The southern Caribbean includes many coastal ports of South America and the small islands just off of the coast. From the wonder of Harrison's Cave in Barbados, to jeep safaris on Curacao, many of these small islands have excellent adventure opportunities for those looking to get off the beaten path.

In a very quiet way, the Southern Caribbean, probably the least known part of the broader Caribbean region, is becoming one of the most interesting.

Southern Caribbean cruises offer the choice of more island destinations for the inquisitive. Embarking in San Juan, ports of call may include Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, Tortola/Virgin Gorda, Curaçao, Grenada, Martinique, St. Barts, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and sometimes St. Thomas/St. John or St. Martin/Sint Maarten. 

Aren’t these islands all the same? Not a bit. Each has its own personality and style—some derived from their colonial culture and geography. Most are home to friendly residents and offer pleasant diversions and enough shopping for even the most addicted shop-aholic. It’s quite possible to take as many as four or five Caribbean cruises and “repeat” very few islands.