Tag Archives: Caribbean

Jamaica Dunns River
Caribbean, Jamaica, Plan, Trip Ideas

10 Things to Do on Jamaica

Leave a comment

 

Jamaica is one of the largest and most geographically diverse islands in the Caribbean. This bodes well for adventurous vacationers looking to go beyond the usual sun-and-fun routines. Mountains, rainforests, rivers and historic venues provide the backdrop for a diverse range of activities, some mild, others decidedly a bit wild. Here are some of our favorites.

1  Camel Safari

The big-footed desert dwellers were once common in Jamaica, imported by eccentric Englishmen. They turned out to be pretty handy for forging through the tropical foliage, as camel riders sit higher than on a horse. You can saddle up at Prospect Great House in Ocho Rios for a ride through this working plantation, then sample some of the savory fruits grown there. 

2  River Rafting

Jamaica Rafting, 10 Things to Do on Jamaica

Photo: Julian Love/Jamaica Tourist Board

Legend has it that this uniquely Jamaican pastime was started by cinematic swashbuckler Errol Flynn on the Rio Grande near his property in Port Antonio. Once you climb into the seats set atop a 30-foot bamboo raft, a boatman gently poles you down the river. The practice has spread and you can raft the Rio Grande near Port Antonio, the Martha Brae River in Falmouth or the White River near Montego Bay. If you’re looking for a little more adrenaline, there’s also whitewater rafting on the White River, where you can splash through rapids that range up to class four. 

<b>

3  Golf

Unlike some of its drought-challenged Caribbean neighbors to the east, Jamaica’s greens are lush year-round, nourished by the island’s 32 inches of annual rainfall. The most lauded course is the prestigious track at The Tryall Club, but you need to be a guest staying on property to play it. If you’re staying elsewhere in the Montego Bay area, Rose Hall offers the top-rated White Witch, Cinnamon Hill and Half Moon courses by reservation. To the east, Both Sandals Country Club and Resort and the Breezes Resort maintain championship level courses, and the Upton Golf Course welcomes all.

4  Horseback Riding

Jamaica Horseback Riding, Font Hill Beach Park

Photo: Jamaica Tourist Board

As one of the largest islands in the Caribbean, Jamaica offers many miles of trails, forests and fields that can be explored by horseback. You can find horse stables and guided rides at many locations across the island. Equestrian options range from novice-friendly trail rides through villages, farms and rainforests to longer excursions into the wooded highlands of the interior. North coast tours often ride along the seaside hills before moving down to the beach and taking the horses — and riders — into the ocean for a swim. Falmouth and Montego Bay are both popular starting locations.

5  Croc Hunting

The Black River on Jamaica’s South Coast is one of the few places in the western hemisphere you can see saltwater crocodiles up close. Tours start at the river mouth and enter a wildlife reserve that is home to more than 300 of the carnivorous reptiles, and sightings are pretty much guaranteed. Boats range from open skiffs to shaded deck boats. Itineraries vary, but most include lunch and commentary from veteran guides. Longer tours may include a post- river diversion to the ramshackle Pelican Bar, which is located nearly a mile offshore.

6  Learn to cook Jamaican

Jamaica Jerk Chicken

Photo: iStock

Learn to create the island flavors that make Jamaican cooking popular and join a tour with Prospect Outback Adventures. Start with a walk through the garden of a historic Great House to learn about the herbs and spices used in Jamaican cooking. Put that knowledge to work in the historic home’s veranda, where ingredients await, and a chef oversees each guest’s work station as they learn the nuances of creating a savory jerk sauce, and prepare classic Jamaican dishes such as shrimp rundown, steamed callaloo and banana fritters. The culinary experience ends with a sampling of your own savory creations.

7  Great House Tours

The planters of Jamaica lived graciously in this far-flung outpost of the British Empire. The Empire may be gone but their Great Houses are still with us; a dozen or so are open to the public. Harmony Hall near Ocho Rios and Greenwood Great House —which belonged to a cousin of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning — are two of the best. For something out of the ordinary, sign on for the candle-lit evening tour of the Rose Hall Great House, said to be haunted by the former owner, infamous for her cruelty. The tour concludes with a stop at the estate’s former dungeon, now transformed into a tavern.

8  Zip Lining

Jamaica Zipline

Photo: Jamaica Tourist Board

Flying through the treetops with the wind in your face and glimpses of the Caribbean far below in the distance — if that won’t get your heart pumping you’re going to need another shot of rum. There are zip line operators near most of the Jamaica’s resort hubs. One of the most exciting is the Flight of the White Witch. This course will have you rappelling down heart-stopping drops and gliding through foliage tunnels high above the ground and across rushing rivers. The line known as the Inter-Parish Express delivers a 1,250-foot run that reaches speeds of 35 miles an hour.

9  Downhill Mountain Biking

Cycling is popular in Jamaica and there are organized rides for road bikes. If you aren’t into tight Lycra shorts and hunching over your handlebars, you can do the all-downhill Blue Mountain ride. It starts with an uphill truck ride into the high elevations where the Blue Mountain signature coffee grows, and yes you can sample some. Then you let gravity do the work on a two-and-a-half hour downhill coast that takes in big views of the island, with stops at waterfalls and other points of interest.

10  Dive In, Rick’s Cafe

This is one of the island’s iconic experiences. Rick’s sits atop the West End Cliffs just south of Seven Mile Beach in Negril. For many years, patrons have gathered a bit of courage, often with the help of a shot Myers or swig of Red Stripe, and then plunged off one of Rick’s diving platforms into the waters of the cove below. The highest platform is 35 feet — which will seem like 350 feet when you’re staring down at the water. Or, you can just watch bolder souls make the jump while you enjoy the sun sinking slowly in the west.

Saba
Caribbean, Plan, Saba, Trip Ideas

Saba: 10 Reasons to Go

Leave a comment

 

Affectionately known as the Unspoiled Queen, the tiny island of Saba is unlike any other in the Caribbean. In fact, if you didn’t know better, you might think you were somewhere off the coast of California on one of the Channel Islands. On this smallest of the Dutch Windwards, nature reigns and eco-tourism is the big draw. The hiking is superb, big views are everywhere and the surrounding waters are pristine and protected. You won’t find any casinos, mega-all-inclusive resorts or a Margaritaville on this spoonful of paradise, just small cottage-style resorts, a close-knit community and a strong bond with nature.

1  Vertical Life

The island of Saba is the above-water remains of an extinct volcano, rising abruptly from the depths. There are no palm-lined beaches, no coastal lowlands to support a port city, and no fringing reefs to create a sheltered harbor. Instead, the shoreline transitions abruptly to precipitous bluffs that extends to the mist-shrouded heights of Mount Scenery. The almost total verticality of the landscape led settlers to create a collection of small villages set along the slopes within and a saddle valley near the island’s center. The surrounding hillsides and summit remain in a natural state.

2  Underwater World

The same precipitous volcanic topography that makes Saba unique above the waves continues below the surface, resulting in an underwater landscape that’s far different from other islands in the area. Instead of surrounding coral reefs, the bottom unfolds in a series of undercut ledges, seamounts and pinnacles. With blue close to shore, these structures not only hold a population of resident reef dwellers, but also attract passing oceanic species that can include sharks, dolphin and even whales. Snorkelers and scuba divers have more than 25 sites to enjoy, some suitable for novices and others best left to the experienced.

3  Charming Villages

There was a time when all island houses had to be white with green shutters and trim and red tile roofs. Though no longer a mandate, most structures remain true to those colors, creating a storybook setting against the verdant backdrop of the island’s slopes. Gardens are cared for religiously and relentlessly. Many residents are members of the local garden club, keen to be recognized for their varieties of hibiscus or the size of the blooms on a prized night-blooming cactus. Yards and gardens are overflowing with botanicals and stonewalls are draped with flowers in white, yellow and purple. Most yards have white picket fencing entwined with flowering vines.

4  Movie Magic

Vintage movie buffs might recognize Saba’s profile as Skull Island, the home of King Kong, as shown in the opening scene of the original 1930s version of the film. Not only was the fog-enshrouded silhouette of Saba used as a backdrop, several of the movie’s jungle scenes were filmed on the slopes of the island’s upland rainforest. Today, the same rugged landscape where your imagination could easily conjure a giant ape is more likely to yield trekkers and rock climbers.

5  Saba Marine Park

Saba became a regional leader in marine conservation with the establishment of the Saba National Marine Park in 1987. The park encompasses the surrounding waters of the entire island from the shore to a depth of 200 feet, covering an area of some 3,200 acres. Mooring buoys are set at more than two dozen dive sites to prevent anchor damage, spearfishing is banned and a snorkel trail is maintained at Torrens Points. Today, the park is managed by the Saba Conservation Foundation, and the underwater landscapes and fish populations are among the healthiest in the Caribbean.

6  Sea and Learn

During the month of October the island hosts an international group of naturalists and scientists to lead and participate in a range of programs that are free and open to visitors and locals alike. Activities include informal lectures, guided outings and the chance to engage in actual field research and nature surveys. Each day is rounded out with a series of interactive multi-media presentations on topics ranging from sharks and sea grasses to orchids and spiders. The roster changes each year, but the themes always appeal to the eco minded.

7  Mount Scenery

It wasn’t until 1943 that “the roadway that couldn’t be built” was carved into the island’s mountainous terrain by an enterprising local carpenter, accomplishing what Dutch engineers had deemed impossible. Until then, islanders connected with other villages by way of foot trails that crisscrossed the slopes. Today, these same footpaths are trekked by hikers who can choose from 14 routes that are both challenging and invigorating. Check in with The Trail Shop for directions and advice. You can go it alone with a map, join one of their organized hikes or book a private hike. At 2,855 feet, Mount Scenery is the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

8  The Lace Ladies

The art of lace making involves the repeated tying of free threads by hand to create intricate patterns. It is believed to have come to Saba in 1870, when island resident Gertrude Johnson learned the craft while attending a convent school in Caracas. From that, a cottage industry was born. In those days women were sometimes left alone on the island while their husbands traveled abroad as sailors. The ladies would create the designs for tablecloths, napkins and other linens and sell their handcrafts via mail to countries around the world. Today the art is fading, but you can still find local handiwork at shops around the island.

9  Ride of your life

Simply getting to Saba is an adventure. A seaside lava flow that is the only significant flat spot on the island has been carved into a 1,300 foot landing spot that has the distinction of being the shortest commercial runway in the world. Flights from St. Maarten, which is just 12 minutes away, begin with little drama, but upon approaching the island the intensity escalates as the plane begins a landing approach parallel with rocky cliffs. Those on the right side of the plane can almost reach out and touch the rocks, while left-side passengers look down on the ocean just yards away.

10  Big Birding

More than 87 species of birds make their way to the island of Saba. Some are resting during a migration, while others find a suitable habitant for a season. There are Zenaida doves, bridled quail and red- necked pigeons but the more exotic are purple throated hummingbirds and their close relative, the Antillean crested hummingbird, which find plenty of sustenance among the nectar-laden blossoms that nature provides. Hike along the slopes of Mount Scenery and you’ll be assured to sight pearly-eyed thrashers, brown tremblers and purple- throated carob, while bananaquits make their way toward civilization. One of the island’s main ornithological claims to fame is the protected red-billed tropicbird that nests on the coastal cliffs.

Dominican Republic, Cabarete Kiteboarding
Belize, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Panama, Play, Puerto Rico, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos

Five Adrenaline-Filled Trips in the Caribbean

Leave a comment

 

Picture the Caribbean and what typically comes to mind is lounging on white beaches, pina colada in hand. And while this is certainly the place for chilling out, you can also score big thrills. There are plenty of ways to jump— or rappel, snorkel, kayak, kite- board or surf—out of your comfort zone for a bigger adventure. After all, a little bit of adrenaline goes a long way toward making any Caribbean getaway much more memorable. Besides, that colada will always be waiting for you upon your return.

Swim with Humpbacks off Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos

Grand Turk, the largest of the Turks and Caicos Islands, is a stop along a whale super-highway leading to an offshore breeding and birthing grounds called the Silver Banks. When the captain of the Oasis Divers’ snorkel tour gives the command, leap into the water and just start kicking. Once the bubbles from your splash-in clear, you’ll behold one of nature’s most marvelous wonders. Responses to encountering these jumbo-sized mammals range from speechless awe to tears of joy. Whatever you’re feeling, keep your legs moving because these big animals swim fast.

Rappel in Belmopan, Belize

Only the first few feet of the descent feel truly dangerous—as if you’re free falling into nothingness. Then the harness catches on the descent line. You breathe. You look around and realize that the vista from 200 feet above the Belize rainforest canopy is stunning. You feed rope through the carabineer to control the speed of your drop into Actun Loch Tunich sinkhole. It’s all perfectly calming—just don’t look down.

Kayak a Bio-Bay in Fajardo, Puerto Rico

The only rule of hunting bioluminescence is: The darker the night, the better. Bioluminescence, or biolume, is a neon light certain creatures emit. In the ocean, the organisms are microscopic, so dipping a paddle into the drink stirs up thousands, even millions of dinoflagellates reacting to the movement. Biolume is easiest to see in bio-bays formed when water rich with these organisms stays in a concentrated area unimpeded by tidal exchange. Fajardo, a city on Puerto Rico’s northeast tip, has just such a location. For the best experience with this green and blue light, join a kayak tour on a night with no moon.

Kiteboard in Cabarete, Dominican Republic

In Cabarete, those staying for last-call on the water are usually kiteboarders. Conditions here follow a consistent pattern, and since surf is best in the early morning, that crowd hits the hay early. The wind starts to pick up in the early afternoon, so kiters don’t gear up until after lunch. The reliable conditions also make this beach city one of the best places to learn to rig a kite and ride the waves. The Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding School will hook you up with gear and the know-how. Next thing you know, you’ll be body-dragging—that is, letting the kite power you across waves sans board—and having so much fun, you won’t stop laughing. And don’t worry, it’s just as entertaining with the board.

Surfing in Bocas del Toro, Panama

Timing is everything in surfing, so good instruction up front is key. Guides at the Mono Loco Surf School begin with theory in the classroom, so you understand the whys behind riding waves. Then in the water, nothing is more helpful than a pro shouting “now” when it’s time to pop up and find your balance on the board. Plus, the idyllic location of Bocas del Toro in Panama—an area more chilled out and undeveloped than the neighboring eco hotspots in Costa Rica—does wonders for the psyche.

Caribbean, Grenada, Play, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Cascades: Au Coin Falls, Grenada

Leave a comment

 

The island of Grenada is home to several scenic waterfalls that are staples on the tour bus route. The most popular of these is Concord Falls, where passengers can disembark and descend a short set of stairs to take in a classic jungle-clad cataract that spills into a cool pool. This site is also referred to as the Lower Falls, because it is actually just one of three waterfalls that interrupt the river’s path as it flows down from the green highlands. For those willing to do some walking, there is an upstream option that offers a more private view.

The hike to Au Coin Falls begins with a ramble though the grounds of a former nutmeg plantation. The route crosses back and forth over the stream in a series of fords and collapsed stone bridges. The going can be a bit muddy in places, requiring sturdy shoes, but the route is not especially strenuous. Fast walkers can make the trip in a half hour, while a more leisurely pace still gets you there in under an hour.

Local guides will offer their services at the start of the trail, but the route is sufficiently obvious for those who want to go it on their own. Au Coin is a tall waterfall that emerges from an enveloping wall of greenery to spill into an alluring pool. You’ll have to resist the temptation to jump in, however, as this body of water is upstream of a local village’s water supply. Take in the view, and save the swim for your return to the Lower Falls.

Caribbean clothes
Antigua & Barbuda, Caribbean, Jamaica, Plan, St. Barts, St. Martin/St. Maarten, Trip Ideas

The Caribbean’s Best Nude Beaches

Leave a comment

 

We come to the Caribbean for sun and uninhibited fun. But on most islands, there are cultural limits that should be respected -not to mention legal statues against getting totally naked in public. But for those who enjoy sunbathing in the buff, there are a few select locations throughout the region where it’s perfectly acceptable to work on that all-over tan.

Orient Beach, St. Martin

On an island that’s half Dutch and half French, you’d expect a somewhat relaxed attitude towards beach attire. Skimpy suits and topless tolerance are prevalent, but the only place where full nudity is standard practice is at Orient Beach. Located on the northeast corner of the island—the French side—the stretch of sand where one can bear is clearly marked by a large billboard-style sign, and occupies the waterfront south of Club Orient, which is the island’s only clothing optional resort. This is a popular beach, so don’t expect privacy or solitude if you plan to shed your inhibitions.

Grand Saline Beach, St. Barts

Topless sunbathing is universally accepted on the beaches of St. Barts, but full nudity is not officially sanctioned. That said, it’s quite common for the beautiful people who frequent this gem of an island to bare all at two of the island’s more remote beaches. On the south coast, Anse de Grand Saline sits at the end of the road, tucked between two headlands, with nary a hotel or beach bar in sight. Just to the west, also cloistered between bookend cliffs, is Gouverneur Beach, which offers a greater chance of privacy and a similarly lax attitude towards nudity.

Point Tarare, Guadeloupe

You can disrobe legally on the island of Guadeloupe, but only if you can get directions to the somewhat obscure beach at Point Tarare. From a car park on the roadway leading to the island’s easternmost tip at Pointe des Chateaux, a path follows a deserted headland to a relatively small beach that, despite its remote location, can draw a respectable crowd of sun worshipers. There are no facilities, but local vendors sometimes hawk drinks and snacks, and there is a restaurant near the car park. A second option for buff sunbathing is along the beach in front of the Club Med near Sainte Anne.

Sapphire Island, Jamaica

While it’s both inappropriate and illegal to bare all on the public beaches of Jamaica, there are a number of private resorts that cater to the clothing optional crowd. One of the most comfortable places to work on your all- over tan is at the Couples Tower Isle resort in Ocho Rios. Here, a ferry shuttles guests to Sapphire Island, a modest outcropping of rock just offshore of the resort that is just large enough to hold the property’s signature watchtower and a collection of sun decks and cabanas. There’s no beach to speak of, but sunbathers are treated to a range of amenities that include bathrooms, lounges, a plunge pool and a swim-up bar.

Hawksbill Bay, Antigua

Unless you can talk a local with a four-wheel drive vehicle into ferrying you down a remote dirt road, you’ll need to do a bit of walking to reach Antiqua’s officially sanctioned nude beach. Fortunately, the hike is easy and scenic. You’ll start at the parking lot of the Hawksbill resort, and simply follow the beach south. After traversing Landing Bay Beach and crossing on to Hawksbill Beach, a path leads across a scrub-covered headland to arrive at a third stretch of sand that extends toward the southern point of an uninhabited peninsula. This is Pinching Beach. It’s remote, quiet and an ideal place to get some all-over sun time in a near private setting.

View of Nevis
Caribbean, Nevis, Plan, Trip Ideas

Nevis: 10 Reasons to Go

Leave a comment

 

Off the mainstream tourism radar and free of cruise ship traffic, the tiny island of Nevis is a lush circle of green dropped in a turquoise sea. Getting there requires a small plane flight from the sister isle St. Kitts or a ferry ride across the 2.5 mile channel that separates these two islands of the same nation. Unspoiled and only lightly developed, Nevis puts nature at the forefront, and welcomes visitors to a culture that is warm yet still a little bit reserved. It is an attitude that seems thoroughly in step with the island’s elegant plantation past, as well as its low-key present.

1  Old Caribbean

Nevis remains a charming reminder of a bygone era seldom seen in the rapidly changing Caribbean of today. There are no traffic lights or roadway congestion, and goats still roam freely through the capital of Charlestown without attracting attention. The island’s favorite afternoon pastime is “liming,” which involves little more than sitting on the front porch with friends and neighbors, conversing and relaxing while a soft breeze brings the sweet smell of frangipani. Life is simple, easygoing and definitely slow-paced, and most of the residents hope to keep things that way. Some say that a day of relaxing on Nevis is equal to a week anywhere else.

2  Four Seasons

One of the Caribbean’s flagship properties, this five-diamond resort is a source of pride for the island. Sophisticated and sumptuous, it sits on 350 lushly landscaped acres overlooking Pinney’s Beach, the island’s finest. There is a sprawling 18-hole Robert Trent Jones II golf course, and in addition to the well- appointed guest rooms, a number of private villas overlook the greens. At the end of the day, there’s no better place to enjoy a sunset over the water than at an open-air table at the resort’s Cabana restaurant, where sea views engage as you savor the bar’s signature cocktail, the Nevisian Smile.

3  Sugar Mills

Thanks to its fertile volcanic soil, Nevis thrived as one of the Caribbean’s major producers of sugar cane and cotton during colonial times. Sugar mills were constructed to process the sweet crop, and the remains of these mills can still be seen across the island, some nearly intact, others little more than crumbling mounds of stone. Those that have been well cared for and restored have become one of the island’s main attractions. At Golden Rock, a two-level space inside the conical structure appeals to honeymooners seeking intimate seclusion. While at Montpelier, romantic gourmands delight in a candlelit dinner inside the 300-year-old mill that is the centerpiece of the resort’s estate.

4  Local Eats

On the island’s west coast, popular Pinney’s Beach is the perfect place to grab an inexpensive but savory lunch, take a dip, listen to some live music and chill. The three mile-long stretch of sand hosts a collection of local food stands and rustic beach bars. One of the originals was Sunshine’s, famous for its Killer Bee cocktail, live music and barbeque ribs and chicken. Other favorites include Chevy’s Calypso Beach Bar & Grill, where the Stinger Bee reigns, and The Lime Beach Bar, which features a rum concoction called the Green Flash.

5  Race Days

Though some might find it hard to believe, the same island that puts a premium on relaxation is a favorite with athletes. With its year-round good weather, warm water and uncrowded roads and trails, Nevis is an ideal venue for training and races. A 24-mile circuit around the island provides ever-changing views, giving athletes something to focus on other than their tired muscles. In March, the annual Nevis to St. Kitts swim takes participants across the 2.5 mile channel, while September is the month for a series of road races that include 5K and 10K runs, plus a full marathon. The athlete’s trifecta is the November triathlon, where bicycling is added to the other two disciplines and the island turns into one big party.

6  Nevis Peak

Its towering profile captivated Columbus when he sailed past cloud-covered 3,232-foot Nevis Peak. Mistaking it for a snow- topped mountain, he named it “Nuestra Senora de las Nieves” or Our Lady of the Snows. Today this extinct volcano entices hikers to explore the green slopes, which are enveloped in rainforests and laced with footpaths. Hardy hikers can make it to the top, but not without pulling themselves up by ropes and sliding about on slippery mud. More casual strolls can be found along meandering paths lined with giant ferns, creeping vines and gum trees.

7  Plantation Sleepovers

There are four plantation inns on Nevis that showcase the island’s elegant past and create the setting for an equally sumptuous present. History abounds at Nisbet Plantation where the stone great house dates back to 1758 and Horatio Nelson married local widow Fanny Nisbet. A 19th century stone mill is the centerpiece of Golden Rock Inn, which offers just nine intimate villas sequestered in a garden environment, with grand views of the sea. The Hermitage Plantation is a quaint and cozy collection of former chattel houses assembled from across the island, and Montpelier Plantation is an elegant estate that has been tagged as a Relais Chateaux property.

8  Monkeys

African green vervet monkeys were originally brought to Nevis as pets. Today, these colorful simians outnumber the island’s human population. Local gardeners sometimes curse them, but visitors delight in their antics. The animals are often seen on the Four Seasons property, where there is a sign that reads “monkey crossing.” Early morning and late afternoon are the best time for sightings, but any mango tree with ripening fruits is surely to attract a family or troop eager for the sweet flesh. On the hillside of Golden Rock, where many residents maintain fruit trees, there is a popular trail that is often referred to as the monkey walk.

9  History Lives On

History buffs delight in the details of the island’s past. Captain John Smith and his crew made a brief landing on Nevis in 1607 before continuing to Virginia to found Jamestown. English settlement came in 1623, and the French soon followed suit, promoting years of struggle before the island finally fell in the hands of the British. Alexander Hamilton was born on the island, and a museum in Charlestown unveils his past. A walk through the capital of Charlestown showcases a collection of vintage Caribbean buildings with pastel walls and tin roofs. Other historic highlights include the St. Paul’s Anglican Church and the restored St. Thomas Lowland Church, which dates from 1640.

10  Underwater Worlds

Nevis’ western shoreline is washed by clear waters that beckon snorkelers and divers. Rather than dropping immediately into the depths, the underwater terrain between Nevis and St. Kitts features a series of undulating walls, sea mounds and grottoes, all covered in rich growths of sea fans and coral. These submerged hideaways are home to a tremendous variety of tropical fish and offer underwater adventures suitable for everyone from novice snorkelers to advanced divers. One can begin the adventure by simply wading in from the beach or board a dive boat to reach more distant sites.

El Limon
Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Plan, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Cascades: El Salto del Limón, Dominican Republic

Leave a comment

 

Getting to the waterfall known as El Salto del Limon is an adventure in itself. This 120-foot high cascade is located on the Arroyo Chico River, which flows through the rugged interior of the Dominican Republic’s Samana Peninsula. There’s no chance of the site being swarmed by tour bus crowds, as it is located several miles from the nearest road. Adventurous types can hike to the site, but this will involve a three-mile trek that requires fording streams and a lot of uphill climbing on a steep, rugged footpath cut through the lush landscape. To avoid this strenuous effort, most visitors arrive by horseback.

Rides start in the town of El Limón, where a number of outfitters lead horseback tours to the site. The ride can take from 30 to 60 minutes, after which the cool pool at the fall’s base provides a welcome respite from the trail. Tours often include a picnic lunch and plenty of time to swim and explore before starting the return trip to the village. The resorts of Las Terrenas are less than a half hour away, but tours to this iconic cascade also originate from points across the eastern Dominican Republic, including Punta Cana. Because of the long drive times required from these more distant locations, the trip becomes a full-day excursion. But as anyone who has ever ducked under the fall’s cooling spray of cascading water can attest, the destination is well worth the journey.

Curacao Willemstad Harbor
Caribbean, Curacao, Plan, Trip Ideas

Curacao: 10 Reasons to Go

Leave a comment

 

Too long overlooked by travelers who perceived it as just a regional commercial center, Curacao has reinvented itself as a vacation destination and now competes with the Caribbean’s best. In addition to sun and sea, the island offers one of the most intriguing cultures in the region, blending the vintage flavors of Europe with a dash of Caribbean spice, and combining a rich and diverse history with vibrant and hip social, art and culinary scenes. Here are just some of the reasons why Curacao is one of our favorite Caribbean islands.

1  A Touch of Dutch

Like the other members of the ABC island group, Aruba and Bonaire, Curacao has a longstanding connection to Holland. Though the island gained autonomy in 2010 as a constituent country, Dutch culture remains an integral part of the island’s heritage and lifestyle. Stores are filled with imports from the Netherlands, street signs are displayed in Dutch and open-air cafes are filled with chic patrons sporting the latest European fashions, conversing in a half dozen languages. You might think you are in Amsterdam, were it not for the blue skies and warm sunshine.

2  Free Trade

Curacao’s emergence as a commercial hub dates back to the Colonial era, when the Dutch West India Company promoted trade between the home country and the Caribbean. More recently, Holland’s progressive attitude toward duty-free trade transformed Curacao into the commercial center it is today. The storefronts along Heerenstraat and Breedestraat streets display designer clothes, Italian silk and Holland’s famous blue Delft pottery. A swanky new shopping district in Otrobanda is the place to load up on linens, perfumes, diamonds, emeralds and rubies. And don’t forget to purchase a wheel of Edam cheese; the 5-pound size will last till your next trip.

3  Libations Blue and Green

If you order drinks tinted green or blue, chances are they are doused with a shot of Curacao Liqueur. This famed spirit, known as “The Genuine Curacao Liqueur,” traces its island roots back to 1896. This elixir derives its unique flavor from the infusion of the dried peel of the laraha fruit, which is similar to an orange. The spirit is still made at a small on-island distillery that follows the original recipe. Over the years, new variations have also been created through the addition of extras such as chocolate, coffee and rum raisin, but the original blue and green varieties remain the most popular.

4  Floating Market

Though Curacao’s arid landscape is not conducive to farming, fresh fruits and vegetables are in abundant supply, thanks to a fleet of small trading vessels that make the 36-mile crossing from Venezuela laden with fresh produce. These colorful craft tie up along the Willemstad waterfront, offering a wide range of goods grown in the rich soils of the mainland. In years past, sailors would sell their cargoes right from the decks of their vessels. Most now offload their goods to adjacent open-air stands along the wharf, providing a steady supply of fresh food and a lively shopping experience.

5  United Nations

Curacao’s cultural tapestry welcomes influences from three continents and more than 50 nationalities to the mix. You’ll most likely hear Dutch, English and a local dialect known as Papiamento spoken as you stroll down the cobblestone streets, but Venezuela is just over the horizon, and Hispanic influences have flavored the island’s taste in cuisines, music and sport, as well as encouraging a gregarious social attitude. One additional cultural influence that has shaped Curacao’s culture for many years is the legacy of Portuguese Jews, who first arrived on the island in the mid-1600s.

6  Hidden Beaches

At first glance you wouldn’t think this rocky windswept island would have much to offer in the way of beaches. But a closer look reveals hidden coves tucked between headlands of fossilized coral, where soft golden sands beckon you to lay down a towel and spend the day. There are 38 beaches scattered around the island, and the southwestern coast is where you’ll find the majority with calm, crystal clear water. For a livelier day on a more expansive strand, follow the crowds to the island’s hot spot, Mambo Beach. The islands longest and most popular stretch of sand, it is flanked by a variety of seaside taverns and eateries.

7  Sapphire Blue Waters

Curacao is rimmed by a shallow coastal shelf that soon drops into deep water along coral- covered walls. This underwater landscape places prime diving and snorkeling sites very close to shore, especially along the island’s southern coast, which is sheltered from prevailing swells and trade winds. Many coral reefs are within swimming distance of the beach, or just a short boat ride away. Fishermen also appreciate the proximity of blue water, and are able to drop their lines and begin the hunt for trophies soon after departing the harbor.

8  Authentic Architecture

Stroll the cobblestone streets of Willemstad’s Punda district, with tall, narrow buildings looming overhead, and you might think you were in the old country. The giveaways are the colorful, multi-hued shades of the walls and the predominance of red tile roofs. The tradition of building up rather than out came to the island with the first wave of Dutch builders, based on the practice of taxing buildings according to street front width rather than height. Today, the centuries-old structures of this extensive and authentic historic district are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage City.

9  Local Flavors

The menus of Curacao include not only a wide range of international flavors, but some unique to the island. The favorite local dish known as keshi yena is made by stuffing a shell of Edam cheese with spiced meats. Local land animals also made their way into island kitchens and show up in savory dishes such as sopa yuana (iguana soup). There is funchi, a corn bread polenta, and during the Christmas holidays residents spend days making ayaka, a tamale-type entree of Venezuelan origin that places spiced beef or chicken in an envelope of cornmeal pastry that is wrapped in plantain leaves and boiled.

10  Celebrations of Life

Island residents are always up for a party, and there are ample opportunities throughout the year to mingle and celebrate. Plan your trip around Carnival, Heineken Regatta, Curacao Dive Festival or even the annual Amstel Curacao Race, which is a local equivalent of the Tour de France. For music lovers the big event is the Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival, while the Salsa Tour and Tumba Festival are equally appealing.

 

Cayman Brac Hiking
Antigua & Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Nevis, Play, Puerto Rico, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

The Caribbean’s Ten Top Hikes

Leave a comment

 

When you are vacationing in the Caribbean, you’re already far outside your everyday, so why not take the next step-or several hundred of them-to widen your island experience with a hike. Tread these natural sanctuaries for encounters with local birds and wildlife, lush rainforests and sweeping panoramas of paradise. We’ve hiked the duds and the winners to give you a list of the Caribbean’s best trails—from breezy to push-the-limits challenging —winding past waterfalls, rivers, beaches, tide pools and so much more.

The Bubbly Pool Hike, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands

From Foxy’s Taboo, a popular bar and party spot on Great Harbour, the bartenders can steer you to the start of this 15- minute, super easy walk to the island’s rock-walled soaking spot. You’ll end at a pool with crashing waves sending spray overhead and a surge of bubbles up into the basin where you’re standing.

Lighthouse Footpath, Cayman Brac, Cayman Islands

Start at either end of this trail for a 90-minute walk each way past nesting grounds of brown boobies. If you make the lighthouse at the island’s easternmost point your halfway mark, pack a lunch to enjoy while sitting on limestone cliffs overlooking breaking waves. Free printed guides are available: Ask at the front desk of Brac Reef Beach Resort, or see the pamphlet in your guesthouse to arrange your hike.

The Signal Hill Tour, Antigua

Antigua’s shortest and easiest hike starts at Wallings Dam, found at the end of Fig Tree Drive. From there, it’s about an hour—if you don’t stop—to the top of Signal Hill, which rewards finishers with a 360-degree island view. If you’d like to learn more about local history and wildlife, join a tour company like Footsteps Rainforest Hiking Tours.

The Annaly Bay Tide Pool Hike, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

You won’t need fins for the tide pools at the end of this hike, but do pack a snorkel mask so you can take a cool dip and see the juvenile fish nesting in the shallows. Start this moderate, 2-mile hike behind Carambola Beach Resort and Spa. The parking-lot attendant can point you to the trailhead. It’s a fairly straightforward trail that climbs the bluffs overlooking the island’s north shore. You’ll surely stop several times to snap photos, so the uphill stretches won’t feel too strenuous.

El Toro Hike, Puerto Rico

Most visitors to El Yunque National Forest stick to the roadside pullovers immediately adjacent to waterfalls and other attractions. El Toro Trail sees few visitors despite being a moderate, well-marked 2.2-mile journey to the forest’s highest point. Wear long pants and shoes you don’t mind getting caked in mud. As for the vista, allow time to sit and enjoy the clouds rolling in.

The Sandy Cruz Trail, Saba

A visit to Saba, a satellite island of St. Maarten, is all about the cloud forest. Wait for a day when the fog has subsided around Mount Scenery, then set off on this hike. Before you go, grab a trail map from The Trail Shop at the foot of the mountain—the attendants will also keep tabs on your return. This moderate hike is the best pick for those who want to see a diversity of flora and fauna. The trail winds past banana tree groves and dense cloud forest dotted with a rainbow of orchids, and opens up to a vista overlooking the island’s airport runway, one of the world’s shortest and most adrenaline inducing.

Victoria Falls Hike, Dominica

Lose the hiking boots in favor of Tevas or similar water-ready shoes as you’ll wade across a river several times. The path can be tricky to keep track of on your own, so it’s a good idea to hire a guide for the day. Jenner Robinson of JennTours is a good pick. He’s from Dominica and has a knack for pointing out the birds of the canopy. As for the 45-minute climb, the incline isn’t too great; the challenge is staying stable atop wet rocks. But the reward is lovely. You’ll likely be the only ones admiring the 165-foot cascade of Victoria Falls.

Mount Qua Qua Trail, Grenada

Grenada is a wonderland for hikers and birders alike. The rainforest around Grand Etang Lake—what’s become of the former volcano—is home to mona monkeys, broad-winged hawks, Lesser Antillean swifts and tons of tiny frogs. A moderate pick is the Mount Qua Qua Trail, a 90-minute cruise past the lake, the elfin mountain forests and a host of canopy critters.

The Quill, St. Eustatius

It’s the jungle-covered volcanic cone that dominates the skyline from points across this small island, and it’s a gorgeous hike. The 50-minute uphill jaunt known as the Quill Trail is Statia’s most popular hike as it offers direct access to an overlook of the crater bowl. If you want to keep going, you can connect to the Crater Trail for a 90-minute circuit of the volcano’s rainforest-covered inner crater. Boven National Park also maps six other trails, all great for spying fauna like red-bellied racer snakes, Antillean iguanas, hummingbirds and more.

Nevis Peak Hike, Nevis

Steep and slippery, this hike is one worth doing with a guide, such as Lynell Liburd of Sunrise Tours. The 3,000-foot incline takes two hours to scale and two hours to pick your way down—and none of the locals call it hiking. It’s more about finding footing and grabbing hold of roots to gain ground. If it’s a clear day, you score a view of the island’s Atlantic side. Otherwise, it’s just a really satisfying workout.

 

Dominica, Trafalgar Falls
Caribbean, Dominica, Play, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Cascades: Trafalgar Falls, Dominica

Leave a comment

 

Dominica’s towering peaks harvest abundant rainfall from clouds that form when easterly trade winds contact the slopes. This precipitation creates an abundance of tumbling streams and waterfalls, and the island boasts more than a dozen significant cataracts in all. Trafalgar Falls is a favorite, not only for scenic charm, but also accessibility. Located within the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an easy 10-minute walk from a parking area. The path winds through lush foliage and beds of giant ferns to a viewing platform overlooking the falls. There are two drops. The upper fall, nicknamed “The Father,” plunges down a boulder-strewn ravine where warm sulfur waters bubble up to create natural hot pools in the waterway below. Just a few yards farther along, the waters take a second and even more dramatic plunge over the lower falls, known as “The Mother.”

An aquamarine pool at the base of this drop is a favorite with swimmers who make the scramble down from the viewing area over a collection of giant boulders. As one of Dominica’s leading attractions, Trafalgar Falls is a favorite day trip for cruise ship passengers. If you are staying on island, you might want to visit later in the afternoon, after the shuttle buses have packed up. By then, there’s a good chance you’ll have the falls and the hot pools to yourself, and if you linger till dusk, the fireflies come out to light the jungle.