Choose from 419 Fun Things to Do in Caribbean
Gibb's Cay
Don’t let their harsh name fool you – these underwater flying creatures are often as gentle as a cat. While you disembark from your boat, you’ll likely notice the velvety feel of friendly sting rays about your feet. Something of a symbiosis has developed here over the years, and now stingrays approach boats and people by the dozens to play with them and be fed by them. The stingrays are wild, and so best treated with the utmost respect, but Gibbs Cay offers what other islands cannot – a magical experience and a chance to interact with one of Mother Nature’s most delicate underwater creatures.
Cayo Levantado
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Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor (Catedral Primada de Am erica)
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Cayo Arena
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Cas en Bas Beach
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Cayman Spirits Co
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Casa Ponce de León
- The Ponce de Léon House is ideal for history buffs.
- Tours of the house are available in Spanish only.
- Nearby Boca de Yuma is a popular snorkeling spot.
Basseterre
Basseterre’s small, protected harbor is its most distinctive physical feature. The city itself is dived into two main areas, The Circus, which is geared towards tourists, and Independence Square, which contains the cathedral, courthouse and most of the older buildings. As the cultural and commercial center of the Federation, there are an assortment of iconic regional businesses, breweries, craft markets, museums, monuments, heritage sites, eateries and pubs. Points of interest include St. George's Anglican Church, which has endured fires, demolition, and hurricanes since 1670, the National Museum, Fort Thomas, and the Springfield Cemetery and Chapel.
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Transportation around the city and surrounding area is accessible and affordable, with 5 bus lines servicing the Ferry Terminal, local colleges, and other significant destinations.
Dunn's River Falls
The Basics
While there’s plenty of swimming, sunbathing, and sightseeing opportunities at the falls, many visitors make it a goal to climb the 600-foot (182-meter) terraced falls. You can do so independently or with a waterfall guide on a Dunn's River Falls tour. Guided options are popular for the safety precautions and assistance provided by the local guides during the trek. Stop at one of the lagoons, admire the natural wonder from the top, and be sure to take a dip to cool off.
Families will enjoy the swim; the water is mountain runoff and fairly cold, which is perfect on particularly hot days. The site is also close to Ocho Rios' land and sea attractions, restaurants, and the Caribbean coast. Many Dunn's River Falls tours combine a visit to the falls and park with river tubing, a shopping tour in Ocho Rios, a party cruise, or a stop at the Blue Hole or Luminous Lagoon.
- Those who don’t wish to climb the falls can hang out at the observation deck, made for sunning and viewing.
- You’ll find a snack bar and souvenirs for sale on the premises.
- Wear water shoes or sandals suitable for the slippery rocks.
- Bring cash for entrance fees (if visiting independently) and a waterproof camera.
How To Get to Dunn’s River Falls
Dunn's River Falls are about three miles (4.8 km) from Ocho Rios and about 70 (112 km) from Montego Bay. While it's a rapidly growing resort area and a popular cruise line excursion stop, the falls are relatively unspoiled, the hiking is spectacular, and both the wildlife and the rainforest foliage are abundant.
When to Get There
First thing in the morning is your best bet at this popular tourist attraction. While partying vacationers are sleeping off last night’s tropical cocktails, you can get a jump on the hike to the top without huge crowds. If you can avoid a day when cruise ships are in town, you'll be glad you thought ahead.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
It is a World Heritage-listed site on the northwestern tip of the islet of San Juan – a perfect spot to keep watch over the Atlantic Ocean and protect Old San Juan and the Bay of San Juan from incoming enemies. Its more recent history includes the American military, which occupied the site from 1898 to 1961.
The citadel, surrounded like it is by an expansive green lawn and the dramatic rocky coast, sits on quite a beautiful spot; the imposing fortress walls create an interesting contrast to the sparkling blue sea. When the wind blows, the lawn that connects the citadel to the town is a popular kite-flying spot.
Cayo Icacos
- Cayo Icacos is a must-see for nature lovers.
- Aside from palm trees, there is no shade on the island; visitors should bring sun protection.
- Booking a tour ensures you’ll have access to restrooms and water on board the tour boat, as there are no amenities on the island.
- Visitors who book a simple water-taxi excursion will need to bring their own snorkeling gear; on guided tours, gear is typically included.
Castillo de San Cristobal
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Cayman National Museum
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Bath Hotel and Spring House (Old Bath House)
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Gibb's Hill Lighthouse
Standing 108m (354ft) above sea level on one of Bermuda’s highest hills, the sparkling white lighthouse was first lit in 1846, and was automated in 1964. Shipwrecks in these parts were legendary, and in just 10 years before the lighthouse was built almost 40 ships came to grief. The lighthouse helped make Bermuda’s waters much safer, its light visible for miles out to sea.
On a visit to the lighthouse you can ascend the 185 spiral steps to the top for stunning views out to sea and over the island. If you visit between February and May, you might even spot a passing whale!
The steps aren’t too steep, and there are resting places and exhibits along the way.
Next door, in the colonial-style former signal station, there’s a gift shop and the swanky Dining Room restaurant serving lunch and dinner.
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Castries
Saint Lucia’s pint-sized port capital Castries is usually experienced as a stopping-off point on the way to one of the island’s beaches or resorts. While successive fires and hurricanes have periodically devastated the city there are still traces of the colonial era, when Saint Lucia bounced between French and British control. The Castries Heritage Walk will point out the city’s historical highlights.
Otherwise the city’s greatest appeal lies in its relaxed lifestyle, providing an easy introduction to the leisurely pace of island life. Head for the Jeremie Street Market to savor the taste of the tropics or just wander the streets and start adjusting your body clock.
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Castries is located in the north of Saint Lucia’s west coast. Cruise ships dock directly in the harbor and George F. L. Charles Airport is very close to the city center, though most long-haul flights land at Hewanorra in the island’s south.
Drake's Seat
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Cas Abao Beach
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Bathsheba Beach
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Catalina Island (Isla Catalina)
- Catalina Island is a great destination for kids, who will enjoy wading safely in the calm waters.
- Catalina Island is a protected area devoted to wildlife preservation, so there are not many amenities. The island lacks public restrooms and food options.
- Be sure to bring a bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, and water.