Caribbean

The West Indies, nestled amidst the azure waters of the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, is a captivating region renowned for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Comprising the Lucayan Archipelago and the Antilles, this area encompasses a myriad of islands, each with its own unique charm and significance. With their unparalleled beauty, cultural diversity, and rich history, the West Indies stand as a testament to the resilience of their people and the breathtaking wonders of the Caribbean.

The Exuma Cays are an archipelago of over 365 islands and cays in the Bahamas known for their white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and crystal-clear waters. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a protected area that extends from Shroud Cay in the north to Bell Cay in the south.

Grenada's oldest and most extensive protected area is the Grand Etang National Park and Forest Reserve. It boasts diverse elevations and terrain that house numerous ecological subsystems. Notably, the Forest Reserve's Grand Etang Lake serves as its centerpiece.

Grande Colline National Park is located in southwestern Haiti and contains the Grande Colline mountain range at the core of the Massif de la Hotte. This protected area includes five named peaks and is one of Haiti's most remote and difficult-to-reach areas.

The Grenadines are a chain of islands and islets between Grenada and St. Vincent in the Lesser Antilles, noted for its beautiful scenery, spectacular beaches, and diverse marine habitats. Its cultural heritage results from blending African, Carib, East Indian, Portuguese, and European influences.

Guadeloupe National Park is a vast protected area on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. It encompasses stunningly diverse tropical ecosystems, from lush rainforests and volcanic peaks to pristine beaches and mangrove wetlands. As the centerpiece of the larger Archipel de la Guadeloupe Biosphere Reserve, Guadeloupe National Park plays a crucial role in conserving the remarkable biodiversity of the Caribbean region.

Nestled in the westernmost corner of Cuba, the Guanahacabibes Peninsula is a remarkable natural treasure. It is the country's westernmost point and offers a glimpse into its rich biodiversity and unique cultural heritage. This remote and sparsely populated region is home to a National Park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts and conservation-minded travelers.

The Guánica Biosphere Reserve in southwestern Puerto Rico comprises coastal areas with mangrove cays and subtropical dry forests. Designated Guánica State Forest in 1919, it is considered the best-preserved subtropical forest and the best example of a dry forest in the Caribbean.

The people of the Netherlands established a trading settlement at a natural harbor on the island of Curaçao in 1634. The architecture of Willemstad has been influenced not only by Dutch colonial concepts but also by the tropical climate and architectural styles of towns throughout the Caribbean region.

Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison were the focus of trade-based English expansion in the Americas. The Barbados Garrison was the largest in the British Colonies in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was one of the earliest established towns with a fortified port in the outposts of the British Atlantic.