The Caribbean is one of the most sought-after destinations worldwide. The region has thousands of islands, beaches, historical landmarks, and countless adventures to offer, many of which can be experienced in a single cruise.
Interestingly, this is also the problem with a Caribbean cruise: you don’t know where to go first because there are many places to see. To help you decide on an itinerary, here are our favourite cruise destinations in the Caribbean.
Belize
There are so many things to do in Belize. It’s a great place for scuba diving, boating, rafting, hiking, bird watching and caving, among others. Interested in seeing Belize’s gorgeous reefs? Try kayaking or snorkelling in its astonishingly clear waters. If you have time during your port of call, squeeze in a visit to Belize Zoo, Coral House Inn, Cotton Tree Lodge, and historical sites like the Altun Ha and Caracol ruins.
Grand Cayman
Have you ever fed a stingray by hand? A visit to Grand Cayman’s Stingray City should remedy that. Just make sure you bring an underwater camera with you to record the rare experience. If you want something more predictable, visit the hotels and resorts of Seven Mile Beach. George Town also has its share of restaurants and nightclubs.
Cozumel
Cozumel is one of the most popular cruise ship destinations in the Caribbean and with good reason: the picture perfect Arrefices de Cozumel National Park, which is a great place to go snorkelling and scuba diving. When exploring the reefs, keep an eye out for the rare Cozumel splendid toadfish. If you’re after something more worldly, try the tequila—it’s quite affordable here.
Barbados
If there’s one word to describe Barbados, it’s incredible. The island country is home to eye-popping white beaches and clear blue seas that are perfect for scuba diving. For the best parties, visit the Gap, a 1.5km-long expanse of hotels, resorts, nightclubs, restaurants and shops. Don’t forget to bring your camera.
Aruba
There are two reasons why tourists flock to the Caribbean-Dutch island of Aruba: the pristine white beaches and the perfect weather. If you want to bask in the sun and enjoy talcum-like soft white sand, visit Eagle Beach. If you’re feeling more adventurous, go to Baby Beach and snorkel in its calm and clear blue waters. Don’t forget to try a bottle of Balashi, the local beer.
Curaçao
Just like Aruba, the island of Curaçao is located outside the hurricane belt, giving it perfect weather all year round. Aside from its many beaches, Curaçao is an excellent place to go scuba diving, thanks to its unsullied reefs and clear blue waters.
St. Maarten
Over a million tourists visit the island of St. Maarten by cruise ship every year. There are 37 beaches to visit, over 300 restaurants to experience, and a number of fascinating places to see such as Pic du Paradis, the highest point of the island; and the Butterfly Farm.
San Juan
When stopping over San Juan in Puerto Rico, make sure you plan your trip because there are many places to visit here. Some of the historical sites include Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 16th-century citadel; and Catedral de San Juan Bautista, the tomb of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon. Make sure you also visit the beaches in Isla Verde and Condado.
Grand Turk Island
Grand Turk is a popular island stopover for Caribbean cruises. If you’re into scuba diving, you should visit its thriving reef walls and diverse marine life. Grand Turk Island also offers superb adventure options like horseback riding, snorkelling and dune buggy driving.
Dominica
Snorkelling, zip lining, water-skiing, boat tours, scuba diving, jet skiing, kayaking, and whale and dolphin watching are some of the highlights when visiting the island nation of Dominica. The place isn’t big on beaches, but Dominica boasts of unspoiled and unmatched natural beauty. Wait till you try Dominica’s Boiling Lake, the second largest hot spring in the world.
About the Author:
Michael has travelled to all four corners of the globe. He loves to travel and explore new cultures. He also loves to write about his experiences and has reviewed foreign cuisine, destinations, tours and writes about all aspects of his travels. He recently reviewed a number of cruise ships and destinations in the Caribbean.
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