Caribbean attractions

There’s a reason this pristine stretch of white sand has been rated one of the top beaches in the world. The scenic shores of Rincón Beach are some of the Dominican Republic’s most idyllic and captivating. And because of its limited accessibility, visitors say it’s not uncommon to have the crystal blue waters and open expanse of ocean all to yourself.

A historic fortress built in the history-rich St. Thomas town of Charlotte Amalie, Fort Christian has been a cultural highlight here since 1672 and acts as one of the finest treasure troves of ancient artifacts in the small Caribbean island’s long history. This Danish-built fortress serves as a beautiful example of Dutch-Caribbean architecture in the Gothic-Revival style and as a modern-day museum.

Imagine a rocky tunnel with waters gently flowing through it, in a way that’s a bit surreal. Give it levels: boulders, pools, rock walls, a waterfall, the works. That’s Titou Gorge—a marvelous swimming and canyoneering spot inside Morne Trois Pitons National Park. Just 30 minutes from Roseau, this ethereal spot, made from lava that’s cooled and cracked apart, is one of the locations where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed.

At the Pirates of Nassau museum, you can discover Nassau’s history as an 18th-century pirate base through replica ships and exhibits. The city was once considered home to the world's largest concentration of swashbuckling seafarers, who continue to capture the imaginations of visitors.

The island of Nassau is the seat of the Bahamian government and the four bubblegum pink buildings that house its key branches lend a distinct island vibe to what’s known as Parliament Square. The pastel Georgian-style buildings of the Supreme Court, the Public Library and Museum, and the Houses of Parliament surround the square—where a statue honoring Queen Victoria stands.

Bloody Point along the western coast of St. Kitts is named after a tragic historical event there in 1626, when French and British colonies were being developed on the island, each claiming land as their own. As they expanded, the original native Carib Indians, led by Chief Tegremare, attacked the colonizers. But since the two nations had learned of his plan beforehand, they banded together, killing over 2,000 natives.

In the foothills of St. Kitts’ central mountain range, Wingfield Estate is a 17th-century sugar plantation originally owned by Sam Jefferson, the great-great-great-grandfather of Thomas Jefferson. It was the first working estate on the island for tobacco, sugar and rum, and while here, you may inspect the ruins and visit the rum distillery to learn how sugar was converted into rum back in the day.

Tumbling down from a sheer cliff face into natural pools, Dark View Falls in St. Vincent is spectacular. It comprises two powerful water streams set against a lush green rainforest. Moreover, the waterfalls are easily accessible via a short hike from the welcome center via a rustic bamboo bridge.

Set in the thick rainforest outside Ocho Rios, Mystic Mountain is a nature theme park known for its thrill rides, challenge courses, and waterslide. If you’re chasing adrenaline, speed through the jungle on a zipline or ATV, or try out the park’s signature ride inspired by Jamaica’s national bobsled team. When it’s time to slow down, hit the pool or grab a seat on the canopy chairlift for a relaxing ride with Caribbean views.

With its pastel-pink sands and full facilities, Horseshoe Bay has both beauty and convenience in abundance. Undoubtedly, it’s Bermuda’s favorite beach, and while its wide crescent of sand provides plenty of space, it does have problems with overcrowding, particularly when the cruise ships are in town. If you manage to beat the masses, the rewards are ample: soft sands, calm waters, and rocky outcrops that gift snorkelers glimpses of teeming marine life.

Caneel Bay is one of the first beaches you come to as you drive up North Shore Road out of St. John’s main port, Cruz Bay. Much of the coastline here is monopolized by an extensive resort, which suffered severe damage from hurricanes in 2017 and remains closed. Caneel Bay is located within the Virgin Islands National Park and is still accessible through ecotours.

Perched on Curacao's Caribbean coast, Fort Beekenburg looks like it could have come from a Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Its weathered stone ramparts are speckled with moss and lichen, and the area is surrounded by scrubby bushes, which lend it a slightly desolate feel. A visit to this 18th-century Dutch fort offers insight into Curacao's eventful history.

The traditional craft of straw working is an integral part of Bahamian culture and industry. Each island has its own distinctive braiding style that locals use to create beautiful straw hats, baskets, and other goods. The Straw Market on Nassau is the ultimate place to pick up these traditional Bahamian souvenirs.

Head to the hills to enjoy sweeping views of Bonaire from the top of Seru Largu, which means Large Hill in Papiamento. From here, you can admire the island’s western shoreline, off which the small island of Klein Bonaire floats in turquoise waters. A massive monument with a yellow-and-white cross serves as another photo moment.

Powdery white sand, clear water, and plentiful sea life make Cas Abao one of Curacao’s most stunning beaches. Located on the western side of the island, this small beach offers opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and lounging in the shade of a palm tree. Make sure to wander over to the restaurant for a cold beer or a basket of fries.

Known for its soaring interiors, million-year-old stalactites and stalagmites, and namesake underground river, Rio Camuy Cave Park (Parque Nacional de las Cavernas del Río Camuy) in Puerto Rico attracts nature lovers and casual visitors alike. The 268-acre (108-hectare) complex is most famous for its cave tour, but it also offers picnic pavilions, walking trails, and a playground.

Emancipation Park is a 7-acre swath of green space in the New Kingston area of the Jamaican capital. It’s a popular spot for picnicking and has a jogging path around the perimeter, fountains, and gardens featuring a mix of native and imported plants, as well as several particularly worthwhile public art installations.

Otrobanda is full of vibrant colors and is the perfect blend of busyness and laid-back island vibes. In the historic quarter of Curacao’s Willemstad, the neighborhood overlooks the mouth of St. Anna Bay. Here, colonial-era buildings are decked out in tropical shades, and locals and visitors relax on the waterfront and enjoy the ocean view.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to snorkel in a glass of champagne, you’re in luck. Named for the bubbles that rise to the surface when you snorkel here, Dominica’s Champagne Reef is a tropical spot like few other spots on the planet. The effervescence from the ocean floor’s volcanic vents, plus the plethora of colorful marine life, makes swimming in these turquoise waters absolutely top-drawer.

Cross jungle paths, orchid gardens, and wooden bridges to discover the Hoyo Azul (aka the Blue Hole), a cenote with crystal-clear turquoise waters in Cap Cana’s Scape Park. Jumping into the fresh waters of the natural lagoon is just one of the adventures you can have at this theme park, alongside exploring caves and waterfalls, ziplining, and enjoying all-terrain-vehicle rides.

Located along the Dominican Republic's Amber Coast, Dorada Beach is one of the Puerto Plata area's most popular beaches. Also known as Golden Beach, it's ideal for windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, and parasailing. Its crystal clear waters and shallow, sloping beach makes it a favorite with families. Numerous major resorts line its shore.

Surf’s up in the jewel of the British Virgin Islands, Cane Garden Bay. On the northwestern coastline of Tortola island, this portion of the beach, close to Road Town, is a favorite among water sports enthusiasts. From surfing, boating, jet-skiing, and boogie boarding to simply swimming, Cane Garden Bay’s spacious and well-protected anchorage is a premier beach destination.

For a fantastic view of the Caribbean waters, one of the best places to go on Antigua is Fort James, which sits in an ideal position overlooking St. John's Harbour. Built by the British in 1706, the fort was intended to prevent the French from invading the island. Today you can see its remains, including the cannons, gunpowder magazine, and foundation of the wall.

Mt. Isabel de Torres stands 2,600 feet (793 meters above the city of Puerto Plata and the sea. It is topped by a massive statue of Christ (a replica of the one in Rio de Janeiro, a small botanical garden, and spectacular views of the city below. This scenic mountain is also home to the only aerial cable car (teleférico in the Caribbean.

Located in Grand Cayman’s West Bay district, the tiny town of Hell is known for an unusual attraction: a field of jagged and blackened limestone formations surrounded by lush forests. It’s quite the photo opportunity, combined with a name that draws travelers too. The town has its own post office (where you send postcards with a Hell postmark) and several gift shops selling Hell-related souvenirs.

Located about 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) from Basseterre, Frigate Bay along the Atlantic Ocean is one of the most popular beaches on St. Kitts. During the day, activity buzzes with water sports (windsurfing, kayaking, and jet skiing), and beach volleyball. After nightfall beach bars showcase live music, dancing, and bonfires. Every year in June, the bay hosts the St. Kitts Music Festival.

The oldest surviving stone structure in the Cayman Islands, Pedro St. James Castle is now a living history museum. Known locally as simply Pedro’s Castle, the landmark dates back to the late 18th century but has had many different lives: it’s been a courthouse, a Government Assembly building, a jail, and a cotton plantation. Today, it houses exhibits, a bar and restaurant, and the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame Museum.

A 400-acre plantation that dates back to the late 1600s, Grenada’s Belmont Estate allows visitors a glimpse of traditional Caribbean farming. The estate was founded on sugar and coffee and now grows spices such as nutmeg and cloves, and the neighboring Grenada Chocolate Company showcases the transformation of cocoa beans into chocolate.

For many visitors cruising to Jamaica, Historic Falmouth Cruise Port—once one of Jamaica's busiest trade ports—is their first introduction to the island famous for its laid-back vibe. The port is situated right in Falmouth town, on the northern coast of Jamaica, and within one of the best-preserved colonial historic districts in the Caribbean.

The trails that lead to El Limón Waterfall (Cascada El Limón are towered over by mountains, and lined with coffee and cocoa plants. If the picturesque Caribbean landscape isn't enough, a crystal-clear natural pool at the foot of the falls provides a place to cool off after a mountain hike.