You can find Martinique comfortably located between Dominica and St. Lucia, pretty much in the middle of the southern Caribbean. As an “over-seas region” of France and the 3rd largest of the Windward Islands, Martinique is a unique Caribbean destination, and that holds true for its hiking trails. The island offers a variety of easy relaxing walks as well as some very challenging and mountainous hikes. Although we were only there for the day as part of a cruise stop, we were feeling ambitious and decided to attempt hiking one of the tallest peaks on the island – Piton Lacroix, which stands majestically at 3,870 feet (1,180m) above sea-level.
We rented a car in Fort-de-France, then headed north-west along the coast towards Le-Morne Vert. We were amazed to discover that the main roads on Martinique are large, well maintained multi-lane highways. It was a nice scenic drive, filled with gorgeous coastal views on one side, and green mountainous rainforest views on the other! Just past Bellefontaine, we headed inland towards the town of Saint Maurice. Driving on these narrow, winding roads, we got lost a few times before ending up at the east end of a road called Canton Suisse.
At this point, I’ll mention that sometimes things just don’t work out as planned… While there are over 3 dozen marked trails on Martinique, unbeknownst to me at the time, this wasn’t one of them. Not one of my best ideas – However, it was an adventure, none the less!
We parked the car on the side of the road near an old farmhouse and walked up a steep paved road which turned into a dirt/grass track before ending-up at a partly plowed farmer’s field. As we walked, we passed goats and cows wandering around. As we seemed to have startled them, I don’t think they were used to many visitors. At the edge of the field, we could see a series of forested mountains in the background to the east. From this vantage point, we also had beautiful views to the north/west of the island, towards Saint Maurice, Le Morne Vert as well as the Caribbean Sea.
Did I mention that we were kind of winging it? Well… as we were at the forest edge, I assumed that the trail must start here somewhere, however there was no marked trailhead of any sort. I walked the edge of the field/forest trying to find some hint of a trail. I never really found anything that resembled a well-used trail but eventually, after about 10-15 minutes of searching, we headed up-hill on what appeared to be a path of some sort. In the back of mind, I was wondering if this was a wild animal path, as I have been known to veer off man-made trails, accidentally following deer paths and the like – I guess we would find out
I’m up there on the trail… err… path…
From the start, the going was tough, not just because the trail was barely visible, but because the path was extremely steep and muddy – we were slipping and sliding all over the place. After what seemed like an hour or more, the trail finally looked a bit more discernible, albeit strewn with fallen trees and rocks. This was a true rain-forest hike adventure, as the forest was very dense and dark in most sections, with only the occasional rays of sun peeking through the heavy canopy. Pretty cool!
While at this stage of the hike I was starting to gain confidence that this may be an actual trail, we had consumed a fair amount of time for a couple of reasons. One because there were a number of steep and muddy sections that we had to carefully pick-our-way up and around, but also because the trail to this point was not obvious so we couldn’t motor along like we typically would. When you lack confidence, you lack in conviction (and speed).
When we had made it to some high ground where we could see where we were, the hike became a little more intimidating. It appeared as though we had just hiked to the top of a small ridge of sorts, and now were probably less than halfway to the peak of Piton Lacroix. We were about 2,526 feet (770m) above sea-level at this point and we could see that the trail descended into a gulley and we could only assume that it took a seriously steep ascent of Piton Lacroix which we could see across the valley. It was already afternoon, and with an estimated 3 more hours traversing another couple thousand feet (700m) of elevation change to complete the hike and return, we decided it wasn’t do-able with our time constraints, so we turned back.
We were covered in mud, tired and disappointed that we didn’t reach the peak, however it was an experience to have got this far. We found out later, once I found a proper map of Martinique’s trails, that while this is an actual trail, it is not maintained and rarely used.
While we didn’t have the time to complete this hike, we realized that we didn’t have to head back to the port right away. After getting back to the car, we drove a little further north before heading back to the coast. As a result, we stumbled across the town of Le Carbet and found a beautiful quiet beach. What a find! We wandered around for a while, appreciating the cool breeze off the Caribbean Sea. When we were leaving town we also noticed a boutique rum distillery, so we stopped in for a visit. While most Caribbean islands make their own rum, Martinique could be considered the rum capital of the world with its more than 10 distilleries and even more rum brands. For more information, check out our Martinique Rhum page. Anyways, we had a good afternoon as we found some nice areas of Martinique to visit.
Before we got back on the cruise ship, I managed to grab a nice detailed Martinique Hiking Trail Map – Next time, we will be much better prepared! Reference our Circuit de la Caravelle blog post for proof of that.
ACT Staff
For a more ‘technical’ Trail Report as well as much more information on hiking in Martinique, please reference the following links (to pages on our website):
For an overview of this French Caribbean Island Paradise, take a look at our Martinique Vacations page
If you’re looking for more active things to do while vacationing on the island, click on our Martinique Adventures blog for more great ideas! (coming soon)
For a more relaxed vacation itinerary, you can find great Tourist Attractions on the island, by checking out our Things to Do in Martinique blog (coming soon)
Barbados is the most easterly island in the Caribbean and its coral origins differ from it’s volcanic neighbours to the west, St. Lucia and St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The island is shaped like a foot, with a length of about 21 miles (34 km) and a width of 14 miles (23 km) at the widest point in the south. While best known for its English heritage, white sandy beaches and great rum, Barbados has plenty to offer travelers seeking action, both in the sea and on land.
If you’re looking for adventure while vacationing in the Caribbean, it’s always great fun to get off the resort and really explore the island. With its protective reefs off the west and south coasts, Barbados offers some great sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and a whole lot of water-sports! On land, you can enjoy caving as well as hiking and biking. Take a look at our recommended activities that will make you feel alive in Barbados – Enjoy!
Barbados Sail and Snorkel Adventures
With such a rich sailing tradition in Barbados, it’s no surprise that getting out on the ocean, combined with snorkeling a couple of unique hotspots, is the number one active tourist activity on the island. It’s always a fun and interesting perspective to experience an island from the sea. In Barbados, that means near-constant winds and calm Caribbean waters along the island’s west coast. Local catamaran operators offer a variety of luxurious sailing adventures, most involving delicious meals and free-flowing rum beverages – It doesn’t get much better than that! Actually, it does… The ship’s crew knows exactly where to drop anchor, inviting you to swim with turtles and snorkel over a shallow shipwreck in Carlisle Bay. This adventure is really the highlight of any trip to Barbados!
Then again, you don’t need a boat to partake in Barbados snorkeling. There’s plenty of gorgeous beaches with easy access to shallow artificial reefs close to shore! The west and south-west coasts have some great snorkeling spots, including two marine sanctuaries, Folkestone Marine Park near Holetown and Carlisle Bay Marine Park just south of the island’s capital, Bridgetown. When visiting Barbados, it’s a real treat to explore a shipwreck covered with colourful coral, fans and sponges that is frequented by a variety of tropical fish.
For more information, along with tour operators who can get you out on the water, check out our Barbados Sailing and Barbados Snorkeling pages.
For the more adventurous and athletic type, you’ll be happy to hear that Barbados is one of the top 3 Caribbean islands for surfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and windsurfing! Barbados enjoys near-constant trade winds, with multiple coastlines experiencing a variety of wave conditions on any given day. Combined with the island’s amazing white sandy beaches and year-round warm weather, fun at the beach is hard to beat in Barbados!
There are over two dozen good surf spots all around the island, with the southwest coast being ideal for beginners, while intermediate and expert surfers will love the south coast – Barbados real surfing scene. That said, world-class surfing swells can be found at the famous Soup Bowl, on the island’s east coast near Bathsheba. SUP is popular with tourists of all kinds all along the west and southwest coasts. Things really get exciting when the waves pick up – SUP surfing anyone? The south coast also has reliable moderate to strong cross-shore winds making the area a hotbed of windsurfing and kitesurfing. Wow!
Barbados’ rugged and beautiful north and northwest coasts, coupled with regularly calm waters along the west coast, make it a great place to kayak. Glass-bottom kayaks are available that allow non-snorkelers to enjoy the incredible underwater sites. For those with a need for (mechanical) speed, you can find boat operators offering waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing and more. There are also jet ski rentals as well as Jetblading (hydro jetpacking) lessons available on the island.
For more information, along with water sports operators who offer surfing, SUP as well as water sports gear rentals, check out our Barbados Water-Sports page.
Barbados Scuba Diving Action
While no surprise to those in the know… Barbados is a great Caribbean scuba diving destination. The island has over twenty dive sites, easily accessed by a short 10-20 minute boat ride. With water temperatures in the high-70s to mid-80s (25-29c) along with good visibility down to 70 feet deep, you’re sure to enjoy a dive in Barbados. There are 10 shipwrecks to explore along with plenty of tropical fish, corals, sponges and sea fans to enjoy. You could also swim with exciting sea creatures like turtles, rays, eels and even seahorses!
The most popular dive sites are located off the protected west and south(west) coasts of the island, including the Carlisle Bay Marine Park. Divers will enjoy calm waters and an abundance of marine life when exploring the shallow (30 – 60 feet) fringing reefs of the west coast. Of course, the highlight of anyone’s dive trip will be the incredible wreck of the Stavronikita – A 365-foot long freighter resting in water 25 to 130 feet deep. Carlisle Bay Marine Park features half a dozen shipwrecks that litter the sandy seafloor. A great site for beginner divers and underwater photographers alike.
The south(west) coast offers diverse ecosystems across a variety of fringe, bank as well as barrier reefs. There are over a dozen great dive sites, including one featuring the broken remains of a 170-foot long shipwreck in just 55 feet of water. A great area for some amazing drift dives, plus deep divers will enjoy plunging down double-sided barrier reefs south of the island. The typically rough waters of the north and east coast can be dived as well, however ocean conditions have to be just right.
For more information, along with boat operators and dive centres who can get you in the deep, check out our Barbados Diving pages.
Barbados Golf
One of the best golf destinations in the Caribbean, Barbados offers half a dozen links to choose from. The island’s 18-hole, Par 72 golf courses include:
Barbados Golf Club – Located at the southern end of Barbados in Christ Church, the Ron Kirby designed course features gently rolling hills, wide-open fairways and two strategically placed water hazards
Apes Hill Club – Located about halfway up the west coast, the environmentally-conscious course was certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary
Sandy Lane “Country Club” – Located centrally near the west coast, is a Tom Fazio designed course featuring several water hazards, combined with relaxing views of the Caribbean Sea
Sandy Lane “Green Monkey” – The hotel-guest exclusive course is also a Tom Fazio creation, making great use of a former limestone quarry
Royal Westmoreland – Located centrally near the west coast, the private Robert Trent Jones Jr designed course offers a spectacular tropical setting to its guests, along with a limited number of offsite golfers.
The Rockley Golf & Country Club located near the south-west coast of Barbados in Christ Church, offers an 18-Hole / Par 70 experience on a relatively flat parkland course consisting of 9 holes with alternate tees. Sandy Lane also has the “Old Nine” Par 36 course with tree-lined fairways and small greens. There’s also an 18-Hole “standard mini-putt” course, Barbados Mini Golf, located in the west / centre area of the island.
For more information, along with links (pun intended) to the courses themselves, check out our Barbados Golf page.
Barbados Fishing Adventure
A great place for Caribbean fishing, Barbados has reefs and deep-sea locations only a few minutes from shore. If it’s big game fish you’re after, there’s plenty of Blue Marlin, Wahoo (Kingfish), Sailfish, Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin), Tuna and Barracuda out there… You can ‘reel one in’ off Barbados’s south and west coast in the winter and the inner and outer reefs on both coasts offer a variety of year-round fishing options.
You can also fish for Dorado, Jacks, Bonito, Barracuda and Snapper. Barbados fishing will satisfy true fishing enthusiasts as well as those just looking for a fun day at sea with friends and family. If you’re looking for real competitive fishing, you’re welcome to participate in the annual Barbados International Fishing Tournament in April.
For more information, along with boat operators to help you catch the big one, check out our Barbados Fishing page.
Barbados Hiking & Biking Action
A great way to explore the natural beauty of Barbados is by hiking and/or biking the island’s tropical forests and coastal trails. Panoramic views from the rugged north and east coasts can’t be beaten, while the southern coast offers views of unique wetlands as well as beautiful beaches combined with gorgeous blue seas. Barbados offers fairly easy hiking and biking routes, although there are some hilly and long trails that are more challenging. Some trails take you through gullies, cane fields and grasslands, while others allow you to visit historic districts and villages.
Most of Barbados’ hiking trails are found along the east coast. There are a number of hiking guides on the island who can help you find the right trail to meet you needs and desires. A sampling of a few of the more popular hiking trails include:
Bath to Bathsheba Railway Line Trail – An easy hike of just over 3.5 miles (6km) one-way, requiring 2-3 hours to complete. The east coast trail has some great views of the rugged coastline and the Atlantic Ocean.
Nature & Heritage Trail – An easy 3 hour round trip hike with views of the west coast from the Whim Gully, Speightstown and Heywoods Beach along with natural, cultural, and historical sites along the way.
Turner’s Hall Woods to Barclays Trail – An easy–to-intermediate 4 miles (7km) one-way hike that descends from a biodiversity-rich forest in the Scotland district and travels down to the east coast.
Bathsheba / Congor Rocks / Hackleton’s Cliff Loop Trail – An easy–to-intermediate 9 miles (13km) trail along the rugged coastline then inland through a forest with a crevice to traverse. You’ll be rewarded with outstanding views.
The island has plenty of safe road routes for cyclists, as well as a variety of off-road adventures to make any mountain biker happy. You can venture out on your own, or hire a guide who knows the island and can ensure a safe and enjoyable ride. There are even options for riding electric-assisted bikes or touring the island via a car/bike combo tour! Some of the best places for Barbados cycling include:
The east coastline from Hackelton’s Cliff to Codrington College has a variety of ‘sites to see’ including St John’s Parish Church and various plantations. This area provides a varied terrain with incredible views of the rugged eastern coastline.
The south coastline from Oistins to the Chancery Lane Swamp has numerous attractions such as the South Point Lighthouse and the Silver Sands district. A combination of road and off-road tracks in the area offer spectacular ocean views.
In the northwest, you can cycle from the coastal area near Harrison’s Point Lighthouse inland to Mount Gilboa. This hilly rural route traverses small villages as well as cotton and cane fields.
For more information, along with hiking and biking guides to help you get the most out of your day, check out our Barbados Hiking and Barbados Biking pages.
Have fun out there!
ACT Staff
Once you’ve had your fill of action and want to slow-it-down a bit, check out our recommended Things To Do in Barbados blog post
For an overview of the beautiful island of Barbados, take a look at our Barbados Vacations page
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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Wildlife Attractions like Parrots, Iguanas and Red Footed Boobies!
A British Territory in the Western Caribbean, Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac are peaks of the massive underwater Cayman Ridge. The Cayman Islands are located south of Cuba, between Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and Jamaica. Little Cayman and Cayman Brac are situated east and slightly north of Grand Cayman.
If you’re wondering how to get to these remote islands… Don’t worry, there are daily island hopper flights from Grand Cayman that can fly you over quickly and easily. Local Grand Cayman boat operators can also cover the 80 miles (130km) and the cruise is fun in itself.
There’s plenty of unique and interesting things to do in the Cayman Islands, and that includes the lesser visited ones as well as Grand Cayman. Let’s take a look at some of our favourite attractions and things to do when visiting Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.
Things to Do in Cayman Brac
The first thing to know about Cayman Brac, affectionately known as ‘the brac’, is that the island is named for the 140 foot (43m) high bluff, or “brac” on the east end of the island. While not exactly daunting, it is the highest point of the Cayman Islands and provides some pretty spectacular views of the sea towards Cuba. The main attraction of the Brac is the National Trust Parrot Reserve. These protected lands are home to the remaining few hundred of endemic parrots that exist in the wild. There’s a mile long nature trail that loops through a corner of the reserve, allowing you to experience the area’s natural brush and forested habitat as well as mango trees, cactus and orchids. With any luck, you may even spot a parrot!
You’ll also find a couple of interesting low-key attractions on the island. Heritage House, a re-purposed old tannery, hosts cultural events and a local craft market. The Cayman Brac Museum features free exhibits showcasing the turtle trade, ship-building as well as the history of local hurricanes.
Things to Do on Little Cayman
If you’re looking for a quieter island than Cayman Brac, well Little Cayman, population 100 (there-abouts), will probably fit the bill 😉 One recommendation for something to do on the island is… Relax and do nothing – and by nothing we mean, meditate, read a book or go for some leisurely walks. When you’re ready for a little more excitement, you can hop on a bike and casually cycle around the island’s 8 mile (13km) loop stopping at wildlife viewing stations along the way.
The real attraction of the island is it’s relatively undisturbed nature. Little Cayman has gorgeous mangroves and lagoons, as well as salt ponds and tropical forests to explore. One area of interest is the Preston Bay Iguana Habitat. Here you can stroll along a boardwalk learning about what lives in the area from informational signs posted along the way. The real star of the show however, is Booby Pond Nature Reserve – A RAMSAR wetland, recognized by BirdLife International as an ‘Important Bird Area’! The 200 acre site is home to 10s of thousands of red-footed boobies along with frigates, herons, ducks, warblers, plovers, sandpipers and more. The Reserve has a visitor centre with an observation gallery equipped with some handy telescopes for examining the local flora and fauna.
If you’re looking for some fun and festivities, time your visit to coincide with the annual Cayman Islands Pirates Week Festival. You can participate in the Caribbean’s premier pirate festival and the Cayman Islands’ largest national event which includes activities on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Events include parades, costume contests, scavenger hunts, street parties, boat races and more.
If you’re looking for something else to do on the islands, that will raise your pulse rate a bit higher, check out our Cayman Brac & Little Cayman Adventure recommendations blog
For our overview of the beautiful and diverse islands that make up the Caymans, click on our Cayman Islands Vacations page
A Great House, Heritage Railway, Rum Distillery and more…
Barbados is a unique coral island in the south-eastern Caribbean famous for its white-sand beaches, consistently warm weather as well as generally being considered the birthplace of rum. It was on a(nother) quest for rum that motivated me to leave the beaches and touristy south-west area and travel across the island to the rural north-east of Barbados – I’m sure glad we decided to visit St. Nicholas Abbey! This excursion really helped us get to know some of the history and culture of the island, as well as see some of its natural beauty.
St. Nicholas Abbey is comfortably nestled in the beautiful “Scottish highlands” of Barbados – A region full of natural beauty which we witnessed first hand as we drove up the hilly east coast and up/across a ridge that took us past the amazingly preserved Morgan Lewis Windmill and the fabulous Cherry Tree Hill look-out (more on that later). I really enjoyed the last bit of the drive along an extraordinary road lined with massive Mahogany trees whose branches seemed to touch each other above us across the road.
We arrived at the grand old plantation just in time! The St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway was preparing to leave the station. We boarded the train and were off… The ride started in a gentle arc around a pond and past some sugar cane fields before chugging up a bit of a hill. After another wide turn, we entered a mature stand of mahogany which gave way to a section of track flanked by a cliffside which was remarkably close to the train. I understand this train and its track was completed in late 2018, with tours having just started in early 2019. This rail system is an authentic representation of the 19th Century transportation system used in Barbados to transport sugar, then later commuters, around the island. The train cars were stunningly beautiful and I could just feel the craftsmanship that went into their construction. We enjoyed our ride, which was narrated by a tour guide who helped us understand what we were seeing along the journey.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before we reached the end of the line at Cherry Tree Hill. At this point, we were pleasantly surprised to be volunteered into assisting the train crew turn the train engine around on a manual carousal/turn-table in preparation for the return journey. It’s not every day that you can participate in such an event! Our work done, we wandered across the street to visit some local vendors who had set up tables and were selling a variety of souvenirs. That didn’t hold our attention for long, as we noticed the amazing views of the island just a few steps away.
This is the second-highest point on Barbados and we savoured the breathtaking views of the island’s hills and ridges as well as the rugged boulder-strewn shoreline of the east coast. Before reboarding the train, we took the opportunity to get our picture taken with the spectacular ‘period correct’ engine and listen to the train conductor as he told stories about the history of trains and their cargo/passengers on the island. This experience really transported us back in time to the days before Barbados had roads. We imagined trains commuting people from Bridgetown around the south end of the island and heading up the east coast, which at that time was the destination of choice for wealthy travelers – It’s still a great place to spend time in the beautiful Bajan countryside away from the hustle and bustle of the west coast.
After our railway adventure was complete, we exited the train to tour St. Nicholas Abbey’s great house. After a short walk across a manicured field lined with gardens and giant palm trees, we were welcomed into one of only two surviving 17th-century Jacobian homes in the Caribbean. English Jacobian architecture is characterized by its combination of Tudor, Elizabethan and Renaissance styles influenced by Flemish, Dutch and French architecture of the time. A tour guide walked us through the main floor pointing out some of the house’s antiques and artifacts while providing a brief history of some of the owners who had lived there.
I immediately gazed upon the Drawing Room’s chandelier, which was decorated with shells. Along with an English tea set from the 1800s, I enjoyed inspecting the “sailors valentines” – mosaics, ornately assembled from tiny shells. The Dining Room looked inviting, with the table fully set with fine china.
We then passed through the Study, which featured a vintage 1930s “Gentleman’s Chair” complete with a backrest, footrest, wheels, table attachments and a reading lamp. There was also a much older mahogany “judge chair” that looked very much at home in the storied great house.
It was interesting listening to the long line of families and sordid tales of the some of the inhabitants. Some of the more revered owners of the property included Sir John Gay Allyne, a long time local government official and Mount Gay rum fame, as well as the more recent Cave family, who lived at the house from the early 1800s all the way up to 2006.
After the great house tour, we headed outside where we enjoyed a complimentary rum punch in a courtyard under the shadow of a massive 400 year old Sandbox tree. We then took a short walk down a gentle slope past some cockatoos and colourful macaws to see the rum producing parts of the plantation. I understand that a few days a week, staff demonstrate how the plantation’s sugar cane is crushed for juice which is then reduced to a sweet syrup – The day we visited, the old Steam Mill was not in operation. St. Nicholas Abbey uses cane sugar syrup and a modern hybrid (pot/column) still, to produce their rum which is aged in used bourbon barrels.
We then went back into their main building and watched a short film, which is essentially ‘home movies’ from the 1930s taken by a Cave family member. The filmed covered their Atlantic crossing, scenes of a bustling Bridgetown, clearly centred around the sugar industry, as well as scenes of the plantation including traditional sugar and rum-making utilizing windmills. The video was followed by a short discussion about their rum, along with a sampling of their 5 year old spirit. St. Nicholas Abbey rekindled the old plantation’s rum making in the early 2000s, and now produce small-batch, single cask artisan rums that also include an 8 year old, 15 year old as well as a rare 22 year old. They also produce a white rum along with interestingly flavoured rums (Banana, Passion Fruit, Sorrel and Coffee) as well as Rum Punch.
The tour formally ended at this point, however guests were welcome to roam the plantation or enjoy lunch on a fantastic terrace situated above a lush ravine. We wandered back into the great house and also visited their rum bottling building, where a woman was hand bottling some ‘special occasion’ rums. After having a light lunch in their snack bar we visited their gift shop where a nice assortment of souvenirs was available – I thought their coffee beans, flavoured by being stored in empty rum barrels, was interesting – Nice!
What a great way to spend an afternoon. St. Nicholas Abbey, which by the way is/was not an abbey at all… has plenty to offer visitors… from a Train ride and Great house to assorted Rum related attractions. The plantation also conveniently has a restaurant, snack bar and gift shops. That said, the place really provides a historical perspective of Barbados that you just can’t get on the beach. St. Nicholas Abbey does a good job in preserving the heritage of Barbados. The property and facilities all have a ‘new’ feel to it, clearly well managed and professionally run, although its staff is still nice and friendly, which we have come to expect from Bajans – Casual and laid back…
ACT Staff
For more information about the plantation and its tours, check out their website at St. Nicholas Abbey
For Tour Operators who can get you there as well as other great Tourist Attractions on the island, check out our Things to Do in Barbados page
If you’re interested in reading more about rum, check out our Caribbean Rum page as well as 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
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!
