Nassau, the bustling capital city of the Bahamas, is a tropical paradise boasting stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. With miles of powdery white sand, sunshine 300 days a year, and turquoise waters averaging 80 degrees, the capital of The Bahamas is home to 17 spectacular beaches. Rich in pirate lore and vestiges of its British heritage, Nassau today is a hub of culture and a thriving nightlife. Discover a perfect mix of nature, history and modern-day indulgences, from colorful reefs to dazzling casinos, straw markets to lavish resorts, and ancient forts to the world's third-largest wine cellar at Graycliff.

Candy-colored houses and sugar-sand beaches give this sweet port town a fairytale appeal. One of the quieter spots on this island, the Samana Peninsula allows easy access to coves and bays straight out of a picture book. Playa Payita, known to the locals as The Little Lagoon, offers aquamarine water to dip into and the shade of bamboo and banana leaf umbrellas to retreat beneath. Playa Fronton, with its coconut palms and backdrop of black rock, is the perfect place to snorkel amid schools of parrotfish, nemos, and sunfish. But the big draw is the humpback whales that visit in winter – there's even a museum dedicated to the awesome creatures. Back on dry land, Los Haitises National Park, home to enchanting caves and ndangered birds, is a pretty place to hike, bike or kayak.Indulging in Samana's coconut-infused and zesty fresh seafood delicacies, taking a boat to the secluded beach at Playa Madama, spotting manatees amongst the mangroves in Los Haitises.

The capital of Puerto Rico is a proud place that makes a strong impression even on approach. Sail into harbor and spot the sights: El Morro, a 16th-century citadel which once defended the island from attack; Castillo San Cristobal, a fearsome fortress built to scare away invaders; and La Fortaleza, impressive home of the Governor. Once ashore, step back in time along cobblestone streets and through squares flanked by beautiful pastel-colored Spanish colonial buildings. Find a shady perch in one of the cafés, bars or restaurants to watch the world go by with a piña colada – invented here in the 1950s. There are good sands to relax on, too, such asIsla Verde Beach. Browsing the art galleries on Calle del Cristo, watching the street performers on Paseo de la Princesa, birdwatching in El Yunque, the only tropical forest in US territory.

Great Harbor, a deep, softly sweeping indentation on the south side of the island, treats visitors to an eyeful of tropical loveliness and a host of amenities. Lined by rustic, character-filled shops and eateries, the harbor-front beach offers a real feel for the Caribbean. Standbys like Christine's Bakery (serving fresh breads and sticky buns) and Foxy's (one of the best-known beach bars in the Caribbean) are so humble that they might be overlooked by the uninitiated passerby.

Aruba is a long, narrow island, located just 15 miles from Venezuela's coast, with a dry and sunny climate year-round. Its distinctive beauty lies in the stark contrast between the sea and its countryside. Next to arid deserts, which host an array of wild rock formations, curiously bent divi-divi trees and cactus jungles, are magnificent beaches that shelve into transparent blue waters. Combining Dutch efficiency and Caribbean charm, Aruba has become one of the most popular playgrounds in the Caribbean, boasting sophisticated resorts and casinos.

A kaleidoscope of color, rich in cultural heritage and old-world charm. Find Spanish colonial architecture, lively music, and mouth-watering cuisine. She is celebrated as the queen of the Caribbean coast, and given the shimmering lagoons, bays and stunning sea that surround her, it's easy to see why. Cartagena's beautifully preserved Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with winding alleys, vibrant displays of architecture and iconic churches. Explore islands offshore, swim in the crystalline waters, and be sure to sample the ceviche!