The Caribbean Islands are more than just lush resorts and beautiful beaches. If you'd rather be swimming with schools of tropical fish instead of drinking a fruity cocktail, check out these Caribbean destinations that were made for adventure-seekers.
Bermuda: You don't have to swim or even get your hair wet in order to get in on the action in Bermuda. Helmet Diving offers excitement at a slower pace. Consider it a walk in an underwater garden. Feed tropical fish and gaze at the coral reef. But, how do you sink 10 to 13 feet and stay mostly dry? Walkers are outfitted with a helmet and air hose that connects to the water's surface.
Curacao: Curacao is a diver's dream with more than 60 sites to explore. For the truly curious, head to the Mushroom Forest, which boasts mountains of star coral made by clams and sponges. With so much to see, it's a good idea to bring a compass to stay on track. There's more than just fish and coral lurking underwater in Curacao. Search for the tugboat that sank 17-feet more than a quarter-century ago. Or, dive to the airplane wreck. Look for the marking buoy near the Sunset Waters. A boat isn't necessary to reach the site. Eco-friendly travelers will enjoy Curacao's dive sites for another reason. In 2008, Curacao was named the “Healthiest Marine Environment” by Scuba Diving Magazine.
Grand Cayman: Pack your diving fins and head to Grand Cayman. Described as a “word-class diving destination” by Frommers, Grand Cayman boasts more than 30 diver operators and more than 250 dive sites. Divers can choose from private charters, group diving and some companies even offer diving for travelers on a cruise. The warm waters of the Cayman Islands are home to stingrays, angelfish, puffer fish moray eels and other sea life. Divers will enjoy clear and calm water and locations that include wreck, wall and shore dive options.
Honduras: While everyone else is booking their vacation to one of the more well-known islands, consider a jaunt to Utila, a small island located off the northern coast of Honduras. Utila is home to one the world's largest populations of whale sharks. Get your heart pumping with a scuba or snorkeling trip with the Whale Shark and Oceanic Research Center. You'll swim alongside the sharks, which average 30 feet in length. Your best chance of catching a glimpse of these creatures is between September and April, but with a little tenacity and patience, you'll see them at any time of year.
Jamaica: What do you get when you combine a bamboo raft, a 3-mile river and a legend about a witch? Rafting on the Martha Brae in Jamaica! The river is located 25 miles from Montego Bay and approximately 40 miles from Ocho Rios. This 90-minute river ride takes place on a 30-foot raft, while a raft captain guides you through the countryside and tells the story of a witch who lured Spanish treasure hunters into a cave and disappeared. When they tried to escape, the river engulfed them and the river's course changed forever. Thrill-seekers will also enjoy a stop at “Tarzan's Corner” for a little vine-swinging and swimming.
Montserrat: If you'd prefer to keep your adventure on dry land, head to the island of Montserrat. Visitors can take in spectacular views of the Soufrière Hills Volcano, which erupted more than a decade ago and destroyed the former capital city. For the best vantage point, the Caribbean Tourism Organization suggests going to Jack Boy Hill. There is a viewing platform, telescope and concession area. For even better views, visit the Montserrat Volcano Observatory where you can view the dome through telescopes on an observatory patio. Learn about the methods used to study the volcano and seismic activity.
Turks & Caicos: Ambitious divers will revel in "drop-off" diving in Turks and Caicos, considered a place with some of the best diving in the world. Located off Grand Turk, divers can navigate through tunnels and vertical drops, while checking out coral and the vibrant sea life below. Most dive sites boast turtles, gray reef sharks, octopus and eagle rays.
Resorts: If you want to stay close to your resort, but still get an adrenaline rush, there are plenty of places to do both. Most hotels and resorts in the Caribbean offer on-site activities, like water sports, and some even have adventure excursions and tours that depart from their premises each day.
Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort in St. Lucia partners with Jammin' Tours to offer a Tropical Jeep Safari tour, ATV Coastal Adventure excursion and catamaran tours. For a luxury and adventure, book your next stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. With so much to do here, you’ll be happy to sink into the Italian bed linens each night.
Go kayaking through mangroves to see upside-down jelly fish, marine birds and other sea life. The warm water of the Caribbean is home to countless species of sea life, so just imagine what you may see if you snorkel at night. With the help of flashlights and a guide, Ritz-Carlton guests will see fish and coral that they may never have seen when the sun was shining bright.
If you decide to book an off-site excursion when you arrive at your Caribbean destination, be sure to check with your resort first. Most places will provide a list of tours and excursions that they know are legitimate, safe and affordable.
Jennifer Jope
© Cheapflights Ltd
September 2008
