North America is a huge continent spanning 9,540,000 square miles and beyond this there are a number of additional territories. There are 23 different countries within North America, with the largest three being the United States of America, Mexico and Canada.
The most spoken languages are English, Spanish and French. The area can be divided into three different places, these are: Northern America, which includes the United States, Canada, and Mexico; the Caribbean, which includes the Bahamas and the United States Virgin Islands; and lastly Central America, which encompasses places like Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Belize.
While Canada and the United States are the most well-known North American countries, there are many beautiful island paradises that travelers to the Americas can explore. In this piece we take a look at tiny islands such as the Bahamas and outline what these destinations have on offer for their visitors, from tasty regional cuisine to enriching activities and entertainment.
The Bahamas
Located on the northwestern edge of the West Indies, the Bahamas is made up of around 700 tropical islands and 2400 cays, of which 30 are inhabited. The capital city, Nassau, is home to 70 percent of the archipelago’s population, around 274,000 residents.
As a tropical destination, the Bahamas has both a hot and rainy season and a warm and dry season. Wet weather is most common between June and October and temperatures generally reach their highest around July or August.
The islands are rich in culture and there is so much for tourists and visitors to see and enjoy. For relaxation, there are many sandy picturesque beaches to lounge on.
Or if you prefer more of a coastal adventure then boat trips out to sea have a lot to offer. From spotting the famous swimming pigs and snorkeling in underwater caves to meeting the mellow nurse sharks and finding the secret sand bars, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
You can go out on a small boating trip or, for a more luxurious feel, find an exclusive yacht charter in the Bahamas. Charter options can include sailboat yachts, catamarans or even superyachts with a full professional crew and skipper.
The islands have a diverse cuisine and each location has Fish Fry, a collection of street vendors and eateries, where you can find every type of fried fish, barbecue foods, steaks and tasty, colorful salads.
One of the most beautiful natural features in the Bahamas is the Garden of the Groves, full of tamarind and java plum trees, waterfalls and a peaceful lagoon. This garden can be found just east of Freeport and is accessible by bus.
The US Virgin Islands
Another underrated destination in North America is the US Virgin Islands, a collection of Caribbean islands situated to the east of Puerto Rico. The three main islands that people inhabit are Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas, where the capital city Charlotte Amalie is located. There are around 50 other mini islands and cays surrounding these.
Similarly to the Bahamas, these islands have a tropical climate and a rainy season in the middle of the year. Tourism is one of the primary economic activities in this territory and accounts for around 60 percent of the GDP; there are around three million international visitors each year.
One of the best ways to soak in all of the natural beauty of these islands is by boat and you can easily find Yacht charter in the US Virgin Islands. Magens Bay is a must visit beach area on Saint Thomas and has calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling in.
For thrill seekers, it is not hard to find adventure activities on the main islands. Why not book a parasailing trip from Sapphire Beach Marina or get up high and see the spectacular views of the Virgin Islands while parachuting?
Food is an important part of the culture here and you will get to experience all kinds of delights, from fish or Callaloo soup to fried plantains and stewed Oxtail.
St Lucia
Also worth a mention is the gorgeous is the Eastern Caribbean island of Saint Lucia. This is a truly diverse place where you will find both a vibrant nightlife and plenty of places to get away from it all and relax, making it great for all kinds of vacations.
Saint Lucia is the ideal place to visit if you are keen to explore the rich underwater sea life as it has at least 22 dive locations and stunning turquoise waters.
Foodies can experience a great variety of traditional and popular Caribbean dishes and meals that take inspiration from the island’s Creole heritage. During the daytime you will find an array of street vendors serving barbecued pork or chicken as well as fish.
These are just three of North America’s hidden gems, each island has its own wonderful experiences, sights and cultural insights to offer.
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