Yet another dual nation island, these two nations both have very strong Creole influences, especially the cuisine – which has resulted from the Spanish and Portuguese settlers. Yet, this is where their similarities end.

Trinidad has rich mangroves and waterfalls, while Tobago is, perhaps, exactly how you’d picture a Caribbean island to be – packed with white sandy beaches.

What is most interesting about these two nations, is the fact that they remain pretty untouched by the tourism industry, so they are perfect for independent travellers who like to do things themselves.

Formally called Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, this group of islands sit in the south of the Caribbean Sea. Its main island, St. Vincent, is perhaps best known for its luxury yacht-filled harbour, but what’s best about these islands is the fact that they are relatively unknown by tourists.
Visited mainly by residents of other Caribbean islands, a trip to St. Vincents will give you an experience of true island life. These peaceful, secluded islands are definitely great for honeymooners – with, yes you guessed it… beautiful beaches!

This island is an interesting one, like Hispaniola it actually comprises of two separate countries. Split in half there is the northern French side (also called Saint Martin) and the southern Dutch side (called Sint Maarten).
Both sides have a busy beach culture – the island is a popular stop off of many Caribbean cruises because of the stunning beaches!
It also has a lively night-life and many designer shops, well-know among Brits for selling duty free alcohol and fine jewellery.

St Barts
Known more commonly as St Barts, this French-speaking island is high-end and packed full of luxury resorts and designer shops – but of course, like all of the islands, it comes with idyllic beaches!
Just eight square miles in size, asides from the designer yachts, luxury hotels and celebs, you will meet charming locals (descendant of the original French settlers) and a large population of iguanas!

Although a Caribbean island, Puerto Rico is also an unincorporated territory of the United States of America. If the endless beaches on this island could talk ,they would no doubt tell you stories of pirates and smugglers – the most famous was El Pirata Cofresí, who was born into a wealthy Puerto Rican family in the 18th Century, but turned from a fisherman to a pirate as it was more lucrative!
With pirates long gone, visitors to the island will now experience a beautiful medley of Spanish and American influences, and the kind of tropical beaches which are perfect for both sun worshipers and surfers.

Formally a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Dutch influences can clearly be seen – especially in the architecture on the island of Curaçao.
There is some debate as to whether this group of island consists of three islands – or five, including Aruba and St Marten, which for this article we have covered separately.
One thing is for sure – all of the islands have the kind of beaches which make the Caribbean famous, including Curaçao, which has a staggering 38 miles of them, with 38 secluded coves!