ABCs of the Caribbean Islands

Written on January 23, 2025

The long, gloomy gray days of winter are here, so it’s time to do some Caribbean dreamin’!

Here are some fun facts to acquaint you with the islands, all the way from A to Z:

A is for Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua is known for its 365 beaches and has been recognized as the Caribbean’s most romantic destination by the World Travel Awards.
The country is named Antigua and Barbuda, but it is actually comprised of three islands. (Redonda is the third and is uninhabited.)
Sailing Week is a hot event on the island and is one of the world’s premier regattas.

B is for Blue Mountain Coffee

Blue Mountain coffee is produced in Jamaica and is one of the most expensive coffees in the world.
Why? It’s more difficult to grow, is picked and sorted by hand, and the demand for beans is high.

C is for Carnival

Carnival celebrations are elaborate throughout the Caribbean, but the Trinidad festival features the largest parties.
Preparations begin months in advance, with time devoted to the building of floats, the sewing of costumes, and a great deal of choreography practice.

D is for Dunn’s River Falls

Climbing the falls is a very popular Jamaica tourist activity.
The climb generally takes 60-90 minutes with brief stops for photo opportunities.

E is for Eleuthera

Glass Window Bridge is a must-see while in Eleuthera. Viewing the contrast between the dark blue Atlantic and bright turquoise of the Caribbean provides one of the most beautiful and unique visuals in nature.
The island grows a great deal of pineapple. Visitors can tour Lady Di’s Pineapple Farm or attend the annual Pineapple Festival.

F is for Fungee & Pepperpot

Fungee and Pepperpot is the national dish of Antigua and Barbuda.
Fungee is a cornmeal dish like polenta. It is served with Pepperpot, a stew of yam and salted meat.

G is for guava

Guava is a tropical fruit that thrives across numerous islands in the Caribbean.
It is used to make jam/jelly, juice, and is a common filling for pastries.

H is for hurricane season

Hurricane season runs from June into November and can affect much of the Caribbean.
The ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) are the most southern islands of the Caribbean and are outside the reaches of the forming storms.

I is for island-hopping

St. Thomas and St. John in the US Virgin Islands are perfect for island hopping by ferry.
From St. Maarten/St Martin you can also visit Anguilla, St. Bart’s, and Saba.
St. Vincent and The Grenadines are also easily doable in one vacation.

J is for “Jump Up” Street Parties in St. Lucia

On Friday evenings, the Gros Islet street party kicks off the weekend with icy beer, sizzling barbecues, thumping music, and a bevy of arts and crafts booths.
This tradition started 50 years ago and takes place rain or shine. Good Friday is the only Friday where the Friday Night Jump Up takes a break.

K is for Kokomo, as performed by The Beach Boys

This catchy tune debuted on November 1, 1988, and became The Beach Boys’ first number one hit since Good Vibrations in 1966.
While Kokomo is a fictional destination, the song mentions several Caribbean islands in its chorus.

L is for liming (alternative versions: lyming, limin’)

Liming is a Caribbean slang term that means to hang out, relax, and spend time laughing and talking with friends over food and drink.

M is for monkeys

African Green Monkeys are found throughout many of the islands in the Caribbean.
They are considered an invasive species, are detrimental to agricultural efforts, and have no natural predators.

N is for Nevis

The national dish of Nevis is stewed salt fish with spicy plantains and coconut dumplings.
The island crafts sugarcane liquor that is consumed neat or mixed with Ting, a grapefruit beverage.

O is for Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Construction on the fortress El Morro began in 1539, and it served as a military outpost. In 1983 it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Old San Juan is colorful and charming, full of friendly locals and delicious eateries.

P is for Pitons

Gros Piton and Petit Piton are the iconic mountain landmarks of St. Lucia.
Both mountains attract hikers, but Gros Piton offers easier paths.

Q is for Queen Conch

Conch is an essential component of many Caribbean dishes, like salads, fritters, and chowder.
It is pronounced konk, as the h is silent.

R is for rum

Numerous rum distilleries dot the Caribbean, making them a popular tour option for visitors.
Rum adds the flavors of caramel, molasses, and spices to many dishes, and Rum Cake is truly iconic.

S is for Spices

Grenada is known as The Spice Island for its production of nutmeg, allspice, mace, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
Jerk seasoning, beloved in Jamaica, is a blend of allspice, cayenne, nutmeg, brown sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder. (Recipes can vary a bit.)

T is for Trunk Bay, St. John

Trunk Bay is St. John’s most photographed beach.
Beachgoers can explore the underwater snorkeling trail to spot fish and read the submerged signs to learn about what they see.

U is for US Virgin Islands

The 3 primary islands are St. Thomas (home to capital Charlotte Amalie), St. John, and St. Croix.
5,500 acres of St. John forms Virgin Islands National Park, a beautiful preserve for flora and fauna.

V is for Virgin Gorda

Virgin Gorda is considered the most picturesque of the British Virgin Islands.
The Baths, a series of gigantic granite rocks forming scenic grottos, are a popular tourist destination.
Virgin Gorda is the second largest and second most populated island of the BVI, behind Tortola.

W is for Watersports

The ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) are known for their incredible snorkeling and diving.
Kitesurfing shines at Boca Grandi Beach, Aruba, where strong winds equal challenging waves.
Bathsheba, Barbados promises great surfing, as does the northwest coast of Puerto Rico.

X is for Xcaret

Xcaret park boasts more than 50 natural and cultural attractions.
Visitors can stroll an aviary, walk through a butterfly pavilion, and take in the underwater life of the aquarium, to name a few highlights.

Y is for yacht

The islands of St. Martin, St. Barts, and Antigua are generally considered the yachting capitals of the Caribbean due to their infrastructure and high-end amenities.
The mega yachts of the Caribbean can range from 200 feet to 590 feet in length.

Z is for ziplining

Dragon’s Breath Flight Line in Labadee, Haiti is the world’s longest overwater zip line.
The experience is more than 2,600 feet, and thrill seekers can choose to take it all in going feet first or belly down a lá Superman.

Work on your own travel alphabet and plan your next visit to the Caribbean!