Halifax - Curacao Expedition Caribbean islands: the untamed side of the Caribbean

Halifax, the historic capital of Nova Scotia, is a refined Atlantic port where centuries of maritime heritage meet a flourishing culinary scene anchored by Digby scallops, donairs, and one of North America's oldest farmers' markets. Visitors should not miss the star-shaped Citadel Hill and the harbourfront boardwalk's constellation of galleries and tasting rooms. The ideal season stretches from late June through October, when autumn's blazing foliage transforms the entire province into a masterwork of colour and the cruise terminal welcomes the world's finest vessels.

Bermuda is a 181-island Atlantic archipelago famous for pink sand beaches, pastel cottages with white stepped roofs, and the UNESCO-listed town of St. George's—the oldest English settlement in the New World. Must-dos include exploring St. George's colonial lanes, snorkeling the northernmost coral reefs in the Atlantic, and diving the island's 300 shipwrecks. May through October provides the warmest conditions for swimming and beach exploration.

Anguilla, a slender British Overseas Territory in the Leeward Islands, perfects Caribbean luxury through refined simplicity — thirty-three powder-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters protecting vibrant coral reefs, and a culinary scene that rivals destinations many times its size. From Shoal Bay East's legendary two-mile strand to intimate offshore cays, the island offers exclusivity without pretension, complemented by world-class dining that ranges from beachfront crayfish grills to acclaimed chef-driven restaurants.

Saint-Barthelemy is an eight-square-mile French Caribbean island where Swedish colonial heritage, world-class French gastronomy, and 22 pristine beaches create the most refined tropical destination in the Lesser Antilles. Must-dos include exploring Gustavia's elegant harbour, dining on French-Creole cuisine at beach bistros, and swimming at wild Saline Beach. Visit December through April for dry, trade-wind-cooled perfection.

Dominica is the Caribbean's Nature Island, a volcanic wilderness of rainforest-covered peaks, the otherworldly Boiling Lake, year-round sperm whale watching, and the indigenous Kalinago community. Must-do experiences include hiking to the Boiling Lake, snorkelling the bubbling Champagne Reef, and tasting callaloo soup. November through June is driest, with February through April offering the most comfortable conditions for hiking.

Castries, the capital of St. Lucia, is a vibrant port steeped in history and culture, offering stunning architecture and a lively market atmosphere. Must-do experiences include savoring the national dish, green fig and saltfish, and exploring the picturesque Marigot Bay. The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to April, when the weather is perfect for exploring this Caribbean gem.

Mayreau is the smallest inhabited island in the Grenadines, a car-free Caribbean gem with fewer than three hundred residents, the exquisite Salt Whistle Bay beach, and views across the pristine Tobago Cays Marine Park. Must-do experiences include snorkelling with sea turtles in the Tobago Cays, feasting on fresh grilled lobster, and watching sunset from the hilltop church. January through May's dry season offers the most reliable weather.

Bonaire, the shore-diving capital of the world, surrounds itself with 86 marked dive sites along a coastline designated as a marine park since 1979, offering crystal-clear waters and some of the Caribbean's healthiest coral reefs. Must-dos include snorkelling the legendary Town Pier, visiting the flamingo sanctuary at the pink salt flats, and tasting kabritu stobá goat stew in Kralendijk. Year-round sunshine and constant trade winds make any season excellent, with peak water clarity from April through November.

Curaçao is a culturally rich Caribbean island with the UNESCO-listed Willemstad waterfront, whose colorful Dutch colonial buildings are among the most photographed in the hemisphere. Must-dos include crossing the Queen Emma pontoon bridge, visiting the Kura Hulanda slavery museum, and tasting keshi yená cheese dish and genuine Curaçao liqueur. Year-round warmth near 28°C and a position below the hurricane belt make it a reliable destination.