What is another name for the Caribbean?

The Caribbean is often referred to as the West Indies, a name that dates back to Christopher Columbus's voyages in the late 15th century. Columbus mistakenly believed he had reached the eastern parts of India when he arrived in the region, thus he called the islands the "Indies." Over time, this term evolved into "West Indies" to distinguish them from the "East Indies," which primarily refers to the islands of Southeast Asia.

The term "West Indies" encompasses the islands located in the Caribbean Sea and includes countries such as Jamaica, Barbados, and the Bahamas, among others. This name is widely recognized in geographic and cultural contexts, and it reflects the historical significance of the region as a crossroads of trade and exploration.

The other options presented do not accurately replace the term Caribbean. "Tropical Islands" is a broad descriptor that could apply to numerous regions around the world, not just the Caribbean. "Gulf of Mexico" refers to a large body of water bordering the southeastern United States and northeastern Mexico, and thus it is not synonymous with the Caribbean islands. "South Seas" generally refers to various Pacific islands and waters and does not pertain to the Caribbean.