Yo, let me tell you something.
Is Florida part of the Caribbean?
Hell nah!
Don’t let nobody tell you otherwise.
I mean, sure, the Bahamas is close, but that don’t make it part of the Caribbean.
But if you’re looking for some real tropical vibes, you gotta check out St.
That place is the bomb dot com, man.
It’s this barrier island off the Gulf Coast of North Florida, and let me tell you, it’s like a slice of paradise.
I remember one time I was feeling stressed out and needed a vacation, but I didn’t wanna go too far.
So I packed up my dog and we hit the road to St.
George Island.
And let me tell you, it was just what I needed.
The island is 28 miles long, and it’s one of the last inhabited barrier islands in Florida that’s still really preserved.
It’s quiet, peaceful, and it’s the perfect spot to kick back and relax.
The beaches on St.
George are insane, man.
They’re consistently rated among the top beaches in America, and for good reason.
They’re wide, not too crowded, and they’re perfect for soaking up the sun and collecting shells.
Plus, the water is crystal clear, so you can swim or fish to your heart’s content.
If you’re into nature, you gotta check out the marshes on the island.
The wildlife there is incredible, and it’s just a really cool experience to see everything up close.
And here’s the best part: the island has strict building codes, so there aren’t any big ugly buildings or chain stores ruining the vibe.
You can stay in a cute little beach cottage, a fancy multi-story beach house, or even one of the island’s hotels or inns.
So, if you’re looking for a chill Caribbean-style vacation without actually leaving the U.S., St.
George Island is the spot.
Trust me, you won’t regret it.
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What part of Florida is like the Caribbean?
Florida ain’t just a place for old folks to retire and play shuffleboard, nah, nah, nah.
If you’re looking for a Caribbean-like destination without breaking the bank, then you gotta check out Key West and South Florida.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “John, Florida ain’t no Caribbean island.” And you’re right, it ain’t, but hear me out.
When I visited Key West last summer, I felt like I was transported to the Caribbean.
The crystal clear blue waters, the white sandy beaches, and the tropical vibes had me feeling like I was on an island paradise.
But don’t just take my word for it, check out these spots if you wanna experience a slice of the Caribbean in Florida:
First up, we got Islamorada.
This small town is known for its sportfishing and fresh seafood.
You can charter a boat and head out to catch some Mahi-Mahi or just sit back and enjoy the sunsets with a cold beer in your hand.
Next up, we got Marathon.
This is the perfect spot for those who want to be surrounded by nature.
You can visit the Turtle Hospital or kayak through the mangroves.
And of course, no trip to Marathon is complete without a visit to Sombrero Beach.
Last but not least, we got Key West.
This place is the crown jewel of the Florida Keys.
It’s the southernmost point in the US and home to some of the best nightlife, food, and beaches in the country.
Make sure to check out Mallory Square for the sunset celebration and grab a slice of key lime pie while you’re at it.
Now, let me tell you a personal story about my trip to Key West.
I was out on a sunset sailboat tour with some friends, and we were having a great time sipping on some margaritas and taking in the views.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a pod of dolphins swam right up to our boat and started jumping out of the water.
It was one of the most magical moments of my life, and I’ll never forget it.
Here are a few more places you can visit if you want to experience a Caribbean-like destination in Florida:
Amelia Island
You will see Amelia Island between the extreme south of the Sea Islands and the extreme north of Florida’s Atlantic coast, where there are barrier islands.
Amelia Island, Florida, is home to Fernandina Beach.
The Island is located in Nassau County.
Its length is about 13 miles, and its width is about 4 miles, at its widest point.
The palace of interest on the Island is Fernandina Beach, Amelia City, and American Beach.
Amelia is known as the most romantic town in America.
The town has luxury resorts, golf courses, and many sandy beaches such as Main Beach Park.
This park has dunes, boardwalks, and many public sports.
It also has all kinds of recreational facilities.
Sanibel Island
Sanibel is a barrier island city, in Lee County, Florida.
If you visit this island city, you will see a collection of sand on the leeward side of the more solid coral rock of Pine Island.
Sanibel has about 15 miles of fresh beaches, about 25 miles of bike paths, about 50 types of fish, about 230 types of birds, and about 250 kinds of shells.
There is something to keep you engaged here at all moments.
There are fishing, shelling, hiking, and bird-watching opportunities on Sanibel Island.
There are golf courses and tennis lawns for sports lovers.
You can rent a bike to ride on the bike paths.
Pine Island
Of all the Islands on the Gulf Coast of Florida peninsular Pine Island is the largest.
This Island, located in Lee County is ranked as the 118th largest island in America.
This Island is remote and quiet.
It has a laid-back atmosphere.
It has lots of fishing opportunities, and its environment is naturally lush.
This is why visitors from various parts of the world are attracted to it.
Kayakers find pleasure in the waterways of Matlacha Pass and the Pine Island Aquatic Preserve.
There are mangroves, three aquatic preserves, and acres of palm, tropical plants, and fruit groves on the Island.
Gasparilla Island State Park
Gasparilla Island is located around the border of Charlotte and Lee Counties.
It is one of the barrier islands in southwest Florida.
The largest town on the Island is Boca Grande, and it is where the Gasparilla Island State Park is located.
There are Florida folktales that have to do with this Island.
These folktales have to do with the pirate Gasparilla, José Gaspar.
Tourists have been visiting this Island since the early 20th century.
Swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and studying nature are common activities on this Island.
Its gulf is a good place to shell during the winter.
Anna Maria Island
On the Coast of Manatee County, Florida, is Anna Maria Island.
A barrier island is bounded on the west by the Gulf of Mexico, on the south by Longboat Pass, on the east by Anna Maria Sound, and on the north by Tampa Bay.
The length of the Island is about 7 miles, north to south.
Captiva Island
You will see Captiva Island near Fort Myers.
It is located just outside the shore of the Gulf Coast of Florida.
It shares many things in common with Sanibel Island, its neighbor to the south.
Captiva Island and Sanibel Island are both known for outdoor activities like biking, sailing, birding, and water activities.
Many tourists say Captiva Island has a little off-kilter and nearly magical feel.
There are many things to see on this Island.
This is the Island where you will see a giant frog and a restaurant where every day is Christmas.
Siesta Key
Siesta Key is one of the barrier islands located off the southwest coast of Florida.
You will see the key between Roberts Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Marco Island
Marco Island is located on the Gulf Coast of America.
It is 20 miles south of Naples in Collier County.
The Island is a small sea barrier island.
Of all the ten thousand islands and mangrove islets of Florida that are on its southwest, Marco Island is the largest and the only developed.
Do the Florida Keys count as the Caribbean?
The Florida Keys, also known as America’s Caribbean, are located about 15 miles south of Miami, and 90 miles north of Cuba.
1,700 Islands make up this archipelago.
They are situated on a stretch of 112 miles of land.
Some of the Keys are developed and have many people living in them.
Key West is one of them.
However, many other keys are not developed.
Key West Island
Key West is one of the Keys of Florida.
It is located in the Straits of the Sunshine state.
Key West, Dredgers Key, Fleming Key, Sunset Key, and the northern part of Stock Island make up the Florida Keys archipelago.
The key is 4 miles in length and 1 mile in width.
It has a total land area of about 4.2 square miles.
The distance between the southernmost point of Key West and north of Cuba is about 90 miles.
The things you can not fail to notice at Key West are the pastel-hued and the conch-style houses.
You can easily get to this Key from the Florida mainland through the Overseas Highway.
Key West has many nice beaches, coral reefs, and scuba diving spots.
Caribbean FAQs
What states are considered the Caribbean?
The Caribbean states are made up of Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, and Haiti.
Is Miami the Caribbean?
Miami looks like a Caribbean Island.
Florida is located on the northern border of the Caribbean, and a lot of people in Miami refer to it as a Caribbean city.
Is Miami on the Caribbean or Atlantic?
On Miami’s beaches, the Atlantic Ocean merges with the Caribbean Sea.
Can I swim to the Caribbean from Miami?
Of course you can!
Just make sure you pack enough snacks and sunscreen for the journey.
Don’t forget to brush up on your swimming skills and be prepared for any encounters with mermaids or pirates along the way.
What’s the best time to visit the Caribbean?
The best time to visit the Caribbean is during hurricane season when the hotels are cheapest and you can experience the thrill of surfing the waves.
Just kidding!
The best time to visit is during the dry season between December and April, when the weather is sunny and warm.
What’s the currency used in the Caribbean?
The Caribbean uses a special currency called “shells”.
Just kidding again!
Most Caribbean countries have their own currency, but US dollars are widely accepted in many places.
Just make sure to check the exchange rate before you go.
What should I pack for a Caribbean vacation?
You should definitely pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, flip flops, and a tropical shirt with flamingos on it.
Don’t forget your snorkel gear, beach towel, and a hat to protect you from the sun.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, throw in a pirate hat and eye patch.
Arrr!
What are the top Caribbean destinations to visit?
There are many stunning destinations in the Caribbean, but some of the top ones include Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Barbados, and Aruba.
Just be warned, you may never want to leave once you get there!
What is the best time of year to visit the Caribbean?
The Caribbean is known for its warm and sunny weather year-round, but the best time to visit is typically from December to April, which is considered the dry season.
This is also the busiest time of year, so be prepared for crowds of sun-seeking tourists.
What should I pack for a Caribbean vacation?
Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes, and swimwear for your Caribbean vacation.
And don’t forget your sunglasses, a hat, and a good book to read on the beach!
Can I use US dollars in the Caribbean?
Many countries in the Caribbean accept US dollars, but it’s always a good idea to bring some of the local currency with you as well.
You can usually exchange your dollars for local currency at banks, airports, and hotels.
Is it safe to travel to the Caribbean?
Like any destination, safety can vary from place to place in the Caribbean.
However, many Caribbean countries are considered safe for tourists, and incidents of violent crime are relatively low.
Just be sure to exercise common sense and take precautions like avoiding walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
