Must-See Caribbean Tourist Attractions
Several things must be on your Caribbean travel itinerary. First, you must know about the region’s history. The Caribbean is a region of the Americas, made up of the Caribbean Sea and the islands it surrounds. The Caribbean is situated southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and to the east of Central and South America. The country has many historical sites that are worth seeing, and you cannot afford to miss them. For further information, read on.
Things to Do in Caribbean Islands
St. Lucia
With dramatically tapered mountains, volcanic beaches, and reef-diving sites, Saint Lucia is one of the Eastern Caribbean’s must-see destinations. The island is also home to a plethora of luxury resorts, fishing villages, and rainforest trails. Explore the 15-m-high Toraille waterfall, which pours over a cliff and into a garden. The capital city of Castries is a popular cruise port, and the island’s rainforest trails lead to waterfalls.
A 44-acre park on the north end of the island is perfect for a stroll. The park contains remnants of the island’s colonial past, including the 18th-century Fort Rodney. Visitors can explore the historic ruins of the fort while cooling off in the midst of a waterfall. There’s even a swimming pool at the base of the waterfall. While on the island, don’t miss out on the numerous tours available on the island.
St. Kitts and Nevis
For a taste of the real Caribbean, you might want to visit the federation of islands known as Saint Kitts and Nevis. These two islands are surrounded by primeval rainforest and cloud forests, with crumbling tobacco plantations and uber-luxurious hotels peppering the landscape. Here, you’ll find a unique blend of natural and man-made beauty, along with excellent golf courses and excellent snorkeling.
Both St. Kitts and Nevis are known for their natural beauty and have no shortage of things to do. The islands have sandy beaches, mountains, lush rainforests, and many tropical bird species. The islands also have a large population of playful monkeys, introduced by pirates. Despite their tropical climate, the weather here remains mild throughout the year, making them perfect for a relaxing beach vacation.
St. Thomas
There are plenty of things to do and see on St. Thomas, Caribbean. There are beaches to relax on, historical buildings, and museums to explore. If you’re looking for something to do during your stay, you can try snorkeling and paddleboarding. There are tours for all skill levels. If you’re a nature lover, you can visit the St. Thomas Aquarium. It’s an amazing place to see exotic animals and enjoy nature at its best.
The island’s downtown area is an art district. You’ll find works by well-known artists at the David Hill Gallery, while the Gallery at Thomas offers traditional Caribbean art. A boat ride around the island will take you there, but you may want to take a taxi or rent a car if you can’t get off the island. Visitors should plan to visit both art museums during their stay in St. Thomas.
St. Croix
While visiting St. Croix, Caribbean islands, you’ll find a variety of historical, natural, and cultural sites that make for a worthwhile visit. Visit Christiansted National Historic Site, where you’ll find Danish colonial buildings such as Fort Christiansvaern. You’ll also find a former sugar plantation that now hosts the St. George Village Botanical Gardens. Nearby, Point Udall’s Millennium Monument marks the easternmost point of the U.S. territory. Lastly, don’t miss a trip to Salt River Bay National Park, which includes coral reefs, mangroves, and archaeological sites.
For the most part, the island is not large, but you’ll want to rent a car or a rental car. There are few resorts on the island, so you’ll want to rent a car. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available. Just make sure to plan your travel time ahead of time. Luckily, there are plenty of luxury and budget accommodations on St. Croix.
Providenciales
The emerald-green island of Providenciales, known locally as Provo, is situated in the Atlantic Ocean. The island is surrounded by a stretch of soft sandy beaches. The north coast is home to Grace Bay Beach, where you can enjoy water sports activities and visit the island’s shops and resorts. Off the coast, you can explore Smith’s Reef and Bight Reef. Chalk Sound National Park is home to many tiny cays.
The island’s most popular tourist attraction, Grace Bay Beach, is located on the northwest coast. This beach features soft white sand and crystal-clear water. Along the shoreline, you can also snorkel or paddleboard on the reefs. The Bight Reef, Smith’s Reef, and Coral Gardens are excellent snorkeling spots, with easy access from the shore. Aside from the beach, there are several snorkeling spots on Providenciales.
Barbados
With its temperate tropical climate and beautiful beaches, Barbados is a popular destination for travelers seeking warm weather and sun. For those who love outdoor activities, the island offers a range of water sports, including kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Visitors can also enjoy the island’s extensive paved road system. In addition, tourists can take part in a range of cultural events and enjoy a range of food and beverage options.
While in Barbados, you can visit the Animal Flower Cave, named after its abundant sea anemones. Located in Saint Lucy parish, the cave offers guided tours of the cave. The cave walls are a colorful display of oxidized minerals, with some taking the form of living organisms. The cave has many openings, including one shaped like a map of the island. You can rest on benches nearby to take in the scenery.
Museums and Attractions in the Caribbean Islands
When planning a vacation in the Caribbean, you should consider visiting one or more of the many museums and attractions. There are a few that are suitable for children and are great for families. While other museums are more suited to adults, children can also enjoy the fun-filled activities offered by the Pirates of Nassau Museum. Here are some more examples of museums and attractions in the Caribbean:
Barbados
For a history lesson, visit the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, a former British military prison. The museum contains exhibitions on the island’s history and natural history. On display are exhibits about Amerindian prehistory and culture. Other galleries feature exhibits about the African diaspora, Barbados’ military history, and children’s activities. The museum also hosts changing exhibits. In addition to its permanent exhibits, it is home to many smaller ones.
The Barbados Museum is a museum that features three floors of exhibits. It also has a children’s gallery, which is due to open in June 2021. Visitors can also tour a 17th-century home and learn about Barbados’s history. The museum also displays a number of pieces of local artwork, including paintings. Visitors can even get up close to a tortoise or hare! While on the island, be sure to check out the Barbados Wildlife Reserve.
Guadeloupe
The lush tropical landscapes of Guadeloupe are blended with an incredibly rich culture. This French overseas territory is a melting pot of French cuisine and French heritage. Located in the southern Caribbean Sea, this archipelago of twelve islands offers a variety of things to do, from hiking up a volcano to enjoying its white sandy beaches. Discover the culture and cuisine of Guadeloupe by visiting its many attractions and museums.
For a taste of the island’s natural beauty, visit Guadeloupe National Park. This primeval rainforest is home to an incredible range of flora and fauna, including tropical flowers and spiky cacti. It is one of the most biodiverse areas in the Caribbean. Among its many inhabitants are mongooses (non-indigenous arrivals from India), a cactus-like lizard, sea turtles, and an abundance of tropical birds and other wildlife. The park also has a statue of Jacques Cousteau on the ocean floor.
St. Kitts and Nevis
The Caribbean island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis is a gem hidden away in the Caribbean. Despite its development, there is still plenty of untouched nature, including a lush rainforest covering much of the island. The beaches are open to everyone and many are accessible, making the experience both relaxing and fun. Whether you’re looking for a fun family activity or a museum to educate you about the local culture, St. Kitts and Nevis are sure to please.
The museum itself has something for everyone to explore. The museum is housed in a 1680 building, now called the Hamilton house after the American statesman, soldier, and lawyer, Alexander Hamilton. The museum is located on the first floor of the building, while the Nevis Island Assembly occupies the second. Both of these attractions are well worth seeing during your visit. For a more hands-on experience, visit the museum’s shop.
Trinidad and Tobago
When planning your trip to Trinidad and Tobago, you can find plenty of interesting tourist attractions, from natural beauty to historical sites. The island is famous for its beaches, which are dotted with black volcanic rocks. You can enjoy sunbathing, strolling, and snorkeling on this beach, but be aware that there is a rip current and no lifeguards on duty. However, there is no need to worry; you can find beautiful beaches in Trinidad and Tobago and see turtles in their natural habitat.
While exploring the island’s beaches, be sure to spend some time at Pigeon Point Heritage Park. This beach is a popular spot for families with kids. This park is home to many corals and white coral sand and is lined with amenities such as changing rooms and snack bars. There is also plenty of seating along the shore, and there are even a few huts for rent. The beach is open from 9:00 am to 5 pm every day. Entry fees vary, but it is well worth it to see the amazing creatures that live in this tropical paradise.
St. Maarten
There are countless St. Maarten, Caribbean attractions, and museums to visit, but a few are worth a visit for the wildlife alone. The Sint Maarten Museum, a non-profit organization and a National Heritage Foundation, opened in 1993 and features wonderful exhibits on everything from the pre-Columbian era to the slave trade and plantation era. The museum is closed during Hurricane Irma, so it is unknown if it will reopen.
Maho Beach is one of the most popular St. Maarten attractions. Located near the Princess Juliana International Airport, Maho Beach offers the best view of airplane engines in the Eastern Caribbean. The shoreline is lined with restaurants, shops, and hotels. You can book jet skis in advance to get the best deal. If you are looking for an activity to keep you entertained while on vacation, try a Pirate Cruise, which is another fun way to spend a day.
Providenciales
One of the islands in the British Virgin Islands is Providenciales, and you’ll find an excellent collection of art at the island’s museums. The island’s ruins include Cheshire Hall, a former plantation that was built with local limestone and has an extensive birdlife. To learn more about its history, visit the island’s museum. It’s open Monday through Friday.
There are several snorkeling sites in Providenciales, including Smith Reef, located just a short walk from Grace Bay. The Bight Reef is home to hawksbill turtles, parrotfish, stingrays, and trumpet fish. The Smith Reef, on the other hand, is home to tropical fish and eagle rays, lobsters, and hard coral-like sea fans.
