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Caribbean Vacation

10 Things You Must do in the Caribbean Islands

While the Caribbean might evoke picture perfect images of beautiful beaches and island cocktails garnished with pineapple slices and toothpick umbrellas, there’s far more than meets the eye when it comes to creating the most unforgettable charter adventure here. To capture your best holiday ever, consider including these top ten Caribbean activities in your future travel plans.

Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park

Grenada’s Underwater Sculpture Park

More than 65 sculptures sit peacefully beneath the surface of Grenada’s Moliniere Bay. Ranging in form from a forlorn man hovering over his typewriter to a circle of schoolchildren looking out to their surroundings, these eerily dazzling sculptures have been artistically captivating divers and snorkellers underwater for ten years now.

The Pitons

Hike The Pitons

The subject of countless travel brochures, St. Lucia’s Pitons are two near-identical peaks covered in lush vegetation and lined with accessible hiking trails that uncover some truly monumental views. A trek to the top of the Gros Piton (the larger of the two) can be easily achieved by anyone comfortable with moderate exercise in a half-day or less.

Soggy Dollar Bar

Beach Bars on Jost Van Dyke

From the friendly faces and cold drinks at Foxy’s Tamarind Bar in Great Harbour to the world-famous “Painkiller” cocktails and good island vibes found at Soggy Dollar Bar in White Bay, Jost Van Dyke offers quite a few can’t-miss hot-spots during any BVI vacation. Without a doubt, these two beach bars become instant favourites of visitors from all across the globe and neither ever fails to disappoint. And for those who have yet to experience the “healing effects” of a BVI “Painkiller” – a bold concoction of rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and orange juice, topped off with freshly ground nutmeg – boy are you in for a treat!

St. Lucia Volcano

Witness the World’s Only Drive-In Volcano

Located near Soufriere in St. Lucia, Sulphur Springs is commonly known as “the world’s only drive in volcano.” That’s because tourists can literally drive right up to the edge of the spring to see the lava-heated steam rising from its surface. The water here is far too hot for swimming, but if you travel a few hundred yards downstream, you can wade in cooler waters rich with soothing mud, similar to what you’d typically find in a luxury spa. (Photo by D G Brown on Flickr.)

Maho Beach

St. Martin’s Maho Beach

Known for its incredible photos of commercial jets flying straight overhead the stunning shoreline below, Maho Beach is just one of style-savvy St. Martin’s many treasures that every visitor must experience up-close. Located on the Dutch side of the island, this internationally-famous beach lets you indulge in world-class relaxation while nearby Princess Juliana International Airport treats you to the occasional adrenaline-rush and memorable Kodak moment.

Anegada Lobster

Dive and Dine in Anegada

For some of the best lobster in the Caribbean, look no further than Anegada in the British Virgin Islands. This island is especially unique because it’s completely flat and surrounded by one of the world’s largest barrier reefs. Not only is this a prime snorkelling spot, but it’s also home to some truly tasty clawed cuisine. Visit any time during the season (between November and July) and stop by a restaurant like the Lobster Trap or Potters by the Sea for a mouth-watering feast of fresh-caught lobster.

French Caribbean Cuisine

Indulge in French Caribbean Cuisine

The Caribbean is a veritable melting pot of cultures, and the French are no exception, especially when it comes to their influence on cuisine in this spectacular region. For some of the best, visit the French side of St. Martin or St. Barts. Both of these areas are home to world-class restaurants like Le Chanteclair (St. Martin) and stores like La Cave de Saint Barthelemy (St. Barts), which features more than 200,000 bottles and 300 varieties of French wine.

Shirley Heights

Shirley Heights

A visit to Antigua simply is not complete without a magnificent view from the famous Shirley Heights Lookout point, which can be accessed via nature trail from English Harbour. This stunning location is also well-known by the locals for hosting the most epic parties on Antigua, most notably on Sundays. If you’re itching for a taste of the island’s premium party scene, plan to visit on a Sunday and look forward to live music, bottomless rum punches, and dancing all night. For those interested in a more low-key Shirley Heights experience, the Caribbean and BBQ dining options are also top-notch.

The Baths

Explore The Baths

When it comes to the Caribbean’s most beautiful natural attractions, The Baths reign supreme. Located on the island of Virgin Gorda in the BVI, this massive crop of smooth granite rocks forms a labyrinth of covered passages and seawater baths, perfect for snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, or simply relaxing in a one-of-a-kind natural setting.

 

 
Blog post updated March 27, 2018/Originally published August 31, 2016

Contributor

Leslie Montenegro

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