Getting around
Different ways to get the best of your Caribbean experience...
The rewards are rich for those who want to get out and about on the islands of the Caribbean – and there are numerous ways to explore them.
From battered old mail boats that regularly ply the waters between some of the most remote Bahamian islands to small ferries that bob between the likes of the British Virgin Islands or the Grenadines.
Hiring a car is one of the best and most rewarding ways to explore the islands at your own pace, even if the driving of some locals can take a bit of getting used to!
But there are car rental offices on all the main islands and hiring a car is a simple and straightforward, and the roads can be refreshingly empty, save for a few goats or cattle; or even the odd mongoose!
Taxis can be another good alternative for travellers wanting to explore without having to get behind the wheel.
On many islands local taxi drivers are also trained as guides, their commentary bringing to life the local history and culture – and adding a fascinating, and often amusing, insight into island life.
Buses are another good way of adding a local flavour to exploring, though services vary on each island. However, once you get the hang of how they work and where you need to flag them down, it can be a fun and rewarding experience.
The network of inter-island flights makes it easy to combine different islands, while some islands such as St Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda and Grenada also have local ferry services.
Essential notes on travelling to the Caribbean
See our Essential notes on Caribbean Driving and general hire regulations.
