West Indies info
The Caribbean is a region consisting of the Caribbean Sea, its islands (most of which enclose the sea), and the surrounding coasts. The region is located southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and Northern America, east of Central America, and to the north of South America.
Situated largely on the Caribbean Plate, the region comprises more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and cays. These islands, called the West Indies, generally form island arcs that delineate the eastern and northern edges of the Caribbean Sea. These islands are called the West Indies because when Christopher Columbus landed here in 1492 he believed that he had reached the Indies (in Asia).
Geopolitically, the West Indies are usually reckoned as a subregion of North America and are organised into 27 territories including sovereign states, overseas departments, and dependencies. At one time, there was a short-lived country called the Federation of the West Indies composed of ten English-speaking Caribbean territories, all of which were then UK dependencies.
The region takes its name from that of the Carib, an ethnic group present in the Lesser Antilles and parts of adjacent South America at the time of European contact. In the English-speaking world, someone from the Caribbean is usually referred to as a "West Indian," although the phrase "Caribbean person" is sometimes used.
Regions in West Indies
The Antilles are divided into two major groups: the "Greater Antilles" to the north including the larger islands of Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola (Haiti a... READ MORE
The islands are a long partly volcanic island arc, most of which wrap around the eastern end of the Caribbean Sea on the western boundary with the Atl... READ MORE
Featured Businesses
Blue Bay Dive and Watersports Center2018-05-16
Located in Curacao, Lesser Antilles, Antilles, West Indies
Blue Bay Dive and Watersports Center in Curacao, is a sports shop and diving center where enthusiasts of outdoor activities and water sports can take part in diving excursions, fishing trips, kayaking, sailing and many other outdoor adventures. Our diving center also offers scuba diving lessons, snorkeling trips and our sports shop has large selections of swimwear, diving gear and more. Discover the exciting and exotic underwater world when you book any of the snorkeling trips offered by Blue Bay Diver and Watersports Center, and our boat trips will anchor at unique dive spots with few divers and a display of healthy growing and colorful corals.
READ MOREAruba Ostrich Farm
Located in Aruba, Lesser Antilles, Antilles, West Indies
Visit Aruba Ostrich Farm in ArubaREAD MOREOlveston House2014-10-13
Located in Montserrat, Lesser Antilles, Antilles, West Indies
Olveston House in Montserrat, West Indies, is a charming guesthouse with six luxurious double rooms, a swimming pool and tennis court set on 5 acres of colorful tropical gardens. This serene retreat is a perfect choice of honeymoon accommodation, and newlyweds will enjoy relaxing strolls through the lawned gardens that provide spectacular views of the volcano. The tranquil environment of Olveston House is ideal for romantic getaways or for business travellers, and for families on vacation we have excellent babysitters available. Our restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and meals may be taken on our spacious veranda or in the comfort of your guestroom or honeymoon accommodation.
READ MOREBed and Breakfast De Herberg2018-05-16
Located in Curacao, Lesser Antilles, Antilles, West Indies
Bed and Breakfast De Herberg in Curacao, West Indies, is a centrally located bed and breakfast that is suitable for business or leisure travelers who are looking for accommodation that is comfortable and relaxing. Spacious guest rooms at our bed and breakfast are elegantly furnished, have beautiful garden views, air conditioning, private bathrooms and walls adorned with artists murals. A delicious breakfast is available at a minimal cost, and we have a fully equipped kitchen that guests are welcome to use. At the end of enjoyable fun filled days, guests staying at Bed and Breakfast De Herberg are welcome to relax on our delightful porch with amazing views, and enjoy a delicious meal or share stories of fun outings with other guests.READ MOREScubaçao Diving Adventures2018-05-16
Located in Curacao, Lesser Antilles, Antilles, West Indies
Scubaçao Diving Adventures in Curacao, West Indies, is a reputable diving center who will take enthusiasts on the most amazing diving experiences at exciting dive sites, always accompanied by the experienced instructors. Discover an exotic and spectacular underwater world filled with incredible wrecks and a variety of colorful marine life. Our diving center offers an introduction diving course that enables first time divers to experience the magical feeling of being able to breathe underwater, as well as many other courses and guided trips. Experienced and knowledgeable guides at Scubacao Diving Adventures ensure each scuba diving experience is personalized, unique and suitable for novice and seasoned divers.READ MOREHabitation Thierry
Located in Martinique, Martinique, Lesser Antilles, West Indies
Visit Habitation Thierry in MartiniqueREAD MOREAcoya Curacao Resort, Villas and Spa2018-05-17
Located in Curacao, Lesser Antilles, Antilles, West Indies
Acoya Curacao Resort, Villas and Spa in Curacao, West Indies, is a family friendly resort that offers comfortable stays in a choice of accommodation that includes deluxe guest rooms, spacious villas and elegantly equipped apartments. Our resort is built around a beautiful, natural lake that gives all rooms stunning water views, and our facilities include lush gardens, swimming pool, restaurant, spa and wellness center, meeting room for small private events, and much more. A delicious breakfast served at Acoya Curacao Resort, Villas and Spa ensure a perfect start to busy days, and at the end of fun filled days guests can enjoy a relaxing massage at our spa and wellness center.READ MORE