Things to Do in Caribbean

Amber Cove, opened in November 2015, may be newer than most cruise ports in the Caribbean, but its nearby attractions are far from rookie. Carnival Cruise Lines built the port, located on the Dominican Republic’s so-called Amber Coast and servicing Puerto Plata, for the use of their cruise ships along with other large-capacity liners that the the Carnival Corporation owns.

Amber Cove is an ideal jumping-off point for exploring the Dominican Republic’s rife offerings of tropical adventures. Zipline courses through the Monkey Jungle, horseback rides through the countryside, and thrilling waterfall slides at Damajagua Waterfalls are among the more popular options, but Puerto Plata city tours and trips to Mundo King Creole Castle don’t disappoint. Though cruise guests don’t even have to leave Amber Cove to have a good time, as the port itself is full of amenities like bars, retail shops, and even a full-scale water park. And if you don’t want to take on outdoor challenges, you can just chill—made easy with the port’s waterfront cabanas. 

Amber Cove has a convenient transportation hub, with access to rental cars and taxi services that let you get around and explore with ease. Most shore excursions include pick-up from the cruise port for a hassle-free outing.

Although Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic, most shore excursions are offered in English, as are other services catered to tourists. However, it doesn’t hurt to brush up on your Spanish. The currency for the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso, but some businesses around Amber Cove accept American dollars.

The waters of Aruba are lined with shipwrecks, thanks to the treacherous rock outcroppings that the Caribbean has long been notorious for. Luckily, these shipwrecks make for great tourist attractions and amazing dive and snorkeling sites, as they play host to scores of marine life, as well as enticing historical stories of bygone eras.

The Antilla Shipwreck is Aruba’s most popular shipwreck site, named after the SS Antilla – a Hamburg America Line cargo ship. Launched in 1939, the poor Antilla operated for less than a year before running aground. Today, however, it makes for a great snorkeling and diving opportunity, as it acts as a safe-haven for the abundant sea life of the Caribbean, and lobster, sea turtles and manta rays are regularly seen here.

Arashi Beach, one of Aruba’s northernmost beaches, is a secluded spot popular with diehard divers and serious sunbathers alike. Arashi’s clear water, soft sandy bottom, and generally calm surf make it ideal for swimmers and snorkelers as well.

 

Arashi Beach features a few huts for shade, some picnic tables, and soft white sand as far as the eye can see. Arashi is a destination beach for scuba divers, as it is the final resting spot of the WWII German freighter Antilla. Other popular water sports include windsurfing, which makes for a good show from the shore even if you aren’t participating.

 

Island tours via bus, Segway, or ATV frequently make a quick stop at Arashi, along with other nearby highlights such as the California Lighthouse, Arikok National Park, and the Casibari rock formation. You can book beach-focused guided tours, which typically stop at the nearby Boca Catalina, Malmok Beach, Baby Beach, and the Natural Bridge. Most Aruba island snorkeling and scuba diving tours via boat make stops off Arashi to check out the SS Antilla shipwreck, along with the Natural Pool.

 

 

Arashi is located in Noord, on the border of the Palm Beach residential area and just north of Malmok Beach. Most travelers stop here on the way to the California Lighthouse, and both destinations can be reached via L.G. Smith Boulevard. The beach has a large parking area, and the Arubus stops there as well.

 

The crowd density on the beach depends on the season (January to March is most crowded), the snorkeling and diving conditions of the day, and the occupancy of the few small hotels nearby. Due to its western location, Arashi is a great place to watch the sunset. 

 

Sunk off the coast of Aruba in 1939, the German SS Antilla ship was intentionally scuttled by its crew when Germany invaded the Netherlands. It is now home to sponges, coral, hawksbill turtles, and lobsters. One of the Caribbean’s largest wrecks, the Antilla lies in about 60 feet (18 meters) of water and is even visible above the surface at times.

With tropical birds, lemurs, jaguars, iguanas, and more, the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre in Nassau is educational fun for the entire family. The zoo is also home to a marching flamingo show, where the salmon-colored birds show off their marching skills, and popular lory and other animal feedings. 

Jamaican horticulturist Hedley Edwards developed the Ardastra Gardens in the 1930s, and today they serve as a refuge for more than 130 animals, many of which belong to endangered species. Along with enjoying the animal encounters, you can explore the four acres (1.6 hectares) of jungle gardens filled with tropical plants and flowers designed to be a haven of peace and tranquility. 

You can buy an admission ticket upon arrival or in advance to skip the line. Local bike tours of Nassau often stop here.

Ardastra Gardens is located along Chippingham Road on the edge of downtown Nassau, on New Providence Island. It is accessible by car or taxi, or by public transportation—the #10 bus from Cable Beach stops close by, and any bus heading west from the downtown Hilton hotel stops here on request.

Ardastra is open 9am to 5pm every day excluding Christmas, December 26, and New Year’s Day. Last entrance is at 4pm, though most people enjoy around two hours visiting the animals. Mid-morning tends to be the busiest time here. 

In the 18th century, the city of Nassau was a hotbed for pirates and smugglers who roamed the waves, holding ships to ransom and stealing their precious cargo before storing it in hiding places on the island. This swashbuckling history is brought to life at the Pirates of Nassau Museum via re-created street scenes and performers in period costume. There’s even a replica of a pirate ship (smaller than life size!) that you can explore. 

Situated on the picturesque banks of the Arima River at the foothills of the Trinidad’s Northern Range, the town of Arima is the jumping off point for exploring northeastern Trinidad. The name Arima is the native Amerindian word for water. The town itself was founded by Spanish Capuchins in the mid-1700s, but today it’s the only town in the country with an indigenous Amerindian community. To learn more about the Amerindian people and buy native crafts, visit the Santa Rosa First Peoples Centre. You can also visit Cleaver Woods Recreation Park, which has a replica Amerindian thatched hut and displays of native items. From Arima, it is well worth heading just out of town to visit the Asa Wright Nature Centre. The 1,500-acre rainforest wildlife preserve offers naturalist-guided walks, birdwatching tours or you can simply visit the lodge for lunch or high tea.

Hidden in a lush Dominican Republic jungle, Damajagua Falls—otherwise known as the 27 Waterfalls of Rio Damajagua—are a series of 27 cascading waterfalls that were discovered in the 1990s. Located in the midst of sugarcane fields in the Northern Corridor mountain range, the hidden falls are a true off-the-beaten-path experience.

 

You can climb, jump off, and slide down natural waterslides on this obstacle course created by Mother Nature and the Damajagua River. Tour guides will take you as far as the seventh waterfall and provide appropriate safety equipment, such as helmets and life jackets. It is possible to explore beyond the seventh waterfall, but interested adrenaline seekers will need to arrange private transportation from Puerto Plata or Cabarete, then a private guide and safety equipment upon arrival at Damajagua Falls.

 

 

Most visitors arrive at the 27 Waterfalls base camp via organized tour from Puerto Plata, Cabarete, Sosua, or the Amber Cove cruise port. If you’re arriving via car, look for the AGRD kiosk opposite the entrance to the falls. Buses are available from Puerto Plata or Santiago; look for the stop “27 Charcos, La Cascada.” 

 

The falls are open from 8:30am to 4pm daily. The round-trip hike all the way to the seventh fall takes about four hours. If you want to avoid crowds, arrive early in the day.

 

Recognized as a protected area and natural monument, the authorities who run the Damajagua Falls tours are committed to preserving the environment. One US dollar of every entrance fee goes to a fund directly invested in the surrounding communities.

The stunning Andicuri Beach stretches some 70 meters along Aruba’s eastern coast and is known for its turquoise blue waters and limestone cliffs that offer sun-kissed travelers a bit of shade.

Although the beach attracts travelers from across the globe in search of a truly tropical experience, strong currents and serious waves make Andicuri less than ideal for swimming and snorkeling. But these conditions do make it the perfect destination for more adventurous travelers who want to try their hand at kitesurfing, body boarding or surfing.

Accessing this secluded beach can be tough, so visitors should be prepared to hike in on foot, or navigate the terrain with a vehicle designed specifically for off-road travel. And while the going may be tough, those who do make it to Andicuri say its beauty is unmatched and its shores are almost always quiet.

Dominican amber is considered to be some of the finest and clearest in the world. Housed in a Victorian-era mansion that once belonged to a wealthy local family, Puerto Plata’s Amber Museum (Museo de Ambar Dominicano) has an extensive collection of the semi-precious gemstone.   

Amber is formed from the resin of trees that became fossilized between 25 and 40 million years ago, covering and preserving whatever lay in its path, from insects to leaves and even small animals. Situated in a beautifully restored Victorian mansion, the Amber Museum has many excellent examples of the naturally formed stone. One of the most popular items on display is a 16-inch-long (40-centimeter-long) lizard, perfectly preserved in clear resin. 

Information panels explain in both English and Spanish how the gemstone is formed and share the history of the family who owned the house. Many Puerto Plata tours include a visit to the museum in addition to such popular attractions as Fortaleza San Felipe and the cable car on Mt. Isabel de Torres. 

The Amber Museum is located at 61 Calle Duarte, close to the cathedral in the center of Puerto Plata. It’s walking distance from other points in the center and can be visited as part of a guided tour of the town. 

The museum is open daily and is busiest mid-mornings. Guides offer tours throughout the day, but visit first thing or in the afternoon for a quieter experience. 

To see more of the Dominican Republic’s natural beauty, head to the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve (Parque Ecológico Ojos Indígenas), about 270 miles (430 kilometers) southeast of Puerto Plata. Here you can learn about the island’s plants and animals, swim in crystal clear freshwater lagoons, and walk along forest trails to an almost deserted beach. 

Venture onto the back roads of Montego Bay to reach this one-of-a-kind hillside gallery and garden  2,000 feet (610 meters) above sea level. Surrounding an eco-conscious mini-museum run by local artist and art collector Ras Natango is a garden filled with tropical plants and birds, and it offers views of the Jamaican countryside. 

 

Walk the property’s terraced hill and botanical garden to take in the views alongside a litany of colorful flowers, rare plants, and more than 50 species of fern. On your stroll, see as many as 18 species of birds. The gallery boasts a collection—all for sale—of vibrant acrylic paintings by owner and artist Ras Natango and other locals. Guided tours of Ahhh… include round-trip hotel transport, a welcome drink, and time to enjoy the property.

 

Ahhh…Ras Natango Gallery and Garden is located in Jamaica’s Camrose District, about a 30-minute drive from Montego Bay. Travelers pre-arranging a guided tour enjoy a free roundtrip shuttle. If not, travelers can arrange for a taxi or drive. Parking is available.

 

Ahhh...Ras Natango Gallery and Garden is open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Beyond colorful paintings that focus on Jamaica, travelers encounter three-dimensional works the gallery calls “mozeggs,” which are mosaics made from eggshells. This unique craft was invented by resident artist, Tamika. There are also traditional crafts and jewelry for sale.

St. John’s has a large and deep harbor that perfectly accommodates large cruise ships. The main attractions in town are all within close walking distance to the pier. Heritage and Redcliffe Quay offer shopping opportunities directly next to port, and downtown St. John’s is just a short distance away. 

Locals boast that Antigua has 365 different beaches, one for each day of the year. History buffs will love the island’s rich naval history, as it was once an important colonial base of the British Royal Navy. Take the Round Island Tour, which brings you through the historic Nelson's Dockyard National Park. Or, stay local in St. John’s with the city shore excursion, and tour the city’s vegetable market and great duty-free shopping.

Most major cruise lines make stops in Antigua, including Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Norwegian, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. The country’s official currency is the East Caribbean dollar, however most businesses list prices in and accept American dollars. Its position in the Eastern Caribbean means the population is predominantly English speaking. 

Back in its heyday, the Annaberg Sugar Plantation was one of 25 facilities on the island producing sugar, along with molasses and rum. All that remains today are ruins, but they are an important reminder of St John’s past, and visitors can walk a trail that leads them through important structures such as slave quarters, windmills and factory remains. 

Learn about 18th- and 19th-century sugar production and the importance of Annaberg, where slaves were brought in to clear the dense hillsides and terrace the slopes, allowing for farming. Slaves were also involved in actual sugarcane production and completed tasks like planting, harvesting and processing. When slavery was later abolished, the plantation was subdivided into small farms. 

Evidence suggests there were at least 16 slave cabins at Annaberg, each constructed using branches woven together with a mud, coral and lime mixture called daub. Visitors can see placards depicting the areas where these slave cabins once stood and also view Annaberg's windmill, a key structure from the 1800s and one of the tallest windmills on St John at 38 feet tall.

Several factors contributed to Annaberg’s ultimate demise, including its steep and rugged terrain, which provided only marginal growing conditions; the introduction of the sugar beet, which could be grown in a multitude of climates; and the end of slavery in the British West Indies. The final nail in the coffin for Annaberg was the 1867 hurricane, earthquake and tsunami.

If you’re wondering what it was like several centuries ago on the island of the Dominican Republic, then you should head to Altos de Chavón, a recreated 16th-century village built in La Romana near the Chavón River. Sculpted in stone, the site is an impressive example of what a Mediterranean-inspired village would have looked like on the island long ago.

Construction began in 1976 with the goal of having Altos de Chavón serve as a center for Dominican Republic culture. The site was created using the local handiwork of the people of the island; much of the stonework and metal carvings seen here were handcrafted by local artisans, which continues to draw attention to the craftwork that was once so prominent in island life. Much of Altos de Chavón is made of stone, and its coastal location provides a dramatic and inspiring backdrop. Visitors to Altos de Chavón will find restaurants, shops and even a 5,000-seat amphitheater where concerts and other performances are held. 

Altos de Chavón still focuses on the cultural and artistic elements of the island, making it a great spot for visitors to explore.

The Appleton Estate is open to the public, and touring the distillery makes for a popular day trip from Negril or Montego  Bay.  As well as tasting an array of different rums, visitors  can gain insight into the traditional distillation methods using  200-year-old  copper  pot stills, try their hand at time-honored  methods of cane-juicing and sugar boiling, visit the barrel houses where the rum is aged and sample fresh sugar cane juice, while learning all about how rum is produced.

With the blue Caribbean sky and calm sea as its backdrop, the Alto Vista Chapel, or “Pilgrims Church,” is one of the most photographed attractions on the island of Aruba. This bright yellow chapel, which also hosts weekly religious services, is visited by Christians and non-Christians alike and is a popular stop for small-group tours.

 

Built by Spanish missionaries in 1750, the Alto Vista Chapel is said to be the oldest continuously operating church in the Caribbean. After falling into disrepair after a plague hit the island, it was rebuilt in 1952. A winding path lined with white crosses leads through the desert landscape to the small, unassuming church. The chapel is included in most small-group tours of Aruba and is considered a must-see attraction.

 

 

The Alto Vista Chapel is located in Boca Noord, Aruba, on the eastern side of the northwestern tip of the island, off Alto Vista Road. It is accessible via taxi or car. From the Aruba Cruise Terminal, it’s about a 20-minute drive to the chapel; follow Route 2 to Alto Vista in Noord.

 

To avoid the crush of crowds, visit the chapel early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Mass is held on Tuesdays at 5:30pm, and is conducted in the local language of Papiamento. Also, every year on Good Friday, local Catholics make a pilgrimage on foot from Oranjestad to Alto Vista Chapel.

 

Another striking landmark in Aruba is this stone lighthouse, which was built between 1914 and 1916 and is located at Hudishibana near Arashi Beach. Named after the S.S. California, the lighthouse measures 100 feet tall (35 meters), so it offers expansive views of the coastline and is arguably the best place to catch the sunset on Aruba.

In the old days of Imperial Empires and the early colonization of the Caribbean, tall ships would set their ballasts with huge stones and offload them when filling up with spices and other exotic Caribbean goods, leaving the stones as a reminder of their visit. Intrepid residents of Charlotte Amalie in St Thomas have since decided to use these stones as a stairway up the city’s hills, which serves to remind residents of their colonial roots. 

What makes the 99 Steps (there are actually 103; 99 Steps has a better ring to it) an attraction, however, is the lush foliage on either side of the stairway and the spectacular view from high atop the mountain once you make the climb. At the top you'll see Black Beard’s Castle. Innovative explorers have learned that a cab can be taken up to the top to avoid walking up 103 stairs. It’s easy, however, to take the 99 Steps downward at a leisurely pace.

This UNESCO World Heritage site located in Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone, is the oldest Viceroy residency in all of the Americas. Once the home of the famous Columbus family, the symmetrical structure was built by the famous explorers son is 1515.

This historic site, which is now home to the Museo Alcazar de Diego Colon, was once an architectural constellation of fifty rooms, gardens and courtyards. While this once impressive palace is today approximately half the size, the artifacts, tapestries and documents on display in the museum showcase a rich and colorful history that grants travelers a deeper understanding of the culture and stories of Santo Domingo, as well as one of the world’s most well-known explorers.

The Arecibo Observatory has earned a reputation as the largest and most sensitive radio telescope in the world. It features the William E. Gordon telescope as well as a visitor and public outreach center and scientific research community. As more than 1,000 feet in size, it is the world’s biggest single aperture telescope. It is known also as the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center (NAIC) and is run largely by the National Science Foundation. It was constructed in the mid-1960s in the space left in the ground from a karst sinkhole. 

With three radar transmitters, it has the largest electromagnetic-wave-gathering capacity in the world, within a forty-degree cone of visibility. Many breakthroughs and discoveries have been found by scientists from around the world in the facilities here, including the rotation rate of Mercury and evidence that neuron stars exist. The observatory was listed on the American National Register of Historic Places in 2008.