For many travellers, the perfect vacation involves Caribbean white sand beaches, no plans, endless relaxation, and maybe a cocktail or two while lazing on a sun lounger with a good book. For this style of trip, the Caribbean offers almost unlimited choice, with island after island boasting gorgeous beaches and stunning views, as well as some of the best hotels and resorts in the world.
But a Caribbean vacation can be much more than just sun-worshipping and splashing about in the shallows. The Caribbean islands are full of magic, mystery, and fascinating and unusual things to do and see, with something unique to discover in each and every one.
So if you are packing your bags for a Caribbean cruise this year, or just looking for an overseas adventure with a difference for your next trip, here are a few of the most interesting things to do when traveling to the Caribbean.
Photo by Rick Jamison on Unsplash
El Cemi, Puerto Rico
Tucked away in the mountains right in the middle of Puerto Rico, El Cemi is a fascinating, quirky, and alternative museum that brings underrepresented histories out into the light, and is well worth a visit. Dedicated to the history, culture, and traditions of the indigenous Taino people, the museum is both named after and shaped like a Taino artifact, showcasing the remarkable exhibits inside from the very first look. It offers a sensitive, deep, and important look at the history of the traditional inhabitants of the Caribbean islands, something that is often forgotten when discussing the classic Caribbean combo of sun, sea, and sand.
Mopion, St Vincent and the Grenadines
If you've ever pictured a desert island, you've probably thought of somewhere like Mopion. The tiniest island in the entire Caribbean, Mopion would probably go unremarked-upon were it not for its distinctive, iconic, and somewhat mysterious beach umbrella which sticks up proudly from the middle of this minute sand bar. A cay made up of gorgeous, soft, golden sand, surrounded by a stunning underwater aquarium of beautiful coral reefs and vivid, electric fish, it is a true slice of paradise. The thatch umbrella was reportedly installed to prevent boats from smashing into the shallow reefs and provides protection from the heat of the sun for anyone who visits. Mopion is part of St Vincent and Grenadines archipelago and is reachable only by private boat.
Pig Beach, Big Major Cay
Not far from Staniel Cay, a short flight from Nassau is a tiny island inhabited only by wild, swimming pigs. Pig Beach, on Big Major Cay, is filled with friendly, peaceful, porcine residents, who amaze and delight visitors by swimming up to the boats to greet them (and beg for snacks!). The pigs are something of a mystery in the Bahamas, as no one is quite sure how this non-native species got here, but they make for a fun and extremely alternative day at the beach!
Boiling Lake, Dominica
This secret lake, hidden right at the top of Watt Mountain in Morne Trois Pitons National Park on Dominica, is a far cry from the refreshing forest pools that spring up across the rest of the island. Heated by geothermal energy, the lake literally bubbles and steams, with a thick cloud of hot vapor rising from the center. Thought to be the result of some ancient magic or evil curse, it is a seriously cool sight to see…although you should avoid the temptation to test the water, as it is genuinely scalding!
Sulphur Springs, St Lucia
Another fascinating natural phenomenon awaits on St Lucia. Described locally as "the only drive-in volcano in the world," Sulphur Springs offers natural mud baths, boiling geothermal springs, and a 50-foot cascade for a natural water massage. This all-natural, outdoor spa is the perfect way to heal sunburns, refresh aching muscles, and generally relax in a truly unique if slightly sulfurous setting!
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