Tag: Hiking

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The Top 6 Adventures in St. Kitts & Nevis

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Active Things to Do in St. Kitts & Nevis – From the Tops of Volcanoes to Underwater Shipwrecks

The Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis Islands, commonly referred to as “St. Kitts” or “SKN”, is a two island nation of the Caribbean Lesser Antilles’ Leeward Islands. Saint Kitts and Nevis islands are actually the tops of a submerged volcanic mountain range, covered with rolling green folds of volcanic peaks and lush valleys – More than a quarter of the islands are conserved via National Park lands!  Regular ferry service connects the islands of Saint Kitts with Nevis – They’re only a couple of miles (3 km) apart. The sister islands are just a few miles from its closest neighbours, Sint Eustatius to the north-west, Barbuda and Antigua to the East and Montserrat to the south.

Active things to do in St. Kitts & Nevis include snorkeling, diving, hiking, biking and enjoying water sports

While many tourists spend their time ‘Limin’, relaxing on the beach with a local lime flavoured rum beverage, others see the amazing adventure opportunities the mountainous islands have to offer…  Our personal favourite active things to do in St. Kitts & Nevis include…

St. Kitts & Nevis Hiking – Get on some Amazing Trails

There are a variety of hiking trails on each island, offering something for everyone – From short nature walks, to intermediate hikes, along with challenging volcano hikes on each island. Combined, Saint Kitts and Nevis have half a dozen mountainous peaks above 1,500 feet (500m), along with numerous other great areas to hike.

Active things to do in St. Kitts & Nevis include hiking Mount Liamuiga

No adventurous trip to Saint Kitts is complete without hiking up Mount Liamuiga volcano, the island’s highest peak which stands 3,792 feet (1,156 m) above sea level. This is a fairly challenging hike. It’s only 5 miles (8km) or so round trip, however it usually takes 4–6 hours to hike to the peak and back due to it’s rooty terrain and steep sections.  A great Caribbean ‘bucket list’ hike for sure!

A number of excellent hiking trails can be found on the west side of Saint Kitts.  Good mountainous trails on the island include Dos D’ane Pond Hike (The Mansion Source Trail) on Verchilds Mountain and the Radio Tower Hike a little further south.

Other great hikes on the island of St. Kitts can be found in the Central Forest Reserve National Park.  Trails include the “Valley of Giants” Rainforest Hike and the Peter Manning Trail Hike.

That said, the nice Phillips Rainforest Hike is reached from the east side of the island, and the epic Southern Peninsula hiking trail is found, not surprisingly at the south end of St. Kitts – This is a unique ‘dry scrub-brush’ trail with access to empty beaches and is full of mesmerizing ocean views.

Active things to do in St. Kitts & Nevis include snorkeling, diving, hiking, biking and enjoying water sports

Nevis Peak dominates the landscape on the small island of Nevis and it is the most challenging and popular hike on the island.  The trail is only a couple of miles in length, however the hike will take 4-5 hours to complete due to it’s steepness – But why rush to get back down when you’ll be spoiled with the spectacular views from the top (You might be able to see Montserrat and Antigua on a clear day).

There are other relatively short hikes on Nevis as well, such as the Golden Rock Nature Trail, the Devil’s Copper Waterfall Trail, the Source Trail and the Sulphur Springs Hike.  With Nevis’ natural beauty, there’re all sure to please.

For more information on one of the funnest things to do in St. Kitts & Nevis, including hiking guides who will get you on the trail, click on our St. Kitts & Nevis Hiking page

Saint Kitts and Nevis Snorkeling – Enjoy Bays, Reefs and more…

Active things to do in St. Kitts & Nevis include snorkeling

Saint Kitts and Nevis offer a number of locations to explore it’s underwater world. Slip into the warm Caribbean sea and snorkel right off the beach, or take a short boat ride to some nearby reefs and a shipwreck that lie in clear waters. Explore a new world full of diverse coral, sponges and tropical fish, as well as colourful sea fans and even sea turtles and rays.

The best snorkeling sites around Saint Kitts are along the west coast of the islands and include shallow spots like White House Bay and Green Point Reef as well as slightly deeper spots like Ballest Bay, Shitten Bay (no that’s not a spelling mistake) and Turtle Bar Reef. There’s even a shipwreck in less than 25 feet (8m) of water that can be viewed while snorkeling.

For those who want to enjoy longer / deeper under water journeys, but don’t have scuba diving experience, Snuba (Mask and mouthpiece with air-tube) tours are available as well!

Nevis offers similar snorkeling spots, including Booby Island and Herberts.

For more information on one of the better things to do in St. Kitts & Nevis, including tour / boat operators who will get you in the water, check out our St. Kitts & Nevis Snorkeling page

St. Kitts and Nevis Water Sports – Plenty of Options

One of the best ways to really experience the Caribbean is by getting on the beach and into / onto the water. St. Kitts offers an assortment of thrilling water sports activities, both motorized and human powered, while Nevis gives you some more laid back options to appreciate the islands’ coastline.

Active things to do in St. Kitts & Nevis include water sports Adventures like Kayaking, SUP, kitesurfing, Parasailing and more

The most popular spot for water sport action in the island of St. Kitts can be found on the beaches around the southern peninsula. You can kayak, SUP (Paddle Board) and surf along the gorgeous coast line, or if you’re looking for more of an adrenaline rush, try flyboarding, Kiteboarding / Kitesurfing, Parasailing, Wakeboarding / Tubing and jet-skiing.  Small sail boats are also available cruise up and down the coast on.

The beaches along the west coast of Nevis can be enjoyed by kayak and SUP (Paddle Board) and jet-skiis are also available.

For more information on some of the more adventurous things to do in St. Kitts & Nevis, including tour operators who will get you outfitted, check out our St. Kitts & Nevis Water Sports page

Mountain Bike & Cycle the Sister Islands

Active things to do in St. Kitts & Nevis includes Mountain Biking and Cycling Adventures

Mountain biking in the Caribbean is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while exploring the islands – Getting great views of the Caribbean sea and neighbouring islands is an added bonus. St. Kitts offers some cane field and road routes, while Nevis has a number of terrain options and trail styles to choose from. There’s something for everyone on the sister islands.

The best places to cycle on the island of Saint Kitts includes some cane fields and roads around the capital Basseterre and through the southern peninsula.

For the MTB and Cycling enthusiast, Nevis is the place to be!  You can ride off-road on plantation trails and old road beds, including some nice down-hill trails.  On the road, there are short, medium and long routes to cycle, including hilly and ‘around the island’ circuits.

For more information, including guides and tour operators who will get you on the saddle, click on our St. Kitts & Nevis Biking page

Dive the Reefs and Wrecks of Saint Kitts & Nevis

Active things to do in St. Kitts & Nevis includes Scuba Diving Adventures

One of the better areas in the Caribbean for diving, Saint Kitts and Nevis offer a variety of dive sites in both the Atlantic and Caribbean seas around the islands – There are over two dozen dive sites with reefs, wrecks and walls to explore. There’s something for divers of all skills to enjoy. If you’ve always wanted to try scuba diving, Saint Kitts is a great place to get started – there is a dive school on the island that offers diving PADI courses and certification.

There are over 20 dive sites off the coast of St. Kitts alone, including four wrecks to explore.  If you’re looking for drift diving, wall diving or underwater photography, you’ll find here – There’s even a couple of sites with volcanic vents on the sea floor!  Full of sea life, you’re sure to find a variety of fish, corals, sponges & urchins along with rays, turtles, eels, octopus, lobsters and the occasional shark & seahorse.

There are another handful of dive sites off the coast of Nevis as well.

For more information on one of the more adventurous things to do in St. Kitts & Nevis, including boat operators who will get you in the water, check out our St. Kitts & Nevis Diving page

Saint Kitts and Nevis Golf

Believe it or not, there are two 18 hole / par 71 golf courses on St. Kitts and one on Nevis.

Active things to do in St. Kitts & Nevis includes Golf

The Royal St. Kitts Golf Club is just outside St. Kitts’ capital Basseterre. This magnificent course is situated on 125 acres and includes two holes overlooking the Caribbean Sea as well as three holes on the Atlantic Ocean.

Kittitian Hill’s Irie Fields is located at the north end of St. Kitts. This uniquely natural course is set among Belle Mont farm’s crops and fruit trees and offers spectacular ocean views across to St. Barths.

On Nevis, the Four Seasons Golf Club is located on the west side of the island just outside the capital Charlestown.  This attractive course was designed by Robert Trent Jones II.

For more information on one of the more relaxing yet active things to do in St. Kitts & Nevis, click on our St. Kitts & Nevis Golf page

Have Fun!

ACT Staff

For a more relaxing vacation in St. Kitts & Nevis, take a look at our St. Kitts & Nevis Attractions blog

For an overview of the beautiful sister islands, check out our St. Kitts & Nevis Vacations page

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6 Great Jamaican Adventures You Should Experience

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Active Caribbean Travel Has a Blast River Tubing down the Yardy River in Jamaica

Adventurous Things to Do in Jamaica – Rivers, Links, Trails, Caves and more…

The third largest island in the Caribbean after Cuba and Hispaniola (Haiti / Dominican Republic), Jamaica is located south-east of Cuba in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The island is about 3 times the size of Long Island NY.  Aptly known as the “land of wood and water”, the island is probably best known for it’s Reggae music & culture, white sand beaches, as well as it’s Rum and Coffee. Jamaica is rich with a beautiful and diverse landscape that includes mountain ranges, green valleys, wild rivers and waterfalls. Perhaps the island’s most iconic natural landmark is the Blue Mountain range, home to Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, a World Heritage Site.

To really appreciate Jamaica’s natural beauty, you need to get away from the resorts and journey into Jamaica’s forests and get active on it’s rivers and mountains.  A very popular Caribbean vacation destination, Jamaica is one of the best islands to enjoy waterfalls, river rafting, hiking and golf.  Our personal favourites include:

Jamaica River Rafting and Tubing

It would truly be a shame to visit Jamaica and not experience one of it’s marvelous rivers…  Depending on your mood, you can enjoy a slow romantic ‘gondola’ style ride, or you can get wet on an exciting fast-moving river tube or raft. Can’t decide? No Problem Mon – You can do both!

Active Things to do in Jamaica include River Rafting - Gondola Style

For a relaxing and romantic rafting excursion, there are a few options to choose from.  Probably the most famous rafting tour in Jamaica is on the Martha Brae, a meandering river close to Falmouth.  You start at “Rafter’s Village”, six acres of grounds that include manicured lawns, Miss Martha’s Herb Garden, a picnic area, a full service bar, souvenir shops, a swimming pool and modern restrooms.  From there, your personal guide will pole you and your companion down 3 miles of quiet river on a long bamboo raft.  Similar bamboo rafting tours are also available on the Great River just west of Montego Bay, as well as on the Rio Grande river, just west of Port Antonio – at the east end of the island. One of the most romantic and relaxing things to do in Jamaica!

Active Things to do in Jamaica include white water River Rafting / River Tubing

For a more adventurous river rafting experience, you can venture out into the fast moving waters of the White River, just east of Ocho Rios.  You’ll love the stunning White River Valley while you’re tubing or rafting, and you’ll enjoy some bird watching on a short hike to some lovely waterfalls.  If you’re staying on the other side of Ocho Rios closer to Falmouth, you’re in for a treat river rafting on the fast moving waters of the Rio Bueno River – Also known as the Jungle River, some Rio Bueno River tours include waterfalls, rapids, river pools and a private beach.  Similar rafting tours are also available: At the west end of the island on the Yardy and Great Rivers; South of Falmouth at the Good Hope Estate as well as the River Bumpkin Farm; South west of Montego bay on the Great River at the Lethe Estate.

For more information about rafting, tubing and the tour operators who will get you on the water, check out our Jamaica River Rafting / Tubing page

Want to see more? Check out our Jamaica River Rafting on the Martha Brae, and Jamaica Yardy River Tubing Fun videos on YouTube!

Jamaica Golf – So Many Courses to Choose From!

Perhaps the best Golf destination in the Caribbean, Jamaica offers a smorgasbord of Caribbean Golf with over ten courses to choose from, including a number of Championship courses.  Located mostly along the north coast between Negril and Ochos Rios at the west end of the island, here’s a small sampling of Links to wet your appetite:

The Tryall Club Resort is an 18-hole, 6,836-yard golf course designed by Ralph Plummer.  The course covers land bordering the sea, and travels inland rising 180 feet (55m).

Active Things to do in Jamaica include playing Golf

Half Moon Resort has an 18-hole / Par-72 championship course originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and later updated by Roger Rulewich.  This golf course is home to PGA tournaments including the Jamaica Open and the European PGA Senior Tour.

Cinnamon Hill Golf Course at Rose Hall is an 18-hole course originally designed by Hank Smedley and later updated by Robert von Hagge/Rick Baril.  This golf course features sea-side holes and a 350 foot (105m) rise from the ocean. Home to PGA tournaments including the BMW Jamaica Classic, the Latin America Tour and Annie’s Revenge ProAm.  It’s 15th hole was used for a scene in the James Bond Movie ‘Live and Let Die’.

Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort (Also known as SuperClubs Golf Club at Runaway Bay) is an 18-hole / Par 72 championship golf course measuring 6,870 yards.  Designed by Major John Harris, this course has hosted PGA tournaments including the Ryder Cup, The Jamaica Open, The Brinks (JA) Classic, The Heineken World Cup Qualifier, CNBC Nations Cup and numerous JGA Qualifiers.

Active Things to do in Jamaica include Golf

Founded in 1865, the Manchester Golf Club is the oldest golf course in the Caribbean.  This 9-hole / Par 35 course measures 2,865 yards and is set on 55 acres of rolling hills, at over 2,000 feet (610m) above sea level.

For more information on one of the most popular things to do in Jamaica, including a full list of courses along with tour operators you can get you there, click on our Jamaica Golf Vacations page



Jamaica Hiking – Several Forests to Choose From

There’s plenty of variety with the hiking trails on the island.  There’s some hilly and mountainous trails as well as some short nature walks.  For the serious hiker, you can enjoy some intermediate or more challenging mountainous adventures for sure.

Active Things to do in Jamaica include hiking in the Blue Mountain and John Crow National Park

At the east end of the island, the Blue Mountain range is 28 miles (45km) long and typically covered in a bluish cloudy mist, hence it’s name. The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, is where you can find the highest points of the island, including Blue Mountain Peak which stands 7,402 feet (2,256 m) tall – The most iconic hiking tour in Jamaica, the Blue Mountain Sunrise Hike, ascends this peak.  The trail is about 11.5 miles (18.5km) long round trip, requiring 5-8 hours.  This is a great hike with epic views of the island / sea waiting for you at the top.

Active Things to do in Jamaica include hiking in the Holywell Recreation Area

There’s another half dozen up-hill mountainous trails in the Park, ranging in length from 2 to 6 miles (3 to 10 km), including Middleton Mountain and Catherine’s Peak.  The Holywell Recreation Area, also located in the Park has a few easier trails, each taking little more than an hour to complete.

Another dozen decent trails can be found just outside of The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, north-east of Kingston.

For more information about these hikes, and hiking guides that can get you on the trail, check out our Jamaica Hiking – National Park and Surrounding Area page

While the southern portion of the Blue Mountain Range gets most of the attention, the northern part of the foothills, just south of Port Antonio offers some great hiking as well. Quiet and remote, this area will show you all the natural beauty Jamaica has to offer!  There are a few trails in the Rio Grande Valley and a few more near Moore Town, three hours south of Port Antonio.

For more information about these hikes, and hiking guides that can get you on the trail, check out our Jamaica Hiking – North East page

Active Things to do in Jamaica include hiking in Cockpit Country

Another hilly region of note in the north-west/central part of the island is the Dry Harbour Range with it’s lesser known and visited Cockpit Country. This is probably the wildest area left on Jamaica. The jungle landscape is wrinkled and dimpled with hundreds of limestone hills and karst caves and is home to a few hidden trails worth exploring.

Day hikes in Cockpit Country include the challenging Troy to Windsor Trail which follows the route of a British military road built in the 1700s for 10 miles (16km) one way.  The Quick Step Trail is 11 miles (18km) one way running from Windsor to the village of Quick Step.  There are also a couple of easier shorter hikes as well.

For more information about these hikes, and hiking guides that can get you on the trail, check out our Jamaica Hiking – Cockpit Country page

Jamaica Waterfall – Cool Off Under a Refreshing Stream of Water

One of my favourite things to do in Jamaica is to visit one of over a dozen easily accessible waterfalls on the island. This is a great way to explore the real Jamaica – Get out there and explore her rivers and natural highlights attractions like waterfalls.  Excursions usually involve a short hike to the falls, where you can cool off under a soft stream of clean Caribbean water then splash around in natural river pools.

The best locations for a wet and wild waterfall experience in Jamaica include:

Active Things to do in Jamaica include visiting a Waterfall

YS Falls – Located in the south-west part of island between Negril and Kingston, these falls feature a spectacular seven-tiered cascading waterfall.  A visit there can also also include wading pools (one with a rope swing), canopy rides, river tubing and a zip-line.

Mayfield Falls can be found nestled in the Dolphin Head Mountains, on the west end of the island between Negril and Montego Bay.  Take a short hike along a bamboo stairway, across manicured lawns and a wooden bridge to a Rasta village called Reggae Style Mayfield Village.  From there a guide will accompany you along the snaking river so that you can enjoy a number of mineral pools, the waterfalls as well as taste local foods.

Active Things to do in Jamaica include visiting a Waterfall... Dunns River Falls

Of course, the most iconic tourist attraction in Jamaica has to be Dunn’s River Falls, just west of Ocho Rios. Although it’s always crowded with tourists, this is indeed a beautiful area where you can join hands with others and walk on it’s natural calcium carbonate based steps, part-way up the 600 feet (180m) tall gorgeous waterfalls.

Konoko Falls, just west of Ocho Rios, are a beautiful cascading waterfalls in a well maintained Park environment.

The Irie Blue Hole, also known as Secret Falls and the Cool Blue Hole, has a nice waterfall along with natural swimming pools.  South-east of Ocho Rios, these falls are further away from the crowds, making it a great location to visit.  Please note that the “Blue Lagoon”, from the movie with Brooke Shields, is located just west of Port Antonio.

Other less visited waterfalls can be found in the east end of Jamaica.  Reach Falls are located just east of Port Antonio – This hidden gem has been featured in a couple of major movies.  Somerset Falls, just west of Port Antonio are situated in a natural garden with ponds.  Scatter Waterfalls are located in the Rio Grande Valley south of Port Antonio – These private grounds have several hiking trails and a campground.

For more information, along with tour guides who can help make the most of your day, check out our Jamaica Waterfalls page

Want to see more? Check out our Natural Beauty of YS Falls video on YouTube!

Jamaica Caving (Spelunking)

Escape the sun’s rays by venturing underground to explore one of Jamaica’s dozens caves – Some are accessible by tourists, while others are for serious spelunkers.  There’s tours of large caverns with bat viewing as well as remote rarely visited caves to go deep into…

For tourists looking for a cool cave tour you have a few options:

Active Things to do in Jamaica include Caving / Spelunking

You can visit the popular Green Grotto Caves, between Falmouth and Ocho Rios. You’ll experience passageways and chambers close to 130 feet (40m) below the earth’s surface.  The feature attraction is the ‘grotto’ itself – A huge limestone cave with stalactites, stalagmites, as well as a large subterranean body of water.

The Two Sisters Cave is located just south-west of Kingston and features two caves (hence the name), each with a large sink hole filled with fresh water. These caves are connected underground to a myriad of caverns extending in all directions. One cave contains a petroglyph carving of a face which is believed to be several hundred years old.

Further west of Kingston, you’ll find the Mountain River Cave.  A mile long trail takes you to the cave, which is about 30 feet deep.  Plenty of ancient pictographs can be seen on the cave walls, along with a few petroglyphs.

One of the more adventurous things to do in Jamaica is to go caving / spelunking in Cockpit Country or Cave Valley… What an experience!

Cockpit Country, south-east of Montego Bay, is home to hundreds of rivers, streams and caves that provide some of the best spelunking opportunities in the Caribbean.  There are hundreds of caves in the area, including:  Windsor Caves; Smokey Hole Cave – Which at 630 feet (193m) deep is the deepest on the island, Rock Spring Cave and the huge Quashie River Sink.

Cave Valley is located pretty much in the centre of the island.  This is really cool…  A river travels both under and above the ground, appearing and disappearing as it meanders through the valley.  Major caving attractions include the “Noisy Water” River Cave and “Rat Bat Hole”.

For more information, as well as tour operators who will get caving, click on our Jamaica Caving page

Jamaica Mountain Biking & Cycling

Biking is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while taking-in breathtaking views of the mountainous island and Caribbean sea. Making good use of it’s natural landscape and ancient foot-paths, Jamaica has plenty of technical and just plain fun downhill mountain biking trails, as well as several flat and hilly cross-country routes to enjoy. There are scenic coastal road circuits to cycle as well. Riding through active plantations and small villages, then cooling off in a local waterfall is a great way to experience Jamaica.

If you’re looking to join an organized ride, Jamaica has three annual events: The Jamaica Fat Tyre Festival in February – Great for mountain biking enthusiasts; The Jamaica Reggae Ride in November – A 3 day escorted bike ride across the scenic coastlines of the island; and The Jamaica By Bike Ride – A long distance cycle from Kingston to Negril.

Active Things to do in Jamaica include Mountain Biking and Cycling

The Negril area has a number of bike trails, both in the hilly wilderness as well as along the coast.  There are challenging trails for the hard-core biking enthusiasts as well as easy routes for sight-seeing.

Your need-for-speed will be satisfied on downhill MTB courses between Ocho Rios and the Blue Mountains.  With names like ‘Rivers of Babylon’, ‘Jellied Eel’ and ‘Pressure Drop’ you know you need to check out these trails!

Not surprisingly, some of the island’s most challenging biking is in the Blue Mountains.  Trails range in length from 1 to 11 miles (0.5 to 17 km), with most in the 1 to 4 mile (2-6km) range.  Trail names like ‘Triple Bypass’ and ‘Downpipe Gully’ paint a mental picture for sure!

That said, there are also tourist focused ‘sightseeing’ rides in the Blue Mountains that everyone in the family can enjoy.


For more info on one of the funnest things to do in Jamaica, including tour operators who will get you on the saddle, check out our Jamaica Mountain Biking & Cycling page

Enjoy!

ACT Staff

Also – For great Tourist Attractions, check out our Things to Do in Jamaica blog

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

For a video collage of Some of the Fun Things to Do in Jamaica, check out our YouTube video (by clicking the highlighted link)

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The Best Hiking in Saint Lucia – The Gros Piton & More…

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ST. Lucia Hiking – Rain-Forest Trails, Waterfalls and Epic Views Await You

I suspect that most people think of the Caribbean as a place to relax on the beach with a tropical rum punch in hand… and while that’s a great idea, when I think of the Caribbean, I paint a mental picture of hiking through a lush rain-forest, passing a beautiful waterfall along the way up a green volcanic mountain, enjoying eye-popping views of the Caribbean Sea as a reward! On Saint Lucia, you can easily make this vision come true.

Saint Lucia Hiking includes Rain-Forest and Volcano trails
St. Lucia’s Mount Gimie in the Background

You’ll find Saint Lucia in the southern Caribbean’s ‘Windward’ islands, just south of Martinique and west of Barbados. When exploring St. Lucia, you’ll find a mountainous island covered in lush green rain-forest, with the distinctive and easily recognizable Pitons (mountains), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A very popular Caribbean destination known for romantic getaways, St. Lucia also has plenty to offer adventurous travelers looking for a hiking-filled vacation – If you know where to look…

Saint Lucia hiking offers a variety of trails on the island, offering something for everyone – From short nature walks to intermediate hikes along with a couple of challenging hikes. While no hiking trip to Saint Lucia is complete without climbing the majestic Gros Piton, the island’s highest peak is Mount Gimie at just over 3,000 feet (950m) above sea level. Our favourite trails on the island include:

The Best St. Lucia Hiking Trails on the south end of the island include:

Saint Lucia Hiking includes Rain-Forest and Volcano trails - Mount Gimie

Mount/Morne Gimie Trail in the Edmund Forest Reserve – Plan a full day for this fun and challenging hike covering 5-6 miles (8-10km) of amazing tropical terrain. For those looking for a remote and challenging rain-forest hike on St. Lucia, this is the one to do. While the trail meanders up and down across a mountain ridge and valley, the absolute vertical from start to finish is just under 2,000 feet (600m). You’ll experience a range of trail conditions on this hike, including a couple of amazingly steep sections, where you will need to climb natural ladders of tree roots. You’ll see amazing plant life in this moist rain-forest, and you’ll even be able to go for a dip at the bottom of a waterfall. Of course, the views of the island at various stops along the trail are spectacular, including a very unique perspective of the Pitons from the island’s interior.

For a more colourful review, check out our personal, first-hand account of Hiking St. Lucia’s Tallest Peak

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

While we’re talking about it… The Edmund Forest Reserve is home to one end of a couple of ‘cross-country’ trails of note. The Des Cartiers to Edmund Forest Trail is an approximately 5 mile (8km) long easy-to-intermediate level hike, while the Barre D’Isle to Edmund Forest Trail is a more challenging 10 mile (16km) Saint Lucia hike with a section of the trail venturing across a nice ridge.

Saint Lucia Hiking includes Rain-Forest and Volcano trails - Gros Piton
The view south – Near the top of St. Lucia’s Gros Piton
Saint Lucia Hiking includes Rain-Forest and Volcano trails - Gros Piton

Gros Piton Trail – An “adventurous” trip to St. Lucia is incomplete without hiking the iconic Gros Piton. This memorable St. Lucia hike consists of a fairly challenging climb to the peak, which is just over 2,500 feet (780m) tall. While this trail is under 3 miles (4.4km) round trip, it’s all uphill (on the way up that is ;), with some pretty steep sections. As expected, once you catch your breath, the views from the top, of the western and south part of the island, are sensational. While this is a somewhat short hike, in order to really enjoy it, you’ll require decent leg strength and cardio. FYI – The Petit Piton can also be hiked, however it is extremely steep and potentially dangerous in some areas.

For a more colourful review, check out our personal, first-hand account of Hiking St. Lucia’s Stair Climber of a Trail

For a more detailed review of this trail, along with a list of local guides to make it happen, click on our St. Lucia Gros Piton Hike page

Saint Lucia Hiking includes Rain-Forest and Volcano trails - The Pitons from Mount Gimie
A unique view of the Pitons and Tet Paul, from part way up Mount Gimie
Saint Lucia Hiking includes Rain-Forest and Volcano trails - EnBas Saut Falls
Enbas Saut Falls – The top cascade / pool

Enbas Saut Falls Trail – This is an intermediate level St. Lucia hike with lots of rustic wooden/natural stairs to first descend, then climb-back-up on the return journey. Depending on your starting point, the hike can cover over 5 miles (9km), requiring 3-4 hours to get to and from the fun and amazing cascading waterfalls.

Saint Lucia Hiking includes Rain-Forest and Volcano trails - Enbas Saut Falls


For a more colourful review, check out our personal, first-hand account of Hiking a Stairway to Adventure

For more info, including hiking guides to show you the way, check out our St. Lucia Enbas Saut Falls Hike page



The Best Saint Lucia Hiking Trails elsewhere on the island include:

Further north in Saint Lucia, you’ll find a number of interesting rain-forest trails. The Union Nature Trail, a quick 10 minute drive east of Castries, provides a short and easy trail – Good for a much-needed visit to nature. The Intermediate level Piton Flore Trail, just south-east of Castries, is a hilly hike taking about 4 hours to complete. Other trails in the area include the Jacquot Trail and the Millet (Bird Sanctuary) Trails. Further south you’ll find the interesting and varied Barre D’Isle Ridge – Mount La Combe – Grande Ravine area trails.

For more information about hiking in the north end of St. Lucia, around Castries, including a list of guides who can get you on the trail, click on our St. Lucia Hiking page

The Eastern Nature Trail, not surprisingly found on the east side of island, is a fairly easy, but reasonably long St. Lucia hike along the remote eastern coastline of the island – Great for adventurers looking to get away from it all.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing walk on the the island, you can always enjoy an outing on Pigeon Island National Park or the highly recommended Tet Paul Nature Trail!

Saint Lucia Hiking includes Rain-Forest and Volcano trails - The Petit Piton from the Tet Paul Nature Trail
The Petit Piton from the Tet Paul Nature Trail

For more information about the trails on the island, including hiking guides who will help you get the most out of your day, click on our St. Lucia Hiking page

So… When you’ve had enough relaxation on the beach and have enjoyed indulging in a local chocolate based meal, you can go for a heart pumping adventurous hike up a piton or mountain or simply take a great leisurely stroll through the rain-forest… Whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to have a memorable hiking holiday in St. Lucia!

ACT Staff

If you’re looking for other exciting activities to experience on the island, take a look at our St. Lucia Adventures recommendations

When you’re not hiking, snorkeling or biking around the island, there’s plenty of other things to do on St. Lucia, including a visit to the Sulphur Springs, Mud Baths and associated Waterfalls. For more ideas for a fun and relaxing vacation, take a look at our St. Lucia Attractions blog

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

Have fun!

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Top 6 Adventures You’ll Want to Experience in Bonaire

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Bonaire Adventures - Things to do in Bonaire include Snorkeling, Biking, Hiking, Caving, Kayaking, Surfing and Diving

Things to do in Bonaire – Adventures, both Wet and Dry


One of the Caribbean ABCs, Bonaire is a relatively small island in the southern Caribbean’s Lesser Antilles, situated about 25 miles (80km) north of the Venezuelan coast. The island is a special municipality of the Netherlands. Safe from hurricanes, Bonaire has a truly amazing climate, relatively warm and dry for most of the year. Famous for it’s pink flamingos and white mountains of salt, the island has plenty of amazing adventure activities to enjoy, both below the ocean’s waves as well as on (and in/under) the land. When it comes to “adventurous” things to do in Bonaire, our personal favourites include:

Bonaire Snorkeling – Just Off the Coast

Bonaire Adventures - Things to do in Bonaire include Snorkeling, Biking, Hiking, Caving, Kayaking, Surfing and Diving

With it’s healthy coral reefs and rich marine life, Bonaire may be the best island in the Caribbean for snorkeling! The main island and Klein Bonaire, a small island less than 1/2 mile (1km) from Bonaire’s western coast, are encircled by coral reefs providing an amazing range of biodiversity, including colourful fish, coral and sponge. There are plenty of spots on Bonaire’s western shores where you can slip into the warm Caribbean sea and snorkel right off the beach.  There are also a number of boat operators who can take you to plenty of locations in Bonaire’s Marine Park where you can visit shallow corals or skirt along the edge of steep underwater cliffs. Visibility is great as you can clearly see through more than fifty feet (15m) of Bonaire’s clear blue ocean water. There are even caves you can snorkel in!

Bonaire Adventures - Things to do in Bonaire include Snorkeling, Biking, Hiking, Caving, Kayaking, Surfing and Diving

Bonaire’s West Coast is where the snorkeling action is…  North of Kralendijk there are over a dozen snorkeling sites, many accessible from the beach and several suited for beginners.  With names like Playa Bengi, 1000 Steps and Witch’s Hut, I’m sure you want to check them out! South of Kralendijk there are another dozen snorkeling spots, like Pink Beach and Sweet Dreams, some also beach accessible.  There’s also a few good spots to snorkel on Bonaire’s Lac Bay.

Of course the famous Klein Bonaire has well over a dozen locations for snorkeling, including some that are beach accessible.  This is a great location for beginners as well as for underwater photography. Clearly, snorkeling is one of the best things to do in Bonaire!

Click on this link (to a page on our website) for more information about locations and boat operators – Bonaire Snorkeling

Bonaire Water Sports

Bonaire Adventures - Things to do in Bonaire include Water Sports like Kite boarding, Kite-surfing, Kayaking and Windsurfing

With it’s happening vibe… this is where the cool kids hang out!

Thanks to it’s near constant trade winds, year round warm air and water temperatures, Bonaire is one of the best places in the Caribbean to enjoy life on the water. The south-west coast of the island seems to be made for kite boarding and kite-surfing, while the mangroves and water ways of Lac Bay are ideal for kayaking and windsurfing.

Bonaire Adventures - Things to do in Bonaire include Water Sports like Kite boarding, Kite-surfing, Kayaking and Windsurfing

There’s no better way to experience the Caribbean than hanging out on the beach and getting active in the surf.  So many options… mean Water Sports are one of the best things to do in Bonaire.

Check out the scene at our Bonaire Water Sports page


Bonaire Mountain Biking and Cycling

Bonaire Adventures - Things to do in Bonaire include Snorkeling, Biking, Hiking, Caving, Kayaking, Surfing and Diving

With literally hundreds of kilometres of cycling trails and a dry warm climate, Bonaire is one of the best Caribbean destinations for bike riding. Cycling is a great way to see the island – The hills in the north provide picturesque views of the island, while the rest of the island’s mostly flat with occasional gentle slopes offer soothing views of the Caribbean Sea. You can enjoy road courses that include amazing coastline routes, or you can mountain bike in desert-like off-road terrain.

Washington Slagbaai National Park has 21 miles (34kms) off-road trails, including some decent hills and is probably the most popular place to cycle on the island.  That said, the Rincon Valley and the Bara di Karta Region have a number of trails and roads circuits through the countryside as well, many with views of the Caribbean Sea.  There’s also some longer road circuits for the serious cycling enthusiast.

There’s more Bonaire mountain biking and cycling info to check out by clicking on our Bonaire Cycling page

Bonaire Hiking – Hit the Dusty Trails

Bonaire offers opportunities for some nice relaxing walks as well as a couple of intermediate level hikes, all in a unique-for-the-Caribbean, low scrub-brush like environment.

Bonaire Adventures - Things to do in Bonaire include Hiking

Perhaps the best hiking can be found in Washington-Slagbaai National Park at the north end of the island. This 14 thousand acre (56 sq km) sanctuary was the first in the Netherlands Antilles and has three main hiking trails to explore. Brandaris, the highest peak on Bonaire at 784 feet (241m), is located within the park and offers some spectacular views of the island – on a clear day you can even see Venezuela!

Other hikes elsewhere on the island include the Montana Trail (with views of Goto Meer Lake and the Caribbean Sea); The Roi Sango Trail (Partially shaded trail with views of the sea along with rock formations); The Dos Pos Trail (A Loop Trail along Washington Slagbaai National Park’s boundary); The Bara di Karta Hill (the small hill provides surprisingly spectacular 360 views of the island); and The Red Hill Trail (Desert-like terrain with views of the Atlantic Ocean).

Find out more about Bonaire’s trails and tour operators by clicking on our Bonaire Hiking page

Bonaire Caving

Bonaire Adventures - Things to do in Bonaire include Snorkeling, Biking, Hiking, Caving, Kayaking, Surfing and Diving

Looking for a good escape from the relentless sun?  Journey underground to a world of natural subterranean limestone grottoes, where eerie stalagmites, stalactites and pillars dominate the scenery. There are literally 100s of caves in Bonaire, some ‘dry’ and some ‘under water’ – grottos with freshwater that you can actually wade into and check out the underwater rock formations with a snorkel. There are caverns with bats as well as native petrogyphs / paintings on the walls. Many caves are open to the public – Touring a cave is a unique activity few tourists experience, making it one of the coolest things to do in Bonaire.

For a list of local tour operators, click on our Bonaire Caving page

Bonaire Scuba Diving and Freediving

Saving one of the best activities for last… Bonaire’s healthy coral reefs and rich marine life make it one of the best islands in the Caribbean for Scuba Diving.  Bonaire is also one of the best locations in the world for Freediving.

Bonaire Adventures - Things to do in Bonaire include Scuba Diving and FreeDiving

Bonaire and Klein Bonaire provide an environment that is home to over 50 varieties of coral and 350 species of fish.  The islands are also world renowned for it’s abundance of easy access shore diving.  Of course there’s also a number of boat operators who can take you to dozens of scuba diving locations in Bonaire’s Marine Park. There are over eighty dive sites in total, some in relatively shallow waters and others with steep walls that plunge into the deep dark sea. If you’re looking for great underwater photography sites, Bonaire has it all, including underwater caves to explore.  There are locations for the Beginner diver, advanced diver and everything in between!

Bonaire Adventures - Things to do in Bonaire include Snorkeling, Biking, Hiking, Caving, Kayaking, Surfing and Diving

Bonaire’s West Coast is the most popular place to dive.  There are over 30 dive sites north of Kralendijk, offering drift diving, wreck diving, night diving, as well as freestyle and technical diving.  South of Kralendijk, there are another dozen excellent dive sites.  There’s even more sites further south of Slave Huts (memorial).

Klein Bonaire is home to a couple dozen dive sites, providing more locations for drift diving, wreck diving, night diving, freestyle and technical diving and underwater photography.

Bonaire’s East Coast, including Lac Bay, is a bit rougher, however it has over a dozen dive sites, offering a less populated diving experience for advanced divers. Both shore dives and boat dives are available.

Follow this link (to a page on our website) for more Dive Spot and Boat Operator information – Bonaire Diving


For an overview of this amazing island, take a look at our Bonaire Vacations page

For a more relaxed vacation itinerary, you can find great Tourist Attractions on the island, by checking out our Things to Do in Bonaire blog

Enjoy!

ACT Staff

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The Caribbean Islands’ Tallest Peaks

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Caribbean Mountains – Hike the Highest Peaks the Islands Have To Offer


Sure…  It’s easy to think of the Caribbean as a place to relax on the beach with a cool tropical rum drink in hand, and while that’s a great idea, when I think of the Caribbean, I paint a mental picture of hiking through a lush rain-forest, heading up-hill a green Caribbean mountain or volcano, enjoying the eye-popping views of the Caribbean Sea along the way!

Caribbean Mountains - Hike to the tallest peaks. Check out Puerto Rico

The Caribbean Islands, also known as “the West Indies”, are located in the Caribbean Sea / Atlantic ocean, forming a sort of right hand arc between Florida and South America. The largest Caribbean islands are in the north-west and include Cuba, Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic), Jamaica and Puerto Rico. These islands also have the largest mountain ranges and the tallest peaks in the Caribbean.

Caribbean Mountains - Hike to the tallest peaks. Check out Dominica

That said, I would suggest that some of the best Caribbean Islands for ‘up-hill’ hiking are further south-east and include Dominica, Martinique‎, Saint Lucia‎, Guadeloupe‎, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Vincent and Grenada. Caribbean volcanoes on some of these southern islands are relatively young, which always make for a fascinating hiking experience.

Caribbean Mountains - Hike to the tallest peaks. Check out St. Lucia


Some great mountainous rain-forest hiking is available on these wild and beautiful islands, with some trails taking just a couple of hours, while others require a full day or two. Weather permitting, most of these hikes allow you stunning views of the island and/or Caribbean sea and all of the hikes will provide you with a gratifying sense of physical, mental and spiritual accomplishment.



If you’re looking for the biggest and baddest the Caribbean has to offer, here are the 15 highest Caribbean mountains/Peaks in the West Indies (Based on vertical height above sea level):

Island Rank Height Mountain 
Dominican Republic110,164 feet (3,098m)Pico Duarte
29,324 feet (2,842m)Loma Alto de la Bandera
57,477 feet (2,279m)Loma Gajo en Medio
Haiti38,773 feet (2,674m)Pic la Selle
47,700 feet (2,347m)Pic Macaya
Jamaica67,402 feet (2,256m)Blue Mountain Peak
Cuba76,476 feet (1,974m)Pico Turquino
124,098 feet (1,249m)Gran Piedra
153,740 feet (1,140m)Pico San Juan
Guadeloupe84,813 feet (1,467m)La Grande Soufrière
Dominica94,747 feet (1,447m)Morne Diablotins
Martinique104,577 feet (1,395m)Montagne Pelée
Puerto Rico114,389 feet (1,338m)Cerro de Punta
St. Vincent134,049 feet (1,234m)La Soufrière
St. Kitts143,793 feet (1,156m)Mount Liamuiga

Please note that the above list only covers the Caribbean Islands, and does not include the Central American, Mexican, Colombian, and Venezuelan Caribbean, which have incredible mountain peaks of their own.

For a more detailed review of hiking a couple of these mountains, click on our Jamaica’s Blue mountain Hike and St. Kitts ‘ Mount Liamuiga Hike pages. They are both awesome hikes for sure!

Caribbean Mountains - Hike to the tallest peaks. Check out Dominica

For more of an overview of all hiking in the Caribbean, click on our The Best Caribbean Islands for Hiking page

Caribbean Mountains - Hike to the tallest peaks. Check out Jamaica

For more information on what the Caribbean has to offer intrepid vacationers, take a look at our Active Caribbean Travel home page

ACT Staff