| The West Indies consists of an archipelago of over | | | | Although all the islands are tropical the climate varies |
| seven thousand tropical islands in the Caribbean Sea. | | | | from island to island due to geography, ocean currents, |
| While the luxury resorts and hotels have long made | | | | and moist tradewinds blowing from the east which |
| Caribbean vacations a popular destination for retirees | | | | creates rain-shadow effects on the more mountainous |
| and honeymooners, independent travelers have begun | | | | islands. The diversity of climates on the Caribbean |
| to enjoy the many eco-tourism and backpacking | | | | islands supports a very diverse group of ecosystems, |
| options available. The weather is mild all year around; | | | | which range from cactus scrublands to montane cloud |
| there are special promotional airfares and all inclusive | | | | forests. The winters tend to be warm but dry. The |
| Carribean packages available; and there are hundreds | | | | hurricane season in late summer through early fall can |
| of gorgeous islands to choose from. | | | | put a damper on Carribean vacations. |
| Some of the islands, such as Aruba, Barbados, and the | | | | Although there has been much deforestation in the |
| Cayman Islands are relatively flat and very warm. | | | | hundreds of years of human settlement, there remain |
| Other islands, such as Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, | | | | many nature preserves which contain scores of |
| Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago feature high and | | | | threatened species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. |
| rugged mountain ranges with cool, brisk weather. | | | | |