The Caribbean is the most popular destination in the world in terms of the cruise industry, and there’s a good reason why – the glorious weather! The Caribbean islands enjoy a tropical climate that brings steady temperatures of between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius all year round, making it especially popular during the winter months when many other popular holiday destinations are starting to suffer with heavy rains, strong winds, and even snow.
The year-long exotic temperatures make the islands excellent places for sunbathing, chilling out under palm trees, and going for a dip in the ocean. These activities have now become synonymous with a Caribbean cruise. In fact, catching some rays and hitting the ocean have become such popular Caribbean activities that many travellers don’t even realise that there’s plenty more to do other than laze around on the beach.
Here are some of the more unusual, yet fascinating shore excursions you can opt for while cruising the Caribbean;
Hike to the Top of Volcanoes
Mount Liamuiga, located on the island of St. Kitts, is a volcano that stands at almost 4000 feet from sea level, making it one of the highest points in the Caribbean. Needless to say, the hike to the summit is strenuous and not for the faint hearted (it is, after all, referred to locally as Mount Misery!), but the views are breathtaking and it really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. At the top, marvel at the local wildlife (it’s common to have to share your snacks with mongooses!) and seek out the lookout rock, which is where you’ll get the best views.
In one direction you’ll get amazing views out across the island and the shoreline, while in the other direction you can see right down into the crater, which is often filled with enough water to form a beautiful lake in the rainy season. However, if it’s dry, and you’re feeling adventurous, it’s possible to abseil down into the crater for a somewhat eerie experience, but don’t worry, the volcano hasn’t erupted for almost 2000 years.
Take a Tour of a Wood Crafting Workshop
If you haven’t heard of Reggie Medford, then where have you been? Reggie is a born and bred Barbadian who has become one of the country’s most famous sculptors, having exhibited and sold his work all around the world. Reggie makes use of native West Indian and Cuban mahogany trees which are no longer used in furniture manufacture (the Honduran species is preferred due to the higher quality) to create stunning carvings that range from clocks and wine bottle holders through to coffee tables and abstract ornaments.
Reggie’s Bridgetown workshop can be toured, and visitors will be shown how each project starts with bare, raw wood and transforms into a work of art. There is even a live demonstration by Reggie himself, and an opportunity to purchase unique carvings in the gift shop. If you’re travelling with young children, take them out into the surrounding gardens to meet Ruby and Crystal, friendly ponies who just love the attention.
Soak in Warm Mineral Baths
When you think of mineral and spa baths, you probably automatically think of cold places, such as Iceland, where the bathing culture is massive, but did you know you can also soak your cares away in the Caribbean? At the Diamond Falls botanical gardens in Soufrière, St. Lucia, visitors can relax in one of five pools that tap into the natural spring waters underneath the island, producing warm bodies of water that are filled with minerals from the earth.
Two of these pools are even the original spa pools that were built for the French troops during the Battle of St. Lucia to help heal their wounds and revitalise them ready for the fight. Spa baths are renowned for their healing properties, and are believed to help ease joint pain and sore muscles, so if you’ve been walking around the town all day, enjoying the rainforest trails and touring the local cacao plantations, this is a great way to unwind and chill out.
Learn to Cook West Indian Food
Prospect Great House is an 18th century mansion located in Falmouth, Jamaica, and it’s here that travellers with a love of world cuisine and a knack for cooking can learn to whip up some Caribbean and West Indian favourites. One such dish is jerk chicken. Jerk is a spice blend that’s native to Jamaica, and comprises of a mix of warming spices, the type that are popular around Christmas. Recipes vary, but expect lots of garlic, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and, of course, plenty of spicy scotch bonnet chillies. The spices are rubbed into the meat before cooking, which give the chicken a tasty, blackened coating but leaves the inside juicy and moist.
Another Caribbean dish that’s very easy to make is steamed callaloo, which can either be served as a vegetable side dish, or loaded with bacon or code to create a main course. Callaloo is made with steamed leafy greens, mixed vegetables, and thyme that can be picked in the Great House gardens. The Caribbean is so much more diverse than many people give it credit for. Although it is known for its water sports and white sand beaches, the history of the area offers so much more to see and do.
Although part of North America, many of the islands were colonised by the British, French, and Dutch, and these influences have made the Caribbean incredibly fascinating in terms of both history and architecture. If beach holidays aren’t really your style, don’t dismiss the Caribbean as a great holiday destination. There’s plenty more than meets the eye!
Read more about The Caribbean: When to Visit the Caribbean, Top 10 Most Romantic Caribbean Resorts| Reality meets paradise
By Elsi H.
