Curacao Shopping, historic Dutch architecture, nightlife, nature areas, Indian paintings, caves, diving and snorkeling, swimming, the Sea Aquarium, horseback riding, casinos and restaurants are the island's main attractions. Curacao is a good choice for veteran Caribbean visitors who want to do more than lie on the beach. Its unique culture and varied attractions make it a pleasant mixture of all the best things in the Caribbean. If sunning on long white-sand beaches is your goal, you'll probably be happier on another island. Most of Curacao's beaches are rocky.

Jamaica Swimming, sunning, snorkeling, diving, partying, horseback riding, Red Stripe beer, beaches, mountains, world-class resorts, river rafting, hiking, tennis, golf, polo, reggae, fishing, great food, caves, beautiful scenery and historical sites are Jamaica's foremost attractions. Travelers who appreciate water, scenery, food, music and dance will enjoy Jamaica. But the island isn't for those interested in immaculate surroundings. Poverty is widespread and highly visible. Can be unsafe in some places.

Martinique Lush scenery, a magnificent tropical rain forest, Mt. Pelee (the volcano), French and Creole food, scuba diving, a few casinos, nightlife, shopping and Diamond Rock are Martinique's foremost attractions. Martinique is for those who are looking for a laid-back Caribbean holiday amid beautiful scenery and French culture. Those who are looking for the beautiful, wide beaches, excellent service or a place where English is widely spoken would be better off choosing another island.

Montserrat Natural beauty, mountain hiking, mountain biking, bird-watching, tennis, water sports, primarily gray-and black-sand beaches, forts, waterfalls, limited (but adequate) golfing, friendly people, island culture and relaxation are among Montserrat's foremost attractions. Consider Montserrat if you prefer out-of-the-way islands with unique cultures, Lush Mountain scenery, hiking, biking and diving, and plenty of tranquility. If you prefer deluxe, full-service resorts, miles of exquisite beaches or a wide variety of nightlife and shopping, Montserrat is not for you.

Puerto Rico Deep-sea fishing, gambling, historical attractions, horse racing, culture, nightlife, beaches, rain forests, shopping, golf, tennis, caves, hiking, horseback riding, world-class surfing and water sports (including snorkeling and scuba diving) are among Puerto Rico's main attractions. Travelers who want to get away from it all in comfort (there are some lovely luxury resorts) and those who enjoy exploring (the island is so large it offers a variety of things to see and do) will like Puerto Rico. U.S. and Canadian citizens who are in a hurry to reach warm weather and white sand beaches will enjoy the island's convenience. (Because San Juan is the air hub of the Caribbean, frequent nonstop flights are available from many major U.S. and Canadian cities)

St. Kitts & Nevis Water sports, golfing, tennis, a casino on St. Kitts, rain forests, spectacular hilly and lush tropical scenery, deep-sea fishing, beaches (some volcanic), quiet bays, friendly people and historical sites are among the chief attractions of St. Kitts and Nevis. If you want beautiful, nearly South Pacific-type scenery and above-average beaches (excellent on Nevis), or if you are interested in history and relaxation, St. Kitts and Nevis are for you. Don't expect to find a lot of action, deluxe shopping or a wide variety of nightlife. These two islands are 2 miles apart. One must fly to St. Kitts (SKB) and then transfer to Nevis.

St.Maarten/St. Martin Have excellent stretches of white sand beaches. Popularity has meant development and development has brought many good things -- easy access, luxury hotels, glitzy casinos, excellent restaurants. It also means crowds and a coastline strewn with haphazard resort and shopping center complexes. The northern half of the island -- St. Martin -- is a French holding while the southern half -- St.Maarten -- is Dutch, a part of the Netherlands Antilles. The French side has a charming atmosphere, with great bistros, cafes and French and Italian boutiques. The hotels are more elegant than on the Dutch side, the shops more chic, the pace somewhat slower.

St. Lucia Great beaches, friendly people, stunning scenery, the world's only drive-in volcano, plantations, bird watching, scuba diving, sailing, snorkeling, hiking, tennis and good food are the foremost attractions of St. Lucia. With all its natural beauty and hiking trails, it is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to visit a Caribbean island -- especially if they prefer less developed areas. But anyone who loves great beaches amid beautiful scenery and plenty of peace and quiet will be very happy. With a few notable exceptions, there's not much in the way of nightlife. Anyone going to St. Lucia should be prepared to see signs of poverty.

Turks & Caicos Diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, good local food, isolated white-sand beaches, deep-sea fishing and bird sanctuaries are among the islands' attractions. Not a typical Caribbean resort destination, the Turks and Caicos are best suited to those who want water sports, solitude and relaxation. Those seeking abundant nightlife and lush tropical vistas will be disappointed.

Trinadad & Tobago Charming people, music, Carnival, beaches, shopping, food, caves, Hindu temples, mosques, bird sanctuaries, limbo, water sports and relaxation are the islands' main attractions. If you like festivities and partying -- especially Carnival -- you'll like Trinidad, particularly the exciting nightlife of Port of Spain. If you're looking for seclusion and peace on a beautiful beach in a lush, tropical paradise, then Tobago is for you. Travelers put off by the noise and commotion of a large urban center should avoid Port of Spain and those primarily interested in a beach vacation should bypass Trinidad. Unaccompanied women who are ill at ease with male attention will probably not find the islands to their liking.

U.S Virgin Islands (St.Thomas, St. Croix, St. John) White-sand beaches, snorkeling/diving, deep-sea fishing, restaurants and nightlife, golfing, tennis, hiking and camping, parasailing, duty-free shopping, historical buildings and yachting are the foremost attractions of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Travelers who seek duty-free stores, some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean and excellent snorkeling and diving without the risk of culture shock will enjoy the U.S. Virgin Islands. Those seeking seclusion or a landscape free of Burger Kings and Radio Shacks should probably go elsewhere in the Caribbean (or restrict their stay to St. John).