Unforgettable Experiences in the Caribbean

Picture-perfect beaches, stunning landscapes and year-round mild temps make the Caribbean a favorite getaway among vacationers. But, just in case travelers need a little more convincing that the West Indies is the right destination for them, we’ve rounded up five incredible experiences that you can only have in the Caribbean.  

Incredible Hikes

With mountains, volcanoes, rainforests and crystal-clear waters as far as the eye can see, the Caribbean’s incredibly varied landscapes make it one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. And luckily for adventurous travelers, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the natural beauty of the West Indies in an up close and personal way.

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While the Caribbean is home to no shortage of epic hikes, Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest is an extra special spot with its rushing waterfalls, scenic rivers, and rare flora and fauna. The forest presents visitors with a number of unique routes to explore with Caimitillo Trail and Angelito Trail being two favorites with both locals and travelers. Also worth checking out is Mount Britton Trail a path that offers spectacular vantage points of the surrounding landscape from an elevation of 2,493 feet. Talk about breathtaking.   

Of course, the Island of Enchantment isn’t the only place for outdoorsy island adventures. Travelers report Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Dominica as some of their favorite destinations to hit the trails.

Dreamy Beaches and Baths

Unlimited sun, sand and cocktails make the Caribbean a fabulous place to escape it all. And with a seemingly endless selection of tropical oases to choose from, the region is an unmatched haven for beachgoers. From world-famous stretches of sand and fun — Seven-Mile Beach and Grace Bay — to secluded, lesser-known retreats — Half Moon Bay and Sugar Beach — the West Indies play host to the ultimate sun and sand experience for every type of traveler.

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For something a bit different, travelers are encouraged to visit The Baths at Virgin Gorda, a beautiful collection of natural pools formed with the help of massive granite boulders. The Baths are located in Virgin Gorda’s Valley Trunk Bay and are the perfect place for swimming, exploring, relaxing or snapping a series of Insta-ready pics.   

Fun fact: Just a short hike away from The Baths is Devil’s Bay National Park, a calm and secluded setting for swimming and snorkeling.

Overwater Bungalows and Lavish Hotels

You’ve seen them all over the internet, beautiful photos of idyllic thatched hut bungalows hovering just a few feet above the crystal-clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. The scene is like something out of a dream and for travelers to Jamaica, Curacao and St. Lucia, that dream can become a reality when they book some truly breathtaking digs at one of the islands’ overwater bungalows with suppliers like Sandals Royal Caribbean and Aruba Ocean Villas.

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However, travelers don’t need to leave the sand to experience top-tier island living in the West Indies. The Caribbean has no shortage of luxury hotels and lavish all-inclusive accommodations ensuring that travelers will be wowed by their stay, no matter their budget.

Looking for the perfect place for travelers to rest their heads? Here are seven hot Caribbean resorts on VAX and five new resorts coming to Mexico and the Caribbean.

Delicious Food and Drink

We’ve talked before about the Caribbean’s mouth-watering culinary delights, and there’s no denying that the region is home to some of the world’s most scrumptious foods and flavors. From fresh seafood and fruits throughout the islands to signature dishes like Jamaica’s jerk chicken and Fungee and Pepperpot in places like Antigua and Barbuda, nothing quite compares to dining in the West Indies. And for dessert? Locals recommend fan-favorites such as cassava pone, hummingbird cake and peanut drops.  

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Of course, as the home to a bevy of Caribbean rums, boozy drinks are kind of a big deal around the islands. No matter which island they’re visiting, travelers will find no shortage of delicious signature cocktails to enjoy like mojitos, daiquiris, Cuba Libres, cojitos and more.

With so many amazing dishes and drinks to sample it can be hard to fit them all into one trip. Travelers looking to get the most delicious bang for their buck might consider a food and beverage tour on the island of their choice. 

Amazing Wildlife Encounters

Travelers looking to get in touch with their wild side will find plenty of opportunities to do so throughout the islands of the Caribbean. In Exuma, travelers may recognize the region’s world-famous swimming pigs, a collection of pint-sized hogs that love posing for pictures with visitors. Over on Grand Cayman is Stingray City, a place where travelers can snorkel and swim amongst rays and other majestic ocean life. In Ocho Rios, travelers can witness the miracle of life and animal conservation with a turtle-watching experience as hundreds of hatchlings emerge from their nests and make their way to the sea.

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An unexpected encounter awaits in Roatan where visitors can join in on one of the island’s much-loved sloth tours. Home to two animal sanctuaries — AJ’s Monkeys & Sloths and Daniel Johnson’s Monkey & Sloth Hangout — these slow-moving beasts thrive in protected environments where tourists can get an up-close-and-personal look at the quirky creatures.  

About the Author

Senior Editor for VAX VacationAccess and world explorer, Jenna loves writing about all things travel. When she’s not busy creating content, she spends her time exploring the great outdoors, cuddling with her two black cats and researching her next big (sometimes strange) adventure.