West Indies - Cayman, Anguilla, Antigua, St. Lucia

Spotlight on West Indies: Cayman, Anguilla, Antigua, St. Lucia

The archipelago, sometimes called the Antilles, is divided into three groups: the Bahamas; the Greater Antilles (Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico); and the Lesser Antilles (Leeward Islands, Windward Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados) and the islands off the northern coast of Venezuela. This article focuses on four of these islands:

Grand Cayman is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, and attracts most Cayman tourists, most of whom flock to Seven Mile Beach. Divers see abundant marine life. Gentle stingrays cluster at Stingray City. Rum Point serves up cinnamony rum punch. Spend an entire day floating in clear azure waters. At dawn, head out on a dive boat or tan on decadent Seven Mile Beach. Check out underwater sights without getting wet on a 100-foot descent on Atlantis Submarine or an 800-foot descent in a two-person sub to a shipwreck. Head to Hell, with its velour-clad devil, before zipping over to Turtle Farm. Grand Cayman's sparsely populated East End is refreshing with long stretches of rocky coast. The oldest island structure is a castle rumored to have been built by pirates two centuries ago in Savannah. Blowholes offer awesome spots for picture of watery spires. Harborside George Town has tempting shops. Among popular nightlife spots are Ramada's Treasure Island and Island Rock. Hopping pubs include Lone Star Bar & Grill or My Bar on the shores of Sunset House.

Anguilla - The beaches in Anguilla are some of the most beautiful and impressive, anywhere. The unsuspecting visitor is speechless on first glimpse. Thus, more and more Europeans, Americans and Canadians are being lured to the lovely shores of this special little Caribbean isle.

Antigua - With a beach for each day of the year, Antigua is a water-lover's delight. For shopping and feasting on local seafood, the capital city of St. John's offers many choices on Redcliffe Quay. Or motor around the coast to historic English Harbour, a superb restoration of the 18th century dockyard where Admiral Lord Nelson once ruled the British fleet.

St. Lucia is one of the most scenic volcanic islands in the Caribbean. By helicopter, fly over beautiful Castries Harbor and Les Pitons, St. Lucia's dramatic twin volcanic peaks. By motor coach, venture to the edge of Soufriere's great crater, the world’s only drive-in volcano. Or by foot, stroll through lovely Port Seraphine.