Choose from 419 Fun Things to Do in Caribbean
Morne Coubaril
Practical Info
Mangrove Lagoon
St. John might have the lion’s share of the Virgin Islands’ natural attractions, but the extraordinary concentration of flora and fauna in St. Thomas’ Mangrove Lagoon makes it a top eco-tourism destination.
Small kayak groups thread through the lagoon’s tiny red mangrove islands, with guides pointing out the huge diversity of birds they attract, including herons, egrets and ducks.
The route takes you to deserted Cas Cay island, where hermit crabs dart about among mangrove roots. On your gently-paced travels you’ll see young fish darting around this natural breeding ground. Low-impact snorkeling will get you even closer, and you’ll spot rays, eels and jelly fish as well as a host of colorful tropical fish.
Practical Info
Mangrove Lagoon is in the southeast of St. Thomas, less than 15 minutes’ drive away from the capital, Charlotte Amalie.
Philipsburg Courthouse
Practical Info
Morne Trois Pitons National Park
UNESCO World Heritage-listed Morne Trois Pitons National Park surrounds Dominica’s second highest mountain, Morne Trois Pitons. The lush 6,857-hectare (16,936-acre) park protects six vegetation zones, from low-lying woodlands to mature rainforest.
This is the lair of the giant guinea pig known as the agouti, along with bats, frogs, parrots and hummingbirds.
Trails wind through the park to lofty lookouts from the mountain town of Laudat, on the park’s western border. A particularly scenic path winds around the perimeter of Freshwater Lake in the park, around a 30-minute stroll.
Easier access is provided by the 45-minute aerial rainforest tram, departing from Laudat. Hold your breath as you walk over the swaying suspension bridge over the treetops.
Practical Info
The extensive Morne Trois Pitons National Park takes up the bottom half of the island of Dominica.
The main access town is Laudat, on the park’s western border, a 40-minute trip north-east from Roseau by bus.
Marinarium
- Marinarium is a perfect excursion for nature and wildlife buffs.
- Bring a bathing suit, towel, and sunscreen. Snorkeling equipment is provided.
- Photos and DVDs are available for purchase post-excursion, so bring cash if you'd like to purchase.
- Activities offered at Marinarium are not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.
Maracas Bay
Maracas Bay lies at the end of a scenic mountain drive from Port of Spain. As you descend to the coast you get glimpses of a perfect natural bay fringed with dazzling white sands and swaying palms, all of which readily indicate why this is Trinidad's most popular beach.
The hypnotic roll tumbling of blue-green waves make this a great place for paddling, but if you insist on more strenuous activity there is surfing, diving and walking trails in the surrounding rainforest.
The area is known particularly as the home of 'Bake and Shark' (battered shark in fried bread). "Richard’s" is the original and most famous of the vendors, but numerous huts along the beach sell this unique local delicacy.
Practical Info
Maracas Bay is on the north coast of Trinidad, about 45 minutes’ drive from Port of Spain. If you find the shore there too crowded, nearby beaches such as Las Cuevas, Tyrico or Blanchisseuse make great alternatives. The surf can sometimes be dangerous so steer clear of areas marked by red flags.
Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden
Practical Info
Morne Fortune
Practical Info
Las Cuevas Beach
Practical Info
National Palace
Practical Info
Hoyo Azul
- Cap Cana Resort offers a variety of tour packages that include a trip to Hoyo Azul.
- Bring your own towel and spending cash for souvenirs and photos.
- Floating devices are available for those who cannot swim.
- Hoyo Azul is not recommended for those with trouble walking on steep or uneven surfaces.
Marigot Bay
Could Marigot Bay be “the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean” as novelist James A. Michener described it? It’s certainly among the most photographed and filmed, its white sands, swaying palms, turquoise waters and verdant green hillsides ticking every box in the “tropical paradise” questionnaire.
Minimal development has ensured that this remains a dreamlike location, with the most obvious signs of life being the luxury yachts lolling in the bay or moored at the marina. The luxury Marigot Bay Hotel draws discerning guests but there is no charge to come to the beach for the day and enjoy this island idyll.
Practical Info
Marigot Bay is on Saint Lucia’s west coast, just 15 minutes’ drive south of the capital, Castries. It is also close to the Saint Lucia National Marine Reserve and the town of Anse La Raye, famous for its Friday Night Fish Fry.
Peterson Cay National Park
Peterson Cay, a tiny island off the south shore of Grand Bahama, is home to Peterson Cay National Park, the smallest national park in the Bahamas, covering only 1.5 acres. Small though it may be, the cay is home to one of the most beautiful reefs in the Bahamas, and the gorgeous coral structures are replete with snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Past the initial soft coral near the beach, the main reef is a short swim off the shore, so be sure to go past the initial soft-branch. There is also a wide variety of aquatic life that calls the reef home, so keep your eyes out for tropical fish, and even manta rays and barracuda.
The pristine sandy beaches provide a perfect spot for quiet relaxation and afternoon picnics, and the calm atmosphere of the island is ideal for any Bahaman vacation.
Practical Info
Access to Peterson Cay National Park is by boat only. You can either hire a boat out of Port Lucaya Marina, or take a kayak yourself out of Barbary Beach. Be sure to exercise caution when kayaking up to the cay, avoiding the delicate coral reefs.
As with any Bahaman national park, it is illegal to take shells, vegetation, or pieces of coral off of the island, so be sure to leave it where it lies.
Malmok Beach
Practical Info
Las Cabezas de San Juan Reserve
Practical Info
National Park of the East (Parque Nacional del Este)
- Parque del Este is a must for nature lovers, who can get the most information on the local flora and fauna from a guided tour.
- The sun is strong here. Bring sunscreen and a sun hat.
- If visiting via cruise ship, it’s best to book a tour via fast speedboat to ensure you make your departing ship.
- Most tours provide snorkel gear.
Horseshoe Bay
Throw your towel down on the softly arcing curve of soft pink sand and you’ll agree there aren’t too many better spots to be.
The beach is guarded by lifesavers, lunch is served at the beach cafe, there are showers and changing facilities on-site, and shuttle buses ferry visitors to and from the closest bus stop, for the handy bus route 7 to Hamilton.
Come here for New Year celebrations, sand-sculpture competitions, kite festivals, organized beach sports like volleyball, rock snorkeling, and shallow paddling and wading pools for youngsters.
Practical Info
The beach stretches for around 6.5km (4 miles), backed by limestone rocks and shady bushland.
Margaritaville Caribbean Montego Bay
- Children are welcome at Margaritaville during the day; at night, the location transforms into a nightclub and is open only to those over 18 years old.
- No reservations are needed at Margaritaville, unless you are traveling with a large group.
- Margaritaville admission is free, though you are encouraged to purchase food and drinks.
- Margaritaville is accessible to wheelchair users.
Marigot Market
St Maarten has no shortage of upscale shops jostling for the tourist dollar (or euro, or yen). But a more authentic experience awaits you on Wednesday and Friday mornings when the market sets up in Marigot, the French "capital". Fishermen bring their haul here in the early hours, and are later joined by fruit and vegetable sellers as well as spice vendors, filling the air with heady tropical scents.
If you’re after less perishable keepsakes, local artisans sell jewelry and small decorative items, and you can stock up on hats, t-shirts and anything else you forgot to pack. Color schemes tend towards the carnivalesque, but when in Rome…
After a morning’s shopping, retire to one of Marigot’s charming French cafes to review your spoils.
Marigot is the largest town in the French part of St Maarten. It's located on the west coast, 15 minutes’ drive from the main Princess Juliana Airport, even less to the short-haul L’Espérance. The market takes place on Marigot's waterfront, near historic Fort St. Louis.