With towering palm timber silhouetted towards idyllic white-sand seashores, the Caribbean actually is a magical vacation spot. However there’s a lot extra to this island chain than picture-perfect seashores or crystal-clear waters.
Lush jungles and placing volcanoes make the Caribbean the proper vacation spot for households looking for journey. Hidden waterfalls await you after a hike by way of the pristine wilderness and rusting shipwrecks lie beneath the floor of shallow waters.
With greater than 700 islands to select from it may be onerous to know the place to start relating to planning your journey. On this article, I’ve outlined a few of the greatest Caribbean islands for teenagers and adventurous households! (Additionally see my article on the greatest holidays for teenagers.)
Greatest Caribbean Islands for Teenagers
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Anybody who has traveled with youngsters is aware of that a mixture of adventurous and funky actions paired with leisure downtime in a photogenic setting is the recipe for a contented household trip. In case you are considering going past the all-inclusive resort, listed here are the Caribbean islands which have a lot extra to supply households with teenagers.
Grenada
Nicknamed the ‘Spice Island’ Grenada is a lush tropical island on the southern finish of the Antilles archipelago. This comparatively small island is carpeted with vibrant jungles, a lot of that are protected nationwide parks.
The fertile soils of Grenada are good for rising a mess of spices together with nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, bay leaves, and turmeric — giving the island its nickname. With a rugged inside, Grenada is the proper island for journey.
Adventurous Issues to Do in Grenada
One of many absolute highlights of my time spent within the Caribbean has been swimming in waterfalls in Grenada. Grenada is residence to a plethora of waterfalls and two of essentially the most placing will be seen when strolling the Seven Sisters Waterfall Path. The path is inside Grand Etang Nationwide Park, which is a formidable 1,000 hectares in dimension.
On the hike, households with teenagers will journey by way of tropical forests and admire attractive views of close by mountains. The hike isn’t too strenuous and is simply 2.1 km in size, making it ultimate for all ages. On the finish of the path are two magnificent waterfalls cascading into swimming pools. You possibly can take pleasure in a swim within the pool beneath the bigger waterfall which is each refreshing and exhilarating.
One other exercise that can get each your and your teenagers’ blood pumping is tubing down Grenada’s Balthazar River with sections of rapids. Spin and twirl down the river, marveling on the river’s untethered energy. The river flows by way of dense swathes of the jungle so don’t overlook to admire your environment!
A extra enjoyable (however equally enjoyable) option to take to the water is by way of a kayak journey by way of the mangroves of Woburn Bay. This picturesque bay is residence to the island’s largest mangrove forests that are one of the vital vital ecosystems on the planet, scrubbing carbon dioxide from the air whereas additionally offering a protected haven for juvenile fish.
One other of my favourite actions in Grenada is to go on a tour to study extra about how Grenada’s well-known spices are produced in addition to sampling some contemporary produce together with Grenadian bananas.
The place to Keep in Grenada
Set on an intimate bay, Calabash Luxurious Boutique Lodge is the best-rated lodge on the island. The lodge contains 30 luxurious suites that boast panoramic views of the ocean. That is the proper place to unwind after an extended day of journey.
A barely inexpensive choice that also oozes luxurious is Mount Cinnamon Resort & Seaside Membership. You possibly can select from a variety of suites or luxurious villas, all with attractive ocean views. The villas are surrounded by tropical gardens and look out onto a pristine expanse of sand.
Dominica
To not be confused with the Dominican Republic, Dominica is a hidden gem within the Caribbean, usually neglected by vacationers. It’s referred to as the ‘Nature Island’ and is arguably one of the vital lovely islands within the Caribbean. The island is wearing thick forests that are residence to uncommon crops, animals, and birds.
Dominica is the youngest island within the Lesser Antilles island chain and is in reality nonetheless being shaped by ongoing geothermal-volcanic exercise. The island is being shaped by 9 lively volcanoes, by far essentially the most of any island within the Caribbean.
Adventurous Issues to Do in Dominica
One of the crucial adventurous actions that you just and your loved ones can full in Dominica is a hike to Boiling Lake. This tour shouldn’t be one for the faint-hearted because it lasts all day. The hike takes place inside the spectacular Morne Trois Pitons Nationwide Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Website, and can take you to the Valley of Desolation the place the lake is positioned.
The Boiling Lake is proof of the island’s geothermal exercise; it’s a flooded fumarole from one of many island’s volcanoes. Watching the greyish-blue water bubble behind an eerie mist is a novel and mystical expertise.
These nonetheless wanting a style for journey however with out marching by way of winding jungle paths all day might desire to discover considered one of Dominica’s many awe-inspiring black-sand seashores akin to Calibishie Cove. Backed by forests of sleepy palm timber, these taking a stroll on this seaside may very well be forgiven for pondering they’re on a abandoned island. A river cuts by way of the black sand seaside including to the surreal ambiance.
Different spectacular seashores on Dominica that are nicely price a go to embody Batibou Seaside and Quantity One Seaside, each on Dominica’s north coast.
Pirates of the Caribbean followers will love taking a ship trip down the spell-binding Indian River, which made an look in each the primary and second movies. That is the place the picket jungle hideaway of Tia Dalma (Calypso) is nestled. The river is lined with mangrove forests and is a haven for a wide range of fowl species.
The place to Keep in Dominica
No doubt, essentially the most magical place to remain in Dominica is Secret Bay on the northwest coast of the island, a brief distance from various Dominica’s key seashores and points of interest. Secret Bay is an award-winning boutique resort nestled in lush hills overlooking its personal non-public seaside. The lodge consists of simply six eco-friendly villas. The reefs simply off the seaside are perfect for snorkeling and are alive with a plethora of marine life.
For many who need to get as a lot journey as attainable from their time in Dominica then Banana Lama Eco-Villas is a superb choice. Surrounded by succulent jungles, this boutique assortment of hand-crafted cottages can solely be accessed by way of a zipline. The cottages are perched upon a river which has a pure pool in it that’s ultimate for cold-water swimming. Additionally hidden inside the resort’s huge grounds is a spectacular waterfall which you’ll be able to hike to.
Barbados
Barbados is among the hottest islands within the Caribbean and is known for its huge stretch of golden-sand seashores which line the west coast of the island. However this island is a lot greater than only a seaside vacation spot!
The ocean is teaming with marine life and is a unbelievable place to snorkel atop vibrant reefs in addition to swim alongside majestic turtles. Within the inside of the island is a swathe of untouched countryside which is ideal for exploring on horseback.
Adventurous Issues to Do in Barbados
The waters which encompass Barbados are the resting place for an enormous variety of shipwrecks. Carlisle Bay on the south coast of the island homes six spectacular shipwrecks. Households can go to the wrecks on a ship journey and snorkel above the rusting steel ships while additionally conserving a watch out for marine life. Turtles are sometimes noticed in these waters and the wrecks themselves have change into synthetic reefs, now the houses of a variety of colourful fish.
A visit to Barbados wouldn’t be full with out taking the household to Bathsheba seaside on the wild east coast of the island. This seaside is uncooked and untouched, the tough Atlantic ocean crashing towards placing rock formations that are jutting from the golden-sand seaside. Pure rock swimming pools will be discovered alongside this seaside and are nice to dip your toes into in addition to seek for attention-grabbing sea creatures.
If your loved ones is eager to discover in-land Barbados then why not go on a hack by way of the forests on horseback? Treks with Ocean Echo Stables take you thru secluded pockets of wilderness the place you’ll hear nothing however the singing of birds and the rhythmic sound of hooves towards the earth. You’ll find yourself on a quiet seaside on the east coast of the island the place you’ll be able to really feel the ocean breeze by way of your hair and might admire the gorgeous surroundings.
The place to Keep in Barbados
For a peak luxurious expertise in Barbados, Sandy Lane is the primary selection. This unique lodge is completely positioned on one of the vital picture-perfect seashores on Barbados. The lodge is made up of 113 luxurious rooms and a five-bedroom villa. Friends can dine on the lodge’s 4 eating places and 7 bars, consuming contemporary seafood with unmatched views of the ocean.
A extra unassuming however nonetheless luxurious lodge is Seaside View Barbados. This family-friendly lodge is about inside 5 acres of beautifully-manicured gardens and is simply throughout the highway from the ocean. This pleasant lodge is only a brief stroll away from considered one of Barbados’ most unique and fine-dining eating places: The Cliff.
St Vincent and The Grenadines
A series of volcanic islands and uninhabited sandbanks to the south of the Caribbean, St Vincent is residence to numerous secluded seashores and a few of the Caribbean’s greatest snorkeling spots.
St Vincent and the Grenadines is comprised of the principle island of St Vincent in addition to 32 far smaller islands, a lot of that are uninhabited. St Vincent is a lush volcanic island that homes an lively volcano referred to as La Soufrière which erupted in 2021.
Adventurous Issues to Do in St Vincent and The Grenadines
No doubt, considered one of my favourite issues to do in St Vincent and The Grenadines and considered one of my most memorable experiences in all the Caribbean is to go crusing on a catamaran across the smaller islands in The Grenadines. There are such a lot of quaint islands so that you can discover that look as if they’ve by no means been set foot on.
Tobago Cays is among the most lovely islands in The Grenadines and homes a really lively reef. Snorkelers are regularly gifted with sightings of inexperienced sea turtles which will be seen in massive numbers slightly below the water’s floor.
St Vincent’s mainland additionally has a lot to supply for households looking for journey. The island has a wild shoreline dotted with spectacular rock options akin to caves and rock arches in addition to secret seashores. Probably the greatest methods to discover the shoreline is by way of a ship tour. Excursions sometimes take you to a secluded seaside the place you’ll be able to stroll on a black-sand seaside and snorkel over one of many island’s many reefs.
Shrouded by the dense rainforests on St Vincent is Darkish View Falls, a set of two spectacular waterfalls that are only a brief hike by way of the jungle. Guests can take pleasure in a welcome dip within the spacious swimming pools on the base of the falls.
Only a brief drive from Kingstown, St Vincent’s capital is the Vermont nature path and rainforest. The path is roughly 3.5 km lengthy and gives guests with sweeping vistas of valleys coated in dense forests. Hold a watch out for the uncommon St Vincent parrot and pay attention for his or her unmistakable calls as you weave by way of endemic species of plant.
The place to Keep in St Vincent and The Grenadines
Younger Island Resort is an idyllic hideaway simply off St Vincent by itself non-public islet. Set amongst 13 acres of tropical gardens are 29 charming non-public cottages. The island boasts attractive seashores and is nice for a spot of snorkeling.
Located on the island of Bequia in The Grenadines is Bequia Seaside Lodge, a family-run luxurious boutique lodge set upon a picturesque swathe of white sand. The lodge is located inside 10 acres of perfectly-manicured gardens and the cottages and villas take pleasure in marvelous views of the bay.
These are my high suggestions if you’re on the lookout for journey within the Caribbean!
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Writer Bio:
I’m Ella McKendrick, a full-time journey author with a style for journey and pushing myself out of my consolation zone. I like touring off the crushed path and immersing myself in numerous cultures. Photographs are courtesy of Ella McKendrick.
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