The Top 15 Bucket List Things to Do in the Caribbean

For decades, the Caribbean has been a popular destination for Americans and travelers worldwide. From adventurers and thrill seekers to those seeking the warmth of the Caribbean sun, there are numerous things to do in the Caribbean for everyone.

This article will provide the ultimate list of the best Caribbean points of interests and activities in indulge in on a Caribbean vacation.

1. 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, defining St Lucia’s stunning landscape. Gros Piton is worth visiting for anyone seeking challenging things to do in St Lucia by scaling the 798-meter peak and immersing 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-marked 3.2-mile trail. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be greeted by sweeping panoramas encompassing the sister mountain across the ridge, Petit Piton, as well as several Caribbean islands, including the Maria Islands, St Vincent, and charming fishing villages dotting the Caribbean island’s coastline.

2. Walk Seven Mile Beach (Jamaica)

Jamaica offers tourists numerous Caribbean attractions on a tropical vacation with cultural and adventure opportunities, from diving in the Blue Hole and climbing  the stunning waterfalls of Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios to mountain biking and sipping blue mountain coffee atop the cloud-drenched Blue Mountains. Pristine beaches like Seven Mile Beach provide a one-of-a-kind Jamaican experience in addition to the Caribbean tourist attractions above.

Located on the west side of the island west of Montego Bay, the white sands of the beach stretches almost seven miles, captivating visitors with its stunning beauty and vibrant atmosphere. Tourists can enjoy water sports, luxurious resorts, groove to reggae beats at the lively beach bars, and taste the flavors of Jamaica’s famous Jerk chicken. You’re also a short day trip from the relaxing Little Bay, where the late Bob Marley owned a beach home.

3. 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 in 1912 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 best things to do in the Eastern Caribbean.

4. 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 priceless 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 a monthly “cinema in the park” experience, where visitors can spend an evening immersing themselves in the beauty of nature while enjoying outdoor screenings under the stars.

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

Numerous destinations exist for snorkeling and scuba diving 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 snorkeling 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.

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. Jump and Wave at the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival

Trinidad and Tobago is inseparable from the mention of “carnival,” being the birthplace of modern carnival culture, where European and African rhythmic influences merge. The annual event, which is celebrated on Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, dates back over 200 years.

Today, the celebration marks the culmination of Trinidad and Tobago’s vibrant carnival season, characterized by extravagant parades, lively music, and exuberant street celebrations that attract revelers worldwide. Visitors can indulge in the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean’s most iconic carnival, basking in the sun and savoring delicious food infused with Trinidad and Tobago’s rich cultural influences.

8. 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.

9. Explore the Baths on Virgin Gorda (British Virgin Islands)

The Baths at Virgin Gorda on the south coast of Virgin Gorda island in the British Virgin Islands are a natural wonder and embody what the Caribbean offers.

The attraction consists of towering granite boulders and caverns along powdery white sand beaches.

They make up a hidden path leading to secret rock pools and the renowned Cathedral Room, a serene enclave inside a cave with a natural pool where visitors can relax in the calm waters.

10. Hike the Boiling Lake (Dominica)

Hiking Dominica’s Boiling Lake, the world’s second-largest hot lake, 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 lake features water tinted in shades of grey and blue, veiled under a cloud of water vapor.

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.

11. Dance Salsa at La Casa De La Musica (Cuba)

Most travelers considering things to do in the Caribbean think of laying on beautiful beaches, snorkeling in crystal clear waters, and absorbing the sounds of lush rainforests. However, the Caribbean comprises numerous island nations, each with a diverse population and rich culture, in which music holds a prominent place.

Cuba is the home of Salsa, and La Casa de la Musica in the historic city of Havana is on the ultimate list of venues to experience salsa music and Caribbean night life at its finest.

12. Swim with Pigs (Bahamas)

Widely known as “Pig Beach,” Exuma Beach is one of the Caribbean’s most idyllic beaches and offers a one-of-a-kind experience of swimming with the island’s pigs. Many ponder how the pigs came to inhabit the island; some speculate they swam from a nearby shipwreck, while others say they were left behind by sailors who intended to cook them later.

Nevertheless, the pigs are friendly and accustomed to human interaction, welcoming visitors with their playful demeanor and curious nature.

13. 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 places to visit 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.

14. Ride the Pico Isabel de Torres Cable Car (Dominican Republic)

Overlooking the imposing statue of Christ the Redeemer, the Pico Isabel de Torres Cable Car is the only cable car service in the Caribbean. While many Caribbean nations boast large mountains with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, travelers must navigate rugged terrain on foot.

Mount Isabel de Torres in the Dominican Republic offers a serene cable car ride to reach its summit, where visitors can marvel at the stunning view of Puerto Plata and the country’s sprawling coastline.

15. 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 the bay’s white sandy beaches, visitors can 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.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Top Things to Do in the Caribbean