Beaches come to our mind when we think of the Caribbean. This is because it is a famous destination of the world’s best beaches! The Caribbean Sea is located southeast of the Gulf of Mexico, part of the Atlantic Ocean in the north western hemisphere. In this blog, we compiled the region’s unique facts aside from its beautiful beaches that you might want to know!
Home of the world’s second largest barrier reef
The Mesoamerican barrier reef is the world’s second largest barrier reef spanning for 600 miles, along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Honduras and Guatemala. It is the biggest in the north western hemisphere and is second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef which is 1,429 miles.
Photo by Francesco Ungaro
Colonial history to present ruling conditions
Christopher Columbus was the first European to discover the Caribbean. He met the Caribs, who are the natives of the islands and established their first Spanish colony. Later on, the French, English, and even the Dutch powers came to the region and claimed the islands on their own. Today, majority of the Caribbean countries are independent but some like Guadeloupe and Martinique are still under the French, making them under the EU too.
Photo by Christian Lue
Photo by Christian Lue
In spite of its small size, it has 14% of the world’s reefs
The Caribbean Sea is part of the Atlantic Ocean. With the region accommodating the world’s second largest barrier reef, it is no wonder that in spite of its size as a sea to the greater oceans, it has 14% of the world’s reef.
An oil producing region
Each year the Caribbea Sea region produces approximately 170 million tons of oil. Three of the region’s countries produce the oil which is Barbados, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago.
Photo by Nico Franz
Has an average climate of 27°C all year round
Photo by Thiago Japyassu
The Caribbean Sea region is known to have the most desirable climate where it is not too hot or too humid. The best time to visit is from December to April while May up to October, the islands experience rare occasional hurricanes.
Photo by Pixabay from Pexels
‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ was real
In the 17th century, the ‘Gold Age of Pirates’, the Caribbean Sea was its center. Some of the notable pirates were Edward Teach known as Blackbeard, Woodes Rogers, Jack Rackham or Calico Jack and among others. Often, they are not native to the region but they found shady business ideal in the strategic sea.
Has the world’s best beaches
Photo by Heidi Kiss
The Caribbean Sea is surrounded with multiple islands and islets of multiple countries, that is to say, more beaches! What’s amazing is that many of these beaches are always in the top beaches lists. This is due to its signature bluer-than-the-ordinary seas, white sands, accessibility and beach facilities. Communities in the archipelago rely heavily on livelihood, tourism, and trade within the islands, giving more attention to its sea wonders.
Has exciting adventures unique to each island
Photo by Peter James Anthony
Islands of the Caribbean sea is open to numerous adventure options for the guests worldwide. Some of the famous ones are to swim with the pigs in The Bahamas, visit the baths of Virgin Gorda, swim with stingrays in the Cayman Islands, and many more!
All these in the list make the Caribbean Sea unique isn’t it? If you think there is more to it than what is stated above, share us in the comments below!
If you are interested, contact us to arrange your trip! But before you do travel, check the latest news for the COVID-19 Travel Advisory
Read our previous Costa Rica post which is
13 Must-See National Parks and Reserves in Costa Rica
in case you missed it!
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