Experience a different kind of Caribbean Island in 2024 – Part II

Our Top 5 List of less-visited Caribbean Destinations 2024 - The best for snorkeling, diving, hiking, fishing, watersports & golf include Grenada and the Guadeloupe Islands

The remainder of our Top 5 ‘less visited’ unspoiled Caribbean Destinations for 2024!

As we were saying in part I of this article… With the cold winds and shorter days of winter starting to rear its ugly head in many parts of the world, you’re probably thinking about a nice warm Caribbean vacation this winter. We suggest you travel to somewhere warm and exciting – A less-touristy place with amazing natural wonders to experience, like an underwater world full of life, or a hike through lush green rainforest with amazing tropical views! If you missed part I of our thoughts on the best ‘off the beaten path’ Caribbean adventure destinations to visit in early 2024, you can find it here – Experience a different kind of Caribbean Island in 2024 – Part I.

Part II of this article highlights a couple more relatively unspoiled Caribbean Islands that provide the best opportunities for getting out in nature by enjoying snorkeling (and diving), hiking, fishing, and water sports – Places you can really immerse yourself in the culture and natural beauty of the land.


Grenada is one of the Best Caribbean Islands to visit in 2024

One of the Top 5 unspoiled Caribbean Islands to visit in 2024 is Grenada - Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique are great for snorkeling, diving, hiking, fishing, and watersports
One of the Top 5 unspoiled Caribbean Islands to visit in 2024 is Grenada - Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique are great for snorkeling, diving, hiking, fishing, and watersports



The most southern of the Caribbean’s Windward Islands, Grenada is a tri-island nation that includes the main island of Grenada along with Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Known as the “Spice Island” for its abundance of nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, ginger and vanilla, Grenada is a great Caribbean destination for hiking, fishing, snorkeling and diving as well as a wide variety of water sports!

One of the Top 5 unspoiled Caribbean Islands to visit in 2024 is Grenada - Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique are great for snorkeling, diving, hiking, fishing, and watersports

With Marine Parks protecting several areas of the ocean, including the world’s first underwater sculpture park, Grenada is a top Caribbean Island destination for snorkeling. Slip into the warm Caribbean Sea from a handful of the islands’ white sandy beaches or take a short boat ride for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore dozens of underwater statues and healthy coral reefs alive with colourful tropical fish and amazing marine life. Similarly, with over 30 dive sites, Grenada is also a top Caribbean scuba diving destination. There are dive sites featuring reefs, wrecks and underwater gardens in a variety of depths, offering something for everyone. If it’s shipwrecks you’re after, Grenada has more divable wrecks than any other Caribbean island, including the “Titanic of the Caribbean”, the Bianca C. Then there is the diving gem that is Carriacou, known as the ‘Island of Reefs’, where you can enjoy an additional 20 dive sites in the less-visited waters of the Grenadines.

For more details on exploring Grenada’s underwater world, including contact info for local tour operators, dive shops, and boat operators who can get you in the water, check out our Grenada Snorkeling and/or our Grenada Scuba Diving pages.

One of the Top 5 unspoiled Caribbean Islands to visit in 2024 is Grenada - Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique are great for snorkeling, diving, hiking, fishing, and watersports


Grenada’s reefs, shoals and deep water close to shore also make it one of the best places in the southern Caribbean for catching a wide variety of fish. This includes plenty of deep-sea sport fish like blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, and even the occasional tuna. If you’re interested in a few days of competitive fishing, you’re welcome to join hundreds of like-minded anglers for a week of fun at the Spice Island Billfish Tournament, held every January.


For more details on fishing in Grenada, including contact info for local boat operators who can get a reel in your hands, check out our Grenada Fishing page.

One of the Top 5 unspoiled Caribbean Islands to visit in 2024 is Grenada - Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique are great for snorkeling, diving, hiking, fishing, and watersports

For even more amazing outdoor experiences on the water, Grenada’s protected bays and mangroves along with Carriacou’s quiet beaches provide the perfect setting for a relaxing day kayaking or Stand-Up Paddleboarding. More adventurous kayakers can challenge the waves by journeying around an offshore island or two. That said, river tubing through a rainforest down Grenada’s Balthazar River is a must for new visitors to the island!

For more tips on water sports options in Grenada, including contact info for local tour operators, surf shops and places to rent gear, check out our Grenada Water Sports page.

One of the Top 5 unspoiled Caribbean Islands to visit in 2024 is Grenada - Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique are great for snorkeling, diving, hiking, fishing, and watersports

Meanwhile, back on dry land, adventurers can explore the island’s mountainous terrain to experience first-hand why Grenada is also considered one of the best Caribbean destinations for hiking. Avid hikers can enjoy trails through rainforests that feature waterfalls and their accompanying pools, as well as strenuous mountain climbs with spectacular views. While the most iconic hike in Grenada, with its impressive view of Crater Lake, is probably the Mount Qua Qua trail in Grand Etang Lake and National Park, mountain hikers will also enjoy the tallest peak on the island, Mount St. Catherine which stands 2,760 feet (840m) above sea level. There are plenty of other hiking trails to choose from in Grenada, and not to be outdone, Carriacou also has a number of trails worth exploring as well.

For more information and tips on hiking in Grenada, including contact info for local tour operators and hiking guides, check out our Grenada Hiking pages.

For more great 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 and our Things-To-Do in Grenada page.

One of the Best Caribbean Destinations to visit in 2024 is the Guadeloupe Islands

One of the Top 5 unspoiled Caribbean Islands to visit in 2024 is Guadeloupe - The Guadeloupe Islands are great for snorkeling, diving, hiking, fishing, and watersports

Located south of Antigua & Barbuda and just north of Dominica, the Guadeloupe archipelago consists of more than a dozen islands/islets – The two largest, Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre are separated by a small channel, making the two islands appear as the wings of a butterfly. The less busy and relatively uninhabited islands of Marie-Galante, Les Saintes Bay and La Désirade are the other major islands in the archipelago. The Guadeloupe Islands are recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve providing a gorgeous natural setting for all sorts of Caribbean adventures like hiking, snorkeling, diving as well as a variety of water sports. Of course, there’s plenty of rhum on the French island as well!

One of the Top 5 unspoiled Caribbean Islands to visit in 2024 is Guadeloupe - The Guadeloupe Islands are great for snorkeling, diving, hiking, fishing, and watersports

Basse-Terre is a mountainous lush green paradise for hikers. The healthy natural ecosystem of the Parc National de la Guadeloupe contains the largest rainforest of the Lesser Antilles and has well over 100 miles (160km) of hiking trails to explore. Several trails lead to the top of La Grande Soufrière volcano, which at 4,813 feet (1,467m) above sea level is one of the tallest in the Caribbean! A couple of other popular trails include the Chute du Carbet and the Cascade aux Ecrevisses, both ending at the foot of rewarding waterfalls! With over a hundred trails across the Guadeloupe archipelago, these islands have to be considered one of the top hiking spots in the Caribbean.

One of the Top 5 unspoiled Caribbean Islands to visit in 2024 is Guadeloupe - The Guadeloupe Islands are great for snorkeling, diving, hiking, fishing, and watersports

According to some accounts, Jacques Cousteau, the famous scuba diving innovator and oceanographer mentioned that he was very impressed with Guadeloupe’s underwater world – The Guadeloupe Islands returned the compliment by naming a Marine Reserve, encompassing two small islets (pictured above), in his honour.

One of the Top 5 unspoiled Caribbean Islands to visit in 2024 is Guadeloupe - The Guadeloupe Islands are great for snorkeling, diving, hiking, fishing, and watersports

The Cousteau Marine Park at Pigeon Island, Basse-Terre is home to some of the best snorkeling and dive spots in Guadeloupe. While a boat or kayak is required to reach Pigeon Island as well as the shipwrecks and coral located in the shallows of the Grand-Cul-de-Sac Marin Nature Reserve, there are about a dozen great snorkeling spots that can be accessed from beaches around Grande-Terre, Basse-Terre and Iles des Saintes. While snorkelers can appreciate colourful corals, sponges, sea fans, turtles and tropical fish, divers can explore over 20 sites that feature diverse coral gardens with underwater canyons, arches and swim-throughs, along with visiting shipwrecks, and spotting turtles, rays, and even whales, along with a wide variety of fish. For another fascinating example of underwater geothermal activity (similar to Dominica) check out the champagne dive at Bouillante, Basse-Terre. There are over a dozen dive shops across the Guadeloupe Islands ready to get you in the water.

One of the Top 5 unspoiled Caribbean Islands to visit in 2024 is Guadeloupe - The Guadeloupe Islands are great for snorkeling, diving, hiking, fishing, and watersports

Another great way to get exercise and explore nature in the Butterfly Islands is to kayak in the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin Nature Reserve lagoon. While exploring the reefs and mangroves you may be fortunate enough to spot a manatee swimming around or grazing on the seagrass. The Nature Reserve is also a great place to try Stand-Up Paddle-boarding. Meanwhile, on the east coast of Grande-Terre, surfers can find that perfect northeast swell to ride. While most kayak and SUP action takes place near Basse-Terre’s Malendure beach and the Pigeon Islands, there are places to rent SUP boards all over the islands, along with opportunities for the more adventurous to join a long-distance race paddling between islands of the archipelago.

For more detailed ideas for things to do in Guadeloupe, including contact info for local tour operators who can help you get the most out of your stay, check out our Guadeloupe Vacation Ideas page.

Well, thanks for reading our list of some of the ‘lesser known’, and different kind of Caribbean Island to visit in 2024 for some of the best snorkeling, diving, hiking, fishing, watersports, and golf. We hope you liked our assessment, and it has motivated you to enjoy some quality time in the Caribbean!

While our article covers some of the best ‘unspoiled’ Caribbean Islands, that does not take anything away from other amazing and less-visited islands that can also provide enjoyable Caribbean adventures – Some of our other favourites include Montserrat, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Tobago, the Cayman Islands’ Lil Cayman and Cayman Brac, as well as St. Eustatius.

ACT Staff

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 in the opening paragraphs.

Incredible Mangrove Kayaking Experience in Bonaire

Experience the wonders of Bonaire's natural world with a relaxing mangrove kayaking and snorkelling experience in beautiful Lac Bay.

Enjoy nature with a relaxing kayak tour through a mangrove forest

Experience the wonders of Bonaire's natural world with a relaxing mangrove kayaking experience in beautiful Lac Bay.

Whenever we’re in the Caribbean, we look for new and exciting ways to spend time in nature. We were happy to experience just that at Bonaire’s Lac Bay – The mangrove waterways are ideal for immersing ones-self in the beauty and serenity of the natural world.

Well, it was another beautiful sunny morning in Bonaire when we headed out for our mangrove kayaking adventure. We reached the Mangrove Information Centre about 15 minutes after driving through Bonaire’s capital, Kralendijk. The small welcome centre is located on the pot-hole filled ‘Kaminda Lac’ road that borders one of the mangrove forests of Lac Bay. Our guided excursion started inside, with our host standing in front of a colourful wall mural that depicts the local area’s Mangrove and Ocean ecosystems. There was about a dozen tourists present as he explained to us what we were going to potentially see while kayaking through the mangroves. He talked about the environmental value of the mangrove ecosystem, including a brief description of the various algae, sponges as well as the fish food chain that lives in the mangroves. It was interesting to learn that most of the mangroves of Bonaire’s Lac Bay is off limits to the general public. Only scientific research teams are allowed access to the protected areas of the mangrove forest. Once our informative orientation was complete, our guide led us across the street to what first appeared to be nothing more than a large puddle or small shallow pond on the side of the dirt road.

Experience the wonders of Bonaire's natural world with a relaxing mangrove kayaking experience in beautiful Lac Bay.



Well, even though the water was only a few inches deep, we boarded our kayaks and were off. It turned out this shallow pond was our gateway to a narrow channel that allowed us to enter the mangrove forest. With the sun magically filtering through the mangrove canopy overhead, we ventured from one tight passageway to another, momentarily exiting each mangrove thicket into a small open pool of water. It only took a few moments after entering this green water-world that I was easily able to leave behind the noise and confusion of our human-made environment and comfortably feel like one with nature! To my delight, we journeyed through a series of narrow waterways through dense clusters of mangroves separated by small openings in the water. In one area the mangrove foliage was so dense and low hanging there was little room to paddle – We gently used our hands on the mangrove branches dangling above and around us to move forward. So cool!

Whenever we reached a large enough body of water, we stopped and gathered as a group so our guide could point out and explain the different types of Mangroves that we were kayaking through. He also pointed out some of the birds we were seeing, including a small group of ducks, a couple of white egrets and some brown pelicans. While paddling across one of these larger pools, several fish jumped out of the water not far from our kayak, leaving me to wonder what exactly is in the water that makes them do this. Our guide also pointed out areas of ocean floor with patches of sea grass where turtles can occasionally be spotted.

I should point out that this was the most relaxing Caribbean kayaking tour I have ever taken. There is always a gentle current flowing through the mangroves, however paddling the kayak was easy going. It was calm and peaceful in the mangroves – An interesting and unique way to explore Bonaire’s ocean-based wilderness! That said, if we didn’t have a guide, I imagine it would be pretty easy for a visitor to these mangroves to become lost in the labyrinth of passageways and openings.

After a while (I have no idea how long, as time had become beautifully irrelevant), we came out of one of the small mangrove channels and spilled out into a much larger body of water which I quickly realized was Lac Bay itself. While crossing the bay was the toughest section to kayak, it was not very strenuous. Apparently a barrier reef stops most of the ocean waves from entering this deep into the cove. After what seemed like just a few short minutes of open water, we entered another maze of mangroves on the other side of the bay. We didn’t kayak far before we came to a bit of an opening in the mangrove forest with a noticeably sandy bottom. At this point we donned our snorkelling masks, exited our kayaks, and entered the water so we could get a glimpse of what was happening below the surface.

While our guide tied our kayaks together and to a strong mangrove branch so they didn’t drift away in the current, I quickly discovered jelly fish floating around just above the mangrove ocean floor (video below). Then he lead us into another narrow passageway, this time we swam and snorkelled a upstream, which was a bit of a challenge for me. This channel wasn’t too long however.


Experience the wonders of Bonaire's natural world with a relaxing mangrove kayaking and snorkelling experience in beautiful Lac Bay.


I saw bright coloured sponges and large clusters of mussels attached to the roots of the mangroves, as well as several groups of large fish hiding amongst the mangrove roots. I believe most of the fish were blue striped grunts and yellowfin ma-something… a fairly large fish with a yellow forked tail that our guide identified, however I didn’t recognize or remember the name. Anyways, he explained to us that they prey on the juvenile fish that follow this path on their way to the ocean.


Sure enough, once we reached the end of this channel and entered a larger pool of water we encountered hundreds if not thousands of little fish. Clearly, the mangroves in this area serve as a fish nursery of sorts, in this case the small fish were in the sardine/anchovy family. We watched as they were driven by the current straight down the channel we had just come from, where the larger fish were waiting for them. Et voila, dinner is served…


Experience the wonders of Bonaire's natural world with a relaxing mangrove kayaking experience in beautiful Lac Bay. Colourful algae and fish lying in wait

Snorkelling back to the kayaks with the current was easy and fun, although I was the last to leave the open water area, so by this time the channel’s water was pretty worked-up and cloudy. Once we re-entered our kayaks I believe we took a similar, if not the same, route back to the Mangrove Center. Wow! What a great couple of hours blissfully lost in one of Earth’s most valuable ecosystems. It was great to experience life in the mangrove forest, smoothly gliding just inches above the water with nothing around us but bright indigo sky, green mangroves and varying shades of blue water beneath us. It was great to hear and see birds as well as tons of life in the water. I really appreciated having a guide who is super-friendly and knowledgeable, and I was quite amused and impressed with his backwards paddling skills, which allowed him to provide us with interesting information while keeping us moving. Another great day in Bonaire for sure!

ACT Staff

For a list of Tour Operators who can provide a guided excursion of Bonaire’s mangroves, as well as other fun watersports, take a look at our Bonaire Water Sports page

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

For an overview of great Tourist Attractions on the islands, including tour operators who will take good care of you, check out our Things to Do in Bonaire page, as well as our personal favourites on our Top 6 Attraction on Bonaire blog post.

For an overview of this amazing Dutch Caribbean Island, take a look at our Bonaire Vacations page.

Top 7 Paths to Grenada Adventure

Grenada Adventures include great Caribbean snorkeling & diving, fishing, hiking and water-sports plus sailing and golf!

Grenada Excitement – From Underwater Shipwrecks to Remote Mountainous Waterfalls

Grenada is the most southern of the Caribbean’s Windward Islands – About 165 miles (265km) southwest of Barbados. The mountainous main island and nearby Carriacou may be the Caribbean’s best-kept secret offering unspoiled natural beauty and a wide variety of activities sure to please any traveler looking for adventure. Grenada is home to Grand Etang National Park, a tropical rainforest attraction featuring a crater lake, hikable mountains and waterfalls. A Grenada vacation has plenty to offer travelers seeking action on both land and sea – Both a ‘hiker’s paradise’ and a ‘diver’s wonderland’, the islands also have plenty of snorkeling, fishing, a variety of watersports, and more.


Explore Beneath the Waves – Snorkel Grenada & Carriacou

With beach-accessible coral reefs and the world’s first underwater sculpture park, Grenada is a top Caribbean destination for snorkeling. Marine Parks protect a number of snorkeling spots in Grenada and Carriacou, making it safe and easy to explore healthy coral reefs brimming with marine life. Slip into the warm Caribbean Sea and snorkel in warm clear waters from a handful of Grenada’s white sandy beaches or take a short boat ride to experience underwater statues and reefs in shallow waters. Peek below the waves and you’ll see colourful tropical fish as well as octopus, eels, lobsters, urchin and starfish.  You might even spot a seahorse! A few of our favourite snorkeling spots include:

Grenada Adventures include great Caribbean snorkeling and diving, fishing, hiking and water-sports plus sailing and golf!

Moliniere Bay Marine Protected Area is home to half a dozen excellent dive sites, including Dragon Bay, Grenada’s Underwater Sculpture Park and Magazine (AKA Aquarium) Beach. The Sculpture Park offers a unique experience with over 50 statues that can be explored in calm shallow waters.  This is a once in a lifetime experience to visit a place National Geographic once named in its “Top 25 Wonders of the World”.

Levera National Park contains a beach with a nearby coral reef, beds of seagrass and even an offshore island to explore. La Sagesse Beach is located in a beautiful bay on the Atlantic side of the island with a couple of small coral reefs that are great for snorkeling.

Enjoy remote snorkeling at Carriacou’s Paradise Beach which offers a reef brimming with diverse marine life.  Nearby Sandy Island is only a short boat ride away and offers great snorkeling in depths starting at 6 feet (2m).  The island features a healthy coral reef and unique underwater boulders – The whole area is alive with corals, sponges and a wide variety of Caribbean fish as well as turtles.

For more detailed information, including local Boat Operators to get you outfitted and snorkeling, check out our Grenada Snorkeling pages.

Hike a Remote Grenada Waterfall Trail or Mountain Peak

One of the best islands to experience Caribbean hiking, Grenada offers a number of rainforest and mountainous hikes. The tallest peak on Grenada, Mount St. Catherine is 2,760 feet (840m) above sea level, making it the Caribbean’s twentieth highest peak. Grenada and Carriacou offer well over a dozen hiking trails in all.

Grenada Adventures include great Caribbean diving & snorkeling, fishing, hiking and water-sports plus sailing and golf!

The most popular hiking destination in Grenada is probably Grand Etang Lake and National Park, with its iconic Crater Lake, Mount Qua Qua and a variety of waterfalls, including Concord Falls and Concord Falls. There are several hiking trails within the park, from beginner to advanced, offering something for everyone.

Outside the park, there is another half a dozen waterfall trails, including Tufton Hall Waterfall and Golden Falls.  These trails will take the better part of the day to explore, and will reward you with cascading waterfalls and inviting pools at the bottom for a mid hike cool-down.

Other great Grenada hiking areas on the island include Levera National Park which is home to the relaxing Levera Pond Shoreline ‘Loop’ Trail, as well as the Welcome Stone trail which culminates with spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea and nearby offshore islands.

Meanwhile, over in Carriacou, you can hike the High North Trail which includes views of the southern Grenadines from the island’s highest peak.  Other trails on Carriacou takes you to beaches, ruins and quaint villages.

For much more information, including local Hiking Guides to get you on the trail, check out our Grenada Hiking pages.

Grenada Adventures include great Caribbean diving & snorkeling, fishing, hiking and water-sports plus sailing and golf!

Fish the Blue Waters of Grenada

One of the southern Caribbean’s most diverse fishing destination, Grenada has reefs, shoals as well as an abundance of deep-water fishing spots close to shore. There is plenty of opportunity to catch deep-sea sport fish like sailfish, blue marlin, white marlin and the occasional tuna. There’s also wahoo, mahi mahi (dolphin/dorado), king fish, mackerel and barracuda to be reeled in. Local fishing boat operators know the best places to catch the fish you are looking for, and will make sure you have an enjoyable day at sea.

For the serious fisherman looking to join like-minded individuals for a few days of competitive fishing, the Spice Island Billfish Tournament is held every January. Dozens of boats and anglers gather for a week of fun on the blue waters of Grenada!

For more information, including local Fishing Boats to get you on the sea, go to our Grenada Fishing page. 


Kayak Grenada’s Bays and Mangroves / SUP, River Tube Fun & More

Grenada Adventures include great Caribbean diving & snorkeling, fishing, hiking and water-sports plus sailing and golf!

The whole family will enjoy kayaking offshore of beaches, protected bays and mangroves while visiting Grenada and Carriacou. You will all enjoy paddling a ‘see-through’ kayak that allows you to view the beautiful reefs and fish below the waves without even getting wet! Experienced kayakers can get your heart rate pumping by paddling through the waves while you journey around a nearby offshore island.

Grenada is also a great place to give SUP (Stand Up Paddle-boarding), aqua-biking and other watersports a try.

Fun seekers will have a ‘wet & wild’ day river tubing down Grenada’s Balthazar River.  The river flows down from the Grand Etang Forest mountains, providing a fun meandering ride through the lush green rainforest.

For more information, including local Tour Operators & Equipment Rental Shops to get you on the water, take a look at our Grenada Watersports page.

Dive the Wrecks and Reefs of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique

With its healthy coral reefs and marine life biodiversity, Grenada is a top Caribbean Scuba Diving destination. With more than 30 dive sites, ranging in depth and habitat, Grenada offers something for everyone. If you like shipwrecks, Grenada has more divable wrecks than any other island in the Caribbean. There are great dive spots for beginners as well as experienced divers, most close to shore needing no more than a 15-minute boat ride to reach.

North of Grenada is a special place for experienced divers featuring clear waters and uncrowded coral reefs. You will have an enjoyable day cruising the west coast of Grenada to dive and lunch on the near-deserted Ronde Island. Of course, Grenada’s Moliniere Bay Marine Protected Area provides divers with sites featuring reefs, wrecks and gardens. For some, the feature attraction is the unique Underwater Sculpture Park with over 100 individual displays capturing the island’s history, culture and folklore as well as promoting conservation awareness.

Grenada Adventures include great Caribbean diving & snorkeling, fishing, hiking and water-sports plus sailing and golf!

Considered by some to be one of the top-10 wreck dives in the world, the ‘Bianca C’, the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean, and is the feature attraction of the Grand Anse Marine Protected Area.  That said, there are plenty of other great reefs and wrecks to enjoy in the area as well!

Dive sites off the south-west coast of Grenada provide a variety of interesting reefs and wrecks for beginners and experienced divers alike.  Some sites are made for drift diving and provide great opportunities for underwater photography. The dive sites south of the island are mostly for experienced divers looking for invigorating drift dives over reefs and wrecks with lots of rays and sharks!

Then there is the diving gem that is Carriacou, known as the ‘Island of Reefs’, where you can enjoy another 20 plus dive sites. The west coast of Carriacou offer opportunities for beginners as well as experienced divers to get beneath the waves, all close to shore. The Carriacou Marine Park has some amazing dive sites for beginners as well as experienced divers, with some ideal for underwater photography! The south side of Carriacou provides some amazing drift dives for beginners as well as experienced divers, along with opportunities to see plenty of sharks.  Another ideal location for underwater photography!

For more detailed information, including local Dive Shops and Boat Operators to get you outfitted and deep below the waves, check out our Grenada Diving pages.

Sail Grenada’s Sparkling Turquoise-Blue Waters

Wonderfully situated to take full advantage of the Windward Islands’ trade winds, Grenada and Carriacou are uniquely within reach of the southern Grenadines, making them premier Caribbean yachting destinations. Get out on the water and experience the Caribbean under the power of sail, as it has been for hundreds of years.

Grenada Adventures include great Caribbean diving & snorkeling, fishing, hiking and water-sports plus sailing and golf!

View Grenada from the sea and you will get a better appreciation of the west coast’s abundance of sandy beaches situated between a panorama of mountainous green patches and quaint villages. Grenada’s numerous marinas and good year-round weather make it an ideal spot for Caribbean sailing tours.  The island has many inlets, protected bays and offshore islands to drop anchor for an amazing swim and snorkel!

Vacationers can sail Grenada with tour/sailboat operators offering a variety of sailing adventures. For the more experienced, you can even charter a monohull or catamaran yacht for yourself, with or without a crew. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to sail, you can do that in Grenada as well! For salty sailors, Grenada holds a number of annual Sailing events, including Grenada Sailing Week every January featuring four race days and Grenada Sailing Festival (Workboat Regatta) every February for two days of racing action.  One of the Caribbean’s longest-running sailing events, the Carriacou Regatta is a four day festival every August, and Petite Martinique holds their own Whitsuntide Regatta every May for a weekend of sailing fun.

For more information, including local Sailboat Charters, check out our Grenada Sailing page.  You might also be interested in our Grenada Ocean Excursion page as well.

Enjoy a day of Golf in Grenada

Its easy to get to the Grenada Golf Club (AKA the Grenada Golf & Country Club) for a sunny day of Caribbean golf. Its located within walking distance of Grand Anse beach.  The golf club was originally built in the 1930s as a 9-hole course measuring about 2,700 yards. Alternate tee boxes can now be used to make an 18-hole, Par 67 course measuring over 5,000 yards. Long, wide fairways and some elevated greens make the course interesting. Of course, views of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean always help to make a great day of golf.

For more information about getting out on the links, check out our Grenada Golf page. 

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 Grenada blog post.

For an overview of the “Spice Island of the Caribbean”, take a look at our Grenada Vacations page

Hike, Snorkel, Bike and Kayak in St. Lucia

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

The Top 6 Adventures in St. Kitts & Nevis

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