The islands that make up the Eastern Caribbean are wonderfully diverse in their culture, history and ecology. Some are proudly independent nations, while others are overseas territories of European countries. Choose from small, laid back tropical retreats or more vibrant cosmopolitan centers. Attractions range from colonial plantation homes and wildlife sanctuaries to jungle rainforests and extinct volcanoes.

But no matter which Eastern Caribbean Island you choose for your next vacation, rest assured you'll enjoy some glorious surroundings and lovely tropical weather. After all, the Eastern Caribbean Islands are known for their pristine beaches and turquoise waters, not to mention all the marvelous outdoor activities you can enjoy during your stay, including snorkeling and diving, hiking and biking, and windsurfing and fishing.

Anguilla (Ku, Paradise Cove Resort, Anguilla Great House Beach Resort, Cap Juluca) Select Alluring Anguilla is a small island, just 16 miles long and 3 miles wide, making it a wonderful Caribbean destination to explore in depth on foot or by bike. Relax on any of the island's 33 white sand beaches and enjoy the unhurried pace of the island.

Antigua and Barbuda (The Verandah Resort & Spa - European Plan, Dian Bay Resort and Spa, The Beach House Barbuda, Blue Heron by rex resorts, Antigua , Halcyon Cove) Select Blessed by a nearly constant tradewind and low humidity, Antigua boasts many secluded beaches and is ringed by a nearly unbroken wall of coral reef. Its neighbor Barbuda is wonderfully undeveloped and home to one of the region's foremost bird sanctuaries.

Barbados (Barbados Beach Club, Amaryllis Beach Resort, Coconut Court Beach Hotel, Divi Southwinds Beach Resort, Mango Bay Barbados) Select The most easterly of all of the Caribbean Islands, Barbados is a proudly independent nation, having gained its sovereignty from Britain 40 years ago. Stroll pristine beaches, visit majestic plantation homes, tour hidden caves and enjoy world class dining at many oceanfront restaurants.

Canouan Island (Tamarind Beach Hotel and Yacht Club, Raffles Resort Canouan Island, the Grenadines) Select A teeny, tiny isle in the heart of the Grenadines, Canouan Island is just three square miles of land dotted with white sand beaches and green rolling hills. The upscale resorts here offer total seclusion and privacy, a wonderful respite from the "real world."

Martinique / Fort-de-France (Karibea Baie du Galion Resort, Karibea Resort Sainte Luce, Village Pierre and Vacances de Sainte Luce, Sofitel Bakoua Martinique) Select Dubbed the "Isle of Flowers," Martinique is an overseas region of France. Enchanting, romantic and sophisticated, Martinique is also known for its many rum distilleries. Fort de France is the capital, where you can stroll through acres of public gardens blooming with tropical plants and flowers.

Grenada (The Flamboyant Hotel and Villas, Coyaba Beach Resort , Grenadian by Rex Resorts, Spice Island Beach Resort, The Calabash Hotel & Villas) Select The sweet scents of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla waft through the breezes on "Spice Isle of the Caribbean." In fact, Grenada is the third biggest producer of nutmeg in the world. Admire the colonial architecture in its pretty harbor capital of St. George, hike the mountainous interior terrain, or snorkel the many coral reefs.

Nevis (Oualie Beach Resort, Nevis, Montpelier Plantation Inn, Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, Four Seasons Resort Nevis ) Select Green and serene, Nevis is a sombrero shaped island; in its center, 3,200 foot Nevis Peak rises high above tropical rainforest. On Nevis, there are old sugar mill ruins to explore, nature trails to hike, and delightfully friendly island residents to meet.

Point-à-Pitre / Guadeloupe (La Toubana, La Creole Beach Hotel and Resort, La Cocoteraie) Select Enjoy the mix of French, African, East Indian and West Indian cultures on Guadaloupe, a possession of France for nearly 400 years. Point a Pitre is the main principality, but maintains a nod to its fishing village heritage with an open market where fish, fresh foods and handicrafts are sold.

St Barthelemy / St Barts (Hotel Carl Gustaf, Hotel Guanahani and Spa) Select A French island, just eight square miles, St. Barts has more than 20 distinct beaches. Some are ideal for windsurfing, others for snorkeling, and still others for swimming in the calm waters or collecting shells and digging your toes into the powdery sand.

St Croix (Hotel Caravelle, Club St. Croix Beach and Tennis Resort, The Palms at Pelican Cove, Hibiscus Beach Resort , Chenay Bay Beach Resort) Select St. Croix delights visitors with its rich culture and vibrant arts scene, as well as its pristine beaches, botanical gardens and rainforest. It is home to the only underwater U.S. National Monument, Buck Island Reef.

St Kitts (Sugar Bay Club, Timothy Beach Resort, Bird Rock Beach Hotel, Ocean Terrace Inn, Ottley's Plantation Inn) Select Exotically beautiful, St. Kitts has retained much of its unspoiled nature through limited development. Home to a towering extinct volcano as well as abundant vegetation, St. Kitts' is a tropical paradise in the West Indies.

St Lucia - Castries (The Village Inn and Spa, Rendezvous , The Jalousie Plantation, Royal by rex resorts, The BodyHoliday Le Sport) Select A wildly popular honeymoon and romantic destination for couples, St. Lucia also lures families with its abundance of watersports and opportunities for whale and turtle watching. The northwest Castries area is home to Marigot Bay, considered one of the most beautiful bays in the Caribbean.

St Lucia - Vieux Fort (Coco Kreole, Bay Gardens Hotel, Harmony Suites, The Village Inn & Spa, St Lucia, Coco Palm) Select An independent nation for more than 30 years, St. Lucia is rich in historical and cultural sites, as well as natural beauty. The Vieux Fort Quarter is home to a nature reserve, which is a nesting ground for leatherback turtles.

St Martin / St Maarten (Cap Caraibes Resort, Hotel La Plantation, Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, Hotel Beach Plaza, L'Hoste Hotel ) Select Two distinct nations co exist peacefully on one island in the Eastern Caribbean, and have done so for more than 350 years. Each has its own feel and personality, but both bustling areas boast renowned dining, excellent shopping options, upbeat nightlife and beaches galore.

Tobago (Hilton Tobago Golf and Spa Resort) Select A premier eco tourism destination, Tobago is home to more than 6,000 species of plants and animals on just 116 square miles of land. Hike through the world's oldest protected rainforest, dive the spectacular coral reefs, or, if golf is your game, spend your days on the two championship courses.

Turks and Caicos (Comfort Suites Turks and Caicos, Coral Gardens on Grace Bay, Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort and Spa, Ocean Club Resorts, Royal West Indies Resort) Select Turks and Caicos consists of 40 different islands and cays, only eight of which are inhabited. Each gives visitors a different experience and maintains its own character, but all offer amazing year round climate, opportunities for underwater exploration and some of the best beaches in the world.

Anguilla  Antigua and Barbuda  Barbados  Canouan Island  Martinique / Fort-de-France  Grenada  Nevis  Point-à-Pitre / Guadeloupe  St Barthelemy / St Barts  St Croix  St Kitts  St Lucia - Castries  St Lucia - Vieux Fort  St Martin / St Maarten  Tobago  Turks and Caicos