To read our reviews of popular tours and excursions in Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Bonaire, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guadeloupe (coming soon), Jamaica, Martinique, St. Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia and more… just click HERE
Now that the weather is showing signs of winter in many parts of the world, you might be starting to think about a nice warm Caribbean vacation. Nothing beats the winter blues like feeling the warmth of the sun above you and the sand beneath your feet. That said, it’s also great to get the muscles moving, the heart pumping and the mind blown by experiencing the natural wonders that the Caribbean has to offer. Take a peek at the underwater world below the surface of the Caribbean Sea or hike through a lush green rainforest to awaken the senses – This is nature’s best medicine. Of course, a round of golf or a warm relaxing day at sea would also fill the prescription for what the travel doctor ordered! If you’re thinking of heading south to escape the cold and dark of winter for a week or two, here are our thoughts on the best of the less busy/touristy Caribbean adventure destinations to visit in early 2024.
For this article, we’re highlighting the Caribbean Islands that provide the best opportunities for getting out in nature by enjoying snorkeling (and diving), hiking, fishing, watersports, and golf, highlighting a few of the more ‘unspoiled’ Caribbean Islands where you can truly immerse yourself in the culture and activities of the land.
Located just north of South America’s Venezuelan coast, Bonaire is a special municipality of the Netherlands. Famous for its pink flamingos and salt mounds, the small Dutch island is more than just a “diver’s paradise”. This Caribbean Island is also a great place to experience snorkeling, watersports, cycling and surprisingly good hiking as well!
With healthy coral reefs and rich marine life, Bonaire is one of the best islands in the Caribbean for snorkeling and diving! Bonaire and its small offshore island Klein Bonaire are encircled by reefs providing homes for an amazing biodiversity of colourful fish, corals, sponges, and more. You can slip into the warm Caribbean Sea from shore and swim out to a nearby reef, or take a short boat ride to Bonaire’s Marine Park to experience some of the best snorkel & dive spots in the Caribbean. Explore shallow coral reefs, steep underwater cliffs as well as underwater caves. Bonaire also happens to be one of the best Freediving locations in the world.
For more details on the dozens of snorkel sites or diving at any of the over eighty dive sites in Bonaire, as well as contact info for local dive shops and boat operators who can get you outfitted and in the water, check out our Bonaire Snorkeling and/or our Bonaire Scuba Diving pages.
With its near-constant trade winds, year-round warm air and water temperatures, Bonaire is one of the best places in the Caribbean to enjoy water sports as well. The flat southwest coast of the island seems to be made for kiteboarding and kitesurfing, while the mangroves and waterways of Lac Bay on the southeast side of the island are ideal for kayaking and windsurfing. Spending an adventurous day on the sea is a great way to experience the Caribbean, and Bonaire definitely ticks all the boxes when it comes to watersports options that satisfy everyone’s needs!
For more tips on watersports options in Bonaire, including contact info for local tour operators, surf shops and places to rent gear, check out our Bonaire Water Sports page.
With over a hundred kilometres of cycling trails, Bonaire is also one of the best Caribbean destinations for bicycle riding. Explore Bonaire by bike to experience jaw-dropping views of the island and picturesque views of the Caribbean Sea. The island has road courses that include amazing scenic coastline routes, as well as off-road trails in desert-like terrain. If you’re looking to travel at a slower pace, the hiking trails of Bonaire offer surprisingly good opportunities for some easy relaxing walks as well as a couple of intermediate–difficult outings. Perhaps the best Bonaire hiking can be found in Washington-Slagbaai National Park at the north end of the island.
For more details on biking and hiking in Bonaire, including contact info for local tour operators, hiking guides, and places to rent bikes, check out our Bonaire Cycling and/or our Bonaire Hiking pages.
For a complete listing of things to do in Bonaire, including contact info for local tour operators who can help you get the most out of your stay, check out our Bonaire Vacation Ideas and Things to Do in Bonaire pages.
The Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis Islands, commonly referred to as “St. Kitts & Nevis”, is a two-island nation in the northern Caribbean, located southeast of Puerto Rico and just west of Antigua & Barbuda. The island of St. Kitts and its smaller sister island of Nevis are only 2 miles (3km) apart, conveniently connected via ferries and water taxis. Among many awesome attractions, Saint Kitts is home to Brimstone Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the last railway in the Caribbean. Nevis may be best known for its sandy beaches and Georgian-style buildings in the charming capital of Charlestown. That said, a St Kitts & Nevis vacation has plenty to offer travelers seeking action on land and sea.
As the tops of a submerged volcanic mountain range, St. Kitts & Nevis are covered with rolling green folds of volcanic peaks separated by lush valleys. With more than a quarter of the islands being conserved via National Parklands, such as the Central Forest Reserve, St. Kitts & Nevis are a great place for Caribbean hiking! The islands offer a variety of easy relaxing nature walks, some decent intermediate hikes as well as some very challenging climbs – No adventurous trip to Saint Kitts is complete without hiking up the island’s highest peak Mount Liamuiga, or the shorter but steeper Nevis Peak. Combined, the sister islands have about a dozen trails to explore.
For more information and tips on hiking in St. Kitts & Nevis, including contact info for local tour operators and hiking guides, check out our St. Kitts & Nevis Hiking pages.
Bicycling is another great way to explore St. Kitts & Nevis while getting some fresh air and exercise at the same time. Both islands offer mountain biking as well as some cane field and scenic road routes. For avid cyclists, you can compete against the island’s best, in an around-the-island cycle in Nevis. Alternatively, take your time to better enjoy the gorgeous views of the island, Caribbean Sea, and neighbouring islands, while being challenged by the mountainous terrain encountered on portions of the route.
For more details on cycling and MTBing in St. Kitts & Nevis, including contact info for local tour operators and places to rent bikes, check out our St. Kitts & Nevis Cycling page.
Meanwhile, just offshore from St. Kitts & Nevis, you can find some good snorkeling and diving spots to explore an underwater world of rocky reefs and wrecks. St. Kitts offers more than half a dozen locations to snorkel along the west coast of the island, with perhaps the best being the oddly named Shitten Bay, typically accessed via boat. The shallow turquoise water is crystal clear, and the sandy seagrass-covered bottom and rocky shoreline are home to a wide variety of tropical fish, corals and other marine life. Several others can be accessed directly from the beach. For the more adventurous scuba divers, there are over two dozen dive sites with reefs, wrecks and walls to explore around the sister islands – Something for divers of all skills to enjoy.
For more tips and details on snorkeling or diving in St. Kitts & Nevis, as well as contact info for local dive shops and boat operators who can get you outfitted and in the water, check out our St. Kitts & Nevis Snorkeling and/or our St. Kitts & Nevis Scuba Diving pages.
For a relaxing day on the links, St. Kitts has a couple of gorgeous 18-hole / par 71 golf courses, and Nevis has one as well. The Royal St. Kitts Golf Club is home to a course with several holes overlooking the Caribbean Sea or Atlantic Ocean. Kittitian Hill – Irie Fields is a unique course set among Belle Mont farm’s crops and fruit trees with spectacular ocean views featuring St. Barth’s in the background. The Four Seasons Golf Club on Nevis features a Robert Trent Jones II designed course. For more information, check out our St. Kitts & Nevis Golf page.
For those looking for the ‘salt life’, you can experience fishing in the turquoise blue waters of St. Kitts & Nevis with the mountainous island featuring Mount Liamuiga shrouded in mist as a picturesque backdrop. Out at sea, you could catch barracuda, kingfish, marlin, sailfish, mahi mahi, wahoo, while the reefs offer snapper, grouper, grunt and more! There’s plenty of deep sea and sport fishing as well as reef fishing to be found around the sister islands.
For more details on fishing in St. Kitts & Nevis, including contact info for local boat operators who can get a reel in your hands, check out our St. Kitts & Nevis Fishing page.
Surrounded by a diversity of wind conditions and shorelines, there’s also plenty of water sports to enjoy while visiting St. Kitts & Nevis. On the windier Atlantic Ocean side of St. Kitts, the southeast coastline may be the best place for surfing, windsurfing, kite-surfing and even fly-boarding and parasailing, while the southwest coastlines of both islands are ideal for kayaking and SUP while taking in the breathtaking views of the sister islands. Also, on the Caribbean side of St. Kitts, the popular Timothy Bay and South Friar’s Bay are hotspots for jet skiing, banana boat rides and much, much more!
For more information on watersports options in St. Kitts & Nevis, including contact info for local tour operators, surf shops, and places to rent gear, check out our St. Kitts & Nevis Water Sports page.
For more ideas for things to do in St. Kitts & Nevis, including contact info for local tour operators who can help you get the most out of your stay, check out our St. Kitts & Nevis Vacation Ideas and Things to Do in St. Kitts & Nevis pages.
Not to be confused with the touristy Dominican Republic, the Commonwealth of Dominica is located north of Saint Lucia, between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. Dominica is the youngest island in the region with geothermal activity you can experience for yourself by hiking to the second-largest hot spring in the world, aptly named Boiling Lake. Besides being one of, if not the best, Caribbean Island destinations for hiking, the “Nature Island” also offers incredible canyoning, snorkeling, diving, and fishing adventures… All just waiting for you to discover!
Dominica is famous for its wild mountainous landscape and plentiful rivers and waterfalls. The tallest peak on the island is Morne Diablotins, which at 4,747 feet (1,447 m) above sea level, makes it the ninth tallest in the Caribbean. For unique hiking adventures, Dominica has a challenging trail to the aforementioned Boiling Lake, which is literally ‘bubbling’, as well as an untamed river trail to the gorgeous Victoria Falls. There are literally dozens of hiking trails on the island throughout an extensive natural park system including Cabrits National Park, the Northern Forest Reserve, the Central Forest Reserve, as well as Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dominica is also home to the Waitukubuli National Trail – 115 miles (184 km) of trails weaving back and forth across the length of the island. For the more adventurous, Dominica is also home to a burgeoning canyoning scene with several natural waterfall playgrounds just begging to be climbed and rappeled – You just need to know which canyons and gorges they’re in!
For more information and tips on hiking in Dominica, including contact info for local tour operators and hiking guides, check out our Dominica Hiking pages.
Dominica is also protecting its natural underwater world with the Soufriere-Scott’s Head Marine Reserve and the Cabrits Marine Reserve. Several sheltered bays along the Caribbean coast with close-to-shore reefs make Dominica a great Caribbean Island for snorkeling – An ideal destination for spotting tropical fish, large fish as well as rays and turtles. There’s also the unique snorkeling spot known as Champagne Reef, where Dominica’s volcanic activity can be experienced underwater as you swim through air bubbles seeping through volcanic fumaroles on the seabed while you explore the corals and fish in the area – A snorkeling spot not to be missed!
The island is also a nearly undiscovered mecca for scuba diving with shallow coral reefs, pinnacles, and steep drop-off cliffs with incredible caves and pass-throughs. There are dozens of dive sites to choose from along the west coast of Dominica, with a variety of options appropriate for divers with various skill levels. The reefs and walls are covered with colourful corals, tubes, fans, sponges and a wide assortment of marine life including fish, eels, seahorses, shrimp, and more. Free-divers looking for a new place to explore will love the underwater crater in Soufriere Bay, which can be easily accessed via the fixed freediving platform.
Unsurprisingly, Dominica’s healthy reef systems and deep waters also make it a great destination for Caribbean fishing. Sports fishermen dream about the big marlin, sailfish, yellowfin skipjack, tarpon, wahoo, dorado, and mackerel you can catch in the waters of Dominica. As an added bonus, you might be fortunate enough to see dolphins and whales swimming alongside your boat as you journey to and from the island’s fishing hot spots!
For more details and ideas for things to do in Dominica, including contact info for local tour operators who can help you get the most out of your stay, check out our Dominica Vacation Ideas page.
Well, that’s Part I of our list of some of the ‘lesser known’ Caribbean Islands to visit in 2024 for some of the best snorkeling, diving, hiking, fishing, watersports, and golf. For more of our unspoiled top picks for 2024, check out our Experience a Different Kind of Caribbean Island in 2024 – Part II blog post!
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.
We hope you liked our assessment, and it has motivated you to enjoy some quality time in the Caribbean!
Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming about vacationing in the Caribbean – Thoughts that inevitably include warm weather, the gorgeous Caribbean Sea, sand between your toes, and a rum beverage in hand? If so, you’re not alone… and I’m sure you’ll agree that no Caribbean Island vacation is complete without visiting a local rum-making facility. So the next time you’re in the Leeward Islands’ Saint Kitts & Nevis, be sure to find your way to the Clifton Estate Rum Company on the small island of Nevis. If you’ve never heard of this Caribbean gem before, it’s a lush green volcanic island that happens to be the birthplace and childhood home of Alexander Hamilton, the face on the American ten-dollar bill.
Our trip began with a pleasurable visit to L&L Rum Shop with Mark Theron, the man behind Nevis’ great little store as well as Clifton Estate Spiced Rum. We were fortunate enough to be invited to a behind-the-scenes look at the Clifton Estate Rum Company with Mark. Arriving at their facility, located in a wooded lot just south of the island’s capital, Charlestown, we were welcomed by a Clifton Estate Rum branded pergola fronting a couple of unassuming buildings.
We started our tour in their warehouse and blending facility – After all, this is where the magic happens. Mark explained the different stages of their rum blending and filtration process while showing us the tanks, vats and equipment that make it all possible. Clifton Estate Spiced Rum starts life as a 2-year-old rum sourced from nearby Antigua before it is masterfully blended with a delightful combination of ‘warming’ Caribbean spices along with a touch of fresh orange and real honey. Due to increased demand for the company’s products, the building is being expanded to allow for increased production and storage. From the tanks on the top shelf of the rum mixing area, the final blend flows through a pipe to the bottling room in a separate building next door.
It is in this room that the amber liquid is deposited into bottles, which are then labelled, capped, and boxed up for distribution. Speaking of bottles – Clifton Estate Spiced Rum is packaged in a unique bottle in the form of a barrel, complete with planks and rivets! I’ve seen some cool-shaped bottles in my time, however nothing captures the essence and history of rum like this does. From start to finish, the creation of Clifton Estate Spiced Rum is a ‘hand-made’ affair, with very few hands involved in the process. This is the epitome of small-batch artisanal rum making. A place where they really care about their brand and end-product.
When they are not bottling their latest batch of spirits, this room doubles as the blending/mixing lab where Mark develops future concoctions for the Clifton Estate Rum Company. When we visited, it looked like a mad scientist had been hard at work, with several hand-labelled bottles denoting various ages and mixtures. Mark was excited to tell us about one product being crafted whose foundation is a 5 yr old rum aged in a Jack Daniels barrel. I can’t wait to try that one!
We then went into the Clifton Estate showroom for further discussion, a few samples of rum, and an amazing and unique experience that would be the climax of our day, not to mention one of the highlights of our vacation. We started by sampling the award-winning Clifton Estate Spiced Rum, which is aptly known as “a taste of Nevis in a barrel”!
For a relatively young rum, it was surprisingly delicious. I love the rum’s rich golden colour and its appetizing aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg and candied orange peel. Tasting Clifton Estate Spiced Rum, I found the flavour brimming with warming spices and a touch of honey. While it tingled on my tongue a little, I was amazed at the absence of a harsh burn. Good stuff – Mellow and flavourful enough to drink straight-up. That said, Mark suggested alternative ways to enjoy Clifton Estate Spiced Rum including drinking it with a splash of coconut water or with a drop of orange bitters in a rum and coke. I’ll be trying both of them for sure.
Popular with local restaurants and bars in St. Kitts & Nevis, the Clifton Estates Rum Company continues to capture the “Spirit of Nevis” with their Moko Jumbie brand of Gold and Silva rum. Once again, considerable thought and effort have been put into the presentation of this rum as it is packaged in a gorgeous, frosted bottle with silhouettes of ghost-like characters etched into the side – Images that invoke the annual St. Kitts & Nevis’ Sugar Mas Carnival, where dancers don the traditional costume of the Moko Jumbie, a ghost with healing powers. The company also creates and bottles single-run batches of “specialty” rums of various ages and blends for upscale clients like hotels and bars looking for something unique to celebrate special occasions. For those looking for a more casual pre-mixed beverage, the Clifton Estate Rum Company also produces a Lemongrass & Ginger “Tropical Punch”, utilizing their Moko Jumbie Gold rum as the base of course.
While rum is Mark’s passion, the company is branching out, also producing an exclusive vodka-based beverage handcrafted in Nevis.
Their flagship vodka-based product is NEVIQ Tropical Liqueur and it’s really something to behold, as well as taste! The bright blue concoction contains a captivating silver swirl that you have to see to believe. Similar to their rum-making process, they source high-quality spirits, this time from the USA, blending it with tropical fruit flavours before filtering it and adding the special “shimmer” ingredient. Sipping the wild concoction, I found notes of passion fruit while the taste profile evolved on my tongue, moving from tangy to sweet… Very yummy indeed!
Clifton Estate has also begun the development of a cannabis-infused red wine beverage that will be ready to hit the shelves once the righteous plant becomes fully legal in St. Kitts & Nevis. Our conversation continued over a variety of shots. I loved hearing about Mark’s passion for crafting innovative products on the island of Nevis. I especially appreciate his ambition to distill his own rum on the premises, ideally utilizing Nevis-grown cane sugar, which was once known to be the finest of the Caribbean. With access to some of the most fertile land in the islands, coupled with his growing presence in the rum industry, Mark is definitely on the right track with this aspiration. In just over 5 years the Clifton Estate Rum Company has proven their rum-making prowess, extraordinary creativity in designing alluring bottles and labels, and have also created and produced a number of sensationally original products. With his enthusiastic drive and industry connections, I’m looking forward to seeing what Mark can accomplish in the next 5-10 years.
Oh right.., back to the Clifton Estate bottling experience… While I was captivated by the swirling stardust in the bottle of NEVIQ, Mark was busy engraving our names on a couple of their signature bottles. When they were ready for us, we took turns filling our own personalized bottles with the ‘elixir of life’ from a special mini-keg of Clifton Estate Spiced Rum.
Once full, we corked our little barrels of liquid gold then dipped the necks into hot wax, elegantly sealing the bottle and completing the rum bottling experience. Oh man, that was fun! So, not only do we end up with a great bottle of rum to enjoy, but we now possess unique souvenirs and showpieces for our rum collection – A valuable keepsake from our trip to Nevis.
Not to be left out, you too can enjoy this rum bottling experience for yourselves. The next time you’re planning a trip to Saint Kitts and Nevis, reach out to Mark via Marks Rum Tasting or email L&L Rum Shop at lnlrumshop@gmail.com. Alternatively, you can also join a Nevis Rum Tasting Experience tour with Nevis Sun Tours. For us, we felt that the rum bottling was a very special, personal, and interactive experience – A must-do for any and all rum enthusiasts for sure!
FYI – Clifton Estate products are available at grocery stores, bars and restaurants across St. Kitts and Nevis. Outside the Caribbean, the Clifton Estate Rum Company has recently accessed the US market, with some availability of Clifton Estate Spiced Rum and NEVIQ in Florida and New York State (coming in 2022). Folks in the UK and Europe won’t have long to wait either, as distribution is being finalized for availability in 2022 as well. To keep up to date, check out the Clifton Estate Rum Company website for more info.
If you’re interested in reading more about rum, check out our Caribbean Rum page and our St. Kitts & Nevis Rum page, which includes a list of Tour Operators who will get you sampling SKN’s finest.
For an overview of the beautiful “Sister islands”, take a look at our St. Kitts & Nevis Vacations page
For other great Tourist Attractions on the islands, check out our Things to Do in St. Kitts & Nevis blog
If you’re looking for more ‘active’ things to do while vacationing in St. Kitts & Nevis, click on our SKN Adventures blog post for some great ideas!
ACT Staff
One of the main reasons I had wanted to vacation in St. Kitts & Nevis (SKN) was to hike the stratovolcano known as Nevis Peak. While not the tallest mountain in the Caribbean, I heard that the trail is one of the steepest, perhaps comparable to St. Lucia’s Pitons which I enjoyed hiking, so I had to give it a go! Besides, the highest point on Nevis is more than 900 feet (275m) higher than the iconic Gros Piton…
We stayed in St. Kitts for our holiday, but whenever I had the chance, I glanced over at her sister island, paying special attention to the cloud cover on Nevis Peak. It was almost always shrouded in mist, however from what I observed it seemed to be cloud-free more often in the afternoon than the morning, so I decided to schedule the hike for the afternoon.
On the day of the hike, I took the public ferry from Basseterre, St. Kitts over to Nevis, landing in the island’s capital, Charlestown. I got there early so I could wander around and visit the historic Bath House / Hot Springs as well as the Museum of Nevis History. When my meeting time came, I went back to the Charlestown waterfront road lined with flags from all over the world. This is where I met Reggie Douglas of Nevis Adventure Tours, my private guide for the day. I was fortunate to have booked Reggie, who I understand from their website is a former SKN Sportsman of the Year and National as well as Eastern Caribbean Triathlon Champion.
It was a short drive from Charlestown, to the south side of the island to a place called Stoneyhill. We parked next to the Dunbar Mill, near the Hermitage Inn, although I believe the official trailhead is actually a couple of streets further east. Our hike started up a steep incline, on an old double-track concrete road. Once we passed the last few houses skirting the Volcano, we followed a path into the forest. Although relatively short, this is a relaxing wooded section of the trail. I didn’t know it at the time, but that was the last I was going to see of anything resembling level ground for the rest of the hike. Meanwhile, a couple of small dogs had run past us and were somewhere on the trail ahead – We could hear them yipping away, seemingly in a verbal war with a territorial monkey. Once we reached the area, the dogs had vanished, but Reggie could see the monkey high up in a tree. While I could hear the little primate, now squawking at us, I couldn’t spot him/her hiding in the dense canopy above.
Soon after that, we abruptly turned uphill and began the climb. I’ve done a fair amount of mountain hiking in my day, however I’ve never encountered a trail like this before. There is not even the slightest notion of a switchback anywhere – The trail pretty much takes a straight-line path up the side of the volcano.
The path essentially consists of a series of near-vertical sections, each connected by a few feet of somewhat flat sections, only a couple of which lasted for more than a few steps. As for the plentiful near-vertical sections, I loved climbing up the natural ladders formed from tree roots and branches – What a rush! Thankfully, these areas also had ropes strung from tree to tree, providing additional help if needed. Looking for an authentic, wild hike, I didn’t use the ropes too often and Reggie made it easy by calmly identifying good places to grab and step as we made our way uphill. That said, there were a couple of perilous-looking verticals where I would have been foolish not to take advantage of the safety ropes.
Reggie mentioned that sometimes he has to coach, or rather coax some of his clients to continue the climb when they were confronted with some of the more daunting sections. I had absolutely no second thoughts of carrying on, although after being on the trail for less than half an hour, I was breathing so hard, I just couldn’t catch my breath. It was a tough uphill climb, but I also blame my struggle on having hiked and biked a substantial amount a few days prior to this strenuous hike. Whatever it was, my heart was beating out of my chest so I asked Reggie, who as far as I could tell wasn’t even breathing hard, to take a short break. Excuses aside, after a 5-minute water break, we were underway again and I eventually found my groove. I was still constantly breathing hard with an elevated heart rate, however I felt much more comfortable the rest of the way.
After a while I started to acknowledge my surroundings, recognizing that we were in a rugged, nearly impenetrable jungle, filled with lush rainforest plants and tall trees reaching skyward in an attempt to find sunlight. For most of the climb, there were very few opportunities to see much through the thick green foliage, although Reggie let me know when we reached a couple of partial clearings that did offer a view of the island below. I savoured the spectacular scenery that these little ‘windows to the world’ offered. Seeing the green island unfold below, transitioning to a stunning blue ocean that went on for as far as the eye can see, was something to behold!
While I didn’t really think about it, and when I did I wasn’t perturbed in the least, I should point out that some people may consider this a dangerous trail. The potential for serious falls exists, although you wouldn’t roll down the mountainside too far before being unceremoniously stopped by a tree ;). Due to the nature of the trail, the opportunity to converse was limited, although I did enjoy hearing about Reggie’s cycling experiences in Europe, agreeing that the mountainous Alps are something special. We talked about some of the other trails on the island, as well as how humans would be better off if we were more in tune with the natural world. A lifestyle I value and strive towards these days – I wondered how we can make positive changes in North America to head in that direction…
As we got higher up the mountainside, Reggie pointed out the green moss and lichen that were now growing in much larger and richer clusters than they had a few hundred feet earlier. The plants keep everything nice and moist up here – So cool to see! As we neared the top of the volcano, we climbed up some truly striking areas that appeared to be muddy gashes in the earth. Not long after ascending one of the slippery zones, we suddenly popped into a little wooded area on fairly level ground, quickly reaching a small clearing in the rainforest. We had reached the top of the volcano! The mist from the clouds enveloped us, offering only fleeting glimpses of the island below. While we chilled, taking in the scenery, Reggie told me that people of all ages have climbed this peak, from pre-teens to a 72-year-old. WoW – Impressive! While we were talking, a green/blue hummingbird darted around us, letting us know that we weren’t the only ones up there. Apparently, the highest spot in Nevis is another 100 meters or so from where we were standing. Reggie stated that that section of the trail hadn’t been cleared for the last couple of years and was only a few feet higher than where we were.
Well, eventually we decided it was time for the return journey. While there is another path down the other side of the volcano, it hadn’t been cleared for a while either, and it complicates logistics anyways. So, we headed back down the same way we came. From my previous mountain hiking experience, I have come to learn that going down a mountain is usually harder than going up it, mostly because it puts a strain on different muscles (and joints). That said, this trail provided a unique challenge. For anyone who has climbed a tall ladder to get onto the roof of a house, you know what I’m talking about. From a psychological perspective, it’s totally different going up a ladder than it is staring down it. Not to belabour the point, down we went. Sometimes with our back/butt hugging the earth, and sometimes going backward, facing the ground – Whatever felt more natural at the time. Unlike the trip up the volcano, I made extensive use of the ropes on the way down.
The Nevis Peak experience wasn’t over yet though. When we got near the location where we had encountered the dogs and monkey, it was interesting to see a monkey turd proudly displayed on top of a trailside boulder. I guess the animal was once again reminding us that they have made this area their home 😊. A much nicer surprise greeted us a few minutes later when we retraced our steps through the nice wooded area near the road. More than a dozen yellow and black striped insects, that Reggie identified as zebra butterflies, merrily fluttered around us – A soothing encounter to end the hike.
About three hours after we had started the hike, we were back at our starting point. To be clear, I wouldn’t be exaggerating to say that this was more of a climb than a hike. Although I didn’t get to revel in spectacular 360° views from the top of the island, scaling Nevis Peak was a blast. I had a great time with Reggie, so unassuming and authentic. I’m not sure if I’ll ever get the mud completely out of my mesh hikers, but that’s a small price to pay for such an awesome experience! Another day in paradise.
For more information on Reggie’s tours and services, check out his website, Nevis Adventure Tours and Greenedge Bike Shop, or his facebook page.
For a more ‘technical’ Trail Report as well as much more information on hiking in St. Kitts & Nevis, please reference the following links (to pages on our website):
For an overview of the beautiful “Sister islands”, take a look at our St. Kitts & Nevis Vacations page
If you’re looking for more active things to do while vacationing on the islands, click on our St. Kitts & Nevis Adventures blog for more great ideas!
For a more relaxed vacation itinerary, you can find great Tourist Attractions on the islands, by checking out our Things to Do in St. Kitts & Nevis blog
ACT Staff
As cold weather drags on in many parts of the world, a Caribbean vacation might be just what the doctor ordered for curing the winter blues. Just imagine the sand beneath your feet and a cold rum beverage in your hand. Better yet, how about slipping into the warm clear Caribbean Sea for some snorkelling or perhaps getting on the trail in a lush green rainforest. Of course, a game of golf or a day fishing would also be great right about now! If you’re looking to enjoy a warm-weather vacation in the near future, here are our thoughts on the best Caribbean destinations to visit in the next couple of months.
The good news is that it finally appears that Covid-19 is on the decline (I hope I didn’t just jinx it). Regardless, based on readily available data, it might be safer to spend time on certain Caribbean islands than it is to ‘go out’ in most American, Canadian, UK or European towns or cities. For this article, we looked at the Caribbean Islands that appear to have the fewest number of covid cases (per capita) combined with above-average vaccination rates. We also considered each island’s current covid related entry requirements to ensure a good balance of safety and convenience.
Our top three destinations listed below are really too close to rank/order, and similarly comparing the last two on our list resulted in a tie. You’ll find some of our top picks, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis and Grenada only allow fully vaccinated tourists to visit, while other islands we’re recommending, Jamaica and Saint Lucia are allowing unvaccinated tourists to now visit without quarantine requirements. The British Virgin Islands also made our list with a slightly more complicated set of rules and requirements than the others. All of our recommended destinations still require a negative covid test result prior to travelling to the island.
We hope you enjoy our assessments below, which also include a few ideas for fun and exciting things to do on each island. We’re hoping that will help you decide which Caribbean Island destination works best for you.
With one of the lowest covid case counts and highest vaccination rates in the Caribbean, the beautiful islands of Antigua & Barbuda are one of our highest recommended destinations.
Adults 18 and over must be fully vaccinated to visit Antigua & Barbuda. A negative RT PCR test result must be obtained within four days of travelling to the islands. Rapid Antigen tests will also be accepted, however these visitors may be required to take an RT PCR test upon arrival (at their own expense). Upon arrival, travellers will need to complete a health declaration form and undergo a brief health screening. If everything checks out ok, you’re good to go!
Once on the islands, you must stay in an official Antigua & Barbuda BioSafe/Certified accommodation, and you’ll need to wear a mask in public places while adhering to social distance protocols. For more details and specifics of covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit the official Antigua & Barbuda’s Travel Advisory webpage.
Now comes the fun part – What to do once you’re there… The islands are famous for their excellent cuisine and amazing white (along with a few pink) sandy beaches – Apparently, there’s a different beach for each day of the year in Antigua & Barbuda. For spectacular views, Shirley Heights is a must-see, as is Nelson’s Dockyard – A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unique adventurous activities can be found at Antigua’s Stingray City as well as in Barbuda’s caves. Antigua and Barbuda are home to wonderful mangroves and coral reefs, making the islands ideal for kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving. Of course, there are plenty of sailing and boating excursions available for a true Antigua & Barbuda experience. You’ll also be pleasantly surprised to know that Antigua offers some pretty amazing hiking trails and golf as well!
For more ideas and details for things to do in Antigua and Barbuda, including contact info for local tour operators who can help you make the most of your vacation, check out our Antigua & Barbuda Vacation Ideas webpage.
For our personal reviews of some fun and adventurous activities in Antigua & Barbuda, check out our Excursions/Blog Posts page.
Few covid cases are being reported right now in Jamaica and although the island’s overall vaccination rate appears low, people working in the tourism industry are mostly vaccinated and following strict protocols to keep everyone safe. For these and financial (great package deal) reasons, this is where we’re heading to this month!
Regardless of your vaccination status, Jamaica is welcoming all travellers, as long as you have a negative Antigen or PCR test result conducted within 3 days of travel (applies to everyone 12 and over). For faster processing on arrival, visitors are encouraged to submit their Immigration/Customs C5 card online prior to departing. If the card is not submitted online, travellers may complete the paper form while on the plane. Once on the islands, visitors must observe all applicable protocols, including the wearing of a mask and maintaining social distance in public spaces. For more details and specifics of covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit the official Jamaica Cares webpage.
As for what to do once you’re on the island, you’re in for a treat! Historically known as the “land of wood and water”, Jamaica is probably best known for its Reggae music & culture, white sand beaches, as well as its amazing rum and coffee. That said, a Jamaican vacation offers one of the best opportunities to enjoy waterfalls, river rafting and golf in a tropical setting. The island is rich with a beautiful and diverse landscape that includes the iconic Blue Mountain range, home to Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, great for hiking and coffee excursions. Jamaica offers good snorkelling and fishing too, while inland adventures include some serious MTB and caving excursions.
For more ideas and details for things to do in Jamaica, including contact info for local tour operators who can help you make the most of your stay, check out our Jamaica Vacation Ideas page.
For our personal reviews of some fun and adventurous activities in Jamaica, check out our Excursions/Blog Posts page (just scroll down to the Jamaica section).
With one of the lowest covid case counts and highest vaccination rates in the Caribbean, the “Sister Islands” of St. Kitts and Nevis (SKN) is also one of our top recommendations.
All visitors must be fully vaccinated (applies to everyone 18 and over) to visit St. Kitts and Nevis. Travelers must submit an RT-PCR or NAAT negative test result, taken within 3 days of your arrival, along with an Immigration/Customs form along with supporting documentation online, no later than 24 hours prior to travel.
Once on the islands, you must stay in an official SKN Certified accommodation and you’ll need to wear a mask, practice proper hand sanitizing, as well as physical distancing. For more details and specifics of covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit the official St. Kitts & Nevis St. Kitts & Nevis Travel Requirements page.
Having just returned from two weeks of bliss in St. Kitts & Nevis, I would suggest visiting the formidable Brimstone Fortress as well as nearby Romney Manor and the ruins of Wingfield Estate. While you’re in the area, a hike up Mount Liamuiga, one of the Caribbean’s tallest volcanos is a must-do for avid hikers. Nevis Peak also offers an incredibly unique hike, while other less strenuous hikes are also available on the islands. For some, the best way to explore St. Kitts is by taking their unique Scenic Railway tour around the island. You may also be pleasantly surprised at the snorkeling around St. Kitts as well as the rum on Nevis.
For a covid-oriented review of our recent trip to SKN, take a look at our It’s Safe to Travel to the Caribbean blog post.
For more ideas and details for things to do in the Sister Islands, including contact info for local tour operators who can help you make the most of your vacation, check out our St. Kitts & Nevis Vacation Ideas page.
For our personal reviews of some fun and adventurous activities in St. Kitts & Nevis, check out our Excursions/Blog Posts page (just scroll down to the St. Kitts & Nevis section).
Although the island’s overall vaccination rate is fairly low, covid case counts are on the decline and nearing their all-time low in Saint Lucia, so it’s a good time to visit.
Prior to departing for Saint Lucia, all adult travelers will need to obtain Travel Authorization, providing proof of a negative PCR test taken within 5 days of travel (applies to everyone 5 and over). Once on the island, visitors must adhere to all covid protocols, including those related to wearing face masks in public, social distancing and observing high standards of hand hygiene. For more details and specifics of covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit the official Saint Lucia – Safe Harbour webpage.
As for what to do once you’re there, Saint Lucia offers vacationers a wide variety of relaxing and adventurous activities ranging from sampling, and making your own, chocolate to hiking one of the iconic Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lone distillery on the island may be a pleasant surprise to some, as it is home to some of the Caribbean’s best rums. Perhaps the mountainous green island is famous for its beautiful gardens, waterfalls and hot springs. That said, Saint Lucia is also a great adventure destination for snorkeling/diving, fishing, water sports and golf.
For a more detailed view of things to do in Saint Lucia, including contact info for local tour operators who can help you get the most out of your stay, check out our Saint Lucia Vacation Ideas page.
For our personal reviews of some fun and adventurous activities in Saint Lucia, check out our Excursions/Blog Posts page (just scroll down to the Saint Lucia section).
With one of the highest vaccination rates in the Caribbean combined with declining covid case counts, the BVIs deserve a spot on our “top 5 Caribbean Islands to visit” list. While it’s convenient that entry requirements are somewhat less demanding for fully vaccinated tourists, overall guidelines and requirements are a bit confusing, so I hope I get this right.
Fully vaccinated travellers must show proof of vaccination, a negative PCR or Rapid Antigen test result (taken within 5 days of travel), along with proof of covid related Travel Insurance upon arriving in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). That said, if (Antigen?) test results are older than 48 hours, visitors may be asked to retest (Rapid Antigen) upon entry. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated visitors need to obtain travel authorization online via the BVI Gateway Portal prior to departing for the BVIs. To be approved, visitors must provide proof of a certified RT-PCR negative test result (taken 3-5 days prior to arrival), along with evidence of Covid related Travel Insurance. Partially vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers will need to quarantine for 4 and 7 days respectively upon arrival, and will be allowed to roam the islands after receiving a negative RT-PCR test result at the end of the quarantine period.
All visitors are to adhere to COVID-19 protocols while travelling around the British Virgin Islands. These include relevant physical distancing, wearing masks and sanitization measures.
For more details and specifics of Covid related entry requirements and restrictions, such as which port of entry you are allowed to use (dependent on vaccination status), please visit the official British Virgin Islands Entry Requirements webpage, as well as the British Virgin Islands Travel Protocols webpage.
Now for the fun part – For a taste of what you can enjoy once you get there, consider this… There are plenty of white sandy beaches offering a number of swimming and watersports options. Perhaps the best kayaking and SUP (paddleboarding) in the BVIs can be found at Tortola, while kiteboarding and windsurfing might be best experienced on Virgin Gorda. Boat operators can get you fishing around the islands, and spectacular views can be found while hiking the BVI’s National Parks. For a journey back in time, visit the islands’ museums and ruins of forts and sugar mills. Of course, there’s always plenty of sailing and rum to enjoy in the BVIs!
Covid case counts, which are much lower than other Caribbean Islands, are on the decline again in Grenada. Vaccination rates on the islands are on the rise, surpassing the levels of a couple of islands on this list above.
Adults 18 and over must be fully vaccinated to visit Grenada. A negative PCR test result must be obtained within 3 days of travelling to the islands. Alternatively, a negative Rapid Antigen test result must be obtained within 1 day of visiting Grenada. For faster processing on arrival, visitors are encouraged to submit their Travel Health Declaration form online prior to departing. If the form is not submitted online, you may complete the paper version while on the plane. Travellers will undergo health screening on arrival and once everything checks out ok, you’re good to go! Once you’re on the islands, visitors must wear a face mask (that covers his/her mouth, nose, and chin) in public places
As for what to do once you’re in Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique… The Spice Islands may be one of the Caribbean’s ‘best-kept secrets’, offering unspoiled natural beauty and a wide variety of attractions and activities sure to please everyone. The tropical paradise has dozens of uncrowded beaches and several accessible waterfalls and sulfur/hot springs. Grenada is home to Grand Etang National Park, a wilderness attraction complete with a crater lake. While equally a ‘hiker’s paradise’ and a ‘diver’s wonderland’, a vacation on the tri-island nation is a great destination for travelers seeking action on both land and sea. The islands also offer plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, water sports, and more.
For more detailed ideas for things to do in Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, including contact info for local tour operators who can help you get the most out of your stay, check out our Grenada Vacation Ideas page.
Now, for our disclaimer… Please note that this article was written on March 3th, 2022. Covid-19 information can change pretty quickly, so we recommend you check covid case counts on your island of choice, right before booking your trip.
FYI (Full Disclosure): We are not being compensated in any way by the islands listed above. These islands were chosen as our top destinations based on the criteria outlined. Some information for this article was derived from the following sources: worldometers.com; and covidvax.live
We hope you liked our assessment and it has motivated you to enjoy some quality time in the Caribbean!
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ACT Staff
