Choose from 419 Fun Things to Do in Caribbean
Runaway Bay
Runaway Bay is home to excellent beaches and it’s one of the top snorkeling destinations on the island of Jamaica, due in large part to the coral reef that’s located just offshore. Visitors to Runaway Bay can enjoy a variety of watersports including windsurfing, waterskiing, snorkeling and scuba diving in the warm, clear Caribbean waters. Glass bottom boat rides, horseback riding on the beach and golf at the nearby resorts are also popular activities. Paradise Beach and Cardiff Hall Public Beach are two of the nicest beaches in Runaway Bay. Clothing is optional along select stretches of beachfront, so you’ll want to check first before taking the kids.
In addition to the beaches, there are several interesting attractions and things to do in and around the village of Runaway Bay in Jamaica. Visit the Columbus Park Museum, a large open-air park and museum space situated along the coast; the Seville Great House; and the nearby village of Nine Mile, once home to the legendary Reggae singer and Jamaican native Bob Marley. Other area attractions include the Pear Tree River and the Rio Bueno River for kayaking, rafting and tubing adventures along the rapids. Finally you’ll also want to check out the Green Grotto Caves, the largest and most accessible caves on the island of Jamaica and home to stalagmites, stalactites and a small underground lake.
Virgin Islands National Park
The majority of St. John is covered by the Virgin Islands National Park, a stretch of preserved wilderness all the more remarkable when you consider how much of the island was once cleared for sugar plantations.
Get the most out of this natural wonder on hiking trails which crisscross the island. None takes more than two hours to complete, but they cover a surprising range of topography and vegetation as well as historic sites such as the eerie plantation ruins of Annaberg. And there’s no better way to end your walk than a swim at one of St. John’s superb beaches, such as beautiful Trunk Bay in the island’s northwest.
The park also protects the island’s reef, with public access allowed at the mangrove bay of Hurricane Hole, east of Coral Bay. Snorkeling is a popular activity all along the coastline.
Practical Info
Head for the park’s visitors’ center in Cruz Bay, the point of arrival for ferries from St. Thomas, to pick up maps and tips for further exploration. The park covers about two-thirds of the island as well as significant off-shore areas.
Vieux Fort
Vieux Fort, as its name implies, was settled as a French fort, an installation which dates to the 17th century and can still be visited today. The town later came to prominence as the center of the agriculture industry and it remains a busy commercial center to this day.
The surrounding area is of more interest than the town itself. Start your explorations with stunning views at Saint Lucia’s southernmost point, where a lighthouse looks south towards Saint Vincent.
And on the Atlantic coast you’ll find the long Anse des Sables beach. Be prepared for bigger waves, stronger winds and fewer facilities than you’d experience in west coast resorts, but also far fewer people. The beach faces the Maria Islands, and there’s a meeting point at the southern end of the beach for expeditions to this protected off-shore habitat.
Practical Info
Vieux Fort is at Saint Lucia’s southern tip. It is adjacent to Hewannora International Airport, the arrival point for most long-haul flights to the island. From there, buses and taxis head out to resorts and hotels, concentrated on the west coast.
Straw Market
One of the traditional crafts of the Bahamas, straw working has become infused into Bahamian culture and industry. Each island has developed its own distinctive plaiting or braiding style to create beautiful straw hats, baskets, etc.
The Straw Market in Nassau serves as the ultimate destination to pick up Bahamian souvenirs. Grab a hat to protect yourself from the sun, or maybe pick up a small wood carving as a trinket to take home to a family member. In addition to the authentic hand-crafted merchandise, the Straw Market also offers many other items. What makes the Straw Market a unique shopping experience is getting to bargain the prices down; just remember to never accept the first offer and have fun seeing how low you can get the price to go!
Practical Info
The Straw Market is located on downtown Bay Street along the northern coast of Nassau.
Sulphur Springs
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Ruin of Caparra
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San Fernando
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Starfish Point
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St. Maarten Cruise Port
- Shore excursions usually include port pickup and drop-off.
- Tours typically last between four and six hours.
- Bring your passport with you if you plan to cross between the French and Dutch sides of the island.
- Be sure to pack your swimsuit, towel, and sun protection—most tours offer a chance for swimming or snorkeling.
St Peter Greathouse
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Stingray City Cayman Islands
- Pack your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen (shade is limited), and an underwater camera—snorkeling equipment is provided and photos will be available to purchase.
- Guests can choose to swim, snorkel, scuba dive, or take a glass-bottomed boat tour.
- All interaction with the stingrays takes place under supervision of trained professionals who first safely demonstrate how best to avoid the stingrays’ sharp, coated tail barbs and safely pet their sandpapery skin.
- Tours take place in shallow waters and life jackets are available for non-swimmers.
- Visitors should avoid using tanning oils, which is toxic to the rays.
Sam Sharpe Square
Sunbury Plantation House
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Rum Point
- Rum Point is a good option for families with kids.
- Changing rooms, showers, lockers, and hammocks are available to visitors.
- Bars and restaurants on the beach around Rum Point offer a variety of food and drink options.
Royal Naval Dockyard
- Public docking for those arriving by boat is available for a maximum of three hours. Vessels can contact the dockmaster to inquire about extended stays.
- There are a handful of restaurants at the Royal Naval Dockyard, including the famous Frog and Onion Pub.
- A free trolley shuttle service operates around the dockyard in summer.
Royal Botanical Gardens
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Samana Bay
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St. Lucia Aerial Tram
This once in a lifetime joyride allows you to experience St. Lucia from an aerial view as high as 120 feet (37 meters) above ground, and includes a narration on its plush fauna, waterfalls, tree orchids, ferns, and amazing animal-life.
The spectacular open-air tour, which rides through the forest treetops for two and a half hours, is not only a visually stimulating experience, but with the help of a handy professional naturalist, is an educational one as well.
The aerial tram is a comfortable experience that allows up to eight people per tram, perfect for bringing along the entire family. You can also feel free to enjoy drinks in the tram's bar, including one that is complimentary.
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Stingray City Antigua
- Guests can choose to swim, snorkel, or watch from the shore.
- Pack your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and an underwater camera—snorkeling equipment is provided and photos will be available to purchase.
- All interaction with the stingrays takes place under supervision of trained professionals who first explain and demonstrate how to safely handle the rays.
- Tours take place in shallow waters and life jackets are available for non-swimmers.
- Visitors should avoid excessive use of tanning oil, which is toxic to the rays.
St. Lucia Cruise Port
- Shore excursions typically include port pickup and drop-off.
- Be aware that island buses will wait until they are full before departing, so this may not be the best mode of transportation if you’re short on time.
- Be sure to pack your swimsuit, towel, and sun protection—most tours offer a chance for swimming or snorkeling.