Think of the Caribbean and pristine sands and piña coladas probably come to mind – but there's so much more that this patchwork of islands has to offer. Granted, its vast resorts and world-renowned rum are a huge draw, but this vibrant region plays host to an array of unique experiences and attractions that travellers can easily miss. Here we bring you 50 spectacular and surprising Caribbean adventures.
The Pitons are an unmistakable symbol of St Lucia, but not everyone thinks of climbing these volcanic plugs, located near the island’s towns of Choiseul and Soufrière. Although Petit Piton is best saved for the most experienced climbers, moderately fit hikers can scale the 2,530-foot (771m) tall Gros Piton in around two hours, with the help of an organised tour. The reward? Incredible views of neighbouring St Vincent.
Grenada’s annual Chocolate Fest (currently scheduled for 17-21 May 2023) is a must-visit for lovers of the sweet stuff, offering the chance to visit the island’s cocoa forests and get to the heart of the action with immersive experiences. From learning how to harvest cocoa (cracking the pods and collecting the beans) to 'dancing' the cocoa (a traditional way of drying the beans by walking on them), this festival is a key part of the island’s heritage.
Delving 1,000 feet (304m) beneath the ocean’s surface is usually saved for scientists, but with SubStation Curaçao, anyone can explore the deep sea of the Caribbean. Booked guests can step into their own miniature submarine pod and seek out vibrant coral and epic shipwrecks, such as the 300-foot (90m) Stella Maris.
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Venturing into Cuba’s remote wilderness involves some bumpy stretches of road. But the UNESCO-listed Alejandro de Humboldt National Park – named after the German naturalist-explorer Alexander von Humboldt – is worth the journey for the spirited adventurer. This protected ecosystem, which sprawls over 268 square miles (694sq km) north of Baracoa, is inhabited by some of the most incredible species, including the endangered Cuban solenodon, miniscule Monte Iberia frog, polymita picta snail and zunzuncito, the smallest bird on Earth.
All sorts of mythical creatures can be found in the Great Blue Hole off the coast of Belize. Well, according to Mayan legend that is. While experienced divers have yet to witness any of them, those daring enough to conquer this underwater sinkhole can discover some equally mind-boggling sights. Believed to have been formed during the Ice Age, this chasm, which reaches 984 feet (300m) wide and 410 feet (125m) deep, plays host to otherworldly stalactites, stalagmites and an array of shark species.
Havana's architecture switches from colourful period buildings to dilapidated Brutalist concrete blocks in a heartbeat. And the best way to take it all in? From the seat of a vintage car. There are many tour companies who offer guided or self-drive tours, such as Old Cars Havana, with an array of classic 1950s models available, from Buicks to Cadillacs.
The British Virgin Islands are just one of the island clusters strewn across the Caribbean and The Baths National Park, found at the tip of Virgin Gorda, is its most beguiling geological wonder. The mammoth boulders, or batholiths, which measure up to 40 feet (12m) in diameter, form a labyrinth of secret rock pools and sun-dappled grottoes that visitors can wade through when the ocean swells aren’t too strong.
There are few places where classical music collides with the jungle, but the privately owned Hunte’s Gardens in Barbados is one of them. Visitors to the attraction will rub shoulders with monkeys and hummingbirds who flit around to the sultry sounds of Bach, and explore an array of exotic plants, from delicate orchids to towering royal palms. Owner Anthony Hunte is often around to enjoy a chat and, sometimes, a glass of rum punch.
Watersports are almost a rite of passage in the Caribbean, but flyboarding is the newest ocean-based adventure for thrill-seekers coming to these islands. The hoverboard-like device is attached to a hose which uses water pressure to propel daredevils into the air. Blue Rush Water Sports offers an array of half-hour sessions over the stunning waters of St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.
While Havana is charming, venturing outside the Cuban capital to the island’s bucolic countryside is a fascinating off-grid experience. A 2.5-hour drive away lies the breathtaking Valle de Viñales, a UNESCO site famous for its rust-hued earth and traditional farms where bananas, sugar cane, coffee, pineapples and tobacco are grown. Hiking, cycling or horse riding tours are available and some include visits to traditional ‘secaderos’, or drying barns, found on the tobacco plantations.
With emerald-green mogotes, or hills, as a backdrop, wild swimming in the Viñales Valley’s freshwater lake is a must-try experience when exploring Cuba’s rural heart. It’s best enjoyed during the wetter months between July and October, as part of a horseback tour, and is a welcome opportunity to drink in Cuba’s scenic beauty.
Bizarre yet intriguing, the Mural de la Prehistoria, found in Cuba’s Viñales Valley, adds an unexpected touch of vibrancy to the untouched countryside. Painted on the wall of the towering Pita mogote in Sierra de los Órganos, this mammoth mural, which spans nearly 394 feet (120m) in length, was designed by the artist Diego Rivera. It tells a story of evolution, depicting dinosaurs, reptiles and human beings. Located around 2.5 miles (4km) from Viñales, it’s easy to access via bike or taxi.
The annual Nevis to St Kitts race has been going for 17 years and is now one of the most popular open water swimming events in the region. Starting at Oualie Beach on Nevis and finishing at Cockleshell Beach on St Kitts, it sees hundreds of swimmers crossing the 2.5-mile (4km) channel each year. The 2023 event is scheduled to go ahead in March and it often helps raise funds for local causes such as marine conservation.
It’s well worth the boat trip from Chaguaramas to Gaspar Grande Island, off Trinidad’s northwest coast, to marvel at the beautiful limestone Gasparee Caves. This 90-foot (27m) deep cave system spans around half an acre and Pulpit Pipe Organ, Lovers and Dinosaur Head are just some of the names given to its mind-bending rock formations. Amazingly, they’re not devoid of life, with the nocturnal guácharo, or oilbird, and bats living here.
Over on Antigua’s sister island of Barbuda, the sands aren’t just pristine white, they come in shades of coral pink too. The ferry or an organised day trip is a great way to get here. Enjoy Pink Sand Beach and Low Bay (otherwise known as 17-Mile Beach), which – thanks to tiny pink shells that wash up on the sands – take on a rosy tint at certain times of year.
Despite The Beatles’ music being banned in communist Cuba, former Prime Minister Fidel Castro later confessed his admiration for John Lennon, two decades after the singer’s death. And in 2000, a bronze statue of the star was unveiled in what is now John Lennon Park. A security guard, reportedly, sometimes adds a pair of glasses to the statue, if asked nicely.
Aside from being a key 18th-century port for the sugar and rum industries, the coastal town of Falmouth in Jamaica has become known for its otherworldly marshlands which glow with bioluminescent plankton at night. Stretching between Falmouth and the community of Rock, the marshlands of Trelawny, known as the Luminous Lagoon, can be viewed during nighttime boat tours and passengers can take a dip in the waters which glisten and sparkle when disturbed.
It’s not just the sandy beaches that offer relaxation in Jamaica – the jade-green waters of the Martha Brae River instil an immediate sense of calm, especially when explored on a traditional bamboo raft. Island Routes Caribbean Adventures offers private tours down this beautiful waterway in the parish of Trelawny, including time in Miss Martha’s Herb Garden, known for its healing properties. The region also happens to be the birthplace of world record-beating sprinter Usain Bolt.
Each year the yacht world gathers on the shores of Antigua for a week of sailing, socialising and celebrating (currently scheduled for 28 April-5 May 2023). The regatta features a week of competitive racing based off the island’s south coast, out of 18th-century Nelson’s Dockyard. Spectators can watch all the offshore action from the beaches and hiking trails, but a top tip is to get breakfast at Shirley Heights Lookout then stay to watch the race for the best view.
The Soggy Dollar Bar gained its name back in the 1970s when punters used to swim to the bar, on the dinky island of Jost Van Dyke, from a boat or yacht in the bay. Unsurprisingly the money in their pockets would get wet during the swim, so they’d pay for an infamous Painkiller rum cocktail with some very soggy dollar bills. The blindingly white beach is as intoxicating as the drinks.
While China may not be the first place that springs to mind when thinking of Cuba, the Eastern nation shares deep roots with this Caribbean island. The grand gates and architecture of Havana's Chinatown, or El Barrio Chino, serve as a lasting reminder of Chinese migration to the island during the 19th century. These days the community is still cherished for its Cuban-Chinese cuisine, cinema and Diario Popular Chino (Kwong Wah Po) Chinese newspaper.
It was author Ian Fleming who penned the famed James Bond novels and today, travellers can stay in the Jamaican villa where it all happened in scenic Oracabessa Bay. Named Goldeneye by the author, the Fleming Villa, run by former Island Records owner Chris Blackwell, now offers unique stays with a butler service, private cooks and access to tropical gardens that once inspired the famous writer. One of the best bits is the outdoor (but very private) bathroom where guests can take a bath under the stars.
The Great Cavern of Saint Thomas, or Gran Caverna de Santo Tomás, is located just under 12.5 miles (20km) west of Viñales and is Cuba's largest cave system and second-largest in the Americas, full of showstopping rock formations and indigenous art. Boat trip tours offered by Trip Cuba through the illuminated Cueva del Indio (pictured), a former indigenous dwelling just north of Viñales, are equally mesmerising.
Southeast of bustling Havana lies the Zapata Swamp and hidden beneath the water’s murky depths and lurking on the riverbanks lie native Cuban crocodiles. The Crocodylus rhombifer is slightly smaller than other crocodile species but is just as formidable. Look out for them on guided tours through Ciénaga de Zapata National Park.
The last thing you expect to see on the sandy island of Dominican Republic is a fairy-tale castle, high upon a hill. But this eccentric mansion, named Castillo Mundo King (King World Castle) and likened to the buildings of Gaudí in Barcelona, houses a zany collection of art, from curious Haitian artefacts to exhibitions focused around aliens and UFOs. It was designed by eccentric German artist Rolf Schultz.
Around 50 stingrays live at Stingray City, a series of shallow sandbars in the Cayman Islands, and they’re some of the largest southern rays in the Caribbean. There are many boat tours that run to this offbeat attraction, located around 25 miles (40km) off the coast of Grand Cayman. Most leave from the George Town Cruise Port or Seven Mile Beach (and nearby resorts).
The St Kitts Scenic Railway was built between 1912 and 1926 for transporting sugar cane between the plantations and factories. Today, the restored narrow-gauge train offers a quirky way for sightseers to explore St Kitts’ excellent scenery as it meanders through rainforests and across plunging canyons. Each tour includes entertainment from an a capella choir as well as obligatory rum punch. The open-air-top cars guarantee excellent views.
The Dominican Republic is home to spectacular waterfalls including the 170-foot-high (52m) El Limón. The Iguana Mama tour group takes adrenaline-thirsty travellers on a fall-jumping adventure through the winding Río Damajagua. With the help of experts, adventurers hike, swim, slide and climb their way through 27 individual waterfalls, with jumps reaching as high as 25 feet (7.5m).
The Garrison Savannah has been the home of horse racing in Barbados since 1845, and both locals and tourists descend on this historic site for its regular Saturday meets. The horse racing is entertaining but it’s the parades, street food and lively atmosphere that also make the experience. Tucking into fried fish with a Banks beer at one of the stalls is a must.
While some claim it can reverse the signs of ageing, others suggest it can heal burns, arthritis and mosquito bites. Either way, a dip in the mineral-rich mud baths of St Lucia makes for a unique experience. Located by the steaming La Soufrière volcano, the Sulphur Springs do, of course, come with a strong sulphurous smell but some might say it’s a small price to pay to visit this unique attraction.
Bonaire offers some of the best diving in the Caribbean, including the chance to explore Hilma Hooker, a former drug-smuggling freighter that sank in 1984. The ship, flanked by two coral reefs in a protected marine sanctuary, can be explored with diving companies such as Technical Diving Services and is located between 60 feet (18m) and 99 feet (30m) below sea level where a diverse range of angel fish, parrotfish and schools of blue tangs now call home.
Home to a large portion of the island’s agriculture, the southern parish of St Elizabeth is nicknamed the ‘bread basket of Jamaica.’ One of the best ways to explore this off-grid corner of the island is via the farm-to-table food tours organised by Jakes at Treasure Beach. After a tour of Dool’s Farm with farmers Dwight, Alex and Nerval, guests can watch the sun set and enjoy an atmospheric meal on the slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
It takes just three hours to drive around the pint-sized island of Barbados and a highlight of reaching its most northerly tip is this intriguing sea cave, in the parish of St Lucy. Stepping inside Animal Flower Cave is only considered safe when the tide is low and offers a natural pool from which to admire the spectacular ocean views.
The streets of Havana thrum with salsa and rumba rhythms, and learning about these traditional Afro-Cuban dance forms through a local dance school is a sure way to fall in love with the island. There are several dance schools in Havana and companies such as Responsible Travel offer tailor-made holidays that include professional dance tutoring and visits to see local street rumba and bembe performances.
Deep beneath the pristine, warm waters of this Mexican Caribbean island lie more than 500 sculptures, including a life-sized VW Beetle, several houses and a multitude of bodies (cement ones). This eerie underwater art attraction, MUSA, was devised to create a new artificial reef system for fish to colonise and its depth (26 feet/8m) means it can be only explored by scuba diving.
By night, the sea around Grand Cayman’s Rum Point sometimes glows in the dark. The magical spectacle, known as the Northern Lights of the Caribbean, is caused by bioluminescence – when billions of microorganisms emit a glowing light. Cayman Kayaks runs guided tours through the sparkling waters with the option to kayak or take an electric bio boat under the stars.
The verdant, misty peaks of Jamaica’s Blue Mountains spread their way some 30 miles (48km) across the eastern part of the island and the area is famed for its oh-so-smooth (and pricey) coffee which is grown on the steep fertile slopes and picked by hand. Mavis Bank Coffee Factory offers fascinating guided tours where visitors can see how the freshly harvested cherries are pulped, inhale the delicious roasting plant aromas and learn the process from bean to cup.
The eruption of the Soufrière Hills volcano in Montserrat in the 1990s caused a wave of devastation, destroying towns and covering half the island in volcanic ash. Today, a large section of the island is part of an exclusion zone, but visitors can witness the eerie lunar landscape and ash-covered capital of Plymouth via organised tours. Many visitors come here via ferry from Antigua and a trip to the balcony of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory offers unique views of the volcano summit.
Adrenaline junkies can get their kicks on the Dominican Republic’s northeast coast, dubbed the ‘capital of watersports’ and in 2023, Cabarete in Puerto Plata will host the island’s 19th Master of the Ocean festival which sees dozens of kite boarding professionals compete to be crowned champion. Myriad schools on Kite Beach, such as Kite Club, also offer a range of kite and board rentals and lessons.
This 18th-century British naval dockyard in Antigua has been beautifully restored into a marina and is now an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admiring the majestic ships and Georgian buildings, and soaking up the history of Nelson’s Dockyard at the on-site museum, allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the Caribbean’s layered and sombre colonial history. The dockyard is also a good starting place for hiking up the vertiginous Shirley Heights, a restored military lookout.
When Martinique’s smouldering volcano, Mount Pelée, erupted in 1902, the town of Saint-Pierre was destroyed, but one convicted felon named Ludger Sylbaris (real name Louis-Auguste) was, purportedly, the only survivor of the disaster, thanks to the solid stone cell in which he was imprisoned. The story is disputed but it’s a fascinating one and the dilapidated dungeon-like cell has become an interesting attraction.
Navigating the rushing rapids of the Great River is one of the best ways to enjoy the adventurous side of Grenada. Island Routes and Explorer Grenada Tours run various river tubing adventures where only the brave can bob their way down rapids and swirl through tropical pools, flanked by lush forests. The journey here, through the Grand Etang rainforest or via the Atlantic east coastline, is also a highlight.
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It's easy to mistake the Turks and Caicos Conch Festival for a carnival, with its vibrant atmosphere of music, dance and, of course, food. Usually held every November in Blue Hills, locals compete to create the most delicious conch delicacy in a hustle of all-day entertainment involving the large marine molluscs and their shells. Visitors can have a go at winning the conch knocking game or the conch blowing competition, to truly get swept up in local tradition.
Aruba’s dry, desert landscape and scorching sun create the perfect growing conditions for the aloe plant. One of the best ways to learn about the island’s biggest export is at the Aruba Aloe Factory and Museum in Hato which details the industry’s 160-year-old history and exhibits how the leafy plant is harvested and how its liquid is extracted to make soothing gels and lotions.
The collection of graves known as Cimetière de Morne-à-l’eau is a sight to behold on the island of Guadeloupe. Forming a vast amphitheatre with black and white checkered stone, these unique crypts date back to the mid-19th century when wealthy landowners buried their loved ones. Today, it's the resting place of Guadeloupeans of all races and classes, and the registered historical monument has become a treasured attraction on the island.
Although batik is usually synonymous with parts of Africa and Indonesia, it has roots in the Caribbean too. Caribelle Batik, located in the botanical gardens of Romney Manor, opens its doors to visitors daily, so they can learn more about this unique craft and watch it being made. With the amazing 400-year-old saman tree on its doorstep and the historical Wingfield Estate as a neighbour, this charming workshop makes for an intriguing day trip.
Heading high above the powder-soft sands of St Kitts to the summit of Mount Liamuiga, a dormant volcano, is a great alternative to kicking back on the beach. After a tough two-hour trek, most walkers reach the rim of the vast volcanic crater known as the Giant’s Salad Bowl. Almost a mile (1.6km) wide and 1,000-feet (304m) deep, its sides are carpeted in verdant rainforest while a glistening lake nestles at the bottom.
It’s easy to miss the quirky little bar and restaurant known as Barnacles in St Lucia. Hidden in the protected Pigeon Island National Park (pictured) on the island’s tip in Gros Islet, this down-to-earth joint is set in an old captain’s cellar dating back to 1750 and is a great stopping point while exploring the military ruins of Fort Rodney and picturesque lookout point known as Signal Peak. Marlin, curried crab and lobster are just some of the top dishes that feature.
As pelicans swoop from the sky and Jamaica’s coastline shrinks further into the distance, Floyd’s Pelican Bar appears in the middle of the ocean. Located on a sandbar, just under a mile (1.6km) off Jamaica’s Parottee Bay, this stilted drinking hole – made purely from driftwood – is owned by local Floyd Forbes and can only be accessed by boat. Once there, punters can sip ice-cold Red Stripe or rum punch and feast on fish pulled straight from the sea.
Big Major Cay in the Exuma archipelago is an uninhabited island, but it is home to a group of pigs and piglets, regularly seen snorting and paddling their way through the pristine waters. Anyone keen to take a dip with these lovable creatures can take an organised tour from Great Exuma with 4 C’s Adventures.
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