Time on the Caribbean islands. The time is now in the Caribbean islands. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

we want to go to the caribbean islands your advice recommendations how much should it cost what is the weather mid august and got the best answer

Answer from Yovetlan Ustinova[guru]
I advise you to go to the Dominican Republic.
You don't need a visa, a typical dinner costs about $40. Almost all hotels operate on an all-inclusive basis.
The rainy season lasts from May to September and is characterized by frequent but short showers. these showers are as short as in our south and do not interfere with rest at all.
From the country you can bring various products made of wood, bone, amber, larimara (Dominican turquoise), ceramics and leather, as well as cigars, coffee and Imperial rum. One of the most popular souvenirs for Europeans is colorful paintings in the “Haitian naive” style (they can be bought on the beach and in markets).
Shops are open on weekdays from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00. Opening hours on weekends depend on the profile of the store. The country's tourist areas offer tourists numerous boutiques and souvenir shops. Santo Domingo has the largest commercial centers where you can buy clothes, shoes and other goods of local and foreign production of good quality and at affordable prices.
Main national dishes: “la bandera” (rice, meat, beans, vegetables and fried green bananas), “san kocho” (various types of meat and vegetables cooked in broth), “mangu” (mashed wild bananas), “ piñonate" (a dessert made from milk and coconuts).
The “national drink” of the Dominican Republic is rum, of which more than 15 varieties are produced (the most popular are Brugal, Barcelo and Bermudez). The country does not produce its own wines, but good Chilean wines are sold everywhere. Local beer brands Quisqueya, Ceniza, Presidente and Bohemia are also of decent quality. The traditional local alcoholic drink “Pru”, a product of fermentation of the juice of the plant of the same name, has an original taste.
What is worth seeing: Sightseeing tour of Santo Domingo ~85 USD, “Dominican Outback” ~80 USD, Saona Island and Altos de Chavon ~95 USD, “Caribbean Festival” ~70 USD. Samana Peninsula (by plane) ~270 USD, fishing in the Caribbean Sea - from 140 USD, fishing in the Atlantic Ocean - from 100 USD. Diving - from 50 USD, Fun-Fung Cave ~110 USD, rafting ~270 USD, excursion "Cigars and Rum" ~25 USD, underwater fishing ~90 USD, "Bavaro Truckers" ~60 USD, helicopter ride - from 70 USD , “Manati Park” ~25 USD.
There is another option - Jamaica. Simplified visa system - $25 upon arrival.
Weather: The air temperature in winter and summer is almost the same. The hottest months are July and August. The “coolest” (conditionally) period is from January to March; at night the temperature can drop to +20..+22°C. Heat and humidity are easily tolerated here, as a breeze constantly blows from the sea, creating a pleasant coolness. The rainiest months are May and October. Between June and November, tropical storms are possible throughout the Caribbean region.
Average water temperature +24..+26°C, average air temperature by month, °C: January-February +25, March-April +26, May-June +27, July-October +28, November-December +26 .
The cost of excursions varies depending on the resort from 25 to 100 USD.
“Dance River Falls” - a visit to the resort town of Ocho Rios and the main attraction of Jamaica, the Dance River Falls. “Rafting” is a journey along the river on a bamboo raft, surrounded by rare beautiful plants and flowers growing along the banks. “Sea cruise” - sailing on a catamaran, coral bays, snorkeling, rum punch cocktail and reggae on deck.
“Trip to Kingston” - a tour of the historical part of the capital (Spanish Town), to the residence of the Chief Ruler, a visit to the Bob Marley house-museum. “National Park and Waterfalls” - an excursion to the southern part of Jamaica to the banks of the Black River, a boat trip to the national park, a trip to the waterfalls at the foot of Mount Nassau. “Excursion to the Belvedere Estate” - a visit to the 300-year-old dam and sugar cane plantations, a kind of “time travel” to the 8th century, when slavery flourished on the island.
"Tarzan Tour" (Canopy Tour) - a walk through the tropical jungle on ropes.
"Blue Mountains" - visiting the highest

Answer from Vladimir Larin[guru]
Fly to Cuba. Beautiful Liberty Island. Price for 2 weeks for two from $5,500 in 4* hotels in Varadero. Definitely 2 days in Havana. Great trip, great vacation. Better than the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. There they creep before the Americans. But they are not allowed into Cuba.

Answer from Mosin rifle[guru]
good hotel - from 200-250 dollars per night for a double room, in the Dominican Republic and Cuba this will cost all inclusive, in the rest of the Caribbean there is no all inclusive, but the hotel will cost the same
the cheapest ticket will be from Air France or KML and will cost around 50,000 rubles per person
the weather is always the same there
rainy season or not - this is not Thailand
It rains there every day, in any case the rain will pass in about 30 minutes and after 10 minutes you will forget that it happened

Answer from Nette[guru]
I can’t say how much it costs from Russia.
The Caribbean islands are all good without exception! The people there are just wonderful. The mentality is almost the same in Jamaica and in the House. rep. etc. Food and music are also very similar. The sea is definitely beautiful. I love the House very much. republic. I've been flying to the Caribbean for about 15 years.
The weather... depends on your luck. Usually at the end of August, sometimes a little earlier, hurricane season begins and lasts until mid-late October. Hurricanes are accompanied by heavy rains. But if you're lucky, it will be normal rains - very warm, I find them very funny - huge drops that practically do not interfere with life. Mostly rains at night. In the morning the sun is purple! turquoise water! Music on every corner and always dancing and singing people!
The nature is also fabulous, the calibres make you hold your breath!
The air temperature is always 28-32, the water temperature is 27-30!
I wish you a wonderful holiday - it will be incomparable!

Kariba, Zimbabwe

Time and time zones

The length of an earthly day is determined by the time it takes the Earth to rotate around its axis, and is 24 hours. Local solar time corresponds to the apparent position of the Sun and is constantly changing due to the rotation of the Earth. When moving from west to east by 15° longitude, local solar time increases by 1 hour.

In everyday life, official local time is used, which is different from solar time. The entire surface of the Earth is divided into time zones (in other terminology - time zones). Within the same time zone, the same time is used. The boundaries of time zones, as a rule, coincide with interstate or administrative boundaries. The time difference between adjacent time zones is usually one hour, although in some cases the time in adjacent time zones differs by two hours, 30 or 45 minutes.

For most countries in the world, the entire territory of the country is within the same time zone. The territory of countries that extend from west to east over a considerable distance, such as Russia, USA, Canada, Brazil and a number of others, is usually divided into several time zones. The exception is China, throughout which Beijing time is used.

The reference point for determining the time zone offset is Coordinated Universal Time or UTC. UTC corresponds to the mean solar time at the prime or Greenwich meridian. Time zone offsets relative to UTC range from UTC-12:00 to UTC+14:00.

Almost all countries in Europe and North America, as well as a number of other countries, move their clocks forward an hour in the spring, to summer time, and in the fall - an hour back, to winter time. The offset of the respective time zones relative to UTC changes twice a year. In most countries of the world, the transition to summer and winter time is not practiced.

Everyone knows where the Caribbean islands are - in the tropics, between North and South America. Cuba is located closer to the United States, so the sun here is not so hot, and sometimes cool cyclones come from the north. It turns out that due to the more pleasant weather, a holiday in Cuba is easier for those who do not like the heat. But due to the rapid development of industry, the air and water here are not very clean, but the nature and ocean are incredibly beautiful.

The Dominican Republic has a very active sun and a completely unpredictable climate - clear days are easily replaced by downpours, and vice versa. The rainy season on the Caribbean islands lasts from May to October, but warm tropical showers pass within 15 minutes, bringing relief to vacationers; nevertheless, the air temperature here in the summer months reaches +35 ° C.

Hurricane season lasts from August to October, and during this time many hotels and restaurants even close.

Oleg Yarovoy

Travel agency manager

“The holiday season on the Caribbean islands opens in December and lasts until the end of April. At this time, there is a very comfortable climate and optimal humidity, there are no rains or hurricanes, so hotel prices are 20-50% higher than in the summer. Peak seasons include New Year, Christmas and the February Carnival. The holiday season by month in Cuba and the Dominican Republic is approximately the same. The cheapest holiday is in May, since the rainy season has not yet begun, but prices have already dropped.”

Cuba and Dominican Republic: several differences

If you like a comfortable and relaxing holiday with a high level of service and you have an unlimited budget, go to the Dominican Republic. This country has a very developed tourism industry, which, combined with a high economic level, creates a special atmosphere of luxury that is so attractive to many tourists. Naturally, the prices here are much higher. But this money is worth it, because you will live in comfortable hotels with well-trained staff, surrounded by incredibly beautiful landscapes, spas, gourmet restaurants and sea entertainment will always be at your service. The pristine Dominican beaches have many cozy lagoons where you can retire for romance or meditation. In the Dominican Republic, most attractions are natural sites. For example, Bounty Island with snow-white sand and clear water, as well as many other picturesque islands, national parks, waterfalls and mountains.

Cuba is a socialist country; you won’t find luxury or high service here. On the other hand, the prices here are quite affordable. The spirit of the USSR of the 1980s reigns in the country, so if you are interested in the unusual and colorful Cuban history, a trip to Liberty Island will definitely interest you. Soviet cars drive along the streets of Havana, many shops resemble pre-perestroika department stores, and socialist posters hang on the walls of houses. All this revolutionary surroundings, combined with beautiful nature and fiery Latin American dances, is real exoticism. Cuba is a party place where fun always reigns, with many exciting festivals taking place, for example the Havana Rum Festival.

Cuban beaches are clean and picturesque, and they also have less algae compared to the Dominican coast. In both countries, they feed well in cafes and restaurants and treat little tourists with warmth.

The most striking sights of Cuba

If you find yourself in Havana, be sure to visit Plaza Vieja - the Old Square with the Arab market located on it - and admire the ancient architecture of the 18th century. Sit in the evening on the Malecon promenade, watching old men with fishing rods, listening to the sound of the surf and salsa tunes. Stop by the famous Bodeguita del Medio bar, where Hemingway, Marquez and Fidel Castro visited. Here you can smoke a cigar, try Cuban rum and see unusual photographs on the walls telling about the history of Cuba.

Off the southern coast of the island is the Jardines de la Reina archipelago, the world's third largest coral reef, where people come to dive and see sea turtles.

The list of popular attractions in Cuba includes the Hemingway House Museum with preserved furnishings, one of the largest cemeteries in America with more than 500 beautiful sculptures, monuments and memorials, as well as the Havana Club Rum Museum, where you can learn about the history of the legendary drink and buy a bottle of the real thing. Roma

Cuba is also home to sugar cane plantations, where excursions are constantly organized, while tourists are additionally taken to sugar factories and to a workshop for the production of sugar cane juice with a tasting of the drink. And also check out the Tropicana show, which is held in the Botanical Garden under the starry sky. Salsa, rumba, cha-cha-cha, bright costumes, laughter, sunny beaches, warm ocean, rum, cigars - this is a vacation in Cuba!

Holidays in the Dominican Republic: what you need to see

One of the best areas in the Dominican Republic is Punta Cana, home to the most picturesque beaches, luxury hotels and huge golf courses. The province of Samana is famous for its tropical forests, national parks, coconut groves and cozy small beaches, many of which tourists do not know about. Here, humpback whales swim to the shores, and special sea excursions are organized for daredevils who want to swim with the whales. The Nacional del Este Park is interesting for its coral reefs, rich marine flora and fauna, rare birds, tropical forests, beaches and rock paintings of the indigenous people of the Caribbean islands.

And be sure to take a walk around Zona Colonial - this is the ancient district of Santo Domingo with cobblestone streets, ancient buildings in pastel colors and cozy family coffee shops. Visit the fishing village of Saona Island, relax on the most beautiful beach on the planet, Bahia de las Águilas, accessible only by boat, and swim in Damayacua Falls in the hills of the Northern Corridor.

In addition, excursions are organized from the capital of the Dominican Republic to Constanta - in the mountains with green forests and statues left over from an ancient civilization, trips to Lake Enriquillo, where crocodiles and iguanas live, as well as to the deserted island of Paradise Island and Mangroves, where you can go diving or fishing. By the way, the caught fish will be cooked right in front of you in the fisherman’s cafe.

Beach holidays in the Dominican Republic, sea activities, luxurious restaurants and romantic walks on the ocean bring joy and peace. Tourists who have visited the Caribbean claim that if there is paradise on earth, then it is here, in the Dominican Republic...

What to bring from Cuba

“When leaving the Caribbean islands, you want to take a piece of this heavenly happiness with you, so the question arises about souvenirs,” avid traveler Oksana Lyutova shares her experience. — And here I would like to immediately say about one important thing. Souvenirs purchased in the Caribbean must have a license for export, so you need to purchase them either in large shopping centers or in specialized stores at hotels. Otherwise, you will have to part with these wonderful things at customs.”

Cigars and rum are usually brought from Cuba; the Havana Club rum brand is especially popular, many varieties of which are aged for 25 years. Remember that you can take out no more than two liters of drink and no more than 50 cigars per person. Jewelry made from black coral is highly valued, since this stone, according to Cubans, has magical properties. However, when buying at the market, gullible tourists are sometimes sold, instead of coral, a coralline stone similar to it or an artificial fake. Remember that natural coral shimmers red in the light.
Cuba produces good natural cosmetics, nutritional supplements from shark cartilage and sugar cane, high-quality coffee, spices and delicious marmalade made from exotic fruits. They also usually bring original musical instruments, sombreros and images of Che Guevara as souvenirs from Cuba.

Russians have also fallen in love with these resorts in recent years, despite the long and expensive flights. And also, because of the exotic and romantic nature of the Caribbean resorts, many newlyweds choose this destination as a destination for their honeymoon.

Varadero, Cuba

Holidays in Cuba will be of interest both to lovers of beach activities (parasailing, diving, sailing, snorkeling) and to lovers of nature, which is simply fabulous here. In addition to enjoying the beautiful beaches and sunny weather, you can walk through the colorful old Havana, visit tobacco and coffee plantations, and breathe in freedom deeply.

How to get there: Direct flights from Moscow to Havana, travel time from 12 hours, or with a transfer in Paris, Frankfurt or Amsterdam - travel time from 16 hours.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

There are a number of resorts in the Dominican Republic that will appeal to scuba diving enthusiasts, because here you can see picturesque coral reefs, many different types of exotic fish, and sometimes even wrecks of sunken ships. In addition, the Dominican Republic is very popular for organizing beach weddings and holidays for newlyweds.

How to get there: Direct flights from Moscow to Punta Cana, travel time from 13 hours.

Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is recognized as one of the best resorts in Mexico and is now gaining popularity among tourists from Russia. Cancun is famous for its stunning white beaches, clear water and developed infrastructure. Also in Mexico you can see waterfalls, cenotes, and Mayan pyramids of extraordinary beauty - Chichen Itza, Palenque.

How to get there: Direct flights from Moscow to Cancun, travel time from 13 hours.

Bahamas

The Bahamas are synonymous with the concept of luxury vacation. The archipelago of the Bahamas includes about 700 islands, only 30 of which are inhabited. There are beautiful beaches, developed hotel infrastructure, and exotic nature. One of the best beaches in the Bahamas is Pink Sand Beach, the sand of which is an unusually beautiful shade of pink.

How to get there: Freeport International Airport, Nassau. There are no direct flights. You can fly with a transfer in London or the USA, travel time is from 13 hours.

Jamaica

Every year more and more tourists visit Jamaica to see exotic nature, gorgeous beaches, cane fields, listen to live reggae...Jamaica will also appeal to lovers of pirate stories, museums and monuments. Here you can snorkel and even hunt sharks.

How to get there: Kingston and Montego Bay International Airports. There are no direct flights from Russia; transfers are made in London and Frankfurt. Flight time is approximately 16 hours.

Virgin Islands

Trunk Bay Beach, located on the island of St. John in the Virgin Islands, is recognized by the National Geographic Community as the best beach in the Caribbean. Coral reefs and a rich underwater world attract hundreds of tourists from all over the world to the Virgin Islands. The water near the islands is so clear that visibility is 40 m deep.

How to get there: St. Croix and St. Thomas International Airports. There are no direct flights; you can get there with a transfer to the USA or Puerto Rico.

Antigua and Barbuda

On the islands of Antigua and Barbuda you can find both pristine nature and a variety of tourist attractions in the form of yacht clubs, bars, hotels and casinos. There are many cozy bays that are protected from storms by coral reefs, and snow-white beaches - of which there are as many as 365 on the island of Antigua.

How to get there: St. John's International Airport. There are no direct flights from Russia, only with transfers in London or Frankfurt.

Barbados

Since Barbados was once a British colony, some English traditions are still preserved here - for example, the game of cricket is widespread, and golf competitions are held. In addition, Barbados will delight vacationers with beautiful nature, excellent beaches and many modern hotels. Holidays here in English are measured and relaxed, so not all hotels accept families with children.

How to get there: Bridgetown International Airport. Transfer in London or Frankfurt, journey from 14 hours.

Cayman islands

The Cayman Islands will be ideal for those who want to take a break from the metropolis and crowds and feel like they are on a desert island - here you can find many beautiful secluded beaches. There is a variety of flora and fauna here.

How to get there: International airport on Grand Cayman Island. Transfer in London or Miami, journey from 20 hours.

Costa Rica

The sand on the beaches of Costa Rica comes in a variety of colors and shades: white, gold, silver and even volcanic black. At the resorts, in addition to sunbathing, you can go surfing, diving, sport fishing, and watch sea turtles lay eggs. In addition to all this, there are exotic fruits, national parks, mountains and volcanoes.

How to get there: San Jose International Airport. Flight - there are no direct flights, only connections in Madrid, Frankfurt, Havana are possible. On the way from 13. hours

It is difficult to say which of the Caribbean islands or resorts is the best. Despite the long, expensive and often indirect flight, a visit to one of the above resorts is a must. Holidays in the Caribbean are available almost all year round; visa requirements have recently been simplified and more and more direct flights are appearing. Kilometers of snow-white beaches with fine hot sand, green palm trees bending over the water, exotic fruits, nature and an intoxicating sense of freedom will remain in the memory for a long time.

Photo: thinkstockphotos.com, flickr.com

[:RU]It’s no surprise that the Caribbean islands are one of the most sought-after beach holiday destinations in the world: hundreds of gorgeous islands, good weather all year round and great recreational opportunities. And if you are planning a vacation in the Caribbean, then this article will just help you decide on a Caribbean trip.

When to visit the Caribbean.

Weather in the Caribbean is classified as either dry or wet. The dry season lasts from mid-December to mid-April. At this time of year, the days are quite warm and there is low humidity, and the nights are cool. The rainy season here lasts from mid-April to mid-December. During these months, the weather is warm and humid, with occasional showers.

Keep in mind that June through November is Atlantic hurricane season, which peaks in September. If you are planning a trip to the Caribbean at this time, then try to skip September. Otherwise, you will have to spend long days in your hotel room, having fun playing Caribbean Poker, slot machines online, play for free in the casino.

Some of the popular islands that fall out of the hurricane belt are Curacao, Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Bonaire and the Cayman Islands.

The months from December to the end of April are considered the peak season as it is the most expensive time of the year due to the fact that the weather is at its most pleasant during this time. During these months, prices for hotels and villas rise from twenty to fifty percent compared to the rest of the year. During the high season there are the highest number of tourists, fully occupied hotels and crowded beaches, especially on Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and during Carnival in February. September and October are the least noisy months. Many restaurants and hotels are closed during this period and bars are almost empty.

If we take all the above points into account, we can understand that the best month to visit the Caribbean islands is May. The weather in May is almost as good as during the peak season, although accommodation is relatively cheap. If you are planning a budget vacation, then plan your trip in May. However, at the end of August, tariffs also begin to decline.

Popular islands.
Here is a list of the islands included in his top picks for Caribbean holiday destinations:
Anguilla;
Antigua;
Barbados;
British Virgin Islands;
Cayman islands;
Cuba;
Dominican Republic;
Grenada;
Jamaica;
Nevis;
St. Kitts;
Saint Lucia;
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines;
Trinidad and Tobago;
Turks and Caicos.

You can especially consider Dominica, which is known for its dense tropical forests and mountains. Here you can find many hiking trails that will lead to beautiful lakes and chic embankments where you can enjoy bird watching.

Puerto Rico, these islands represent an interesting mixture of Spanish and American cultures. This is a great option for a beach holiday. Good places for sightseeing include Old San Juan, the vast caves of Camuy, the subtropical forest of El Jungu and Ponce, where you can see rich colonial culture and Art Nouveau architecture.