What are the top attractions in the Caribbean?

Some of the top attractions and fun things to do in the Caribbean for adults and kids include: Riding the historic Sugar Train in St Kitts and Nevis Swimming with stingrays in Grand Cayman Stingray City in the Cayman Islands Sampling rum at the Appleton Estate rum distillery in Jamaica Climbing Gros Piton volcanic peak in St Lucia Wandering Harrison’s Cave in Barbados Zip line through Arenal Sanctuary Reserve in Costa Rica

What are the best beaches in the Caribbean for families?

Some of the best and most stunning beaches in the Caribbean for families include: Eagle Beach in Aruba, one of the island’s most serene secluded white sand beaches Cockshell Bay in St Kitts and Nevis, which features two miles of white sands Grace Bay in Turk and Caicos Islands, the ideal choice for a full beach day with water sports and amenities Te Amo Beach in Bonaire, with outdoor activities such as wind sailing and snorkeling suitable for young kids Playa Bavaro in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, which offers an ideal environment for families Flamenco Beach in Puerto Rico, with its unique abandoned tanks

What are the must-try foods and local dishes in the Caribbean?

The Caribbean features a range of delicious cuisines. Those visiting or living in the Caribbean can enjoy dishes such as: Jerk chicken in Jamaica Goat water in Montserrat Ropa vieja in Cuba Mofongo in the Dominican Republic Keshi yena in Curaçao Hudut in Belize Aloo pie in Trinidad and Tobago Saoto soup in Suriname

Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Caribbean?

UNESCO World Heritage Sites to discover in the Caribbean include: Blue Mountains in Jamaica Morne Trois Pitons National Park in Dominica La Fortaleza in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park in St Kitts and Nevis Viñales Valley in Cuba Mayan ruins of Altun Ha in Belize National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers in Haiti Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua and Barbuda Colonial City of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza in Mexico

What are the best Caribbean islands for snorkeling and diving?

Many Caribbean islands provide exceptional opportunities to snorkel and scuba dive through vibrant coral reefs to make incredible memories. Some of these are: Rodney Bay in Saint Lucia Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park in Grenada Stingray City in Grand Cayman, the Cayman Islands Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica Trunk Bay in St John Curaçao Underwater Marine Park Cane Bay in St Croix

Can you suggest adventure sports and outdoor activities in the Caribbean?

Some of the best adventure sports and outdoor Caribbean activities include: Deep sea fishing off the coast of Pigeon Island in St Lucia Hiking to the Boiling Lake in Dominica Attending an island rally at Rally Barbados Skydiving in St Martin Kite surfing in Bonaire Climbing Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica White water rafting on the Yaque del Norte River in the Dominican Republic

How do I plan a sailing or cruising trip around the Caribbean islands?

Travelers can plan a sailing or cruising trip around islands in the Caribbean by following these steps: Determine your preferred itinerary and trip duration, considering several Caribbean islands you wish to visit, and the time required. Research the best sailing routes, taking into account weather patterns, currents, and distances between islands. Decide whether to charter a boat or join a cruise. Charting a yacht will require a certain level of maritime sailing experience to navigate Caribbean waters safely. If chartering a yacht, choose a reputable charter company and select the type and size of yacht that best suits your preferences and needs, such as the number of passengers. Stock up on essential supplies and provisions for the duration of your journey, considering the islands suitable for replenishing supplies if necessary. Consider hiring an experienced captain or guide to assist with navigation and to provide insights into the best anchorages, snorkeling spots, and local island attractions. Be flexible and adaptable in your plans. The Caribbean is tropical, and sailors should expect sudden weather changes

Where is the prettiest place in the Caribbean?

While it’s hard to pinpoint the most beautiful spot in the Caribbean, some of the region’s prettiest places include: Turks and Caicos Islands St Lucia Martinique Cayman Islands Barbados Anguila Antigua and Barbuda The Bahamas

What are some cultural festivals in the Caribbean?

If you don’t need a passport to visit many Caribbean islands, some of the Caribbean’s best annual festivals to experience are: St Vincent and the Grenadines Viny Mas in June/July St Lucia Creole Heritage Month in October St Barth Mardi Gras in March/April Anguilla Regatta in May Barbados Crop Over Festival in June and August Guyana Mashramani Festival in February Belize Benque Viejo del Carmen Fiesta in July Nevis to St. Kitts Cross Channel Swim in March Jamaica’s Portland Jerk Festival in July Bonaire Simadan Festival in March and April Trinindad and Tobago Phagwah in March

What is the safest Caribbean island to visit right now?

Several Caribbean islands can be the safest to visit as they have minimal crime. Those include: Aruba Antigua and Barbuda Barbados Dominica The Cayman Islands

Last Updated: November 5, 2025

Written By: Gizane Campos

The Top 22 Bucket List Things to Do in the Caribbean

Category: Moving to Caribbean

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For decades, the Caribbean has been a popular destination for travelers worldwide. Tourists have endless things to do in the Caribbean, from exploring historic sites like Old San Juan and climbing up mountains like Gros Piton to bathing on beautiful beaches like Grace Bay Beach and snorkeling through outdoor attractions like Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park.

What experiences are available for vacationers in the Caribbean, and how can I choose the best ones? We’ve shared a list of the 22 best Caribbean points of interest and bucket list activities to immerse yourself on a Caribbean vacation.

Caribbean beach and water activities
Outdoor activities in the Caribbean
Caribbean cultural and historical things to do
Festivals and events in the Caribbean
Caribbean luxury and relation activities
Family activities in the Caribbean
Things to do in the Caribbean and night
Caribbean food and culinary experiences

Best Beaches and Water Activities in Caribbean

1. Walk Seven Mile Beach (Jamaica)

Jamaica offers tourists numerous attractions on a tropical vacation in the Caribbean. With cultural and adventure experiences, from diving in the Blue Hole and climbing the magnificent Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios to tracing the origins of jerk chicken in Portland and sipping blue mountain coffee atop the cloud-drenched Blue Mountains, there’s more than enough to fill your boots on a short of or extended trip to the island.

Pristine beaches like Seven Mile Beach or Frenchman’s Cover provide a one-of-a-kind Jamaican experience when combined with the Caribbean tourist attractions above.

Located on the west side of the island west of Montego Bay, the white sands of Seven Mile Beach stretch almost seven miles, captivating visitors with its stunning beauty and vibrant atmosphere. Tourists can explore the beach at a leisurely pace to enjoy water sports, luxurious resorts, groove to reggae beats at the lively beach bars, and taste the flavors of Jamaica’s famous Jerk chicken or ackee and saltfish, the country’s national dish.

You can also visit the tiny island of Booby Cay, located just off the coast, and take a short day trip from the serene Little Bay, where the late Bob Marley had a beach home.

2. Swim with sea turtles in Maho Bay (United States Virgin Islands)

Among the key attractions of visiting St John’s Maho Bay in the US Virgin Islands is the chance to snorkel and witness sea turtles in their natural habitat.

Besides visiting the bay’s white sandy beaches, one of the most exciting things to do in the Caribbean with kids is take a ferry from St Thomas to St John to observe the turtles that frequent the seagrass beds stretching along the shallow bay, providing the ideal habitat.

They mostly frequent the area between Maho and Cinnamon, where snorkelers can also encounter other marine life, such as angel fish and octopus.

3. Snorkel in the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park (Grenada)

An ocean of snorkeling and scuba diving spots exist – no pun intended – amidst colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and captivating underwater ecosystems. However, one of the most unique Caribbean experiences and the best things to do in Grenada for avid scuba divers is a snorkeling adventure through Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park.

As one of National Geographic’s 25 Wonders of the World, the park next to the sleepy fishing village of Happy Hill was the first of Jason de Caires Taylor’s underwater gardens. With 75 works covering an area of 800 m2, these unique sculptures serve as a testament to the intersection of art and marine conservation and are accessible with a short boat ride from Grand Anse Beach.

Adventure and Outdoor Activities in Caribbean

4. Climb Gros Piton (St Lucia)

Located on the Caribbean island of St Lucia, Gros Piton is one of two volcanic peaks linked by the Piton Mitan ridge which forms the Pitons Management Area UNESCO World Heritage Site and mainstay on the Caribbean tourism list. Gros Piton is worth visiting for anyone seeking challenging things to do in St Lucia by scaling the 798-meter peak and plunging themselves in the raw, unspoiled beauty of the Caribbean.

The trek starts near the small St Lucian village of Soufriere and consists of a well-known and marked 3.2-mile trail. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be greeted by sweeping panoramas encompassing the sister mountain, Petit Piton, as well as several Caribbean islands, including the Maria Islands, St Vincent, and charming fishing villages dotting the St Lucia’s coastline.

5. Roam Arikok National Park (Aruba)

Those seeking unforgettable experiences will be swooned by Aruba. One of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao), the country comprises almost 20 percent of protected national parkland, with rare animal species and plant life indigenous to the island. The 7,907 acres of protected land perfectly depict this tropical paradise.

Its rugged coastlines, diverse wildlife of parakeets, mockingbirds, lizards, and cottontail rabbits, and stunning geological rock formations offer visitors a glimpse into the untamed beauty of Aruba’s lush greenery.

The park also offers one of the most unique things to do in Caribbean with a free monthly “cinema in the park” experience, where visitors can spend an evening immersing themselves in the beauty of nature while enjoying open-air screenings under the stars.

6. Trek El Yunque National Forest (Puerto Rico)

Situated in the northeastern corner of Puerto Rico, El Yunque National Forest represents the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System and embodies a sacred space within Puerto Rico’s cultural heritage.

As one of the most developed Caribbean destinations with numerous beautiful spots and unique things to do in the Caribbean, many travelers appreciate the contrast between the park’s lush rainforest and the modern amenities and infrastructure in major cities like Bayamón.

The park features extensive biodiversity to explore, with distinct plant varieties, tropical birds, and other animal species, including Puerto Rico’s beloved coqui frog.

7. Wander the Hato Caves (Curaçao)

A unique feature of the Dutch Caribbean nation of Curaçao, the Hato Caves once held a utilitarian role during the early days of the Atlantic slave trade, serving as hiding spots for escaped enslaved Africans who often resided within them for extended periods.

One of the Caribbean’s prominent historical sites, prior to the slave trade, Amerindian Arawaks used them for shelter, leaving behind numerous cave drawings or petroglyphs dating back 1,500 years.

The cave’s unique and extensive history makes a visit essential among things to do in Curaçao, providing cultural, social, and historical dynamics, complemented by the caves’ large population of long-nosed bats.

8. Hike the Boiling Lake (Dominica)

Hiking Dominica’s Boiling Lake, the world’s second-largest hot lake after the Frying Pan Lake in New Zealand, is one of the top things to do in Dominica and is a prominent feature on the list of the Caribbean’s natural wonders.

Situated just six and a half miles from the capital city of Roseau, the 60-meter in diameter and 15-meter deep lake features water tinted in shades of grey and blue, veiled under a cloud of water vapor.

Dominica is a top choice for tourists seeking things to do in the safest and least expensive Caribbean island. A full day’s guided hike is required to reach the lake from sea level, where, despite the alluring appearance of the simmering water for a swim, its temperature ranging from a high 180 to 197 degrees Fahrenheit renders swimming impossible.

Historical and Cultural Attractions in Caribbean

9. Ride the Sugar Train (St Kitts and Nevis)

The St Kitts and Nevis’ scenic railway ranks among the most breathtaking train rides worldwide with its narrow gauge and panoramic views. Famously dubbed the Sugar Train, it was constructed over 14 years 1912 to 1926 to transport sugarcane from sugar plantations to the primary sugar mill in Basseterre, the country’s capital city.

As the last operational railway in the West Indies, the St Kitts Scenic Railway provides tropical escape and stunning views that other islands can’t offer, with a memorable two-hour excursion across the island aboard its vintage train, making it not just one of the best things to do in St Kitts and Nevis but the must-do activities in the Eastern Caribbean.

10. Walk through the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza (Mexico)

Chichen Itza on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is one of the Caribbean’s best cultural experiences. Visiting the Mayan ruins offers a deep dive into some of the Caribbean’s earliest settlers and ancient Mayan civilization.

It’s one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this UNESCO World Heritage site clearly demonstrates Mayan ingenuity, featuring structures like the Pyramid of Kukulkan, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Great Ball Court.

Visitors can roam the site’s ancient ruins, learn about the Mayans’ intricate calendar system, and glimpse the unique astronomical alignments that were integral to the Mayan way of life. The site is a historical monument and a living testament to deep cultural traditions that shaped much of the Caribbean’s indigenous roots.

11. Get soaked at Devil’s Bridge (Antigua and Barbuda)

The Devil’s Bridge National Park, situated on the eastern side of the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda, showcases breathtaking natural limestone arches sculpted by the relentless force of the Caribbean Sea over thousands of years.

Considered one of the top things to do in Antigua and Barbuda, Devil’s Bridge offers both adventure and insight into one of the island’s most historic sites, with its name said to be rooted in the tragic stories of enslaved people from nearby plantations who, in a brave act of resistance, chose to leap over the bridge to their deaths rather than live a life of enslavement.

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