Rising above the turquoise Caribbean Sea just outside Negril, these gorgeous craggy cliffs define the beauty of Jamaica’s western coast. Away from the large resorts in the north, the cliffs are a base for snorkeling and partying at bars as well as the spot’s most famous activity—diving 40 feet (12 meters) into the deep, clear water below.
For great views of Roseau and the sea beyond it, head up to Morne Bruce, a small mountain at the back of the Dominica Botanic Gardens. This grassy viewpoint area is a great place to take a nature break without leaving the city and is ideal for sunset viewing.
The only distillery on Grand Cayman, Cayman Spirits Co. offers tours and tastings of its small-batch spirits. Located on the waterfront in Georgetown, the distillery produces several rums, including the award-winning Seven Fathoms Rum—which is matured underwater—vodka, and liqueurs produced with local ingredients and West Indies distilling techniques. To learn about and sample its popular spirits, book tours in advance.
Just outside Montego Bay, Rastafari Indigenous Village is a peaceful working community offering visitors an opportunity to connect with local Rastafarians. Through warm interaction and musical performances, learn about their spiritual belief system, traditional skills, organic farming, and the rich cultural heritage they contribute to Jamaica.
Popular among visitors and residents alike for its pleasant waters and proximity to Roseau, Mero Beach is a great place to go if you're in the mood for some fun in the sun. The waters here are generally calm and warm—good for swimming, snorkeling, and more—and there are plenty of snack shacks if you want to spend a day here casually taking in the scene. It’s not quite a black sand beach but it is a silver-gray one, so don’t expect your typical Caribbean view.
Cooper's Island Nature Reserve, part of the Bermuda national park system, comprises 12 acres (5 hectares of pristine island forests, salt marshes, beaches, and sea turtle habitats. As well as these natural attractions there are uninhabited buildings and the remains of a former military base and NASA station that once occupied these lands.
With its stretch of white sands fringed by coconut palm trees and lush rainforest, Blue Lagoon Island—also known as Salt Cay—provides an idyllic escape from the crowds of Nassau, offering everything you’d expect from a tropical island. Bring the whole family along for some fun in the sun, or spend the day taking it easy on one of the island’s beaches.
Perched atop a hill on the island of Providenciales, the ruins of this former cotton plantation offer an essential perspective into the island’s history. Protected by the National Trust, today the grounds of 18th-century Cheshire Hall contain the remains of the house owned by a British loyalist, slave quarters, kitchen, and cotton press bases. The original cotton fields have been overtaken by modern-day infrastructure.
Just up the coast from Portsmouth in northern Dominica, the Indian River is a wild, brackish river that leads through dark, tree-covered coastal wetlands—equal parts moody and beautiful. It's a popular place for rowboat and tubing adventures, and it’s also a great place to spot wildlife, from barracuda to herons.
Nestled in the southern foothills of Jamaica’s mist-hung Blue Mountains, the Craighton Estate has been producing coffee since the late 18th century. Visitors come to admire the 19th-century house, stroll the 300-acre (121-hectare) coffee fields, and savor the end result: smooth and full-flavored Craighton Estate Blue Mountain Coffee.
The National Gallery of Jamaica is the largest and oldest public art museum in the British Caribbean. Opened in 1974, it features an impressive collection of Jamaican art, with a large permanent collection as well as temporary exhibits that showcase contemporary artists.
The Gothic-style Christ Church Cathedral has a brilliant white stone tower, vaulted mahogany ceilings and altar, and truly special handmade stained glass windows depicting the life of Jesus Christ. Built in 1841, the present structure is the fifth church that has occupied this spot embellished with memorial plaques from the 1800s illustrating the history of Nassau’s residents.
Just off the coast of Antigua sits Cades Reef, an underwater park and one of the island’s best snorkeling and diving spots. With clear visibility and a wide variety of sea creatures, a trip to the reef makes an exciting family-friendly break from the beach.
During early colonization of the Caribbean, tall ships used huge stones as ballast in their hulls, then offloaded them while stocking up on spices and other goods, leaving the stones as a reminder of their visit. Residents of Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas then used these stones to build steep stairways such as 99 Steps up the town’s hills.
The Indigenous Eyes (Ojos Indígenas) Ecological Park and Reserve features lush hiking trails, clear freshwater pools perfect for swimming, and an iguana zoo. Formerly called the Punta Cana Ecological Reserve, it was renamed after its 12 emerald-colored lagoons, which the native Taino people called eyes because of their distinctive shape. Besides iguanas, the reserve is home to hundreds of bird species and other endemic flora and fauna.
Standing sentinel in the palm-lined Watney Square on Front Street, Philipsburg Courthouse is the centerpiece of the island’s Dutch capital. Built in 1793, the white wooden structure with crisp green trim has a bell tower topped by a pineapple—a classic Caribbean symbol for “welcome.” Once used as a jail, a post office, and a fire station, the building is currently a working courthouse.
Gozalandia Falls (Las Cataratas)—known for its picturesque waterfalls and freshwater swimming holes in the San Sebastián area of Puerto Rico—is one of the island’s top not-so-hidden gems thanks to its natural beauty, spectacular views, and cool waters perfect for a refreshing dip. The natural pool features a shallow area popular with younger children, a partially submerged cave for swimming, and steep jungle trails.
Named after a famous West Indies cricket team captain, the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua is a massive open-air arena dedicated to the popular sport of cricket. Easily recognizable thanks to its distinct blue shades, the stadium was built in 2007 for the Cricket World Cup when numerous matches were held here and around the island.
National Park of the East (Parque Nacional del Este) is one of the Dominican Republic’s most biologically diverse protected spaces. Also known as Cotubanamá National Park, the natural reserve features the sandy beaches and stunning coral reefs of Saona Island, along with the tropical forests and limestone landscapes of the mainland—plus hundreds of species of birds, insects, and fish, and caves with Taino rock art.
Hull Bay on St. Thomas is all about snorkeling the neighboring reef, swinging in a beach hammock, and unwinding at a cool little beach bar. There’s fishing off nearby Inner and Outer Brass Cays, and the Atlantic whips up waves for some of the island’s best surfing. Hull Bay doesn’t attract the crowds of nearby Magens Bay, so the vibe is more laid-back and off-the-beaten-path.
Found at the northern tip of Curacao, the beach of Playa Kalki is known for its mushroom-shaped coral formations. The reef is nicknamed "Alice in Wonderland" for its underwater charm. With clear turquoise water and a sandy beach bordered by craggy cliffs, Playa Kalki is an amazing spot for sunbathers and snorkelers.
Established almost 60 years ago by one of the island’s best regarded horticulturalists, the elegant six-acre (2.4-hectare) Andromeda Botanic Gardens offer some 600 different species of flowers, shrubs, and trees from around the world. From its elevated location, cool island breezes accompany a bird’s eye view of the coastline.
Among the oldest botanic gardens in the West Indies, Port of Spain’s Royal Botanic Gardens showcases trees, shrubs, and colorful flowers from Trinidad and around the world, including African tulip trees and fragrant magnolias. The gardens also attract plenty of birds and are a popular spot for picnicking during the dry season.
Hidden among the steep hills of the northern coast of St. Martin, this discreet cove has a lovely beach and a jewel-box marina. Drop in on the Anse Marcel Beach Resort for a drink or meal or simply to enjoy the cove’s gentle and shallow waters.
In the eastern part of Jamaica, the Rio Grande is one of the largest rivers on the island, and winds through the lush interior rainforest. Used to transport goods by locals, it’s the birthplace of bamboo river rafting on the island, which remains one of the most popular activities in the Portland area.
Located in Antigua's capital city, the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda is the place to learn more about the nation's history and cultural legacy. The museum is housed in the Colonial Court House, built in 1747, making it the oldest building still in use in the city. Through its numerous engaging exhibits, the museum tells the story of the nation, from its geological birth to political independence.
The largest seaport in the Bahamas, Nassau Cruise Port is the gateway to the Bahamas' capital city, Nassau, and its most populous island, New Providence. Located just 180 miles (290 kilometers) off Florida’s southern coast, Nassau Cruise Port is a jumping-off point for water sports experiences, island tours, and more.
Swim and snorkel with stingrays in the warm shallow waters around Gibbs Cay, a beautiful and uninhabited 7-acre (2.8-hectare) island. The best place in the Turks and Caicos to see and interact with southern stingrays, Gibbs Cay also features pristine, white-sand beaches, a scenic shoreline, and a hill with sea oats at its center.
If Grenada is known as the “Isle of Spice” then Gouyave should be known as “Nutmeg Village” for its role as the main producer of the island’s most famous spice. Located on the west side of Grenada, Gouyave is a fishing village where the 3-story Gouyave Nutmeg Station churns out three million pounds of the spice each year, for export.
With its pink exterior and unusual octagonal shape, the Nassau Public Library is a well-loved local landmark. Although you might not think to visit a public library while on vacation, a detour to see this building is well worth the effort. The library once served as the town’s jail, and the books are housed inside the former jail cells.
