People vacation in the Caribbean because they want an escape. Another form of escape is the cinema, which may explain why many big Hollywood films are shot in the Caribbean. The audience is swept away by the picturesque scenery, the clear blue water and lush greenery. The background makes any actor look more mysterious and intriguing. By filming on sets in the Caribbean, the culture rubs off on the film, making it realistic. On a cold, snowy night, the audience can disappear into the screen, finding themselves on a lounge chair on the white sandy beaches of the Bahamas. Filming in the Caribbean allows for camera shots directors can’t achieve on hollywood sets, realistic shots like divers emerging from the translucent waters of Bermuda or a shipwrecked family running away from pirates through the dense shrubbery of a desert island.

With beauty comes sacrifice, as on-location filming proves. Insects and tropical storms made filming difficult and caused frequent stops for the 1967 Dr. Dolittle film, shot in the Dominica. The James Bond movies, Splash, and Silence of the Lambs were all filmed in the Bahamas.

But the pros usually outweigh the cons in the decision to film on-location. The Pirates of the Caribbean movies include scenes filmed in parts of the Caribbean. One of those islands was Dominica, where the scene of Jack Sparrow being chased by the large wheel takes place. Plus the island actually has a history of piracy. They even offer tours of the spots where the movie was filmed. So next time you need a vacation but can’t get away, pop in Captain Ron or Cocktail and get sucked into the Caribbean charm.