The Caribbean is famous the world over for its picture perfect white sand beaches and the laid back lifestyles of its people. Made up of more than 7000 islands, islets, reefs and cays and with spectacular diving, mouth-watering cuisine and a truly tropical climate, it is one of the planet’s most popular tourist destinations. But, it’s not all suntans and luxury cruises. At responsibletravel.com we work with hundreds of Caribbean tour operators and accommodations that not only provide that essential slice of paradise but give you the chance to discover the hidden corners and local secrets and take home a genuine Caribbean experience.
This week we’ve put together a few of our Caribbean holidays and accommodations and taken a look at some of the fantastic things they’re doing so that you can escape the January blues and come with us on a responsibletravel.com tour of the Caribbean!
Bahamas to Dominican Republic
Arriving in the North we begin our Caribbean tour on Central Andros Island in the Bahamas. Staying in this
spectacular beachfront accommodation you can choose to while away the hours in your palm tree strung hammock or head out for a first taste of snorkeling among the brightly coloured reefs and marine life of the Caribbean Sea. This hotel is one of the few in the Bahamas that has a formal Environmental Management System in place. Try sipping your first Caribbean Breeze out of one of their unusual cocktail glasses made from recycled wine bottles.
Next, tearing ourselves away from the beaches of the Bahamas we head south across the Florida Straights for some Cuban culture.
Soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Havana surrounded by Colonial architecture and cigar smoke and then head into the lush countryside on an
in depth country tour, accompanied by your local tour guide. This operator ensures that you gain real insight into Cuban life as well as supports local economies by only employing tour leaders born and bred in the regions they visit. Alternatively, you can rent your own 1950’s classic car and plan a personalized trip with a
tailor made tour.
Heading down into Jamaica provides the perfect opportunity to take in another of the Caribbean’s most famous islands renowned for its laid-back lifestyle and unique musical heritage. Enjoy the reggae rhythms and stunning beaches from this
eco boutique hotel in Port Antonio where you can also sample the homegrown and local produce.
Or try a spot of
Jamaican birdwatching for something a little different.
Next we hop over the Winward Passage to our final island in the Greater Antilles, Dominican Republic. Here you can
learn typical Dominican dances such as the Machata and Merengue as well as top up on some Spanish.
This local operator is keen to get customers involved in the Dominican Republic’s culture helping the local economy at the same time; “Our local teachers hold informal talks with groups to inform about and discuss with them all aspects of local life. This helps understanding of the area and appreciation of the people who live there.”
Dominica to Trinidad & Tobago
From the rhythms of the Dominican Republic to the rainforest of Dominica, located centrally in the Lesser Antilles. Stay in these
fantastic wooden cabins situated in a serene forest environment and designed to take full advantage of panoramic views over mountain and sea. From here you can enjoy hiking to the spectacular hidden waterfalls or ruins within the valley or an educational farm tour, all offered by guides in the local community.
Heading further South again we find ourselves among the white sands and turquoise waters of St Vincent and the Grenadines. You can explore this slice of paradise and discover the huge variety of tropical marine life on a low impact
scuba diving holiday or, for a spot of total luxury, relax in one of these 29 cottages located just off the mainland on this
idyllic island escape.
St Vincent and the Grenadines is the first tourist board to include only responsible tour operators and accommodations on their official site demonstrating a serious commitment to protecting and sustaining the spectacular environment and supporting local economies through positive tourism in this part of the world. To find out more you can visit our
St Vincent and the Grenadines travel guide here.
Our final stop on our Caribbean tour is Trinidad and Tobago located at the Caribbean’s most southerly tip a short hop across the water from Venezuela and South America. Here you can take a
tour of the islands visiting the soaring mountains, primary rainforest and stunning array of dazzling beaches or make an overnight
stay in a Carib Indian village to truly experience a totally different aspect of these tropical isles. Before leaving Trinidad, a stay in Grand Riviere gives you the opportunity to watch leatherback turtles lay their eggs, or walk along Shark River.
Or perhaps for an ultimately relaxed end to our grand Caribbean tour a stay in this small
Tobago beach accommodation is the perfect conclusion. The construction of these wooden lodges was undertaken by local people with some 30-40 people involved over three years providing a good deal of skill development amongst the people involved.
This commitment to working with people in this small Tobagan village has helped to create a warm atmosphere towards visitors here demonstrating just one of the many ways in which responsible tourism in the Caribbean is having a positive impact on local people and environments as well as providing genuine insights and unforgettable experiences for the responsible traveller.
Take a look at all of our Caribbean holidays and accommodations here
Need help finding a great value holiday? Contact our helpdesk at amelia@responsibletravel.com By
Lani Watson, responsibletravel.com 
