As global travel is slowly starting to re-emerge post Covid-19, the Caribbean Islands are doing their best to provide tourists with a safe vacation environment.
A Covid-19 Caribbean Tourism Task Force has been working since February to ensure member islands are ready to welcome guests back to a safe and healthy Caribbean. With leadership from the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, Caribbean Tourism Organization, Caribbean Public Health Agency and the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, over 400 industry stakeholders in the Caribbean have participated in a wide variety of sessions related to Covid-19 health & safety. Consistent with World Health Organization guidelines that we’re probably all familiar with by now, new guidelines covering operations, training and communication, have been rolled out to help businesses and workers re-establish confidence in the Caribbean tourism industry.
Caribbean tourism will be safe for both workers and vacationers with new protocols & procedures in-place focusing on re-organizing venues to accommodate physical distancing along with additional cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting regiments. These new protocols are being applied to businesses in the fields of Transportation, Accommodation (and Facilities), Food and Beverage as well as Entertainment and Recreation (Sites and Attractions). Inspections and certification of all businesses are being done prior to re-opening. For an example of physical distancing, hotel restaurants are restricting capacity and maximizing the use of outdoor venues over indoor settings wherever possible. Tables are spaced at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart and buffets are no longer self-serve, guests will be served by restaurant staff.
Caribbean Islands You Can Visit Now
As of July 20th 2020, the following Caribbean Destinations are welcoming tourist flights back to their fabulous islands. A summary of their Covid-19 situation is also shown:
The above list is based on commercial airline arrivals. Different rules exist for private yacht access…
The Bahamas are currently only accepting visitors from Canada, the UK and EU
Aruba is currently only accepting visitors from Canada, the UK, USA and Europe
Bonaire is only allowing flights from the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France and Germany
Jamaica is only allowing tourist movement along their “Resilient Corridor” – The coastline from Negril to Port Antonio
Puerto Rico is accepting international flights, however officially they are “postponing its official inbound tourism reopening in order to safeguard visitors and residents”
The Dominican Republic is also open to tourists, however they have experienced >50k Covid-19 cases in total, with >9k new cases in the past week
Other Things to Know
Again, consistent with the WHO Covid-19 guidelines, each island has implemented new protocols for tourists to follow before and during their visit to the Caribbean. All islands are requiring some form of Travel Authorization form to be completed prior to travelling. Most islands now require a valid Covid-19 PCR Test Report (with a ‘negative result’) to be provided to Island authorities upon arrival. Actually, some islands are currently requesting citizens of ‘High Risk’ Countries (and specific US States) to provide test results prior to travelling. Some island nations are allowing tests to be performed upon arrival, however if you are a citizen of a ‘High Risk’ Country/State you will be held at the airport until negative test results are obtained. In addition, Health Screening/Assessments, including temperature checks are being performed at most islands upon arrival. Proof of ‘Travel Insurance’ is also required now by many islands. Once on the island, physical distancing, mask-wearing, as well as increased personal hygiene regiments are mandatory in all public places. For watersports and beach activities where physical distancing requirements are met, face masks are not required.
PLEASE CLICK ON THE OFFICIAL CARIBBEAN ISLAND LINKS ABOVE TO DETERMINE ALL THE REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS THAT EACH ISLAND CURRENTLY HAS IN EFFECT
Other considerations to be aware of as the Caribbean tourism gradually re-opens during the current Covid-19 situation: While most businesses on the above-listed islands have reopened, some off-resort restaurants are only open for takeaway and delivery service. Parks, attractions and tours are re-opening in phases as they are inspected and certified, therefore some may not be open at the time of your vacation. Some islands have also implemented evening curfews outside of resort properties.
You are advised to check into these details thoroughly before booking your trip…
Looking For a Recommendation?
Personally, if I was to travel now, I would choose a destination based on personal preference (reference Islands Overview and Caribbean Adventures for assistance), along with a look at each island’s latest Covid-19 numbers. Right now, Saint Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, Antigua and Curacao look appealing to me. I would stay at a small CTHAS (Caribbean Travel Health Assurance Stamp) approved resort, with individual cottages or villas and a large beach-front if possible. It is also prudent to have adequate Travel/Medical Insurance to cover a Covid-19 related incident while away from home. While I typically like to use local guides and/or small tour operators for excursions, right now I would only use certified ground transportation and well-established certified tour operators. I would also be booking reservations well in advance for just about everything, including Restaurants & Tours. Oh, and bring plenty of re-usable cloth face masks…
Looking for a warm and sunny vacation this winter? Here’s our top picks…
Now that another winter has begun in many parts of the world, folks might be in need of a Caribbean vacation. Nothing beats the winter blues like feeling the sand beneath your feet, snorkelling in clear warm Caribbean waters or hiking through lush rainforest. If you’re thinking of heading south for a warm-weather vacation right now, here are our thoughts on the best Caribbean destinations to visit in the first few months of 2022.
Unfortunately, it’s deja-vu all over again – with yet another Covid-19 wave that looks to peak sometime in January. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t travel. Based on readily available data, it might actually be safer to spend some time on certain Caribbean islands than it is to ‘go out’ in most American, Canadian, UK or European towns or cities. For this article, we looked at the Caribbean Islands that appear to be managing to keep the number of covid cases to a minimum. We also considered each island’s current covid related entry requirements to ensure a good balance of safety and convenience.
Below, you’ll find our rationale for choosing our top Caribbean destinations for winter 2022, along with a few ideas of what you can do on the island – Then you can decide what destination works best for you. We also listed a few other islands that just missed the cut, in case you need more options. Due to the timing of this most recent covid wave, it may be best to plan for a mid-February departure when covid cases should be on the decline again. Ideally, it may also be best to vacation in a small-to-medium-sized accommodation and to stay away from densely populated areas on the island of your choice. We hope you enjoy our review!
Antigua & Barbuda
This latest covid wave doesn’t seem to have impacted Antigua & Barbuda much (yet?). As of the beginning of January, there are only a few active covid cases in Antigua & Barbuda. It’s also encouraging to know that well over half the local population is fully vaccinated. It’s reassuring to know that only fully vaccinated visitors can travel to the islands (Exception being children under 18 years old) as well.
Antigua and Barbuda is open to tourists who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Upon arrival, travellers will need to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 RT-PCR test taken within 4 days of travel, complete a health declaration form, and undergo a brief health screening. If everything checks out ok, you’re good to go!
Once on the islands, you must stay in an official Antigua & Barbuda Certified accommodation and you’ll need to wear a mask in public places – This includes on hotel grounds as well as when touring around the island. For more details and specifics of covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit the official Antigua & Barbuda Entry Requirements page.
Now comes the fun part – What to do once you’re there… Antigua is known as the sailing capital of the English Caribbean and you can experience that first hand at English Harbour – Home to historic Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The islands are also famous for their excellent cuisine and amazing beaches, apparently one for each day of the year. Antigua and Barbuda also have wonderful mangroves and coral reefs, making the islands ideal for kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving. Of course there’s sailing and boating activities, as well as a variety of water sports. Unique experiences can be found at Antigua’s Stingray City as well as Barbuda’s caves. You’ll also be pleasantly surprised to know that Antigua offers some pretty amazing hiking and golf as well!
For more ideas and details for things to do in Antigua and Barbuda, including contact info for local tour operators who can help you make the most of your vacation, check out our Antigua & Barbuda Vacation Ideas page.
Jamaica
Although this latest covid wave is just starting to be seen in Jamaica, as of the beginning of January, there are relatively few active covid cases per capita relative to other Caribbean Islands. Although the island’s overall vaccination rate is fairly low, people working in the tourism industry are supposed to be vaccinated and following strict protocols to keep everyone safe.
Jamaica is open to all tourists, however, visitors who are not fully vaccinated against Covid-19 must quarantine at their accommodation for 14 days immediately after arriving on the island. Prior to travelling to Jamaica, visitors must obtain JTB Travel Authorization, which includes providing results of a negative Covid-19 molecular test or Antigen test taken within 3 days of the travel date (Exception being children under 12 years old). Upon arrival, visitors will also undergo a brief health screening / risk assessment before being allowed to stay at an approved “resilient corridor” or Covid-19 compliant JTB licensed accommodation. FYI… JTB = Jamaican Tourism Board. For more details and specifics of covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit the official Jamaica Cares page.
As for what to do once you’re on the island, you’re in for a treat! Historically known as the “land of wood and water”, Jamaica is probably best known for its Reggae music & culture, white sand beaches, as well as its amazing rum and coffee. That said, a Jamaican vacation offers one of the best opportunities to enjoy waterfalls, river rafting and golf in a tropical setting. The island is rich with a beautiful and diverse landscape that includes the iconic Blue Mountain range, home to Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site great for hiking and coffee excursions. Just offshore, the island offers good snorkelling and fishing, while further inland the adventurous can experience some serious MTB and caving.
For more ideas and details for things to do in Jamaica, including contact info for local tour operators who can help you make the most of your vacation, check out our Jamaica Vacation Ideas page.
Grenada
Throughout December the tri-island nation was our destination of choice for winter travel, however, impacts from this latest covid wave can already be seen in the early days of 2022. While covid cases are now on the rise in Grenada, they are still much lower per capita than most other islands in the Caribbean. While only a third of the local population is fully vaccinated, it’s reassuring to know that only fully vaccinated visitors can travel to the islands (Exception being children under 12 years old).
Grenada is open to tourists who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Upon arrival, travellers will need to undergo a brief health screening and present a completed Health Declaration Form along with providing proof of a negative Covid-19 RT-PCR test, taken within 3 days of travel. Once you’re on the islands, a curfew is in effect between midnight and 4am and you must wear a mask in public places on hotel grounds as well as when touring around the island. For more details and specifics of covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit Grenada’s official Pure Safe Travels page.
As for what to do once you’re there… here’s just a taste of what you can enjoy on the island affectionately known as the “Spice Island”, due to its abundance of nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, ginger and vanilla. Grenada may be one of the Caribbean’s ‘best-kept secrets’, offering unspoiled natural beauty and a wide variety of attractions and activities sure to please everyone. The tropical paradise has dozens of uncrowded beaches and several accessible waterfalls and sulfur/hot springs. Grenada is home to Grand Etang National Park, a wilderness attraction complete with a crater lake. The islands also offer plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, water-sports, and more. While equally a ‘hiker’s paradise’ and a ‘diver’s wonderland’, a vacation on the tri-island nation is a great destination for travelers seeking action on both land and sea.
For more detailed ideas for things to do in Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, including contact info for local tour operators who can help you get the most out of your stay, check out our Grenada Vacation Ideas page.
Anguilla
Having opened to tourists later than many Caribbean islands, Anguilla never really experienced previous covid waves and throughout December has seen a gradual decrease of covid case counts. It’s encouraging to know that well over half the local population is fully vaccinated. It’s also reassuring to know that only fully vaccinated visitors can travel to the island (Exception being children under 18 years old).
Anguilla is open to tourists who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Prior to travelling to Anguilla, visitors must obtain Entry Permission, which includes providing results of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken two to five days prior to arrival, or a Rapid Antigen test taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival. You will also take a RT-PCR test upon arrival and need to quarantine for approximately 24 hours while waiting for your test results. Guests staying on the island for more than 8 days may be also tested on day 4 of their visit (at no additional cost). For more details and specifics of covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit the official Anguilla Entry Requirements page.
Once you’re on the island, you can enjoy spending time at more than two dozen beautiful beaches, then savour the local cuisine and maybe even revel in the island’s live music scene. There’s a great golf course in Antigua, as well as plenty of opportunities for sea-faring cruises, including some dedicated to awesome fishing excursions. The more adventurous can challenge themselves with water-sports activities as well as hiking and cycling in some truly magnificent natural tropical settings.
For more information about fun and adventurous Caribbean destinations, check out our website, ActiveCaribbeanTravel
Saint Lucia
Unfortunately, covid cases are now on the rise again in St. Lucia, although relatively few per capita compared to most other islands. While just over a quarter of the local population is fully vaccinated, it’s reassuring to know that only fully vaccinated visitors are free to explore the island.
Prior to departing for Saint Lucia, travellers will need to obtain Travel Authorization, providing proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 5 days of travel (Exception being children under 18 years old). St. Lucia is open to all tourists, however, visitors who are not fully vaccinated against Covid-19 must quarantine at their accommodation for 14 days after arriving on the island. That said, unvaccinated guests are permitted to participate in some certified activities, tours and excursions. Children aged 5-17 years accompanying fully vaccinated parents are exempt from quarantine once they test negative upon arrival. Once on the island, visitors are requested to wear a mask in public places – This includes on hotel grounds as well as when touring around the island. For more details and specifics of covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit the official Saint Lucia – Safe Harbour page.
As for what to do once you’re there, Saint Lucia offers vacationers a wide variety of relaxing and adventurous activities ranging from sampling (and making your own) chocolate to hiking one of the iconic Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lone distillery on the island may be a pleasant surprise to some, as it is home to some of the Caribbean’s best rums. The mountainous green island is home to beautiful gardens, waterfalls and hot springs. Saint Lucia is also a great adventure destination for snorkeling/diving, fishing, water-sports and golf.
For a more detailed view of things to do in Saint Lucia, including contact info for local tour operators who can help you get the most out of your stay, check out our Saint Lucia Vacation Ideas page.
FYI – St. Kitts & Nevis, Barbados, and Dominica almost made our list, and they are quite likely to be near the top of our Top 5-10 list once we re-evaluate in February. St. Kitts & Nevis has a decent vaccination rate and have done a good job of containing covid cases, however they were slightly higher per capita at the beginning of January than the other islands that made our top 5 list. That said, this is where we are personally vacationing in January. Barbados has a decent vaccination rate but has had a slightly higher number of covid cases per capita than our top 5 for some time, although they don’t seem to be spiking in January (yet?). Dominica managed to contain covid cases to a minimum throughout December, however their early January numbers are just a bit to ‘spikey’ for comfort – perhaps they will get it quickly under control. All that said, these (and other) islands may be ideal for spring travel – Stay Tuned!
Now, for our disclaimer… Please note that this article was written on January 4th, 2022. Covid-19 information can change pretty quickly, so we recommend you check covid case counts on your island of choice, right before booking your trip.
FYI – Some information for this article was derived from the following sources: graphics.reuters.com/world-coronavirus-tracker-and-maps; and worldometers.com.
We hope you liked our assessment and it has motivated you to enjoy some time in the Caribbean!
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Adventurous Things to Do in Jamaica – Rivers, Links, Trails, Caves and more…
The third largest island in the Caribbean after Cuba and Hispaniola (Haiti / Dominican Republic), Jamaica is located south-east of Cuba in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The island is about 3 times the size of Long Island NY. Aptly known as the “land of wood and water”, the island is probably best known for it’s Reggae music & culture, white sand beaches, as well as it’s Rum and Coffee. Jamaica is rich with a beautiful and diverse landscape that includes mountain ranges, green valleys, wild rivers and waterfalls. Perhaps the island’s most iconic natural landmark is the Blue Mountain range, home to Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, a World Heritage Site.
To really appreciate Jamaica’s natural beauty, you need to get away from the resorts and journey into Jamaica’s forests and get active on it’s rivers and mountains. A very popular Caribbean vacation destination, Jamaica is one of the best islands to enjoy waterfalls, river rafting, hiking and golf. Our personal favourites include:
Jamaica River Rafting and Tubing
It would truly be a shame to visit Jamaica and not experience one of it’s marvelous rivers… Depending on your mood, you can enjoy a slow romantic ‘gondola’ style ride, or you can get wet on an exciting fast-moving river tube or raft. Can’t decide? No Problem Mon – You can do both!
For a relaxing and romantic rafting excursion, there are a few options to choose from. Probably the most famous rafting tour in Jamaica is on the Martha Brae, a meandering river close to Falmouth. You start at “Rafter’s Village”, six acres of grounds that include manicured lawns, Miss Martha’s Herb Garden, a picnic area, a full service bar, souvenir shops, a swimming pool and modern restrooms. From there, your personal guide will pole you and your companion down 3 miles of quiet river on a long bamboo raft. Similar bamboo rafting tours are also available on the Great River just west of Montego Bay, as well as on the Rio Grande river, just west of Port Antonio – at the east end of the island. One of the most romantic and relaxing things to do in Jamaica!
For a more adventurous river rafting experience, you can venture out into the fast moving waters of the White River, just east of Ocho Rios. You’ll love the stunning White River Valley while you’re tubing or rafting, and you’ll enjoy some bird watching on a short hike to some lovely waterfalls. If you’re staying on the other side of Ocho Rios closer to Falmouth, you’re in for a treat river rafting on the fast moving waters of the Rio Bueno River – Also known as the Jungle River, some Rio Bueno River tours include waterfalls, rapids, river pools and a private beach. Similar rafting tours are also available: At the west end of the island on the Yardy and Great Rivers; South of Falmouth at the Good Hope Estate as well as the River Bumpkin Farm; South west of Montego bay on the Great River at the Lethe Estate.
For more information about rafting, tubing and the tour operators who will get you on the water, check out our Jamaica River Rafting / Tubing page
Perhaps the best Golf destination in the Caribbean, Jamaica offers a smorgasbord of Caribbean Golf with over ten courses to choose from, including a number of Championship courses. Located mostly along the north coast between Negril and Ochos Rios at the west end of the island, here’s a small sampling of Links to wet your appetite:
The Tryall Club Resort is an 18-hole, 6,836-yard golf course designed by Ralph Plummer. The course covers land bordering the sea, and travels inland rising 180 feet (55m).
Half Moon Resort has an 18-hole / Par-72 championship course originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and later updated by Roger Rulewich. This golf course is home to PGA tournaments including the Jamaica Open and the European PGA Senior Tour.
Cinnamon Hill Golf Course at Rose Hall is an 18-hole course originally designed by Hank Smedley and later updated by Robert von Hagge/Rick Baril. This golf course features sea-side holes and a 350 foot (105m) rise from the ocean. Home to PGA tournaments including the BMW Jamaica Classic, the Latin America Tour and Annie’s Revenge ProAm. It’s 15th hole was used for a scene in the James Bond Movie ‘Live and Let Die’.
Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort (Also known as SuperClubs Golf Club at Runaway Bay) is an 18-hole / Par 72 championship golf course measuring 6,870 yards. Designed by Major John Harris, this course has hosted PGA tournaments including the Ryder Cup, The Jamaica Open, The Brinks (JA) Classic, The Heineken World Cup Qualifier, CNBC Nations Cup and numerous JGA Qualifiers.
Founded in 1865, the Manchester Golf Club is the oldest golf course in the Caribbean. This 9-hole / Par 35 course measures 2,865 yards and is set on 55 acres of rolling hills, at over 2,000 feet (610m) above sea level.
For more information on one of the most popular things to do in Jamaica, including a full list of courses along with tour operators you can get you there, click on our Jamaica Golf Vacations page
Jamaica Hiking – Several Forests to Choose From
There’s plenty of variety with the hiking trails on the island. There’s some hilly and mountainous trails as well as some short nature walks. For the serious hiker, you can enjoy some intermediate or more challenging mountainous adventures for sure.
At the east end of the island, the Blue Mountain range is 28 miles (45km) long and typically covered in a bluish cloudy mist, hence it’s name. The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, is where you can find the highest points of the island, including Blue Mountain Peak which stands 7,402 feet (2,256 m) tall – The most iconic hiking tour in Jamaica, the Blue Mountain Sunrise Hike, ascends this peak. The trail is about 11.5 miles (18.5km) long round trip, requiring 5-8 hours. This is a great hike with epic views of the island / sea waiting for you at the top.
There’s another half dozen up-hill mountainous trails in the Park, ranging in length from 2 to 6 miles (3 to 10 km), including Middleton Mountain and Catherine’s Peak. The Holywell Recreation Area, also located in the Park has a few easier trails, each taking little more than an hour to complete.
Another dozen decent trails can be found just outside of The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, north-east of Kingston.
While the southern portion of the Blue Mountain Range gets most of the attention, the northern part of the foothills, just south of Port Antonio offers some great hiking as well. Quiet and remote, this area will show you all the natural beauty Jamaica has to offer! There are a few trails in the Rio Grande Valley and a few more near Moore Town, three hours south of Port Antonio.
For more information about these hikes, and hiking guides that can get you on the trail, check out our Jamaica Hiking – North East page
Another hilly region of note in the north-west/central part of the island is the Dry Harbour Range with it’s lesser known and visited Cockpit Country. This is probably the wildest area left on Jamaica. The jungle landscape is wrinkled and dimpled with hundreds of limestone hills and karst caves and is home to a few hidden trails worth exploring.
Day hikes in Cockpit Country include the challenging Troy to Windsor Trail which follows the route of a British military road built in the 1700s for 10 miles (16km) one way. The Quick Step Trail is 11 miles (18km) one way running from Windsor to the village of Quick Step. There are also a couple of easier shorter hikes as well.
For more information about these hikes, and hiking guides that can get you on the trail, check out our Jamaica Hiking – Cockpit Country page
Jamaica Waterfall – Cool Off Under a Refreshing Stream of Water
One of my favourite things to do in Jamaica is to visit one of over a dozen easily accessible waterfalls on the island. This is a great way to explore the real Jamaica – Get out there and explore her rivers and natural highlights attractions like waterfalls. Excursions usually involve a short hike to the falls, where you can cool off under a soft stream of clean Caribbean water then splash around in natural river pools.
The best locations for a wet and wild waterfall experience in Jamaica include:
YS Falls – Located in the south-west part of island between Negril and Kingston, these falls feature a spectacular seven-tiered cascading waterfall. A visit there can also also include wading pools (one with a rope swing), canopy rides, river tubing and a zip-line.
Mayfield Falls can be found nestled in the Dolphin Head Mountains, on the west end of the island between Negril and Montego Bay. Take a short hike along a bamboo stairway, across manicured lawns and a wooden bridge to a Rasta village called Reggae Style Mayfield Village. From there a guide will accompany you along the snaking river so that you can enjoy a number of mineral pools, the waterfalls as well as taste local foods.
Of course, the most iconic tourist attraction in Jamaica has to be Dunn’s River Falls, just west of Ocho Rios. Although it’s always crowded with tourists, this is indeed a beautiful area where you can join hands with others and walk on it’s natural calcium carbonate based steps, part-way up the 600 feet (180m) tall gorgeous waterfalls.
Konoko Falls, just west of Ocho Rios, are a beautiful cascading waterfalls in a well maintained Park environment.
The Irie Blue Hole, also known as Secret Falls and the Cool Blue Hole, has a nice waterfall along with natural swimming pools. South-east of Ocho Rios, these falls are further away from the crowds, making it a great location to visit. Please note that the “Blue Lagoon”, from the movie with Brooke Shields, is located just west of Port Antonio.
Other less visited waterfalls can be found in the east end of Jamaica. Reach Falls are located just east of Port Antonio – This hidden gem has been featured in a couple of major movies. Somerset Falls, just west of Port Antonio are situated in a natural garden with ponds. Scatter Waterfalls are located in the Rio Grande Valley south of Port Antonio – These private grounds have several hiking trails and a campground.
For more information, along with tour guides who can help make the most of your day, check out our Jamaica Waterfalls page
Escape the sun’s rays by venturing underground to explore one of Jamaica’s dozens caves – Some are accessible by tourists, while others are for serious spelunkers. There’s tours of large caverns with bat viewing as well as remote rarely visited caves to go deep into…
For tourists looking for a cool cave tour you have a few options:
You can visit the popular Green Grotto Caves, between Falmouth and Ocho Rios. You’ll experience passageways and chambers close to 130 feet (40m) below the earth’s surface. The feature attraction is the ‘grotto’ itself – A huge limestone cave with stalactites, stalagmites, as well as a large subterranean body of water.
The Two Sisters Cave is located just south-west of Kingston and features two caves (hence the name), each with a large sink hole filled with fresh water. These caves are connected underground to a myriad of caverns extending in all directions. One cave contains a petroglyph carving of a face which is believed to be several hundred years old.
Further west of Kingston, you’ll find the Mountain River Cave. A mile long trail takes you to the cave, which is about 30 feet deep. Plenty of ancient pictographs can be seen on the cave walls, along with a few petroglyphs.
One of the more adventurous things to do in Jamaica is to go caving / spelunking in Cockpit Country or Cave Valley… What an experience!
Cockpit Country, south-east of Montego Bay, is home to hundreds of rivers, streams and caves that provide some of the best spelunking opportunities in the Caribbean. There are hundreds of caves in the area, including: Windsor Caves; Smokey Hole Cave – Which at 630 feet (193m) deep is the deepest on the island, Rock Spring Cave and the huge Quashie River Sink.
Cave Valley is located pretty much in the centre of the island. This is really cool… A river travels both under and above the ground, appearing and disappearing as it meanders through the valley. Major caving attractions include the “Noisy Water” River Cave and “Rat Bat Hole”.
For more information, as well as tour operators who will get caving, click on our Jamaica Caving page
Jamaica Mountain Biking & Cycling
Biking is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while taking-in breathtaking views of the mountainous island and Caribbean sea. Making good use of it’s natural landscape and ancient foot-paths, Jamaica has plenty of technical and just plain fun downhill mountain biking trails, as well as several flat and hilly cross-country routes to enjoy. There are scenic coastal road circuits to cycle as well. Riding through active plantations and small villages, then cooling off in a local waterfall is a great way to experience Jamaica.
If you’re looking to join an organized ride, Jamaica has three annual events: The Jamaica Fat Tyre Festival in February – Great for mountain biking enthusiasts; The Jamaica Reggae Ride in November – A 3 day escorted bike ride across the scenic coastlines of the island; and The Jamaica By Bike Ride – A long distance cycle from Kingston to Negril.
The Negril area has a number of bike trails, both in the hilly wilderness as well as along the coast. There are challenging trails for the hard-core biking enthusiasts as well as easy routes for sight-seeing.
Your need-for-speed will be satisfied on downhill MTB courses between Ocho Rios and the Blue Mountains. With names like ‘Rivers of Babylon’, ‘Jellied Eel’ and ‘Pressure Drop’ you know you need to check out these trails!
Not surprisingly, some of the island’s most challenging biking is in the Blue Mountains. Trails range in length from 1 to 11 miles (0.5 to 17 km), with most in the 1 to 4 mile (2-6km) range. Trail names like ‘Triple Bypass’ and ‘Downpipe Gully’ paint a mental picture for sure!
That said, there are also tourist focused ‘sightseeing’ rides in the Blue Mountains that everyone in the family can enjoy.
For more info on one of the funnest things to do in Jamaica, including tour operators who will get you on the saddle, check out our Jamaica Mountain Biking & Cycling page
ST. Lucia Hiking – Rain-Forest Trails, Waterfalls and Epic Views Await You
I suspect that most people think of the Caribbean as a place to relax on the beach with a tropical rum punch in hand… and while that’s a great idea, when I think of the Caribbean, I paint a mental picture of hiking through a lush rain-forest, passing a beautiful waterfall along the way up a green volcanic mountain, enjoying eye-popping views of the Caribbean Sea as a reward! On Saint Lucia, you can easily make this vision come true.
St. Lucia’s Mount Gimie in the Background
You’ll find Saint Lucia in the southern Caribbean’s ‘Windward’ islands, just south of Martinique and west of Barbados. When exploring St. Lucia, you’ll find a mountainous island covered in lush green rain-forest, with the distinctive and easily recognizable Pitons (mountains), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A very popular Caribbean destination known for romantic getaways, St. Lucia also has plenty to offer adventurous travelers looking for a hiking-filled vacation – If you know where to look…
Saint Lucia hiking offers a variety of trails on the island, offering something for everyone – From short nature walks to intermediate hikes along with a couple of challenging hikes. While no hiking trip to Saint Lucia is complete without climbing the majestic Gros Piton, the island’s highest peak is Mount Gimie at just over 3,000 feet (950m) above sea level. Our favourite trails on the island include:
The Best St. Lucia Hiking Trails on the south end of the island include:
Mount/Morne Gimie Trail in the Edmund Forest Reserve – Plan a full day for this fun and challenging hike covering 5-6 miles (8-10km) of amazing tropical terrain. For those looking for a remote and challenging rain-forest hike on St. Lucia, this is the one to do. While the trail meanders up and down across a mountain ridge and valley, the absolute vertical from start to finish is just under 2,000 feet (600m). You’ll experience a range of trail conditions on this hike, including a couple of amazingly steep sections, where you will need to climb natural ladders of tree roots. You’ll see amazing plant life in this moist rain-forest, and you’ll even be able to go for a dip at the bottom of a waterfall. Of course, the views of the island at various stops along the trail are spectacular, including a very unique perspective of the Pitons from the island’s interior.
While we’re talking about it… The Edmund Forest Reserve is home to one end of a couple of ‘cross-country’ trails of note. The Des Cartiers to Edmund Forest Trail is an approximately 5 mile (8km) long easy-to-intermediate level hike, while the Barre D’Isle to Edmund Forest Trail is a more challenging 10 mile (16km) Saint Lucia hike with a section of the trail venturing across a nice ridge.
The view south – Near the top of St. Lucia’s Gros Piton
Gros Piton Trail – An “adventurous” trip to St. Lucia is incomplete without hiking the iconic Gros Piton. This memorable St. Lucia hike consists of a fairly challenging climb to the peak, which is just over 2,500 feet (780m) tall. While this trail is under 3 miles (4.4km) round trip, it’s all uphill (on the way up that is ;), with some pretty steep sections. As expected, once you catch your breath, the views from the top, of the western and south part of the island, are sensational. While this is a somewhat short hike, in order to really enjoy it, you’ll require decent leg strength and cardio. FYI – The Petit Piton can also be hiked, however it is extremely steep and potentially dangerous in some areas.
For a more detailed review of this trail, along with a list of local guides to make it happen, click on our St. Lucia Gros Piton Hike page
A unique view of the Pitons and Tet Paul, from part way up Mount Gimie
Enbas Saut Falls – The top cascade / pool
Enbas Saut Falls Trail – This is an intermediate level St. Lucia hike with lots of rustic wooden/natural stairs to first descend, then climb-back-up on the return journey. Depending on your starting point, the hike can cover over 5 miles (9km), requiring 3-4 hours to get to and from the fun and amazing cascading waterfalls.
The Best Saint Lucia Hiking Trails elsewhere on the island include:
Further north in Saint Lucia, you’ll find a number of interesting rain-forest trails. The Union Nature Trail, a quick 10 minute drive east of Castries, provides a short and easy trail – Good for a much-needed visit to nature. The Intermediate level Piton Flore Trail, just south-east of Castries, is a hilly hike taking about 4 hours to complete. Other trails in the area include the Jacquot Trail and the Millet (Bird Sanctuary) Trails. Further south you’ll find the interesting and varied Barre D’Isle Ridge – Mount La Combe – Grande Ravine area trails.
For more information about hiking in the north end of St. Lucia, around Castries, including a list of guides who can get you on the trail, click on our St. Lucia Hiking page
The Eastern Nature Trail, not surprisingly found on the east side of island, is a fairly easy, but reasonably long St. Lucia hike along the remote eastern coastline of the island – Great for adventurers looking to get away from it all.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing walk on the the island, you can always enjoy an outing on Pigeon Island National Park or the highly recommended Tet Paul Nature Trail!
The Petit Piton from the Tet Paul Nature Trail
For more information about the trails on the island, including hiking guides who will help you get the most out of your day, click on our St. Lucia Hiking page
So… When you’ve had enough relaxation on the beach and have enjoyed indulging in a local chocolate based meal, you can go for a heart pumping adventurous hike up a piton or mountain or simply take a great leisurely stroll through the rain-forest… Whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to have a memorable hiking holiday in St. Lucia!
ACT Staff
If you’re looking for other exciting activities to experience on the island, take a look at our St. Lucia Adventures recommendations
When you’re not hiking, snorkeling or biking around the island, there’s plenty of other things to do on St. Lucia, including a visit to the Sulphur Springs, Mud Baths and associated Waterfalls. For more ideas for a fun and relaxing vacation, take a look at our St. Lucia Attractions blog
For an overview of the beautiful island of Saint Lucia, click on our St. Lucia Vacations page
Things to do in Bonaire – Adventures, both Wet and Dry
One of the Caribbean ABCs, Bonaire is a relatively small island in the southern Caribbean’s Lesser Antilles, situated about 25 miles (80km) north of the Venezuelan coast. The island is a special municipality of the Netherlands. Safe from hurricanes, Bonaire has a truly amazing climate, relatively warm and dry for most of the year. Famous for it’s pink flamingos and white mountains of salt, the island has plenty of amazing adventure activities to enjoy, both below the ocean’s waves as well as on (and in/under) the land. When it comes to “adventurous” things to do in Bonaire, our personal favourites include:
Bonaire Snorkeling – Just Off the Coast
With it’s healthy coral reefs and rich marine life, Bonaire may be the best island in the Caribbean for snorkeling! The main island and Klein Bonaire, a small island less than 1/2 mile (1km) from Bonaire’s western coast, are encircled by coral reefs providing an amazing range of biodiversity, including colourful fish, coral and sponge. There are plenty of spots on Bonaire’s western shores where you can slip into the warm Caribbean sea and snorkel right off the beach. There are also a number of boat operators who can take you to plenty of locations in Bonaire’s Marine Park where you can visit shallow corals or skirt along the edge of steep underwater cliffs. Visibility is great as you can clearly see through more than fifty feet (15m) of Bonaire’s clear blue ocean water. There are even caves you can snorkel in!
Bonaire’s West Coast is where the snorkeling action is… North of Kralendijk there are over a dozen snorkeling sites, many accessible from the beach and several suited for beginners. With names like Playa Bengi, 1000 Steps and Witch’s Hut, I’m sure you want to check them out! South of Kralendijk there are another dozen snorkeling spots, like Pink Beach and Sweet Dreams, some also beach accessible. There’s also a few good spots to snorkel on Bonaire’s Lac Bay.
Of course the famous Klein Bonaire has well over a dozen locations for snorkeling, including some that are beach accessible. This is a great location for beginners as well as for underwater photography. Clearly, snorkeling is one of the best things to do in Bonaire!
Click on this link (to a page on our website) for more information about locations and boat operators – Bonaire Snorkeling
Bonaire Water Sports
With it’s happening vibe… this is where the cool kids hang out!
Thanks to it’s near constant trade winds, year round warm air and water temperatures, Bonaire is one of the best places in the Caribbean to enjoy life on the water. The south-west coast of the island seems to be made for kite boarding and kite-surfing, while the mangroves and water ways of Lac Bay are ideal for kayaking and windsurfing.
There’s no better way to experience the Caribbean than hanging out on the beach and getting active in the surf. So many options… mean Water Sports are one of the best things to do in Bonaire.
With literally hundreds of kilometres of cycling trails and a dry warm climate, Bonaire is one of the best Caribbean destinations for bike riding. Cycling is a great way to see the island – The hills in the north provide picturesque views of the island, while the rest of the island’s mostly flat with occasional gentle slopes offer soothing views of the Caribbean Sea. You can enjoy road courses that include amazing coastline routes, or you can mountain bike in desert-like off-road terrain.
Washington Slagbaai National Park has 21 miles (34kms) off-road trails, including some decent hills and is probably the most popular place to cycle on the island. That said, the Rincon Valley and the Bara di Karta Region have a number of trails and roads circuits through the countryside as well, many with views of the Caribbean Sea. There’s also some longer road circuits for the serious cycling enthusiast.
There’s more Bonaire mountain biking and cycling info to check out by clicking on our Bonaire Cycling page
Bonaire Hiking – Hit the Dusty Trails
Bonaire offers opportunities for some nice relaxing walks as well as a couple of intermediate level hikes, all in a unique-for-the-Caribbean, low scrub-brush like environment.
Perhaps the best hiking can be found in Washington-Slagbaai National Park at the north end of the island. This 14 thousand acre (56 sq km) sanctuary was the first in the Netherlands Antilles and has three main hiking trails to explore. Brandaris, the highest peak on Bonaire at 784 feet (241m), is located within the park and offers some spectacular views of the island – on a clear day you can even see Venezuela!
Other hikes elsewhere on the island include the Montana Trail (with views of Goto Meer Lake and the Caribbean Sea); The Roi Sango Trail (Partially shaded trail with views of the sea along with rock formations); The Dos Pos Trail (A Loop Trail along Washington Slagbaai National Park’s boundary); The Bara di Karta Hill (the small hill provides surprisingly spectacular 360 views of the island); and The Red Hill Trail (Desert-like terrain with views of the Atlantic Ocean).
Find out more about Bonaire’s trails and tour operators by clicking on our Bonaire Hiking page
Bonaire Caving
Looking for a good escape from the relentless sun? Journey underground to a world of natural subterranean limestone grottoes, where eerie stalagmites, stalactites and pillars dominate the scenery. There are literally 100s of caves in Bonaire, some ‘dry’ and some ‘under water’ – grottos with freshwater that you can actually wade into and check out the underwater rock formations with a snorkel. There are caverns with bats as well as native petrogyphs / paintings on the walls. Many caves are open to the public – Touring a cave is a unique activity few tourists experience, making it one of the coolest things to do in Bonaire.
For a list of local tour operators, click on our Bonaire Caving page
Bonaire Scuba Diving and Freediving
Saving one of the best activities for last… Bonaire’s healthy coral reefs and rich marine life make it one of the best islands in the Caribbean for Scuba Diving. Bonaire is also one of the best locations in the world for Freediving.
Bonaire and Klein Bonaire provide an environment that is home to over 50 varieties of coral and 350 species of fish. The islands are also world renowned for it’s abundance of easy access shore diving. Of course there’s also a number of boat operators who can take you to dozens of scuba diving locations in Bonaire’s Marine Park. There are over eighty dive sites in total, some in relatively shallow waters and others with steep walls that plunge into the deep dark sea. If you’re looking for great underwater photography sites, Bonaire has it all, including underwater caves to explore. There are locations for the Beginner diver, advanced diver and everything in between!
Bonaire’s West Coast is the most popular place to dive. There are over 30 dive sites north of Kralendijk, offering drift diving, wreck diving, night diving, as well as freestyle and technical diving. South of Kralendijk, there are another dozen excellent dive sites. There’s even more sites further south of Slave Huts (memorial).
Klein Bonaire is home to a couple dozen dive sites, providing more locations for drift diving, wreck diving, night diving, freestyle and technical diving and underwater photography.
Bonaire’s East Coast, including Lac Bay, is a bit rougher, however it has over a dozen dive sites, offering a less populated diving experience for advanced divers. Both shore dives and boat dives are available.
Follow this link (to a page on our website) for more Dive Spot and Boat Operator information – Bonaire Diving
For an overview of this amazing island, take a look at our Bonaire Vacations page
For a more relaxed vacation itinerary, you can find great Tourist Attractions on the island, by checking out our Things to Do in Bonaire blog
