Caribbean Travelers Recommend

Cruise liners visiting Antigua dock at the capital of St. John’s on the island’s west coast, while Antigua’s sister island of Barbuda is an easy day trip by catamaran for shore visitors. In St John’s, visitors can stop at the market, head out on an off-road beach safari or hit the water at Cade Reef for snorkeling. Barbuda has its own pristine beaches, as well as a popular frigate bird sanctuary. Ships sailing to Aruba dock in Oranjestad, the island’s capital on its southwest coast. You’ll hear English, Spanish and Dutch spoken here, and although the official currency is the Aruban florin, U.S. dollars are widely accepted. A shore excursion tour will show you the highlights with the option to learn to dive, snorkel or sail on at the famous white-sand beaches. This is a little slice of England in the Southern Caribbean. English is spoken, and U.S. dollar bills (but not coins) are accepted. Ships dock in the capital of Bridgetown.

White sand beaches, clear blue waters, and not a care in the world – welcome to the Bahamas. Island life has its many charms, and you can find them all amongst the lazy waters and low-hanging sunshine of the Bahamas. But if the beach days drag on and the sun gets to be too much to handle – don’t worry, there are plenty of outdoor activities in the Bahamas – there’s a lot more to this island chain than meets the eye. And getting out there and exploring it is easier than you might think. Here are some of the best outdoor adventures in the Bahamas. Explore The Water What’s an island got? A lot of water – that’s right. Some of the best adventures you’re going to have while on the islands has to do with zipping over the water, exploring its depths, or simply splashing around within it. And when it comes to it, snorkeling is a great option for all ages – it’s easy, it requires minimal equipment, and you’ve got the whole ocean world beneath you to explore.

Pop culture meets tradition in this uniquely diverse city where funky restaurants and glamorous casinos. Begin your Puerto Rican Adventure with the Rum Distillery and Old San Juan Half-Day Tour. You'll enjoy a tour of the Bacardi rum factory which is one of the largest in the world. Not only will you get a chance to view the Bacardi Museum you'll also sample some of Bacardi's delicious rum products. You'll then head out on a tour of the historic city of Old San Juan. Should you feel like venturing outside of San Juan, try the Ponce The Pearl City Tour. Ponce is known as the pearl of the south due to its unique beauty and grandeur and is home to some of Puerto Rico’s most stately mansions. You will also visit Tibes Indian Ceremonial Park which boasts many artifacts used by the island’s first inhabitants, as well as festival and burial grounds. From sunny beaches to mystical rainforests, the El Yunque Rainforest and Luquillo Beach Tour has something for everyone.

Perhaps the most popular of the Punta Cana beaches, Bavaro is a town beach lined with small shops and dotted with luxurious all-inclusive holiday resorts. Other popular beaches worth a visit include Cabeza de Toro, Arena Gorda, El Cortecito, Uvero Alto, Macao and Cabo Engano down south. Scuba-diving enthusiasts must be sure to visit Isla Catalina and Bavaro Beach, both of which feature fantastic coral reefs just offshore. Snorkelling is commonplace at all major beaches and most resorts allow guests to borrow equipment for free. Cruises, sailing expeditions and paragliding opportunities also present themselves in abundance and are relatively inexpensive. Deep-sea fishing is another exciting first for many tourists.

Embark on the Island Tour to learn more about Aruba. The tour takes you through many of Aruba’s natural wonders and cultural highlights such as Natural Bridge, formed by the pounding of surf on coral limestone. Next, visit Ayo Rock featuring some of the oldest drawings by the Arawak Indians. Lose yourself in another time as you’re guided through the Old City of Savaneta, home to the oldest dwelling on the island. Next stop is Aruba’s second capital, oldest fishing village and now main red light area -San Nicholas. Finally, end your nostalgic day with a relaxing swim in the calm blue waters of Baby Beach. Hop aboard the luxurious Aruba Lunch & Snorkel Cruise which takes you to Catalina Bay where you can sign up for snorkeling lessons. Explore the hidden treasures of the 397 feet German shipwreck, Antilla, which was sunk by its own captain to avoid Dutch possession. Refresh yourself onboard with a deli-style lunch and an open bar.

Montego Bay attracts millions of tourists every year. Jamaica’s rich music culture is also an experience quite unlike any other. Journey Away from the tropical waters of Montego Bay into the mountainous heart of Jamaica on the Johns-Hall Montego Bay Adventure tour. Engage with Jamaica’s charming people as you make your way to a local school where the children will delight you with folklore, songs & rhythmic music. No trip to Jamaica is complete without taking the time to appreciate Jamaica’s biggest musical legend Bob Marley. On Jamaica’s Spirit of Reggae- The Bob Marley Experience Tour you will journey to the birth place of the king of Reggae, the village of Nine Mile tucked away in the majestic mountains of Jamaica. The tour lets you walk through his childhood home that is now a museum. Need a little adrenaline rush? Start off with The Canopy Tour which zips through the Jamaican rainforest, crossing a variety of Jamaica’s landscapes.

Capital of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Nassau casts a web of magical appeal for first time and returning visitors alike. On your first day in Nassau, get acquainted with the charming city through the City & Country Combination Tour which explores the historic downtown area as well as the countryside and includes a Bahamian Lunch. Visit the island’s many forts and former pirate strongholds, the picturesque parliament square and the Supreme Court. On your second day, it’s time for some sun, sea and surf! Depending on what suits your fancy you can choose between a thrilling Powerboat Adventure to the private islands of Exuma and feed endangered iguanas, or brave the deep sea to Snorkel with the Sharks. No trip to Nassau is complete without a visit to the famed Paradise Island Atlantis Resort & Casino. You can take a self guided tour of this sprawling architectural beauty free of charge, get a day pass for the water park or try your luck at the casino.

Point of the white canes, Punta Cana is a luxury resort destination full of wide white sand beaches, impeccably manicured golf courses, and a balmy Caribbean breeze. Growing in popularity since the 1970s, Punta Cana is a favorite getaway of the jet-setters and those looking for the dreamy island escapes of the Caribbean without having to go the extra miles to get to the Lesser Antilles. An added bonus – there are a lot of amenities in the Dominican Republic that aren’t found on neighboring, smaller islands. Case in point, the number of outdoor activities that surround Punta Cana are astounding. Part of what makes a trip exciting is getting out there and exploring it all – and here are some of the best day trips from Punta Cana.

The Dominican Republic is known for its spectacular beaches, and Punta Cana is no exception. If the beach isn’t enough to keep you busy, here are some other interesting things to do while vacationing in Punta Cana. Check into one of the many all-inclusive beach front resorts for the best value and quickest access to the beach. Young or old, there’s plenty to keep everyone busy at Punta Cana beaches like Bavaro, El Cortecito and Arena Gorda. If there’s plenty to see in the water, there’s just as much excitement on land. Embark on a country adventure safari into the outback and enjoy horseback riding while you gain a true appreciation of the way of life of the people of the Dominican Republic. For those who are shopaholics, El Conde is a must visit for the best deals and bargains. For the men who hate shopping trips, nearby Cap Cana has fantastic golf greens you’d love to tee off on.