Ten Amazing Things to Do in the Caribbean

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While a lifetime of cliched references in popular culture define the Caribbean for many of us, the reality of a visit reveals an endless diversity of cultural practices, customs, and cuisines.

Comprising 13 independent nations and many territories linked to other countries around the world, this daisy chain of some 7,000 islands stretches across the Caribbean Sea from the Bahamas off the southern USA coast all the way to South America. Unsurprisingly, the beaches are breathtaking — but there’s so much more to the Caribbean than sun, surf, and sand. Delve into a history deeply influenced by colonialism, explore the tastes and flavours of a wide variety of ethnic eating styles, immerse yourself in the beauty of some of the planet’s most incredible rainforests and reefs, and sway to the rhythm of more than twenty different musical genres that have originated here.

Not sure where to begin? We have it covered! Here’s a checklist of ten top things to do in the Caribbean.

1. Hit the beach in the Turks and Caicos Islands

There’s certainly no shortage of superb beaches in this corner of the globe, but the cream well and truly rises to the top in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Sitting at the southern end of the Bahamas and directly east of Cuba, this archipelago is surrounded by a protective barrier reef and offers access to exquisite stretches of coastline framed by soft white sand and almost iridescent blue water. Grace Bay and Leeward on the island of Providenciales are two of the popular beaches, but there are plenty of lesser-known and therefore less crowded options. Welcome to the Caribbean of your dreams!

2. Take a volcanic mud bath in St Lucia

Shaped by volcanic activity over thousands of years, it’s hard to go past the island nation of St Lucia in the Lesser Antilles Islands for gobsmacking topographical beauty. Twin volcanic peaks coated in verdant rainforest dominate the landscape, and the resulting rich black sand and soil are an opportunity for visitors to get down and dirty! The famous Sulphur Springs mud baths are said to help alleviate skin issues, ease arthritis, sooth sore joints, and promote an all-round sense of wellbeing. You be the judge. Explore the geothermal landscape around the baths beforehand, then wash up after your wallow beneath a shimmering waterfall. St Lucia’s all-inclusive resorts are yet another reason to pop this piece of paradise on your Caribbean itinerary.

3. Walk the streets of Old San Juan in Puerto Rico

The self-governing island commonwealth of Puerto Rico — an unincorporated US territory in the West Indies — has a rich and often turbulent history to explore. Capital city San Juan sits on the island’s northern coastline and a walking tour of the old centre will see you literally stepping back in time. Explore the small streets lined with colourful colonial-era buildings and discover key historic sites with the help of your local guide. You’ll visit Fort San Cristobal, the Plaza de Armas, San Juan Cathedral, and the tomb of the famed Spanish explorer and conquistador — Juan Ponce de León.

4. Explore Cuba’s cultural scene

With bustling capital Havana at its heart, Cuba is the largest country in the Caribbean — and perhaps the most alluring for culture vultures. Music and dance are the essence of Cuban culture, so start your visit by seeing a performance of the Cuban National Ballet at the Gran Teatro de La Habana. Having undergone extensive renovations a few years ago, the theatre glistens like a diamond in the shadow of the Capitolio Nacional dome. Art lovers should make haste to the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana. The large collection is split over two venues — one dedicated to local art, and one to international artists. The Cuban collection is fascinating and covers the Spanish colonial era, the revolutionary period, and the present day.

5. Meet the Bahamas’ famous swimming pigs

Up in the Bahamas, one type of beachgoer is really making waves. Meet the country’s famed swimming pigs, which love taking a dip in the ocean with tourists in exchange for treats. The original wild swimming pigs reside on Big Major Cay (also known as ‘Pig Island’) in the Exuma region, but commercial copycat operations have popped up in other locations (including on Rose Island — a 25-minute boat ride from capital Nassau). There are increasing concerns from animal rights activists over the treatment of the swimming pigs, not to mention potential health risks for the human side of the equation. If you choose to take the plunge with a porker, keep a reasonable distance. These are large, heavy animals and they won’t think twice about pooping or peeing in the water you’re swimming in!

6. Swim with stingrays in Grand Cayman

Another unique aquatic animal encounter awaits you in the Cayman Islands, 400 kilometres south of Cuba. Every year thousands of visitors take a 30-minute boat ride from Grand Cayman out to ‘Stingray City’ — a series of shallow sandbars inhabited by hundreds of wild rays. On arrival, everyone hops into the water to feed the winged seas creatures with fresh squid as they duck and weave amongst the crowd. It’s somewhat unnerving to begin with, but you soon realise that these incredible creatures have it all in hand!

7. Do a sunset cruise around Aruba

Sitting pretty just 20 kilometres off the Venezuelan coast, the small island nation of Aruba in the Dutch Carribean is renowned for its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and incredible sunsets. The latter can best be enjoyed on a sunset cruise, so set aside an evening during your stay to get out on the water. Gliding across the tranquil Caribbean Sea on board an open deck catamaran with the wind in your hair and the warmth of the setting sun on your face is something you’ll remember long after your trip comes to an end.

8. Go snorkelling off the beach in Bonaire

A 90-minute flight east of Aruba will bring you to Bonaire — best known for its pink flamingos and shoreline snorkelling. While global warming has undoubtedly taken a toll, the fringing reefs here remain relatively healthy and host an abundance of marine life — including hawksbill, loggerhead, and green sea turtles. Head for the protected western side of the island and look for the yellow stones that mark official snorkelling zones. Bonaire’s waters are all part of a protected National Marine Park and a park pass is required to enter the water.

9. Taste-test the best of Barbados

Barbados floats on the far eastern extremity of the Caribbean and boasts a nuanced culinary scene that draws on historical British, African, and Indian influences. If you’re keen to dodge the tourist restaurants and get a taste of authentic Barbadian (also known as Bajan) cuisine, a food tour of the capital Bridgetown is a great way to do it. You’ll get off the beaten track and try various local specialties, as well as picking up invaluable tips for eateries to return to later in your stay.

10. Follow in the footsteps of a reggae legend in Jamaica

Jamaican singer, songwriter, and social activist Bob Marley put reggae music on the map and has sold more than 75 million records worldwide — the majority of them posthumously. The legendary performer passed away back in 1981, but time hasn’t quelled the number of fans who visit his birthplace and final resting place in the district of Nine Mile in Jamaica’s hilly interior. The family-run Reggae Land can only be visited on a guided tour and incorporates the home where Marley was born, a museum displaying various personal effects, and the Bob Marley Mausoleum. You’ll learn about the Rastafarian religion practiced by Marley and gain other fascinating insights into the life of this musical pioneer.

This post was published thanks to Sandals.

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