4 Wild Ways to Celebrate World Wildlife Day in the Caribbean

World Wildlife Day (WWD) is a day dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness of the world’s wild fauna and flora. This year’s theme was “Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet,” and it highlighted the role of Indigenous people and local communities’ knowledge and livelihoods within the conservation of the world’s forests, species and ecosystems. This year was the first-ever virtual World Wildlife Day event and you can watch it here.  

Although the United Nations designated Mar. 3 as the annual day dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness about the planet’s plants and animals, the Caribbean welcomes all to celebrate wildlife every day. Here are a few wild ways to experience wildlife in the Caribbean for every type of adventurer.

1. The Bahamas: The Island Hopper’s Hot-Spot

Discover the landmarks throughout the chain of more than 700 islands that make up The Bahamas. Its natural landscapes and ecosystems are studded around lighthouses, historic forts and monuments. Andros is the largest island full of geological wonders in The Bahamas that locals call the “Big Yard,” because of its winding trails, pine trees, palms and more than 180 deep blue holes to explore, tucked inland and along the shore. Swimming with the pigs is nothing compared to Nassau’s biggest stars which are also The Bahamas’ national bird: the marching flamingos. Island-hopping families flock to the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre to come close to these birds and more. This hot spot doubles as a wildlife rescue and rehab facility where visitors can hand-feed playful Lory parrots and peacocks. After the zoo, hop over to the nearby Queen’s Staircase, Cable Beach and Junkanoo World Museum and Arts Centre for unique and immersive cultural experiences.

2. Costa Rica: The Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Palo Verde National Park is one of the best wildlife and bird watching spots in Costa Rica. Book one of Amstar DMC’s top excursions, “Palo Verde and Liberia Sightseeing,” to see where hundreds of species of birds and animals coexist. The excursion gives travelers a chance to embark by boat along the Tempisque River through a remote wetland sanctuary which is home to Central America’s largest concentration of aquatic birds. More than 3,000 aquatic birds thrive here, in addition to exotic and endangered birds, crocodiles, armadillos, deer, monkeys, butterflies and more. The journey also includes sightseeing around Guanacaste’s capital city, Liberia, and learning all about the Chorotega indigenous people that are the legacy of their pre-Columbian ancestors.

3. Jamaica: The Real Deal for Rum, Reggae and River Enthusiasts

Escape to Jamaica’s scenic south coast on a river cruise through the Black River and nature-rich YS Falls. Amstar DMC’s “Black River Safari YS Falls and Appleton Rum” excursion helps travelers go off-the-beaten-path to discover different species of birds, vegetation, flora and fauna, and friendly crocodiles in their natural habitat. Hear commentary about the ecology and unobstructed views of wildlife along Jamaica’s longest navigable river and explore the intimate parts of the island that most tourists miss. Plus, after cruising around the rural wonders, don’t forget that a trip to the birthplace of reggae isn’t complete without sampling Jamaican rum with the locals at the Appleton Estates, which is also on the itinerary.

4. Puerto Rico: The Hiker’s Hidden Gem

El Yunque National Forest is 29,000 acres of tropical rainforest in Puerto Rico, less than an hour away from San Juan. It’s technically the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. and it’s filled with natural lesser-known waterslides, 300-year-old trees, lush off-the-beaten-path trails and stunning mountain views. More than 240 species of trees and plants call this forest home and 26 of those species aren’t found anywhere else in the world; naturally, the forest is a wildlife refuge. Travelers can expect to come across Coqui tree frogs, the Puerto Rican parrot, and 50 other bird species when they’re trekking through the rainiest of all the National Forests. 

Tell us about your favorite ways to celebrate WWD in the comments below.