Sightseeing : What to See In: Jamaica Puerto Rico St. Martin Dominica St. Lucia Grenada Aruba Curacao Grand Cayman Cuba

Caribbeans' Top Destinations

Writing an article about the top 10 vacation destinations in the Caribbean is difficult as there are so many islands, so many natural wonders, and so many different activities. Here is a brief look, read, dream and enjoy.

St. Thomas/St. John gets high ratings for its gorgeous scenery ranging from mountains, to countryside, and pristine beaches and ocean.  Activities to think about including are: exploring the Cas Cay Wildlife sanctuary where you can snorkel, kayak, and walk the beaches. Or take an excursion to the mangrove mazes on the south coast and visit a scenic natural reserve.  Also visit Coral World Ocean Park to look at sea anemones, starfish, sea cucumbers and more.

Interested in a vacation spot that is sunny year round then St. Martin/Maarten is your destination. The average temperature is 80-82 degrees. The island has been co-occupied by the French and Dutch. Each side of the island maintains distinct characteristics of their mother countries. There is great shopping, good beaches (European style –nude), and casinos.  For sailboat enthusiasts, the American Cup Regatta excursion offers an opportunity to race on a former America’s Cup sailboat.

If you are interested in fabulous underwater adventures then plan a stop at Grand Cayman.  The turquoise water offers snorkelers breathtaking views of tropical fish and underwater scenery. Although it may not be the most attractive of the islands, it does make up for it by being the location of Stingray City which has not buildings, street or automobiles but is rather a gathering place for stingrays just waiting to be fed and be played with.

Aruba is one of the most popular island ports in the Caribbean because of the incredible beaches, abundant sunshine, casinos, and drop dead gorgeous scenery. Your choice of activities is almost limitless but to mention a few they include: sailing cruises, bird watching, Marlab biological tours, cycling and hiking excursions, full or half-day island tours, island-hopping expeditions, archaeological and geological tours, nature tours, and submarine tours.

The island of Dominica is rough and well preserved offering a landscape of mountain peaks and valleys covered with rain forests, waterfalls and tropical flora. While on the island you can hike, climb mountains, sit on the beach, swim, scuba dive, snorkel, sail, go horseback riding, ride an ATV in the jungle, go on a 4-wheel drive tour, ride the Rainforest Aerial Tram, and visit Screw’s Sulphur Spa.

Jamaica

Grenada has a jagged coastline which is dotted with numerous bays and inlets. Because of this, there is the opportunity to seek the privacy of secluded and private beaches.  Some well-known beaches at Calabash, Lance aux Epines, and Horseshoe are where there is a two-mile stretch of soft white sand. Like the other Caribbean islands, Grendada has a plethora of activities.  Just a few include: walking, hiking, trekking, yachting, water sports, scuba-diving, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing,golf, tennis, andshopping

Curacao Island is like a desert with its cacti and divi-divi trees. The capital is Willemstad and one of it’s major sites because the city center has been restored to its unique original look.  The floating pontoon bridge is unusual and something to see. There are over 200 stores in the city. Some of the activities on the island include: taking a trip to the 4,500-acre Christoffel National Park, planning an excursion to the mystical underground lake in the Hato Caves, and visit Argyle Falls.

A visit to St. Lucia provides not only incredible natural attractions and a large variety of hiking, bird watching opportunities, but also a full range of other recreational activities including:  horse back riding, touring on a helicopter, windsurfing, sailing, yachting, water skiing, deep sea fishing, golf, squash, and tennis. St Lucia offers shopping for duty-free imports such as crystal and china, designer perfumes. There is also a farmer’s market with fresh fruit, local crafts spices and more.

Puerto Rico offers a diversity of scenery and climate for a vacation location.  In San Juan you can tour the historic district and walk through an abandoned fort.  San Felip del Morro castle is nice. If natural sites are your venue, walk through the rainforest El Yunque or tour Cave Park. All typical island activities are available and a few unusual ones too including: attending a cock fight, diving off Mona Island, and spending the evening at Mosquito Bay etc.