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Our Top 6 Caribbean Destinations – March 2022

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The Best Caribbean Destinations March 2022 - St. Kitts & Nevis Timothy Hill

Now’s the time for a great winter escape – Here’s our top picks…

As cold weather drags on in many parts of the world, a Caribbean vacation might be just what the doctor ordered for curing the winter blues. Just imagine the sand beneath your feet and a cold rum beverage in your hand.  Better yet, how about slipping into the warm clear Caribbean Sea for some snorkelling or perhaps getting on the trail in a lush green rainforest. Of course, a game of golf or a day fishing would also be great right about now!  If you’re looking to enjoy a warm-weather vacation in the near future, here are our thoughts on the best Caribbean destinations to visit in the next couple of months.

The good news is that it finally appears that Covid-19 is on the decline (I hope I didn’t just jinx it). Regardless, based on readily available data, it might be safer to spend 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 have the fewest number of covid cases (per capita) combined with above-average vaccination rates.  We also considered each island’s current covid related entry requirements to ensure a good balance of safety and convenience.

Our top three destinations listed below are really too close to rank/order, and similarly comparing the last two on our list resulted in a tie. You’ll find some of our top picks, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis and Grenada only allow fully vaccinated tourists to visit, while other islands we’re recommending, Jamaica and Saint Lucia are allowing unvaccinated tourists to now visit without quarantine requirements. The British Virgin Islands also made our list with a slightly more complicated set of rules and requirements than the others. All of our recommended destinations still require a negative covid test result prior to travelling to the island.

We hope you enjoy our assessments below, which also include a few ideas for fun and exciting things to do on each island.  We’re hoping that will help you decide which Caribbean Island destination works best for you.

Antigua & Barbuda

Best Caribbean Destinations March 2022 Includes Antigua & Barbuda - Antigua Freeman's Bay

With one of the lowest covid case counts and highest vaccination rates in the Caribbean, the beautiful islands of Antigua & Barbuda are one of our highest recommended destinations.

Active Caribbean Travel Hike's Antigua's Monk's Hill to Fort George


Adults 18 and over must be fully vaccinated to visit Antigua & Barbuda. A negative RT PCR test result must be obtained within four days of travelling to the islands. Rapid Antigen tests will also be accepted, however these visitors may be required to take an RT PCR test upon arrival (at their own expense). Upon arrival, travellers will need to 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 BioSafe/Certified accommodation, and you’ll need to wear a mask in public places while adhering to social distance protocols. For more details and specifics of covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit the official Antigua & Barbuda’s Travel Advisory webpage.

Active Caribbean Travel visits Antigua's Stingray City - Come swim with the Stingrays!

Now comes the fun part – What to do once you’re there… The islands are famous for their excellent cuisine and amazing white (along with a few pink) sandy beaches – Apparently, there’s a different beach for each day of the year in Antigua & Barbuda. For spectacular views, Shirley Heights is a must-see, as is Nelson’s Dockyard – A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unique adventurous activities can be found at Antigua’s Stingray City as well as in Barbuda’s caves. Antigua and Barbuda are home to wonderful mangroves and coral reefs, making the islands ideal for kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving. Of course, there are plenty of sailing and boating excursions available for a true Antigua & Barbuda experience. You’ll also be pleasantly surprised to know that Antigua offers some pretty amazing hiking trails 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 webpage.

For our personal reviews of some fun and adventurous activities in Antigua & Barbuda, check out our Excursions/Blog Posts page.

Jamaica

Active Caribbean Travel explores Jamaica's YS Falls

Few covid cases are being reported right now in Jamaica and although the island’s overall vaccination rate appears low, people working in the tourism industry are mostly vaccinated and following strict protocols to keep everyone safe. For these and financial (great package deal) reasons, this is where we’re heading to this month!

Active Caribbean Travel explores Jamaica's Cockpit Country - Hike the Burnt Hill Nature Trail


Regardless of your vaccination status, Jamaica is welcoming all travellers, as long as you have a negative Antigen or PCR test result conducted within 3 days of travel (applies to everyone 12 and over). For faster processing on arrival, visitors are encouraged to submit their Immigration/Customs C5 card online prior to departing. If the card is not submitted online, travellers may complete the paper form while on the plane. Once on the islands, visitors must observe all applicable protocols, including the wearing of a mask and maintaining social distance in public spaces. For more details and specifics of covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit the official Jamaica Cares webpage.

The Best Caribbean Destinations March 2022 - Jamaica Golf


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. Jamaica offers good snorkelling and fishing too, while inland adventures include some serious MTB and caving excursions.

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 stay, check out our Jamaica Vacation Ideas page.

For our personal reviews of some fun and adventurous activities in Jamaica, check out our Excursions/Blog Posts page (just scroll down to the Jamaica section).

St. Kitts & Nevis

The Best Caribbean Destinations March 2022 - St. Kitts & Nevis Mount Liamuiga and Belmont Estate

With one of the lowest covid case counts and highest vaccination rates in the Caribbean, the “Sister Islands” of St. Kitts and Nevis (SKN) is also one of our top recommendations.

Active Caribbean Travel Favourite UNESCO sites in the Caribbean - Brimstone Fortress in St. Kitts

All visitors must be fully vaccinated (applies to everyone 18 and over) to visit St. Kitts and Nevis. Travelers must submit an RT-PCR or NAAT negative test result, taken within 3 days of your arrival, along with an Immigration/Customs form along with supporting documentation online, no later than 24 hours prior to travel.

Once on the islands, you must stay in an official SKN Certified accommodation and you’ll need to wear a mask, practice proper hand sanitizing, as well as physical distancing. For more details and specifics of covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit the official St. Kitts & Nevis St. Kitts & Nevis Travel Requirements page.

The Best Caribbean Destinations March 2022 - St. Kitts Central Forest Reserve

Having just returned from two weeks of bliss in St. Kitts & Nevis, I would suggest visiting the formidable Brimstone Fortress as well as nearby Romney Manor and the ruins of Wingfield Estate.  While you’re in the area, a hike up Mount Liamuiga, one of the Caribbean’s tallest volcanos is a must-do for avid hikers. Nevis Peak also offers an incredibly unique hike, while other less strenuous hikes are also available on the islands. For some, the best way to explore St. Kitts is by taking their unique Scenic Railway tour around the island. You may also be pleasantly surprised at the snorkeling around St. Kitts as well as the rum on Nevis.

For a covid-oriented review of our recent trip to SKN, take a look at our It’s Safe to Travel to the Caribbean blog post.

For more ideas and details for things to do in the Sister Islands, including contact info for local tour operators who can help you make the most of your vacation, check out our St. Kitts & Nevis Vacation Ideas page.

For our personal reviews of some fun and adventurous activities in St. Kitts & Nevis, check out our Excursions/Blog Posts page (just scroll down to the St. Kitts & Nevis section).

Saint Lucia

Although the island’s overall vaccination rate is fairly low, covid case counts are on the decline and nearing their all-time low in Saint Lucia, so it’s a good time to visit.

Prior to departing for Saint Lucia, all adult travelers will need to obtain Travel Authorization, providing proof of a negative PCR test taken within 5 days of travel (applies to everyone 5 and over). Once on the island, visitors must adhere to all covid protocols, including those related to wearing face masks in public, social distancing and observing high standards of hand hygiene. For more details and specifics of covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit the official Saint Lucia – Safe Harbour webpage.


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. Perhaps the mountainous green island is famous for its beautiful gardens, waterfalls and hot springs. That said, 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.

For our personal reviews of some fun and adventurous activities in Saint Lucia, check out our Excursions/Blog Posts page (just scroll down to the Saint Lucia section).

British Virgin Islands

Best Caribbean Destinations March 2022 - British Virgin Islands

With one of the highest vaccination rates in the Caribbean combined with declining covid case counts, the BVIs deserve a spot on our “top 5 Caribbean Islands to visit” list. While it’s convenient that entry requirements are somewhat less demanding for fully vaccinated tourists, overall guidelines and requirements are a bit confusing, so I hope I get this right.

Best Caribbean Destinations March 2022 - British Virgin Islands Sailing

Fully vaccinated travellers must show proof of vaccination, a negative PCR or Rapid Antigen test result (taken within 5 days of travel), along with proof of covid related Travel Insurance upon arriving in the British Virgin Islands (BVI).  That said, if (Antigen?) test results are older than 48 hours, visitors may be asked to retest (Rapid Antigen) upon entry. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated visitors need to obtain travel authorization online via the BVI Gateway Portal prior to departing for the BVIs. To be approved, visitors must provide proof of a certified RT-PCR negative test result (taken 3-5 days prior to arrival), along with evidence of Covid related Travel Insurance.  Partially vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers will need to quarantine for 4 and 7 days respectively upon arrival, and will be allowed to roam the islands after receiving a negative RT-PCR test result at the end of the quarantine period.

All visitors are to adhere to COVID-19 protocols while travelling around the British Virgin Islands.  These include relevant physical distancing, wearing masks and sanitization measures.

For more details and specifics of Covid related entry requirements and restrictions, such as which port of entry you are allowed to use (dependent on vaccination status), please visit the official British Virgin Islands Entry Requirements webpage, as well as the British Virgin Islands Travel Protocols webpage.

Now for the fun part – For a taste of what you can enjoy once you get there, consider this… There are plenty of white sandy beaches offering a number of swimming and watersports options. Perhaps the best kayaking and SUP (paddleboarding) in the BVIs can be found at Tortola, while kiteboarding and windsurfing might be best experienced on Virgin Gorda. Boat operators can get you fishing around the islands, and spectacular views can be found while hiking the BVI’s National Parks. For a journey back in time, visit the islands’ museums and ruins of forts and sugar mills. Of course, there’s always plenty of sailing and rum to enjoy in the BVIs!


Grenada

Best Caribbean Destinations March 2022 - Grenada Spice Island

Covid case counts, which are much lower than other Caribbean Islands, are on the decline again in Grenada. Vaccination rates on the islands are on the rise, surpassing the levels of a couple of islands on this list above.

Best Caribbean Destinations March 2022 - Grenada Hiking Grand Etang National Park

Adults 18 and over must be fully vaccinated to visit Grenada. A negative PCR test result must be obtained within 3 days of travelling to the islands. Alternatively, a negative Rapid Antigen test result must be obtained within 1 day of visiting Grenada. For faster processing on arrival, visitors are encouraged to submit their Travel Health Declaration form online prior to departing. If the form is not submitted online, you may complete the paper version while on the plane. Travellers will undergo health screening on arrival and once everything checks out ok, you’re good to go! Once you’re on the islands, visitors must wear a face mask (that covers his/her mouth, nose, and chin) in public places

Best Caribbean Destinations March 2022 - Grenada Diving Wrecks

As for what to do once you’re in Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique… The Spice Islands 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. 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. The islands also offer plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, water sports, and more.

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.


Now, for our disclaimer… Please note that this article was written on March 3th, 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 (Full Disclosure): We are not being compensated in any way by the islands listed above. These islands were chosen as our top destinations based on the criteria outlined. Some information for this article was derived from the following sources: worldometers.com; and covidvax.live

We hope you liked our assessment and it has motivated you to enjoy some quality time in the Caribbean!

For more articles/blogs like this, join our newsletter, and feel free to ‘like’ and ‘follow’ our facebook page – Thanks!

ACT Staff

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An Enjoyable Outing to Jamaica’s Blue Hole & Mineral Spring

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Plunge into a Mineral Water Filled Subterranean Cavern

I always enjoy vacationing in Jamaica, especially when we get off the resort to really appreciate the natural beauty the island has to offer.  Jamaica’s descriptive moniker has been “the land of wood and water” for many years, and for good reason. The island has countless awesome rivers, waterfalls, natural wading pools and incredible swimming holes that I can barely keep track.  There’s the Blue Lagoon of Brooke Shields fame out by Port Antonio, the Cool Blue Hole and the Cascade (Thatch River) Blue Hole located near Ocho Rios, and several others scattered across the island. As this was our first visit to Negril, we wanted to check out the nearby ‘Blue Hole Mineral Spring‘, situated close to Jamaica’s southwest coast. We heard that the property consists of a nice hotel along with some other buildings and a pool. Of course, the feature attraction is a 25-30 foot gaping hole in the rocky limestone ground.  Just over 20 feet down, the karst cave is filled with inviting light blue water.  Similar to Negril’s most famous attraction Rick’s Café, the thing to do at the Blue Hole is to jump from the surface down into the water below – Well (pun intended), that sounds like fun!

Negril Jamaica Blue Hole & Mineral Spring. The Blue Hole features a mineral-water filled cavern for cliff jumping. There's also a pool, hotel + field of marijuana

So, we contacted a local tour operator who had been recommended to us to help us experience the place for ourselves. Andre Miller and a colleague picked us up from our Bloody Bay beach hotel and we were off…  It’s an enjoyable 40-minute drive, starting down the main road parallel to 7-mile beach then heading inland on the outskirts of Negril before journeying towards the south coast on secondary roads. The second half of the drive is fairly slow, due to the narrow pot-hole filled tracks, but we were in no hurry. We enjoyed taking in the sights of the Westmoreland countryside. It was interesting to see colourful houses scattered throughout the lush green jungle – Big houses on the hilltops and smaller houses in various stages of construction built closer to the road.

Negril Jamaica Blue Hole & Mineral Spring. The Blue Hole features a mineral-water filled cavern for cliff jumping. There's also a pool, hotel + field of marijuana


Ultimately, we arrived at a modest-looking little dirt parking lot. But don’t let that fool you – It’s much more impressive once you wade on in…  The Blue Hole Mineral Spring has a nice relaxing rural vibe to it, inviting one to explore at leisure.  I loved the thatched-roof gazebos with modern tiled floors. There’s a colourfully painted bar, and a similar style building offering shade right next to the modern swimming pool. Backing into wild greenery, there’s also a multi-floor building with a partly enclosed party (or dining) area. The whole place has an easy-going feel to it, inviting you to kick back and chill for a while…

Negril Jamaica Blue Hole & Mineral Spring. Mineral-water filled swimming pool


We got there early in the day, so it was nice and quiet. It was just the two of us, a couple of other tourists along with a handful of locals I assume were staff, taxi drivers, and others just hanging around. After a quick glance into the hole, we continued exploring – Venturing up some stairs to a decent-sized, vibrant-colour painted hotel.  We went up the exterior stairwell straight to the rooftop, where we savoured spectacular views of the natural green beauty surrounding the place, brightly accented by the brilliant blues of the Caribbean Sea and endless sky.  It was warm and sunny with a refreshing breeze – We could have stayed there forever… Except that I had an exciting jump on my mind.

Spectacular views from Negril, Jamaica's Blue Hole & Mineral Spring. The Blue Hole features a mineral-water filled cavern for cliff jumping. There's also a pool, hotel + field of marijuana
Negril Jamaica Blue Hole & Mineral Spring. The Blue Hole features a mineral-water filled cavern for cliff jumping.

Back down at the main area of the property, I took a better look at the namesake attraction.  There’s a railing along one side of the blue hole and mineral spring, and some trees and stone walls bordering 2 other sides. An unobstructed end provides access to the hole via a small jumping platform and a sturdy metal ladder that disappears down into the cavern. Peering below into the sun-deprived cave, it’s fascinating to see the milky pastel blue water below. A staff member named Getty (spelling?) came over for a chat.  Part lifeguard, part showman, and part tour guide, he’s here to help folks enjoy the natural attraction to the fullest. Getty assured me that the water, fed from a fresh underground spring, is over 35 feet deep – no problem man (as they say in Jamaica) 😊. While we were chatting, a local leaped off the railing into the hole, showing me there was nothing to it.

OK, I figured the best way to do this is to stop thinking about it, so I held my breath and stepped off the ledge. Honestly, it was an exhilarating and frightful drop that didn’t last much more than a second before I plunged deep into the water, where it seemed to take forever for me to bob back up to the surface. What a rush! A wild sensation for anyone who doesn’t normally jump off cliffs.

While my eyes were adjusting to the relative darkness, I swam towards a rock protruding from the side of the cave. I was thinking that the water temperature was comfortable enough when I noticed that there were little fish swimming all around me in the mineral-rich water – I didn’t expect that. I grabbed a seat on a rock ledge and took a look around. The cavern is a much bigger down at water level than it is up at the surface.

Getty showed us a place to find some grey powdery earth from between the rocks, and how to mix it with water to make a nice mineral-rich clay/pomace for our arms, shoulders, neck and back.

Such a unique experience hanging out in a mineral-water filled subterranean cavern – A place where all your problems can melt away.

After a relaxing swim and skin scrub/treatment, we eventually climbed the ladder to join the world once again.



As I reached the top of the ladder I noticed Getty way above me in a tree. Once he got our attention, he jumped – that must have added another 5-10 feet to the drop… Our entertainment at the hole over, I grabbed a cold red stripe from the bar and waded into the swimming pool. WoW – was it ever warm! I was told that the pool is also filled with natural mineral-rich water, having just been pumped in from the spring the day before.  The warm water is so soothing… Sitting on the built-in bench that rings the pool’s edge, I soaked up the minerals, sunshine and reggae beats coming from the bar. I’m not sure there’s a better way to spend the day.

Oh… there’s more at the Blue Hole Mineral Spring than meets the eye… If you’re interested in marijuana, ask one of the staff to show you around their “field of dreams” (my term not theirs), and they’ll be happy to oblige.  They grow some of the best bud in Jamaica if not the world, right here in these fields, and they have the awards to prove it.

Well… After hanging out for a while, we decided to head back to so-called civilization. All in all, a great day off the beaten path – A day that awoke my senses!


For an overview of the land of wood and water, take a look at our Jamaica Vacations page

For other great Tourist Attractions on the island, check out our Things to Do in Jamaica blog

If you’re looking for more active things to do while vacationing on the island, click on our Jamaica Adventures blog for some other great ideas!

ACT Staff

Amazing views from Negril Jamaica's Blue Hole & Mineral Spring. The Blue Hole features a mineral-water filled cavern for cliff jumping. There's also a pool, hotel + field of marijuana
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Hike, Snorkel, Bike and Kayak in St. Lucia

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Active things to do in St. Lucia include Hiking the Gros Piton

6 Things to do in St. Lucia – A Top Caribbean Destination for Adventure

Saint Lucia is one of the Caribbean’s ‘Windward’ islands. Found near the southern end of the Caribbean islands chain, St. Lucia is just south of Martinique with Barbados to its east.  Saint Lucia is a mountainous island covered in green rain-forest and home to the iconic Gros and Petit Pitons (mountains), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  A very popular Caribbean vacation destination traditionally focused on romantic getaways, there are plenty of adventurous things to do in St. Lucia.  Our favourite active vacation activities include:

Saint Lucia Hiking on a Diverse Assortment of Trails

There are 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 has about half a dozen mountains above 1,500 feet (500m) tall, the tallest being Mount Gimie at just over 3,000 feet (950m). You should know that a Saint Lucia Forestry Department day-pass, along with a local guide, is officially required to hike on the island.

The best hiking trails in the south end of St. Lucia include:

Active things to do in St. Lucia include Hiking Morne / Mount Gimie

Mount/Morne Gimie Trail in the Edmund Forest Reserve – Plan a full day for this fairly challenging hike covering 5-6 miles (8-10km) of occasionally extreme up and down terrain, as well as a waterfall. This diverse trail will reward you with amazing views along the way, including a really unique perspective of the island from the top

For more information, including hiking guides to show you the way, check out our Hike St. Lucia – Mount/Morne Gimie page

While we’re talking about it…  The Edmund Forest Reserve is the final destination for a couple of ‘cross-country’ trails of note.  The Des Cartiers to Edmund Trail is an approximately 5 mile (8km) long easy-to-intermediate level hike, while the Barre D’Isle to Edmund Trail is a more challenging 10 mile (16km) hike venturing across a nice ridge requiring 4-6 hours to complete.

Gros Piton Trail – This challenging hike consists of a pretty much constant climb to get to the top.  While less than 3 miles (4.4km) round trip, it can take anywhere from 3-6 hours to complete.  Once you catch your breath, amazing Caribbean sea views await.

For a more detailed review of the hike, click on our Hike St. Lucia – Gros Piton page

Active things to do in St. Lucia include Hiking Enbas Saut Falls

Enbas Saut Falls Trail – This is an intermediate level hike with lots of rustic wooden/natural stairs to first descend, then climb 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.

For more info, including hiking guides to make it happen, check out Hike St. Lucia – Enbas Saut Falls

The best hikes in the north part of Saint Lucia include the Intermediate level Piton Flore Trail and the interesting Barre D’Isle Ridge / Mount La Combe Area Trails.  On the east side of island, the Eastern Nature Trail is a fairly easy, but somewhat long trail that takes you along the remote eastern coastline of St. Lucia.

One of the funnest things to do in Saint Lucia, find more information about the trails on the island, including hiking guides who will help you get the most out of your day, click on St. Lucia Hiking

St. Lucia Snorkeling – With or without a Boat!

One of the better islands in the Caribbean for snorkeling, Saint Lucia offers half a dozen locations along the west coast of the island to explore clear blue waters full of diverse coral and colourful fish.  Slip into the warm Caribbean sea and snorkel right off the beach – A unique underwater world you just can’t experience on land.  One of the most enjoyable things to do in Saint Lucia, the best snorkeling sites in Saint Lucia include:

Active things to do in St. Lucia include Snorkeling right off the beach

Saline Point – This small bay has a sand bottom and is protected from the wind. A reef runs parallel to the beach where plenty of fish can be seen.

Smugglers’ Cove – This large protected bay features underwater ridges which are home to a variety of crustaceans and fish. A great place for beginners…

Anse Cochon – Another large bay well protected from the wind and waves. This spot has a nice reef for exploring coral boulders along with fish, turtles, eels and more. A great location for beginners as well as more experienced snorkelers looking for underwater photography and night dives.

Anse Chastanet – This shallow reef is teeming with a rich diversity of marine life including fish and turtles. This is one of the best snorkeling sites and a favourite spot for underwater photography on the island.

Coral Gardens / Gros Piton – The island’s longest and one of it’s most popular reefs. There’s plenty of coral to explore along with a variety of fish and eels.

For those who want longer and deeper underwater exploring time, but don’t have scuba diving experience, Snuba (Mask and mouthpiece with air-tube) and Sea Trek (Full face ‘helmet’ with air-tube) tours are available.

For more information on visiting the island’s underwater world, check out our St. Lucia Snorkeling page

Golf in a Warm Tropical Setting in Saint Lucia

Looking for one of the more relaxing things to do in Saint Lucia? There are two golf courses on the island, an 18 hole / par 71 and a 9 hole / par 33.  The St. Lucia Golf Club is an 18-hole course that plays to 6,685 yards with great views of the island and the Caribbean Sea.  Close to the capital Castries, the Sandals Regency La Toc resort has a 9-hole course that plays to 3,141 yards.

For more information, click on our St. Lucia Golf page

Saint Lucia Diving – Explore a Unique Underwater World

One of the better islands in the Caribbean for scuba diving, Saint Lucia offers a variety of dive sites along the western coast of the island.  There are close to two dozen dive sites with reefs, wrecks and walls to explore. If you’ve always wanted to try scuba diving, Saint Lucia is a great place to get started – there is a dive school on the island and a number of hotels on the island offer diving PADI certification as well.  Some of the best dive sites off Saint Lucia’s coast include:

Smugglers’ Cove – This large bay is well protected from the wind and with a maximum depth around 40 feet (12m), this a great place for beginners. Underwater ridges are home to a variety of crustaceans and tropical fish.

Pigeon Island / Pigeon Point – This popular dive site includes a mixed terrain of sand, coral and boulders with a depth varying from 15 to 60 feet (5m – 18m). A variety of tropical fish, along with rays, barracuda, eels, lobster and even seahorse can be found here. A good dive site for underwater photography and night dives.

Bone Yard – A World War II era wreck can be found in about 40 feet (12m) of water. A variety of marine life, including tropical fish and lobster live in the area.

Active things to do in St. Lucia include Scuba Diving

Anse La Raye Wall – This fairly deep dive site features volcanic boulders and a coral wall with a depth varying from 60 to 110 feet (18m – 34m). The wall is home to a variety of marine life, including corals and tropical fish, along with rays. A good site for wall diving and drift dives.  

Lesleen M Wreck – A cargo vessel was sunk here for an artificial reef in about 65 feet (20m) of water on a sandy bottom. A variety of marine life, including reef fish, eels and lobster can be found here. This a good dive site for beginners.

Daini Koyomaru Wreck – A dredger sits on its side a mile offshore, making an artificial reef in about 244 feet (75m) of water. A variety of marine life, including tropical fish and barracuda call this place home. This deep dive site is for advanced divers only.

Fairyland – This deep dive site features boulders and coral walls with a depth varying from 40 to 200 feet (12m – 61m). A variety of corals and sponges are the main attraction, although turtles can be found here as well. This a good site for drift diving.

Superman’s Flight – In the shadow of the Petit Piton, this deep wall dive can take you to a depth of 1500 feet (460m). An assortment of corals, gorgonians and sponges, along with tropical fish and turtles can be found here. A good dive site for drift diving and deep diving.

For more detailed info on dive sites, boat operators and how you can enjoy one of the more adventurous things to do in Saint Lucia, click on our St. Lucia Diving page

Saint Lucia Cycling and Mountain Biking

Active things to do in St. Lucia include Mountain Biking and Cycling

Mountain biking in St. Lucia is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while gazing across jaw-dropping views of the mountainous island and Caribbean sea. There’s different terrain and trail styles to explore on St. Lucia, including some man-made courses and several nature trails that lead to waterfalls – It doesn’t get much better than this!  Some local resorts also offer Mountain Biking lessons on trails made specifically for different experience levels.

You can take a leisurely Fat Bike tour around a town, through the rain-forest, or even on a beach! Other MTB tours take you on rain-forest trails that lead to gorgeous waterfalls, where you can relax and soak-in the beauty of your natural surroundings.  Talking about nature… There’s even an organized tour in one of the island’s protected coastal areas.

Of course, you can also find cycling tours and  bicycle rentals for taking on St. Lucia’s mountainous roads.

For more information on one of the funnest things to do in Saint Lucia, including tour operators and bike rental shops who will get you outfitted, check out our St. Lucia Cycling & Biking page

Saint Lucia Kayaking – Enjoy the Island From the Tops of the Waves

Active things to do in St. Lucia include Kayaking the coast and bays

There’s nothing like exploring St. Lucia’s waterways and shorelines by kayak. Floating around on your single or tandem kayak, you can see the island from a unique perspective and it’s the perfect speed for sightseeing.  Kayaking is something that can be enjoyed by anyone, enabling the whole family to get up close and personal with nature. You can find active or relaxing routes for vigorous or gentle paddling, it’s up to you.

There’s a number of kayak tours available in the Marigot Bay area, either along the coastline, or up a river to explore the island’s interior.  Some kayak tours include short town visits with a locally prepared lunch, while others combine a relaxing fishing or bird watching experience.  Kayaking is also available in the Soufriere area, below the towering Pitons, bringing new meaning to the peaks that are measured in ‘above sea level’.  For a unique nature experience, kayaking is also available in the remote Pointe Sable Environmental Protection Area.  For the avid paddler, there are even multi-day kayak packages available ensuring an amazing and rewarding vacation experience!

For more information about one of the more adventurous things to do in Saint Lucia, including tour operators who will get you on the water, click on our St. Lucia Water Sports page

Have Fun!

ACT Staff

If you’re looking for more of a relaxing vacation, take a look at our St. Lucia Attractions blog

For an overview of the beautiful island of St. Lucia, click on our St. Lucia Vacations page

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Antigua’s Hidden Gem – Hike Monk’s Hill to Fort George

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Antigua Hiking at it's finest - Monk's Hill to Fort George provides great views!

Antigua Hiking – A Great Reward for a Little Effort

When I heard about a short but rewarding hike up to a hilltop in Antigua that had stunning views of Falmouth Harbour, I had to check it out. Part of Antigua’s National Park system, the remains of Fort George, sits atop Monk’s Hill – The English fortification, built on the island in the 17th century, can be found just north of the popular English Harbour, located along the south coast of Antigua.

As there aren’t any trail signs on the local roads, or on the trail itself for that matter, so it’s not easy to find. Luckily for us, someone provided basic directions, so that I could find the trail-head. Sure enough, after stopping for confirmation from another local, we found the trail not far behind Cobbs Cross Primary School.

Antigua Hiking at it's finest - Monk's Hill to Fort George provides great views!


We followed the road until it gradually degraded into a stone covered dirt road. The road has some seriously large ruts it in, making it near impossible to drive up it very far. After my car scraped bottom a couple of times I pulled over and parked to the side of the road, kind of sticking it in a bush to allow others to go by. There are a few houses further up the road, so I’m sure that a Rover or Jeep would be able to climb further than our car, however it’s really not worth the aggravation, just to shave a couple of minutes off an enjoyable hike.

Antigua Hiking at it's finest - Monk's Hill to Fort George provides great views!
The antenna marks the location of Monk’s Hill

OK, our Antigua hiking jaunt was on… We walked leisurely up the narrow track hoping that it was the actual trail – it turned out it was. We took our time, stopping every few hundred feet or so to take-in some nice views of the ocean and south coast that we could see over the rooftops of a few houses perched on the side of the hill. Wow – they must have great views from their backyards!

Antigua Hiking at it's finest - Monk's Hill to Fort George provides great views!
Antigua Hiking at it's finest - Monk's Hill to Fort George provides great views!
The fortification starting to come into view


We were walking steadily uphill, but it was a fairly gentle incline, making this a very pleasant stroll. Oh ya, it’s also nice when you’re enjoying beautiful warm Caribbean weather like we were. We had only walked about 10 minutes or so when we came across a split in the road. We decided to stay left, assuming that Monk’s Hill was the hilltop we could see to our left. We found out later that going the other way would have taken us to another hilltop, slightly lower than Monk’s Hill. I understand that trail continues down the other side of the hill, to a different road further east of Cobbs Cross School – I suppose this could provide an alternative, longer route to Fort George if someone is looking for a longer Antigua hiking experience.


Antigua Hiking at it's finest - Monk's Hill to Fort George provides great views!


On the sides of the road we noticed that the area’s flora is an interesting combination of tropical forest and dry scrub desert. There’s a lot of lush greenery, although there’s plenty of large and small varieties of cacti dotting the landscape as well.


As we neared the top of the mountain the road took a hairpin turn and ran parallel to a stone wall. This is actually the outer wall of the old fortification, which runs further to the east, providing a defensive perimeter for the north side of Fort George. This is a pretty long wall, so this must have been a formidable fortress in it’s day. The road takes another turn here, this time to the right leading us under and through a stone archway in the wall – This must be the entrance to the fort. From this vantage point, standing just inside the fort, we could actually see all the way to the north-east coast and Atlantic Ocean way off in the distance.

Antigua Hiking at it's finest - Monk's Hill to Fort George provides great views!
Antigua Hiking at it's finest - Monk's Hill to Fort George provides great views!



There was still a little more walking to do before reaching the hilltop. Eventually, we passed the remains of what appears to have been a stone gatehouse or something. Once we passed that, the peak sort of opens up to flatter surfaces. We could feel the wind getting stronger here so we knew we were at or near the peak. Our day of Antigua hiking was about to get exhilarating…



We then stumbled across the remains of a stone building, although we didn’t pay much attention to it as we were immediately drawn to the south, with glimpses of the Caribbean Sea. The wind was really picking up here and it was at this moment that I realized that we were on the edge of an escarpment. As we walked closer to the precipice, the southern Antigua shoreline opened up in front of us revealing the amazing bays and natural harbours below. I sat down on the edge of the cliff and savoured the stunning views – The scene of Falmouth Harbour was wonderful, as were the green rolling hills off to the right.

Antigua Hiking at it's finest - Monk's Hill to Fort George provides great views!

There was no-one else here, so we had the place to ourselves – I could have just sat there all day and soaked it in! This was one of those places where you just want to hang-out, relax and lose yourself in the moment. After a while, I started to think about the hike up here… I could imagine what it must have been like here a few hundred years ago – English soldiers transporting weapons and goods from ships in the harbour up to the fort. I don’t envy them. Dressed in their heavy cotton uniforms, they must have been itchy and uncomfortably hot under the midday sun – Not pleasant at all. Meanwhile, here we were today, just kicking-back in our lightweight and breathable shorts and Ts, without a care in the world, watching a regatta unfold below us. It was fun watching several small sailboats racing back and forth across the large bay.

Antigua Hiking at it's finest - Monk's Hill to Fort George provides great views!

Eventually, we decided to get up and look around some more. A short walk to the other side of the mountain top provided us with spectacular views to the north-east. The sights included the stone remains of an old mill, as well as a fairly large solar farm off in the distance. Once we had exhausted the views, we took some final pictures before journeying back down to the car. We encountered one other small group on our way down, so apparently this place hasn’t been entirely forgotten.

Antigua Hiking at it's finest - Monk's Hill to Fort George provides great views!

I can’t imagine a better way to spend a morning! This was a very pleasant, moderately steep and relatively short hike that culminates with the remains of a 17th-century fortification with stunning views of Antigua’s southern coastline. If you plan to do this hike, remember to bring water and wear a hat – It’s pretty much full exposure to the sun up on the peak.

ACT Staff

For a more ‘technical’ Trail Report as well as much more information on Antigua & Barbuda Hiking, please reference the following links (to pages on our website):

To Hike Antigua’s Monk’s Hill (Fort George), these local Tour Operators will take good care of you:

For an overview of the “land of sun and sea”, take a look at our Antigua & Barbuda Vacations page

If you’re looking for more active things to do while vacationing on the island, click on our Antigua Adventures blog for more great ideas!

For great Tourist Attractions on the island, check out our Things to Do in Antigua and Barbuda blog

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Barbados’ Modest Mount Gay Rum Distillery is ‘World Renowned’

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Active Caribbean Travel tours Barbados' Mount Gay Distillery

The Mount Gay “Historic Distillery Experience Tour”


Barbados is a unique coral island in the Caribbean famous for its white sandy beaches, consistently warm weather as well as being generally considered the birthplace of rum.  Hang-on – the birthplace of rum – think about the significance of that for a moment…  Personally, I am grateful to the folks who created my favourite alcoholic beverage over 300 years ago 😉.  A rum lover’s trip to Barbados would be incomplete without a visit to the oldest rum distillery in the Caribbean, “the rum that invented rum” – The illustrious Mount Gay Rum Distillery.

I was really looking forward to visiting Mount Gay’s historic distillery and taking their Distillery Experience Tour and I was not disappointed!  It was great to get out of the hustle and bustle of the touristy south-west area and travel up to the north end of Barbados known as Saint Lucy Parish.  The drive up the west coast was enjoyable, although the excitement really mounted when we drove inland.  I love the Barbados countryside and this rural area of the island is beautiful.  I knew we were getting close to the distillery when the gentle hills were covered with cotton fields and sugar cane crops.

Our mini-van pulled into a very unassuming lane on Mount Gilboa and after being welcomed by a Mount Gay Host, we were soon inside the Distillery’s impressive lounge listening to a knowledgeable Mount Gay Ambassador tell us about the history of the plantation and rum making on the island.  Chester told us the fascinating story of how one of the original plantation owners, John Sober (Seriously – I’m not making that name up) named the rum distillery after his manager, Sir John Gay Alleyne.  You see, it was John Gay’s leadership in the late 1700s that put Mount Gilboa (soon to become Mount Gay) Rum on the map and on the path that makes it one of the most reputable rum brands in the world today. Listening to Chester talk you would think he was referring to a small family run business, even though the company was bought by a major corporate conglomerate a few years ago. Throughout the tour, it became genuinely apparent that the folks working there, many of whom live in the nearby village, really do behave as a close-knit family.

Active Caribbean Travel tours Barbados' Mount Gay Distillery

I’ve been on a few rum tours before, however it was on this outing that I heard that saccharum officinarum, commonly known as sugar cane, contains the word ‘rum’ twice – Hhmnnn… Is this where the sweet liquid’s name came from? Chester also pointed out Barbados’ importance in all Caribbean rum production as it is home to the West Indies Central Sugar Cane Breeding Station – The place where different Sugar Cane varieties and strains come from!

Active Caribbean Travel tours Barbados' Mount Gay Distillery


It wasn’t too long before our small group (< a dozen) journeyed outside to the warm and beautiful grounds where our host Tina walked us over to the well used to source the water for Mount Gay rum.  Chester explained that Barbados’ unique coral limestone terrain acts as a natural filter for the island’s underground water system.  It’s absolutely amazing to hear that Mount Gay uses the same well as they did hundreds of years ago.  It was also mentioned that the water is triple filtered before being used for their rums.


While Mount Gay grows its own sugar cane, we were informed that sugar production on the island is just a fraction of what it once was and as a result, they also use molasses from cane imported from other parts of the Caribbean.  That said, they work with the government-run sugar refinery (used by all the island’s rum producers) to maintain control over their molasses content/mix. Chester informed us that Mount Gay is planning to increase their own sugar cane production as well as build their own sugar refinery in the near future.  This can only help manage the consistency and quality of their products.

Active Caribbean Travel tours Barbados' Mount Gay Distillery


Active Caribbean Travel tours Barbados' Mount Gay Distillery

Speaking of molasses…  our tour coincided with a truck pumping the oil-like substance into Mount Gay’s holding tanks.  The air was filled with the strong aromatics from the bitter/sweet liquid I like to call ‘the other black gold’.  We made a quick stop inside the low-roofed building to view the molasses containers before entering the large distillery building next door. Here, we got to taste local Barbados molasses as well as the “other Caribbean” molasses.  I thought the local product was much thicker with both sweet and tart notes than the other thinner syrup.  I’m sure it’s an interesting process for the Mount Gay experts to blend the two.


Active Caribbean Travel tours Barbados' Mount Gay Distillery



We then moved into another room that contains giant barrels, of which we can only see the top few feet.  I believe these barrels were made from French Oak.  The first vat is a yeast “hot tub” where the initial molasses-based ‘mash’ is made. This liquid is then transferred barrel to barrel through an open-air fermentation or ‘wash’ process.


Active Caribbean Travel tours Barbados' Mount Gay Distillery



The next room we visited is where the actual distillation takes place. Mount Gay’s Scottish and Spanish ‘pot’ stills, along with a copper column produce the alcohol that’s almost rum.  I found it interesting that the column still was just recently brought back into the Mount Gay rum-making process.



This was all very interesting, however the group may have been getting a little restless at this stage – We wanted to taste the result of all this love and science.  Lucky for us, our next stop was a short distance across the grounds to another building that housed a large kitchen-like room – Here’s where the hands-on fun began! Like a high-school science class, we each had our own station for this portion of the tour.

Active Caribbean Travel tours Barbados' Mount Gay Distillery
Active Caribbean Travel tours Barbados' Mount Gay Distillery

We started by sampling 7-year-old versions of both pot still and column still rums.  We were now hosted by a member of the Mount Gay blending team, who was very helpful in encouraging us to recognize the more subtle differences in the rums – The citrusy aroma and mild taste of the column still rum, in contrast to the spicy smell and more complex flavours of the pot still rum. Honestly, to me, the rum from the column still was very fragrant and tasted a bit sweet, while the pot still rum had a strong alcohol aroma and a stronger flavour with a little burn. After sampling, we blended our own rum creations. For my signature rum, I chose a 60-40 Pot-Column mix.  While I hope it tastes good, before we left the island I picked up a bottle of Mount Gay Black Barrel rum…  You know, just in case.

On the move again… We went back into the Mount Gay reception building and relaxed in the bar for some much-anticipated sampling.  Our friendly host Tina was behind the bar to offer us samples of their Black Barrel, XO and XO Peat Smoke Expression rums.  It was astonishing to actually be able to discern the diverse flavour profiles of this fine collection – The Mount Gay Master Blenders are certainly doing something right!

Active Caribbean Travel tours Barbados' Mount Gay Distillery

I found the Black Barrel surprisingly smooth and sweet – My palate really appreciated the extra aging/maturation in heavily charred bourbon barrels.  XO is a staple in my bar at home, so I was not surprised to enjoy the hint of vanilla within its flavour depth.  Finally, the Peat Smoke XO, which I understand includes a final maturation in Scottish peated whiskey casks – Absolutely Brilliant. Smooth with a serious earthy/nutty flavour profile similar to a fine scotch whiskey (I suspect, as I don’t drink Scotch).  For the true rum connoisseur, this rum is worthy of the >$250us a bottle price tag.

A few folks had left the tour prior to entering the bar, leaving a small affable group of British, Canadians and Americans to get to know each other a little bit better. I enjoyed the lively conversation with my new friends, which of course focused on our common love for rum and the Caribbean – A good time was had by all!

Active Caribbean Travel tours Barbados' Mount Gay Distillery


… and the tour wasn’t over just yet – We went outside for some fresh air as we walked over to one of the ‘barns’ where they warehouse, or more accurately ‘age & mature’ their rums. Mount Gay rums are typically matured in used American whiskey casks – We noted a number of Jack Daniels stamps on some of the old barrels.  I understand that cognac casks are utilized in some of their specialty rums.  We also noticed an area with new/future products – Looks like they’re being aged in used wine casks.  I guess we’ll have to wait to find out more about these creations…

Our super-friendly and unpretentious tour had to come to an end. The overall vibe of the Mount Gay Distillery was informative, yet informal and fun – It was almost hard to believe that some of the best rums in the world really come from a distillery with such a low-key ‘small town’ feel to it. Bravo – Well Done!

ACT Staff

If the Historic Distillery Experience Tour sounds like fun, you can book your own via the Mount Gay website or by visiting their facebook page.  Please note that Mount Gay also offers a number of other Rum Tasting Tours and Workshops at their easily accessible Bridgetown Visitor Centre location.

If you’re interested in reading more about rum, check out our Caribbean Rum page and our Barbados Rum page, which includes a list of Tour Operators who will get you sampling Barbados’ finest.

For an overview of beautiful Barbados, take a look at our Barbados Vacations page

For other great Tourist Attractions on the island, check out our Things to Do in Barbados page

If you’re looking for more ‘active’ things to do while vacationing on the island, click on our Barbados Adventures blog post for some great ideas!