By: Georgina Cruz
Cradle of cultures and legends, the Caribbean Sea is filled with islands that boast iconic sights: panoramas that by themselves justify the cost of a trip. Here are 10 of our favorites —to enjoy during your next vacation to islands of our sea:
· Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica – The quintessential tropical waterfall, Dunn’s River Falls, has cool Waters that descend a hill over a natural, 600-ft. “staircase.” Surrounded by tropical vegetation, it ends in a sandy cove. Visitors join hands and form chains to climb together (bathing suit and rubber-soled shoes are recommended). Although local guides know the best way to ascend, slips and falls occur, but the wáter is cool and forms little pools where visitors can rest for a while. Guídes offer to take photos and it is important to protect your phone and cameras in a waterproof bag during the climb. This waterfall is so beautiful it has been used in films like “Cocktail” with Tom Cruise and the James Bond movie, “Live And Let Die.” Info: Visit Jamaica | Island Culture, Things to Do, Hotels & More.
· Chankanaab Park, Cozumel – An ecological reserve, lagoon and park with access to snorkel and diving at Chankanaab Reef, it has multiple attractions including rainbows of tropical fish, submerged statues of Christ, the Virgin Mary and the Mayan god Chac-Mool that are visible in crystal clear waters. Chankanaab means “Small Sea” in Mayan, and refers to the park’s lagoon which is fed by a marine current that transforms it into a natural Aquarium with some 60 types of marine creatures. Other attractions include botanical gardens with 350 types of tropical plants from more than 20 countries; the Zona Maya, a reproduction of an old Mayan village, and acuatic adventures including Snuba, Sea Trek and Dolphin Discovery—the latter offering opportunities to swim with dolphins and sea lions. Info: Visit México | en | Quintana Roo | Cozumel (visitmexico.com).
· Les Pitons, St. Lucia – One of the Caribbean’s most lovely islands. St. Lucia is famous for its beaches, lush vegetation and particularly for Les Pitons, one of the most spectacular views of the region. Les Pitons are twin peaks that rise to a height of more than 2,500 feet one of them, and more than 2,400 feet in the case of the other one –both by the sea on the southwest coast of St. Lucia. Excursions by boat are offered that include the chance to swim and snorkel, and many cruise ships sail past Les Pitons so passengers can enjoy the sight and take photos. Info: www.stlucia.org
· El Morro, San Juan, Puerto Rico – A six-level fort in Old San Juan, El Morro has served as a sentinel, guarding the entrance to the Port of San Juan from the 16th century –it was started in and completed 250 years later. Its walls, some 140-feet high and 15-feet thick, cannon gallery, and lookouts are impressive; particularly from a ship entering or leaving San Juan. Info: Puerto Rico Travel Guide | Visitor Information | Discover Puerto Rico
· The Baths, Virgen Gorda, Brittish Virgin Islands – The Baths, sometimes called “a natural Stonehenge by the sea” have gigantic f\granite rocks, believed to be a result of prehistoric volcanic activity. The rocks créate grottoes and small pools for swimming; the wáter is gorgeous in tones of turquoise and the sands are white –the total effect is idyllic. Info: www.bvitourism.com
· Tropical Dutch architecture, Willemstad, Curacao – Tropical Dutch buildings in ice cream colors and with red tiled roofs border the entrance channel to the natural port of Willemstad, Schottegat, and the city center –a UNESCO World Heritage Site has beautiful examples of this architectural style. The city has two sections: Punda (with lots of old tropical Dutch architecture) and Otrabanda (more contemporary). A walkable bridge, Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge, connects both sides of the city. Must-sees include Fort Amsterdam. Info: www.curacao.com
· Stingray City, Grand Cayman – In Stingray City, in relatively shallow Waters. visitors can swim and snorkel with gentle stingrays that are free to come and go as they please. The stingrays often brush the legs of visitors as they swim by. “They are like kittens,” said Lucy Fernández, a visitor from Orlando “and I love how they eat from my hands and from the hands of other people.” Info: Cayman Islands Official Tourism Website | Welcome to the Cayman Islands (visitcaymanislands.com)
· Harrison’s Cave, Barbados – An impressive cave in the hear of Barbados, it has trams that descend some 120 feet into the earth. The trams go from one to another illuminated subterranean gallery filled with stalactites and stalagmites in tones of white and yellow, forming columns in various places. Subterranean rivers, waterfalls and lakes add beauty to the cave along with its “Grand Gallery,” like a “cathedral” 100 feet high and 150 feet wide with thousands of stalactites and two levels. Info: www.visitbarbados.org
· Palm Beach, Aruba – Aruba has many lovely beaches but arguably the most spectacular is Palm Beach –one which always appears on lists of the “Best Caribbean Beaches.” A ribbon of sugar-white sands and blue-green waters, it is an idyll and has some of the best hotels of the island. Info: Aruba | La Isla más Feliz del Caribe para tus vacaciones
· Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Center, Nassau – This small zoo is home to some 300 species of animals including Madagascar monkeys and jaguars, but its main attraction is a regiment of flamingoes trained to march during various daily shows –a beautiful sight with their tropical plumage. Info: www.bahamas.com.