The Caribbean has a colorful history as well as a fun and vibrant culture. The Caribbean Sea is a sea of the Atlantic Ocean located in the tropics of the Western Hemisphere. It is bounded by the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico and Central America to the west and southwest, to the north by the Greater Antilles starting with Cuba, to the east by the Lesser Antilles, and to the south by the north coast of South America. The entire area of the Caribbean Sea which is one of the largest seas in the world, the numerous islands of the West Indies, and adjacent coasts, are collectively known as ‘the Caribbean’. The name “Caribbean” derives from the Caribs, one of the dominant Native American groups in the region at the time of European contact during the late 15th century. Due to the abundance of sunshine, year-round tropical temperatures moderated by the almost constant trade winds, and the great variety of scenic destinations to visit, the Caribbean Sea is a popular tourist destination.