenge, March 9-13
6. St. Barts Regatta, March 17-20
7. St. Thomas International Regatta, March 25-27
8. BVO Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival, 28 March ―April 3
9. Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta March 30-April 4
10. Saint Barthélemy Sails April 17-23
11. Antigua Sailing Week Apr 30-May 6

start of the racing season in the southern Caribbean. These competitions are not for beginners – the coast of Grenada is famous for changeable and gusty winds

Pirates in the Caribbean

Piracy in the Caribbean flourished in the 16th-18th centuries, during the era of colonization. European ships were taking gold out of America, and there were countless people who wanted to rob them: from ordinary vagabonds, thieves and murderers to kings.

The pious English Queen Elizabeth I stood out for her entrepreneurial spirit. She became the head of the largest pirate clan under the command of the legendary Francis Drake. Other rulers, such as the King of France, quickly adopted the experience of Elizabeth I. But the queen remained the leader in terms of robberies.

The first pirates of the Caribbean were English, French and Dutch. The most famous pirates who went down in history are Edward Teach, nicknamed “Blackbeard”, Bart Roberts and Henry Morgan.

Treasures of sunken ships at the bottom of the Caribbean Sea are not a myth. Gold diggers are still exploring the bottom of the Caribbean. One of the examples of a successful hunt for gold is Mel Fisher’s expedition. In 1895, Fisher’s team lifted $400 million worth of gold and silver bars from the bottom of the Caribbean Sea.

God-fearing Elizabeth I put piracy on stream to fill her treasury. For success in robberies and murders, the chief pirate Francis Drake received a knighthood from her

The Jolly Roger pirate flag first appeared in the eighteenth century on Jack Rackham’s pirate ship. Prior to this, a single pirate flag did not exist. Each pirate ship had a flag with its own image

The scenes by the sea of ​​the famous movie “Pirates of the Caribbean” were filmed in the Caribbean. In the film you can see the landscapes of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica and the Bahamas

Holidays in the Caribbean

In the Caribbean, everyone will find their place to relax – 700 islands offer their hospitality. Large islands are characterized by a developed infrastructure, densely populated. The smaller the island, the closer it is to wildlife.

700 islands

in the Caribbean

The Caribbean consists of the Greater and Lesser Antilles. The largest islands of the Big Group are Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. Trinidad is the largest island in the Lesser Antilles. For comparison, Cuba is comparable in size to Bulgaria, and Trinidad is comparable in area to two Luxembourg or 10 Andorras.

The Caribbean islands were first discovered by Christopher Columbus during his three expeditions at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries. Before the arrival of Europeans, the islands were inhabited by indigenous people – Indians. After the discovery, the islands were settled by Spanish colonies. Thus, the first form of European statehood appeared in the Caribbean.

There are 14 sovereign and 11 dependent states on the territory of the Caribbean archipelago. The countries with the largest GDP are the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica. However, in terms of per capita income and standard of living, the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis are in the lead.

Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis and Grenada were ranked among the best destinations in the Caribbean in 2021 by The Caribbean Journal. The countries were praised for a large number of clean beaches, modern hotels and high quality tourist services.

How many days a Russian can stay without a visa in the Caribbean

Up to 90 days – Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica
Up to 60 days – Dominican Republic
Up to 42 days – Saint Lucia
Up to 30 days – Cuba
Up to 28 days – Barbados

FAQ

Where is the Caribbean Sea?

The Caribbean Sea is located above or north of South America on the map. The sea is semi-enclosed. It is formed by the Caribbean Islands, Central and South America. The Caribbean Sea belongs to the Atlantic Ocean.

What to do in the Caribbean?

More than 25,000 tourists visit the Caribbean Sea and Caribbean islands every year. Popularity is due to climatic conditions – the sea remains warm all year round.

The most popular activities among tourists in the Caribbean are diving, fishing and yachting. Professional athletes take part in the famous Caribbean regattas.

Which countries are in the Caribbean?

There are 25 states on the territory of the Caribbean islands. Of these, 14 have the status of a sovereign state.

The most developed countries in the Caribbean are Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Saint Lucia and Dominica offer get a Caribbean passport for investment. The minimum amount of investment in the state economy is $100,000.

The Caribbean Passport allows visa-free travel to over 146 countries, including the Schengen area, the UK, China, Hong Kong and Singapore.