Most people think of the Caribbean as a playground
for the rich - luxury resorts, cocktails on the beach,
glamorous yachts - and indeed it is, but if you take
a dive under the surface you'll find there's a lot
more going on besides.
The Eastern Caribbean is made up of a 600-mile long
sweep of islands known as the Lesser Antilles.
Collectively, they're a mixture of African, European
and East Indian influences and it's possible to island
hop between the cultural extremes. It's a mecca for
diving, tropical hikes with steamy craters and epic
waterfalls and rich in colonial history. The area
is home to many thriving and vibrant cities
and cultures - Trinidad being the motherland of the
powerful Carnival tradition. It has been shaped
by centuries of history and is the birthplace of numerous
powerful and distinct cultures, languages and music.
Read the full story -
background and travel essentials
