Take a flightseeing tour over mountains, slide along waterfalls or swim with the sharks. Exploring the Caribbean offers countless opportunities to seize adventure.
While the islands of the Caribbean may be best known for their sun-soaked beaches, crystal-clear water and white sand, there’s so much more to explore in this magical part of the world. And when it comes to adventurous escapades and thrill-seeking, the options are limitless. Here are five of our favorite exhilarating experiences.
1. HIKE THROUGH DOMINICA'S WILD SIDE
Your excursion begins in the foothills of Dominica’s tallest mountain, Morne Diablotin, where you'll find the beautiful Syndicate Nature Trail. This trail takes you through the forest to a magnificent lookout point above the Dublanc River Valley. Take in the views and keep your eyes peeled for hummingbirds, todies, tanagers and Sisserou parrots, Dominica's national bird. This gorgeous park is a sanctuary for some 51 bird species, so keep your camera ready. You'll then hike through the forest towards Milton Falls, a secluded — and exceptionally beautiful — 30-meter-high waterfall. Take the opportunity to cool off with a swim in the pool's crystal-clear waters before heading back down the trail to the quaint Prince Rupert's Tavern for a refreshing rum or fruit punch.
2. DISCOVER UNDERWATER WORNDERS
Go ashore in Bimini, hop aboard a nifty 38-foot Cayote and take off for an unforgettable adventure on beautiful Bahamian waters. The seafaring adventure starts at the site of Pablo Escobar’s plane wreck, where you’ll have the chance to snorkel around the WW II-era plane, which now attracts a plethora of marine life. From there you’ll sail on to the legendary S.S. Sapona shipwreck site to explore the storied WW I troop transport ship that was later used to store liquor during Prohibition. A short cruise will take you to Stingray Island for a chance to feed these friendly creatures as they glide through the water, before heading to the final stop of the day: the Bahamas’ famous Shark Arena, where you’ll have an adrenaline-pumping chance to snorkel waters that attract some 30 Caribbean reef sharks every day.
3. COMPETE IN A REGATTA
Have you ever dreamed of sailing a real America's Cup racing yacht? Dream no more. Set in the beautiful blue waters of Saint Maarten’s Great Bay, Dennis Conner's America's Cup-winning Stars & Stripes, Canada II or True North IV are yours for this action-packed adventure. Our expert crew will show you exactly what to do in your "crew members" position. Then it's off to the races; grind a winch, trim a sail, punch a stopwatch or just sit back, relax and enjoy complimentary refreshments as you revel at the thrills of this 12-metre regatta, seen above in the top image and below.
4. CANYONEER DOWN A WATERFALL
Deep inside the Dominican Republic’s Damajagua National Park, some 27 breathtaking waterfalls await. At base camp, the friendly staff will provide you with a short safety briefing and kit you out with all the essential outdoor adventure gear. When you’re all geared up, you’ll hike along the park’s nature trail to the seventh waterfall, where your canyoneering adventure through a series of natural waterslides and falls will begin. Feel your heart race as you jump, swim and slide along waterfalls, pools and caverns, then return to the yacht invigorated and excited for new adventures.
5. SEE ST. LUCIA FROM THE SKY
A helicopter flight reveals the dramatic beauty of the mountainous interior and stunning seascapes of St. Lucia like no other tour can. It’s a short drive from the dock in Castries to the helipad where your pilot will be waiting. The flightseeing tour takes you over the harbor then down the west coast, with its many sheltered bays and hidden coves. Looming in the distance are the landmark Pitons, the towering volcanic spires that rise abruptly from the waters of the Caribbean. Your pilot will then turn inland for aerial views of the hot springs and the lush expanse of rain forest that covers most of St. Lucia before returning to the capital.