Have you ever heard that saying, "American by Birth, Southern by the Grace of God?" Well, I'm not a religious person, but I kind of feel that way about being born in South Florida. I love to travel, but have seen few places that I can imagine living as happy a life as I do in Miami. One of the biggest advantages of living in Miami is my close proximity to the Caribbean, which I escape to every chance I get!
One of my favorite ways to travel to the Caribbean is by cruise ship, and with Carnival Cruise Lines in the port of Miami, they are normally my go-to mode of transportation when I hear the siren song of the Caribbean Sea calling out to me. Being a past guest, of course I am on their mailing list, and when I received a "Fun Facts about the Caribbean" email this morning, I knew that I had to share these fun facts with you! Some of them actually came as a surprise to me!
6 Fun Facts About the Caribbean
1. The Average Temperature in the Caribbean is 80 Degrees
That means that it's safe to assume that you'll be able to enjoy a warm dip in the water and wear your cutest sundress no matter when you plan your Caribbean vacation!
2. The Caribbean is Made up of Over 7000 Islands and Cays
Whether it's one of the 5,000 popular islands, like Puerto Rico or Saint Thomas, or one of the smaller cays, like Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, you have quite a variety of destinations to choose from, don't you? While there are beautiful beaches all across the Caribbean Islands, and many of them offer the same activities, there are some that are especially known for certain activities.
For instance, Chris and I ziplined in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic while there for a wedding last fall. While I have ziplined all over the place, it was one of the best ziplining experiences I have ever had!
3. The Antigua Islands are Made up of 365 Islands
I have never been to Antigua, but from the stories I've heard from friends, Antigua ranks at the top of my Caribbean Vacation Wish List! With 365 islands, you could literally visit a different island every day of the year! Now wouldn't that be an awesome vacation?
My friend Jeana from SurfandSunshine.com took a trip to Antigua last year and her photos blew me away!
4. Cozumel's Chankanaab Park has Some of the Best Snorkeling in the World
Sigh...I love snorkeling, and I have NEVER been snorkeling in Cozumel! I have a port of call in Cozumel on an upcoming cruise with Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas and I am so tempted to skip exploring the Tulum Ruins in favor of snorkeling!
The last time I was in Cozumel was in 2006, and my friends and I just drank margaritas on the beach all day...while that was fun, I have always regretted not getting out to sea while I was there!
5. Coral Reefs Found in the Caribbean are over 10 Million Years Old
We've been snorkeling outside of Key West, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Grand Turk through excursions with Carnival Cruise Lines in the past few years. Nothing compares to swimming around in complete silence while colorful tropical fish swim past you. These coral reefs have been around for eons and are home to so many different species of fish and marine life!
6. Saint Lucia is Home to the Only Drive-Through Volcano in the World
That's right, a drive-through volcano! I am not quite sure I'd have the guts to be that close to a volcano, but you never know. I have been known to do outlandish things while on vacation!
Have you ever been to the Caribbean Islands? My favorite way to visit the Caribbean is by cruising - it's a fantastic, economical way to see more than one island without breaking the bank when it comes to your budget!
Carnival Cruise Lines has many different itineraries with ports of call all across the Caribbean. You can find a list of Carnival Cruise Lines ports of call here!
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
I have only been to the Caribbean once, but I do stay at Caribbean Beach resort every year when we go to Disney World. My boys would get bored in the Caribbean, so maybe if I can sneak away with my hubby for a long weekend, I can get back.
deb
How is it that I didn't know any of those facts? Right now, with our -15 temps outside, I have to say fact #1 is my absolute favorite.
Tamie
It is so beautiful there!
aimee fauci
I've never been on a cruise but we hope to go one day. I heard that it is 100% pure relaxation.
Brandy
What great facts, I am sadly too scared to travel outside of the USA, like ever. I do think this is such a beauty that I will miss out on though. Love the color of the water there!
Sue
The Tulum Ruins are awesome. I would highly recommend not missing that! Also, I had no idea you could drive through a volcano! It would be scary, but I would totally do it! Thanks for sharing the list!
brett
I snorkeled there in Cozumel on my honeymoon!! And, randomly, some stray dogs running down the beach took one of my husbands "just married' flip flops I'd gotten him and he flipped "just" the rest of the day... we had to get him new flips. I <3 the Carribean
Krystal
I went to Nassau in December and the water was FREEZING but I still swam. It was a lot of fun!
Karen
I've been to the Caribbean a few times and mostly on cruise stops. My husband and I really like cruises and I'm looking forward to taking our daughter one day!
Alison
This is a teaser... all the snow we have had here in Maryland, I so wish I was there... LOL... thanks for sharing this!
Lindsey
7000 islands? I figure I've been to at least 15 of them... that only leaves 6.985 to go!
Shop with Me Mama (Kim)
I have never been there, but man i want to visit! Look at those pictures, that water, OMG!! So beautiful!
Aimee Smith
We went on a Carnival Caribbean cruise for our honeymoon. I wish I could go back all the time, it is amazing!
Shell
I've only been to the Caribbean twice, once as a teen and once on my honeymoon. I'd love to go back!
Chelsea
I definitely didn't need all these fun facts to convince me to go... the pictures certainly did the talking haha! But it's so interesting to know that there's over 7000 islands, that's really crazy! I never realized!
Janel C.
I have never been on a Caribbean vacation but you have me wanting to book a cruise ASAP....lol. A constant 80 degrees water temperature sounds heavenly...thanks for sharing your fun facts!
Melissa
Such an interesting article!!! 80 degrees?! Can I live there year round?!
Jennifer Bullock {MommyBKnowsBest}
Ahhh I wish I could be in the Caribbean right now. What a great place. Thanks for sharing your 6 fun facts.
Jessica
The Caribbean is my happy place. Living in Florida there are beaches all around but nothing compares to the beautiful crystal blue waters that the Caribbean offers. I had no idea that the temperate is 80 degrees on average! Just another reason why it's absolutely perfect.
April
I would so love to take a beach vacation right now (or anytime really). I'm thinking my next vacation will definitely be a cruise to the Caribbean.
Tiffany Cruz
Oh my goodness, that water is gorgeous and so clear. I love your posts about the Caribbean. Thanks for all the tips.
Toni
I am so excited for my upcoming cruise after reading this! I have never been to any part of the Caribbean so I can't wait for this trip.
Tess
Thanks for the info-now I want to go there! lol. Bring me to a beach!
Melinda
drive thru volcano, now interesting. I love the Caribbean. 80 degrees daily sounds wonderful
Christina S
I've been to the Bahamas once and then on a cruise in the Caribbean once. I'd love to run away with the hubby for a week (or even a day lol).
valmg
I didn't know any of those facts. But here's something I do know. I wanted a vacation before reading your post and want one even more now!
Rosey
I lived in West Palm Beach for 18 years, and you're right, south Florida is an amazing place to be. I've never been to the Caribbean though, or Key West (can you imagine!!). My older kids have though, and loved it. 🙂
Keikilani
We have been on two cruises in the Caribbean and we just love it! Already planning our next one. The pics are so beautiful!
Kecia
I had no idea the Caribbean had so many islands and cays! We haven't been but I hope to book a cruise for us soon.
Dina
We went to the Carribean on our honeymoon on a cruise. Best memories ever!
Elizabeth norton
This is sooooo fantastic. One day I will be back there again. I have so many travel destinations on my bucket list. The world is an exciting place.
Amanda
I did not know these! I am planning a cruise for my birthday to the Caribbean - CAN NOT WAIT!
Amanda H.
This post makes me want to hop on a cruise ASAP! I'd love to experience these facts first-hand!
Autumn
I've always wanted to visit the Caribbean, and now I want to even more! I'd love to go snorkeling there and see some of the 10 million year old coral. How neat!
Katie
I have been to the Caribbean several times, but never on a cruise. Your fun facts and great pictures just make me want to drop everyhting and book one right now!
Liz Mays
Did you say drive-through volcano? What the what? It's hard to believe the Caribbean is so filled with islands!
Katie
I have been to the Caribbean several times before, but not on a cruise. Your fun facts and amazing pictures make me want to drop everything and book one now!
Chasing joy
Boy am I ready for a vacay I'm the Caribbean.
Janeane Davis
One of my favorite things about the area is how beautiful everything is, there is nothing that can compare.
Dawn
Drive through volcano! How interesting! I want to go to the Caribbean so bad... one day 🙂
Stefani
This is definitely one of the places on my bucket list that I want to see!
Kenda Smith
After finally visiting the Caribbean I can't wait to go back. The weather and sunshine is something I could definitely get used to!
Torsten
Sigh... This place... Right now... Please! Gotta love the Caribbean.
Following you on Twitter now so I cna read more travel gems!
escapehunter
Unbelievable clear water!...
Most people think the entire area between the USA-Mexico-Colombia-Venezuela is the Caribbean Sea.