Tag Archives: Caribbean

Cuban Music
Caribbean, Cuba, Jamaica, Plan, Puerto Rico, Trip Ideas

Best Caribbean Islands for Music

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There are going to be guys, and sometimes girls, wearing floppy hats and serenading you from the Jimmy Buffet songbook no matter where you go. Get used to it. But that’s hardly the beginning or end of Caribbean music. The combination of European melodies with African rhythms and forms like the call- and-response chorus melodies has sparked a rich musical culture that is unlike any other. The litany of musical forms that have been invented in the region goes on and on: salsa, son, danzón, rumba … and that only covers Cuba. Add merengue and bachata from the Dominican Republic, calypso and soca from Trinidad, Bahamian rake ’n’ scrape and of course, reggae from Jamaica. And then there are the instruments, from the iconic steel drum to the cajon, marimba, timbales, conga, güiro, and cuatro. As W.C. Fields once remarked about Mae West, the region is a “feast for the eyes and easy on the ears as well.”

Jamaica

Bob Marley. That just about covers it, right? Not even. The superstar and music legend took the sounds of his native Kingston and blended them into a musical form that connects with millions worldwide. And Marley was just one of many artists—Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, The Skatalites, Black Uhuru and Buju Banton—who made it to international fame. They’ve been followed by dancehall DJs, jazz players and more recent breakouts like Tessanne Chin, who won Season 5 of NBC’s The Voice. Finding music in Jamaica is easy. In Montego Bay, try the annual Sumfest (mid-summer) for an introduction to all of the sounds of the island or pop into a club along Gloucester Avenue anytime.

Jamaica Music

Steel-Pan, the Caribbean’s iconic music is found throughout the islands and prevalent at beach bars, hotels and restaurants like this oceanside venue in Jamaica. Photo: Lisa F. Young/iStock

Cuba

Music is everywhere in Cuba, as are the people dancing. For a country that suffered so much for so long, it’s amazing how little it takes to get Cubans to break out into song and dance. It’s not only in their blood, it’s their national identity. Maybe this is what Wilson Pickett was singing about when he recorded Land of a Thousand Dances? If it’s not, it should have been. This is the birthplace of the rumba, the cha-cha, son and more beats that were heavily mined by American big band orchestras in the 1930s and 1940s. After Desi Arnaz pioneered a purer form of the music on the TV show I Love Lucy, it was the fusion sound of famous ex- pat Gloria Estefan that brought the Cuban beat to millions of American ears. If you want to hear what Cuba is doing now, Havana is still rocking it at places like Casa de la Musica or Cafe Cantante, while a more sedate experience awaits at Chan Chan, overlooking the Marina Hemingway in Miramar.

Cuba Music

Iterate musicians known as trovadores once roamed Cuba. Their musical style lives on at performing halls known as “Casa de la Trova,” which can be found throughout Cuba. Photo: Flavio Vallenari/iStock

Puerto Rico

Like their Cuban neighbors, Puerto Ricans love to dance. And boy, can they dance. San Juan is chock-full of clubs that heat up as the nighttime air cools down. From Old San Juan out to Condado and down past Santurce into Rio Piedras, clubs are everywhere. Not surprisingly, salsa is on the menu in most, but there are so many variations—from pure salsa to music mixed with jazz or hip-hop— that you’ll never be bored. Reggaeton is extremely popular as well. If you go, expect to see some blazing musicianship and expect to sweat, because you can’t sit still listening to these bands. They’re easy to find, too. If there’s a concert at the Anfiteatro Tito Puente—a big venue named for the New York- born superstar—buy a ticket. Or head for the El San Juan Resort & Casino on the beach in Isla Verde and dress in your best. A less elegant but no less impressive atmosphere can be found at the Nuyorican Cafe in Old San Juan, where an 18th century mansion has been converted to a jazz, rock and salsa club.

Puerto Rico Music

Puerto Rican Bomba music has roots in west African traditions. The rhythms are unique because the drummers follow the lead of the dancer rather than the other way round. Photo: Alfred Wekeloz/Shutterstock

Puerto Rico El Yunque Bridge
Dominica, Plan, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Trip Ideas

Best Caribbean Islands for Adventure

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The flood of tourists who descend on the Caribbean each year has worn its native fabric almost bare in places, homogenizing and Americanizing some destinations. That’s not all bad; being stuck in a backwater five days from the nearest decent cheeseburger isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. But if you know where to look, there are still places where you can see the land and water in a more primal state, with plenty of adrenaline-worthy adventure to be had. And rugged doesn’t have to involve roughing it. You can swing through the trees by day and spend your nights in a five-star hotel. Here are three of our favorite islands for authentic adventure.

Puerto Rico

In a strictly geographic sense, Puerto Rico is a mid-size Caribbean island. But a drive along the twisting interior roads make the island seem a lot bigger, and the list of available adventures moves it to the head of the active traveler’s list. With terrains that range from open grassland and coastal swamp to highland rainforests, hikers, bikers, horseback riders and off road enthusiasts have plenty of diverse and scenic trails to discover. You can soar more than 900 feet above the jungle on the hemisphere’s highest zip line, rappel down waterfalls into a hidden river canyon or go underground to explore miles of cave passage. Along the coast there are snorkeling reefs, surf breaks and mangrove lagoons. To take it all in, you can sign up for a tandem flight in a hang glider or motorized paraglider and soar above mountains slopes. For a tamer take on flight, birders can trek the outback in search of the 320 species of birds that are found in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico Caving

Puerto Rico is riddled in limestone caves, and home to one of the longest underground rivers in the world. Outfitters offer tours that go beyond the lighted pathways. Photo: Aventuras Tierra Adentro

Dominica

This green oasis in a blue sea bills itself as “The Nature Island,” and it’s not false advertising. Ruggedly vertical, Dominica has the highest percentage of forested land of any island in the region. It is also the youngest island in the Caribbean, and its volcanic origins are on display at sites such as the Boiling Lake and the Valley of Desolation, where sulfurous volcanic vents and hot springs create other worldly landscapes. Climbing and hiking opportunities abound and range from easy rambles along coastal trails to strenuous ascents into the highland peaks. Ample rainfall creates numerous waterfalls and fast flowing rivers for the sport of canyoneering, or for drifting small rapids in a kayak or astride an inner tube. Activities that include the word “watching” don’t usually move the adventure needle, but on Dominica, flora and fauna tours into the backcountry are a bit wilder than elsewhere, and one of the island’s signature experiences is a voyage by small boat to observe sperm whales mating and nurturing their young.

Dominica Emerald Pool

Dominica’s Emerald Pool is just one of the island’s many scenic waterfalls. Some are a short walk from the roadway on a groomed path, others require hard jungle hiking to reach. Photo: Don Ford/iStock

St. Lucia

So much for roughing it. In St. Lucia you can revel in the great outdoors all day and then enjoy supreme comfort at night. The lush green island, known for its romantic resorts, also has a rough and ready side. A 12-mile biking trail through the island’s oldest sugar plantation has stunning views from overlooks along the way. Hiking the Pitons is tempting but strenuous; it’s not quite a climb, although there’s some hand-over-hand involved before you reach the 2,900-foot summit of Gros Piton. On the east side of the island is a zip-line complex containing 12 lines with nearly a mile of runs that carry riders 150 feet above the forest floor. A trio of stables offers horseback rides along the beach or into the hills, and those who prefer to pedal can explore the interior by mountain bike or all-terrain vehicle. For a loftier and less strenuous view, book a helicopter tour that takes in the coast and Soufriere volcano.

St. Lucia Pitons

St. Lucia’s green slopes not only create a stunning backdrop for views from the terraces of luxury lodges, but also provide a green playground for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. Photo: iStock

Cancun Mexico
Bahamas-New Providence, Cancun, Caribbean, Mexico, Plan, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Best Caribbean Islands for Singles

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For most Caribbean marketers, couples and families are the focus, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go there solo. Where you go depends on whether you want some quiet and solitude or because you’re single and looking. If you’re going to get away from office insanity and clear your head, go someplace with a lot of activities you can pursue solo; Aruba, Belize and Jamaica come to mind. On the other hand, if you’re looking to go have single fun with other likeminded travelers, here are the hot spots where you can meet and mingle.

New Providence/Nassau

In part because it’s so close to the U.S. mainland, Nassau attracts a lot of short-stay visitors and guys/girls road trip traffic, flying in on short notice with little more than a carry-on and an urge to play. Plenty of singles also come off the cruise ships almost every night. Downtown Nassau has an active club scene; you’ll want to check out Club Waterloo, a high-energy dance club that occupies a former lakeside mansion. A mile to the west, the sprawling Club Luna complex offers multiple bars, dance floors and an open “street party.” Across the bridge on Paradaise Island, the mega-resort Atlantis is home to the upscale Aura, while a far more local and informal vibe permeates the beachside digs at Nirvana, located on the island’s northwest coast overlooking Love Beach.

St. Thomas

Like Nassau, St. Thomas gets a lot of overnight cruise ship traffic, and plenty of singles party in Charlotte Amalie. Just ducking into one of the rum shops or bars along the waterfront strip is a good place to start. You never know who will be sitting on the bar stool next to you. If serendipity isn’t working, you can hit up Starz in the Havensight Mall next to the cruise docks for some DJ-driven dancing. If you’re looking for something a bit more low key to start or taper off the evening, try the wine and chamagne bar at Epernay in Frenchtown. Hop a taxi for a ride to Iggies at Bolongo Bay. This beachfront bar puts your toes right in the sand and is always a good time with occasional live music, weekly beach barbecues and karaoke. More than one evening here has ended in an impromptu midnight swim.

Cancun

It’s hot in Mexico, and Cancun is the king of Caribbean party towns. If you missed Spring Break, this is your makeup exam, because Cancun is pretty much Spring Break year-round. The downtown area does have some clubs, but most of the action is on the long arm of land that embraces the Nichupté Lagoon in front of the city. This place was custom-built by the Mexican government for partying, and it doesn’t disappoint. You’ll find young singles from all over the southern and western U.S. thronging clubs along the strip. If you have a desperate desire to dance in soapsuds, you’re in luck. Foaming is one of Cancun’s signatures. The big names are Coco Bongo and The City—which can host up to 5,000 revelers simultaneously—or you can head over to the original Señor Frogs.

Grand Cayman Papagallo
Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Eat, Martinique, Plan, St. Martin/St. Maarten, Trip Ideas

Best Caribbean Islands for Fine Dining

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There was a time when a Caribbean restaurant that provided matching forks was considered to be putting on airs. No more. Today, dozens of celebrated dining rooms across the region plate superb offerings that fully justify upscale cutlery and fine china. Celebrity chefs have opened signature eateries gone island style, and a new wave of homegrown talent adds local flair to established traditions. One can find a respectable range of fine dining options on nearly every island, but some stand above the rest in terms of the plentitude of choices and the overall experience.

Grand Cayman

Don’t let the fast food franchises that have popped up along West Bay Road fool you. An island that was once a wasteland for fine dining enthusiasts has emphatically upped its game and become a food-first destination. There are culinary all-stars. Eric Ripert’s Blue at the Ritz-Carlton showcases locally caught seafood, complemented by an 800-label wine list. Michael Schwartz’s Genuine Food & Drink offers a casually elegant indoor/outdoor setting where the emphasis is on the chef’s signature New American cuisine. And the list of chefs and supporting casts keeps getting stronger. The lineup at the Camana Bay complex alone is enough to justify the airfare: Cindy Hutson’s Ortanique serves up highly personal recipes in a South Beach setting, and Mizu is a tour of the greatest hits of Asian cuisine. Across the island Kaibo at Rum Point has high-end cuisine and a world-class rum bar. And these venues just scratch the surface of the island’s vibrant restaurant scene.

Cayman Islands Food, Cayman Cookout Day, Best Caribbean Islands for Fine Dining

A tempting morsel plated during the annual Cayman Cookout. Hosted each January at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, this event celebrates the island’s culinary talents. Photo: David Wolfe/Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

St. Martin

It’s French and it attracts a lot of people with money—enough said? Well, not quite enough. St. Martin has earned a reputation as the fine dining capital of the Caribbean, and the caliber of culinary achievement displayed along Grand Case beach is both varied and stellar. L’Effet Mer weighs in with its trilogy of crab (crab tartar, crab cake and crab roll), sweet pepper gazpacho and duck liver; Le Pressoir impresses with frog legs Provençale, crispy snails and a tasting plate of four variations of foie gras; Mario’s Bistro is an institution, famous for its jumbo scallops with crab mashed potatoes and shrimp penne flambéed with bourbon. At L’Estaminet, Chef Ina Urfalino puts a personal twist on French culinary traditions with dishes such as duck breast au cacao, and mahimahi marinated in Guyanese masala. While the majority of cuisines favor French and French fusion, there are also flavors of Asia, Italy and the Caribbean that can be savored at more than 400 restaurants across the island.

Martinique

While St. Martin is thoroughly French, Martinique—also an overseas department of the Republic—mixes it up. Even in its colonial days, Martinique was the more exotic creole sister of the Windwards, the African identity of its population complemented but never subverted by European customs. So while there’s plenty of excellent French cuisine to be had at traditional favorites such as Fort-de-France’s La Cave a Vins, there’s also a healthy serving of creole to go with it. Delices Caraibes serves up shrimp in coconut milk; Metis takes what the sea offers and gives it a twist with dishes such as snapper with basil or shrimp flambéed with rum. On the windward side, La Domaine Saint Aubin is a French- style “hotel du charme,” a 19th-century manor house with an enthusiastic and accomplished chef who takes full advantage of local ingredients, which are transformed into memorably orchestrated prix fixe dinners.

Grand Cayman North Sound
Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Cozumel, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Play, Trip Ideas

Best Caribbean Islands for Water Sports

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Which destinations have the best water sports will likely remain a subject of endless debate among aficionados of diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kiteboarding and fishing. Every island has something to offer. Some provide the best conditions for one sport, but may not be well suited to another. And then there are the islands that deliver a bit of everything, from wind and waves to calm, clear shores, along with the necessary infrastructure to support these aquatic pursuits. If you are looking to sample a broad range of on- the-water adventures, here are the islands that deliver on multiple fronts.

Grand Cayman

It’s hard for one island to please everyone looking to get wet and have fun. Divers want clear water and calm seas. Sailors want wind; big game fishermen need access to deep water. If there is one island in the Caribbean that can please the widest variety of water-sports enthusiasts, it is Grand Cayman. World famous for its precipitous underwater walls, it remains one of the prime diving destinations in the Caribbean. But that’s just the beginning. The expansive bay known as North Sound is an aquatic playground. Kayakers cruise the mangrove-fringed corners, while fly fishermen tempt tarpon and bonefish on nearby flats. Day sailors zip across the breezy yet protected waters of the sound, while closer to the wave-washed northern edge, windsurfers and kiteboarders carve and hop in the chop. From marinas daily fishing expeditions depart into the blue waters beyond, while the Seven Mile Beach, on the island’s western leeward shore, is perfect for flat water pursuits such as stand-up paddleboarding, glass-bottom boat tours and waterski runs.

Cayman Windsurfing, Best Caribbean Islands for Water Sports

A windsurfer skims across clear waters along the north coast of Grand Cayman Island. An offshore reef beyond the sandy shallows provides a buffer from large offshore swells. Photo: Cayman Windsurfing

Cozumel

It was Jacques Cousteau who kicked off the Caribbean diving craze with his 1961 declaration that Cozumel was one of the best diving destinations on Earth. And he was right. The island, which sits at the northern end of the massive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, is blessed with a magical combination of clear water, spectacular reefs and abundant marine life. Along the island’s sheltered western shore, a sloping bottom leads to enormous reefs towering up off the sand. The structures are washed by a steady north-flowing current that delivers a stream of nutrients that leave the filter-feeding creatures of the reef—corals, sponges, and gorgonians—very, very happy. It also keeps the ocean clear, and this was the place where divers first spoke of “gin clear” water. It’s so clear that light that usually fades to dusky blue at 60 feet is still clear and bright at 100 feet or more. In the deep blue waters beyond, there’s also excellent fishing, and each spring sees an international cast of anglers arrive to do battle with plentiful populations of high-flying sailfish. Angling action also extends to the reef and into the mangroves where feisty bonefish play hide and seek with your fly all day long. When conditions are right, explorers can hop a speedboat for a run to the island’s wild east side, or remain on the sheltered west and discover the shoreline in a kayak, or launch a catamaran into the mellow breezes that grace western beaches.

Cozumel Underwater

A school of yellow grunts congregate over a shallow reef off the island of Cozumel. Steady currents wash sites such as this, nurturing coral and sponge growth. Photo: Brian Lasenby/Shutterstock

Dominican Republic

Good diving and snorkeling can be found in the Dominican Republic, especially in the south around Catalina Island, but the real water-sports action is on the north coast at Cabarete. This is a world mecca for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Strong and consistent winds blow into the bay, while an offshore barrier reef breaks up the prevailing swells and creates surfable and jumpable breakers for the more advanced, as well as sheltered nearshore areas for beginners. Kiting is best just northwest of Cabarete, and scores of operators are eager to hook you up with gear, lessons, advice, whatever you need. There are dive sites nearby, including some awesome pinnacles, but the wind, waves and runoff limit the appeal. Around the corner and down the coast to the south at Punta Cana you’ll find superb deep-sea fishing. The area faces right into the Mona Passage between Hispaniola and Puerto Rico, with deep water not far offshore. Blue marlin run year round, peaking in the summer months, and you can chase white marlin, mahimahi, tuna and sailfish too.

Dominican Republic Kiteboarding

Steady easterly trade winds power a fleet of kiteboarders at popular Cabarete Beach. Located on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, this site has become a mecca for the sport. Photo: iStock

Cuba Local Food
Caribbean, Cuba, Eat, Jamaica, Plan, Trinidad & Tobago, Trip Ideas

Best Caribbean Islands for Local Food

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There are more opportunities for fine dining in the Caribbean than ever before. But sometimes, what’s wanted is a taste of the real thing: homegrown island cooking, rich in tradition, local ingredients and love. Whether dispensed from a street vendor’s cart, passed through the window of a colorful cottage or served up at a small beachside restaurant where the owner is also the cook, these are the tastes of the islands that can’t be duplicated. And on some select islands, the collision of European, African and Cariban flavors has produced some especially innovative and unexpectedly delicious results.

Jamaica

Some would argue that this is the king of Caribbean cuisines. The melding of Amerindian cooking techniques—barbacoa—with influences from Spain, England, West Africa, India and China gives Jamaican cuisine a distinctive flavor that’s traveled well. Carried by members of the Jamaican diaspora to distant shores, you can find good Jamaican restaurants all over the Eastern United States, in the U.K. and throughout the Caribbean. Jerk comes to mind instantly, of course, washed down with a cold Red Stripe. But there’s also Stamp and Go (cod fritters), coconut bread, festival (corn bread) and, of course, that delicious combination of flaky pastry crust and spicy meat filling known as patties. For jerk that’s hot off the grill, the vendors on Boston Beach are popularly called “the best,” though good jerk is available everywhere. For patties, Stamp and Go and others, street vendors in Kingston are the original source, but carts have made their way to north shore settlements as well.

Jamaica Jerk Chicken

Jamaican jerk chicken served restaurant style with fresh fruit and peas-n-rice. Street vendors across the island grill up simpler versions of this savory favorite. Photo: Shutterstock

Cuba

With its feet firmly planted in traditional Spanish cooking, Cuba’s cuisine is a kind of “mother tongue” for the Hispanic islands, rich in roasted and spicy slow-cooked meats, accompanied by a variety of staple starches, tempting pastries and fresh fruits. If your only exposure to Cuban has been in the form of a flat- pressed sandwich (which was actually invented in Tampa, Florida) just reading a menu should set your taste buds quivering: boliche (eye round steak stuffed with chorizo sausage), empanadas, croquetas, lechón asado (roast pork) and of course, black beans and rice. Havana’s cuisine has more hints of Creole, while the cooking in the east end of the island is more European. In Havana, 304 O’Reilly and La Guarida, which has a spectacular setting, are best bets. Take to the streets and you will discover a new world of tastes, that includes chicharritas de platano (paper-thin slices of fried plantain) frituras de malanga (deep-fried grated root vegetable mixed with egg and crushed garlic) and the ever- popular tostones, which when done right the plantain slices remain crispy on the outside while delivering a satisfyingly gooey center.

Cuban Ropa Vieja

Ropa Vieja, Spanish for “old clothes” is a classic Cuban dish made from braised and shredded flank steak that is then slow simmered in a spiced tomato sauce until tender. Photo: Sarah Bossert/iStock

Trinidad

While the majority of the population in Trinidad is of African decent,  there is a large ethnic group that descended from the indentured servants who came to the island from India. They brought with them spices and traditional preparation methods for curries, chutneys, roti, as well as words like aloo (Hindi “alu,” potato) pie and geera (Hindu “jira,” cumin) chicken. Creole influences have added savory stews and callaloo to the mix. On Trinidad one can find some of the most authentic Indian and Chinese cooking this side of the international dateline. But what’s most celebrated is the island’s street food: shark and bake (shark meat in a freshly baked bread), pow (roll stuffed with meat), and doubles (two pieces of fresh bread with chickpea filling). You don’t have to go far to find savory offerings of every variety. Plan a day at Maracas Bay near Port of Spain and take your pick of beachside vendors.

Trinidad, Indian Food

The cuisine of Trinidad draws heavily on East Indian influences, including traditional favorites such as curries, saffron rice, naan bread, samosas and pakora. Photo: Joe Gough/Shutterstock

Negril Beach, Jamaica
Aruba, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Jamaica

Best Caribbean Islands for Families

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Most children are happy to be taken anywhere that’s not school or daycare, and a trip to the Caribbean certainly fits the bill. Most destinations in the region have at least one resort with an enjoyable children’s program, but some islands have more to offer the younger generation in the way of activities and are flush with resorts that go the extra mile to cater to kids.

Grand Cayman

The island is relatively small, so there are no long rides to and from resorts and attractions. The resorts themselves are well-run and all areas of the island are safe to wander. Most days, the ocean at Seven Mile Beach is like bathwater, perfect for little swimmers and snorkeling is close to shore. Farther afield, the trip to Stingray City to pet the rays is an instant lifetime memory for most people, and the boat ride out crosses calm water. The island’s one drawback is that it’s pricey compared to some other destinations. But there are workarounds, as some resorts including a few on Seven Mile Beach have begun offering all-inclusive packages. There are also hundreds of vacation villas for rent; these have full kitchens, and supermarkets are nearby so families can cook to keep costs down.

Jamaica

Jamaica didn’t invent the all-inclusive, but you could argue it was perfected here. Meals, activities and entertainment are right there and well-suited to schedules that may need to adapt based on the whims and needs of the little ones. In addition to providing favorable package prices for family vacations, Jamaica has a nearly limitless supply of attractions and activities: Dunn’s River Falls, rafting on the Rio Grande or Martha Brae rivers, Fern Gully, zip lining, bicycling, fishing, snorkeling, sailing, diving, golf, tennis, spas … it’s all here. For families, the north coast—Montego Bay and Ocho Rios—has the most options, including several all- inclusive properties that take youth programs to the next level, with everything from costumed characters to entertain the little ones to teen-centric lounges and dance clubs. Parents aren’t forgotten either and have the ability to create that ideal mix of family and couples time.

Aruba

Aruba isn’t what many envision as a tropical paradise. There are no waterfalls or lush green mountains, and instead the landscape is dry, hilly and peppered with cacti. But it, too, holds plenty of attractions for families, chief among them are the warm welcomes guests receive and the accommodating nature of the local people. The fabulous beaches rank high as the island’s main attraction. Aruba also has its share of all-inclusives with very active and complete kids’ programs, so no one is going to get bored here. If you can tear yourselves away from the beaches go north and west into the outback to ride an ATV or a horse, rent some mountain bikes, swim in the natural pool, explore the old gold mine and climb the dunes and boulders near the California lighthouse.

Bahamas, Exumas Staniel Cay pigs
Bahamas, Bahamas-Out Islands, Caribbean, Play, Trip Ideas

Swimming With Pigs in the Bahamas

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There’s no better way to explore the Bahamian Out Islands known as the Exuma Cays than by boat. This string of small islands, reefs and sandbars stretches some 120 miles through the central Bahamas. Midway down the archipelago is the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, a resort and marina that can serve as a launching point for a unique wildlife encounter. Get your camera ready because the selfies are too funny.

During my visit to Staniel Cay, the staff set us up with a Boston Whaler launch and a waterproof map with directions to where the wild things are: in this case, pigs, nurse sharks and iguanas. You don’t need to whistle, call or brandish tempting foodstuffs to get the wild pigs of Big Major Cay to approach. All you need to do is anchor a boat within swimming range of the beach. The pigs are fast. The six of us on this day trip haven’t even fully removed our lens caps or entered the water before the animals are a couple of yards away. And they’re huge. You don’t have to bend over to rub a hand across their hides—each stands roughly 3 feet tall.

Local lore has it that these pigs, or rather, their pig parents, have been living on this beach since World War II, when enterprising islanders stashed them here for safekeeping. A bacon reserve, if you will. Only, whoever left them here never claimed them post amnesty. Instead, they’ve run, well, hog wild, subsisting on forage and the kindness of picnic-toting tourists. Which explains why they’re not big on personal space. I near one for a picture and it raises its donut-size snout to inspect my face. It bowls into me, making me step back to keep from getting a soaking. Every time I reach down for a pat, it hefts its snout against my palm, presumably sniffing for crumbs. This one definitely thinks I’m holding out.

We’re surrounded by three pigs—one a downy pink, and the others spotted with patches of chocolate brown and black. Their hair is wiry and sparse, like petting a hairbrush. I’m not sure which is more amusing: how physical the pigs are in trying to get to know us, or how unsuccessful my friends are in trying to take selfies with these animals. They have an in-your-face energy, nosing too far into the frame.

And the beach! This is easily one of the most stunning patches of white sand in the Caribbean—the kind the Exumas are known for—and it’s the playground of pigs. From this spot, we motor north to Compass Cay Marina. Under the dock is a school of dozens of nurse sharks. They make me happy; I’ve toted along snorkel gear. It’s unreal to swim among so many sharks in just 12 feet of water.

Before the day ends, the last stop for animal viewing is Bitter Guana Cay. Here, the northern Bahamian rock iguanas appear in packs. They waddle through the sand, hefting big bellies, so clearly they’re doing well. To snap their pictures, we stay low to the ground and approach slowly to avoid spooking them. Unlike with the pigs, these tiny Godzillas make it much harder to score a selfie. So instead, we settle in and simply watch the wildlife watching us.

Caribbean, Plan

Which Caribbean Island is Best for You

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Why do you travel? What’s the one thing that puts spring in your step weeks before departure, keeps you up late planning and provides pure pleasure? Golfing impossibly green fairways? Gourmet meals served surfside? Or is it going far enough off the beaten track that you’re not quite sure how to get back? Whatever your fancy, the Caribbean serves up a full measure of pleasure of all types if you know where to look. We’ve sorted some of our favorite destinations based on different vacation expectations. Here’s the short list.

St Lucia Sunset, which Caribbean island is best for you

Sunsets, while romantic anywhere, are just that much better when framed against sailboats and palm trees such as these in St. Lucia’s Marigot Bay Photo: Stephanie Rousseau/Shutterstock

Romance

The verdant, mountainous terrain of St. Lucia is pockmarked with hideaway boutiques and resorts that deliver magnificent views and evocative surroundings that are guaranteed to start sparks flying. St. Barts has that sexy French flair and laid-back attitude appropriate to paradise, and Puerto Rico surprises in this category with the historic charm of a 500-year-old city that holds its secrets close, as well as miles of indolent surf-washed beaches just begging for a blanket and a bottle of wine. Read the full article here: Best Caribbean Islands for Romance

Adventure

Strap on a headlamp to explore one of the world’s longest underground rivers; rope into a jungle canyon; or take a midnight paddle in a mangrove lagoon where the water litterateur glows. These are just a few of the itineraries that make Puerto Rico a favorite with adventure seekers looking to go beyond the usual beachfront scene. In Dominica, a challenging six-hour hike takes you to a boiling lake, while more than 110 miles of additional backcountry trails give access to some of the most pristine ecosystems in the Caribbean. St. Lucia, usually reserved for romance, serves up a healthy dollop of strenuous surprises that includes canopy tours, waterfall hikes and mineral mud soaks. Read the full article here: Best Caribbean Islands for Adventure

Local Foods

Wonderful Continental, American and fusion restaurants are scattered throughout the Caribbean, but when it comes to roots cooking, indigenous dishes you won’t find anywhere else, Jamaica, Cuba and Trinidad should be on your boarding card. Jamaica gave the world the spicy flavors of jerked meats, but the vegetarian beliefs of the Rastafarian culture yield a plethora of savory vegetarian options. Cuban cuisine has invaded South Florida, but a trip back to the roots still provides the most authentic eats. Trinidad blends African traditions with spices from the east, tempered by hints of European, Lebanese and Chinese influences. Read the full article here: Best Caribbean Islands for Local Food

Jamaica Jerk Chicken

Originally developed as a method of preservation, the distinctive spices of Jamaican jerk cooking have migrated from open pits to restaurants across the island and beyond. Photo: iStock

Fine Dining

Who wouldn’t want to work in the Caribbean? It’s no wonder so many world-class chefs have ended up plying their trade here. The competition is stiff, both at the upscale resorts and at stand-alone eateries where proprietors pour heart and soul into their offerings. The best in class goes to Grand Cayman for its variety of international cuisines, St. Martin for the best French cooking in the hemisphere and Martinique for its spicy blend of Old World traditions and New World French and Creole. Read the full article here: Best Caribbean Islands for Fine Dining

Water Sports

Given that they are surrounded by water, it’s not surprising that the islands of the Caribbean offer a wealth of activities on or under the ocean. But where you go depends on whether you’re a diver, surfer or fisherman. Lightly traveled South Caicos is the place for scuba; with deference to longtime favorites like Cayman and Roatan, the walls are phenomenal and few people have seen it. Cozumel, an old favorite for divers, is still a worldwide top 10, and there’s good fishing inshore and offshore. The Dominican Republic will satisfy everyone with world-class windsurfing, kiteboarding, great surfing, offshore fishing and even some diving. Read the full article here: Best Caribbean Islands for Water Sports

Flying Solo

The Caribbean markets itself is a place for couples, but what if you’re not part of a couple? There are places in the sun for you as well. Nassau, which is just a short hop from South Florida, attracts flocks of singles to its beaches and clubs. St. Thomas benefits from the battalions of cruisers who stop off in Charlotte Amalie, and is a favorite with New Yorkers looking for a weekend break that blends beach and nightlife. But the king of singledom is definitely Cancun, consider it party central and home to some of the most extravagant nightclubs in the Caribbean. Read the full article here: Best Caribbean Islands for Singles

Cancun Nightlife

Cancun nightlife is the hottest thing south of the border. From high-profile franchises such as Hard Rock Cafe to high-energy dance clubs like Coco Bongo, the party often goes till dawn. Photo: iStock

Family Time

When shade and a sand shovel are all that’s needed to amuse, most any beach in the Caribbean will suffice. But some destinations are just better at catering to families than others, especially when it comes to more active adolescents. Grand Cayman is high on that list, providing a safe atmosphere and a wide range of age-appropriate water activities that leave an impression. Jamaica and Aruba are both capitals of the all- inclusive resort, offering everything from nanny care to kids clubs and teen lounges, with accommodations that offer far more than just a spare rollaway bed for the younger generation. Read the full article here: Best Caribbean Islands for families

Music

Where would we be without reggae, rock steady and salsa? With its collision of cultures, the Caribbean has been a hotbed of musical innovation for centuries. Jamaica is the easiest place to access the latest and hottest, with major music festivals such as the Rebel Salute and Reggae Sumfest taking center stage each year. But for the pure joy of expression, Cuba is the place to go. Home to mambo, rumba and salsa, it is an island that pulses to a Caribbean beat. If Latin dance is your thing, there’s no better place than San Juan, Puerto Rico, where dance clubs heat up the night in Condado and Old San Juan. Read the full article here: Best Caribbean Islands for Music

Golf and Tennis

When your greens back home are frozen, head south for the sea of endless summer. The Dominican Republic takes top honors both for numbers and notoriety of its courses, and also offers ample court time to tennis enthusiasts. Puerto Rico also has legendary greens, from cliff-side courses to tournament tracks laid over rolling hills along with the largest tennis center in the region. The Brits transplanted their favorite game to Jamaica and grew a crop of well-loved historic courses along the island’s northern coastline. Read the full article here: Best Caribbean Islands for Golf and Tennis

Dominican Republic Golf

With eight holes that play along the ocean, Punta Espada is one of the most scenic golf courses in the Dominican Republic, and also one of the top ranked in the Caribbean. Photo: Punta Espada Golf Club

 

 

Aruba Kukoo Kunuku Bus
Aruba, Caribbean, Eat, Trip Ideas

Aruba’s Party Bus

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The Dutch island of Aruba, just off the Venezuelan coast, is known for a lot of things: an avid windsurfing crowd, a striking desert landscape, gorgeous beaches and a steady flow of mainlanders who come to unwind and celebrate. One of the best ways to do so is to join the Kukoo Kunuku tour company for their six-hour bus pub crawl. You’ll see more of the island, and get a little buzzed and a little rowdy with fellow fun-loving travelers.

It’s red and white and covered with graffiti. The moment the open-air Kukoo Kunuku party bus pulls up at your Aruba hotel for a 6 p.m. pickup, you know it’s going to be a good night. Climb aboard and the other guests cheer and shout. Before you find a seat, your evening’s host hands you maracas to shake things up and get you in the party spirit. With all revelers gathered, the bus stops first at a beach in the shadow of the iconic California Lighthouse. You’re poured a plastic cup or two of champagne to toast the sunset while meeting the other guests.

Then it’s on to dinner at Casibari Grill, located next to the massive boulder formations of the same name. Everyone is served a heaping plate of barbecue: ribs and a skewer of chicken and peppers, plus salad, rice and bread. If you have any interest in face painting, queue up before the watermelon dessert arrives. An artist from Britain provides the service when she’s in town; otherwise, her son takes over. The next decision should be an easy one. Yes, you want the souvenir water bottle, not for its Ronald McDonald color scheme, but because for six dollars, it saves money on drink specials all night at each bar that the group visits.

Note: The cocktails aren’t overly stiff. They’re strong enough that you taste the rum, but light enough that you won’t be hung-over the next morning, especially if you dance. Throughout the evening, the bus stops at three or four bars for an hour each. The line-up changes nightly, but typically includes neighborhood watering holes like U-Wanna Beer, Tumazu (which has billiards) and La Ronda Cafe. The tour host lives to rile up the crowd, getting you to dance on the bar, wear silly hats and whatever else she’s in the mood for. The bars themselves lean toward the plain side, but the fun is in meeting your fellow revelers, joking with the host and dancing.

Just before midnight, the group stops at one last bar—Mojitos—known for keeping its dance floor hopping. If the music isn’t enough to get you joining the Cupid Shuffle and Macarena, then the company will be. But perhaps the best part is simply riding on the bus. It’s when your mica-wielding host cracks jokes and even the driver seems free- spirited, wheeling ’round the roundabouts several times, making the night feel a little bit wild and full of possibilities.