Choose from 419 Fun Things to Do in Caribbean
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Sosua Beach
Located between Puerto Plata’s resorts and the surf town of Cabarete in the Dominican Republic, Sosúa Beach is a pristine stretch of sand famous for excellent diving and snorkeling. With white sand fringed with trees and calm waters ideal for swimming, it’s a relaxing spot popular with families and day-trippers.
The Basics
Protected by a coral reef, the waters around Sosúa Beach are filled with marine life and coral gardens. Snorkelers can expect to see schools of tropical fish including parrotfish and lionfish here. The horseshoe-shape golden-sand beach is the perfect spot to relax with a book, and the water is safe enough for children to swim.
Many people visit Sosúa Beach as part of a full-day tour from nearby Puerto Plata, enjoying snorkeling, a catamaran trip, or a ride in a glass-bottom boat.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Sosúa Beach is a must for snorkelers and beach enthusiasts.
- Rent snorkel gear from shops at the beach or choose a tour that includes equipment.
- Beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent from the bars along the beach.
- If you visit during the winter months, you might see migrating whales offshore.
How to Get There
Sosúa Beach is located 4 miles (6 kilometers) east of Puerto Plata International Airport. You can reach the beach by boat as part of a snorkeling trip, by car, or by taxi. Public buses run to the beach frequently from Puerto Plata town.
When to Get There
Sosúa Beach is temperate and open to the public year-round. It’s busiest on Sundays, when local families come to spend the day at the beach. The atmosphere in Sosúa Beach is family-friendly during the day, but nighttime brings out a grittier element in town.
The Amber Museum
At the Amber Museum in Puerto Plata town, you can see all kinds of ancient insects and plant life preserved in amber. Tree resin that’s naturally fossilized over thousands of years, the beautiful semi-precious stone is found in many places worldwide, but amber from the Dominican Republic is widely considered to be among the clearest and best in the world.
Practical Info
Address: Sosua, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
From $ 47
Scarborough
Scarborough is the capital city of Tobago. With around 17,000 people, it is home to nearly one-third of the island’s population. Europeans settled this historic town in the mid-1600s, and the English, Dutch and French battled for its control. In 1769, the English made Scarborough the island’s capital, and their mark can still be seen at Fort King George, an 18th-century garrison that overlooks the settlement. Today the ruins are well worth visiting for the spectacular views, and a small on-site museum offers a glimpse of the island’s history, with weapons, maps and pre-Columbian artifacts on display. While Scarborough does have a newly built deep-water port for cruise ships, the town itself maintains an unpretentious local feel, with wooden ginger-bread houses alongside more functional concrete structures. The Scarborough Mall, across from the harbor, is home to the tourism information office, and the best place to in town to go shopping.
Practical Info
Visitors can travel between Port of Spain, Trinidad and Scarborough, Tobago, via ferry service, which takes 2.5 hours and runs regularly throughout the day. If you prefer to fly directly to Tobago, you’ll land at Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson International Airport, which is about eight miles from downtown Scarborough.
Address: Scarborough, Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago
Hours: Daily
From $ 50
Santiago
Santiago, or Santiago de los Caballeros, is located in the Cibao Valley, and with nearly 1 million residents, it’s the second-largest city in the Dominican Republic. Santiago’s origins date back to 1495, when Christopher Columbus built a fort on the banks of the Yaque del Norte River. Santiago was once named Santiago de los Treinta Caballeros (Saint James of the 30 Knights), a nod to the 30 Spanish aristocrats who helped form the original community.
Many people refer to Santiago as the “heart city,” as it’s located at the center of what was once Hispaniola. Santiago has a large arts and culture scene. Do not miss the Museo del Tabaco (Cigar Museum), where visitors can learn about the art of making cigars and purchase some of the most famous brands. Other museums of note include Museo Folklórico Yoryi Morel, which features exhibits related to Santiago’s Carnival, and Museo Histórtico Fortaleza San Luis, which once served as a municipal prison.
Sports are also a popular aspect of life in Santiago. Baseball and basketball are the most popular sports in the city. A number of notable Major League Baseball players are originally from the Dominican Republic. Fertile lands in the region support Santiago. Items like cigarettes, rum, furniture, soaps, leather goods and pharmaceuticals are produced in this region. Foods like cacao, dairy, coffee and milled rice are also staples in Santiago. While not typically a tourist destination, the city is seeing a slight increase in tourism.
Practical Info
Santiago de los Caballeros is located in the inland part of the Dominican Republic. There are direct flights into Santiago from several locations in the United States and parts of Central America and the Caribbean. Be cautious of your belongings, especially in the Centro Historico, as thieves and pickpockets are plentiful.
Address: Santiago, Dominican Republic
From $ 89
Shete Boka National Park
Shete Boke National park offers rocky coastal views and wild wind-lashed landscapes bordering Christoffel National Park. There are beaches tucked away on the rocky limestone coast, where three species of sea turtles lay their eggs.
At Boka Tabla, wild waves wash into an undersea cavern. Find a sheltered nook at the entrance to the cavern for a bird’s-eye view of the crashing sea.
Scenic one-hour hiking trails wind across the cliff tops for spectacular coastal views.
Practical Info
Shete Boka National Park runs to the coast from Christoffel National Park, on the northern tip of Curacao. It’s 40 minutes north of Willemstad in Banda’Bou.
Buses run to Christoffel National Park from the Otrabanda bus station in Willemstad.
Address: Weg Naar Westpunt, Boca Tabla, Curacao
Hours: Open daily 9am - 5pm
Admission: US$1.50 per person
From $ 65
Saona Island (Isla Saona)
Saona Island (Isla Saona) is the Dominican Republic's largest coastal island, clocking in at 15 miles (25 kilometers) long and three miles (5 kilometers) wide, with a population of little more than 300. Part of the National Park of the East, the island features plenty of photo-worthy white sands, swaying palm trees, and turquoise waters.
The Basics
Set sail across the Caribbean Sea on a speedboat or catamaran cruise to Saona Island to spend a day swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing at the island's beaches and lagoons. Full-day Saona Island tours run from Punta Cana, La Romana, Bayahibe Beach, and Santo Domingo, and often include visits to mainland sights such as Altos de Chavon. Alternatively, arrive in style on a private helicopter to enjoy spectacular views along the island's southern coast.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Be sure to take everything you need as there are no shops on the island. Sunscreen, a swimsuit, and a sunhat are essentials.
- Bring cash if you want to purchase food or drinks from beach bars and kiosks—most do not accept cards.
- There is no Wi-Fi on the island.
- Many passenger ferries and private boats to Saona Island are wheelchair accessible, but it's best to check with the operator in advance.
How to Get There
Saona Island is located at the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic, and is only reachable by boat. The closest mainland town is Bayahibe. From there, Saona Island is 40 minutes away by speedboat, or two hours away on a leisurely catamaran cruise.
When to Get There
The most popular time to visit Saona Island is during the dry summer months from December through February, and resorts can fill up quickly during the this time. Thanks to the mild Caribbean climate, it's possible to visit year-round, but while off-season visitors can benefit from reduced prices, boat tours can be canceled due to rough weather during hurricane season from August through November.
Exploring Saona Island
After visiting the village of Mano Juan, exploring Cotubanamá Cave, and strolling the pristine Canto de la Playa beach, take a dip at a natural pool filled with giant starfish or swim and snorkel at Palmilla Beach. The island has plenty of offshore wonders too—look out for bottlenose dolphins, turtles, manatees, and whales as you cruise around the coast.
Practical Info
Measuring around 15 miles long (25 km) by 3 miles wide (5 km), Saona Island is part of the National Park of the East (Parque Nacional del Este) in the Dominican Republic. The closest towns are Bayahibe and Boca de Yuma.
Address: Dominican Republic
Admission: Free
From $ 67
Scharloo
Just inland from Willemstad’s city center, Punda, is a historical section of the city called Scharloo, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list, along with the Punda, Otrabanda and Pietermaai neighborhoods. Scharloo served and something of a colonial-era suburb, and today you can still stroll the streets to marvel at the abundance of beautifully restored mansions that sit within easy walking distance of what was the central business district of colonial Willemstad. Some of these restored homes have been converted to hotels and guesthouses.
Practical Info
To visit Scharloo from Punda on foot takes about 15 minutes. To get there, simply walk north along Gouvernementsplein and across the footbridge, then follow Scharlooweg into the heart of Scharloo.
Address: Willemstad, Curaçao, Curacao
From $ 25
Seroe Colorado Natural Bridge
There once was a time when Seroe Colorado was an outpost for oil tycoons. Here on Aruba’s southeastern tip, an oil refinery in the 1950s supported a community of American expats who lived on the rocky cliffs. Today the village is pretty much gone, the oil money moved elsewhere, though people still flock to this section of coast to see the natural bridge. Spanning above the cobalt waves, the bridge was formed by waves eroding the brittle, limestone coast, and now serves as a popular sight for hikers and visiting photographers. Reaching the bridge isn’t easy, however, as it means traversing a bumpy drive to the coastline of Seroe Colorado, and navigating a tangle of unmarked trails that cross the craggy landscape. For the best chance of finding the bridge, follow the arrows, painted in white, emblazoned on some of the rocks.
Insider Tip: For the best chance of finding the bridge, park at the lot adjacent to the lighthouse and follow the trails leading north along the cliffs.
Practical Info
The trail to the Natural Bridge is about .3 miles long over rough, rocky terrain. Sneakers or hiking shoes are definitely needed, and beware of hazards like crumbling cliffs, slippery rocks, and glass. Since the waves can sometimes be very large, be sure to stay away from the edge and avoid any rocks that are wet.
Address: Seroe Colorado, Aruba
From $ 109
Sapodilla Bay Rock Carvings
On Providenciales’ southern coast, follow the rocky trail winding uphill east of the ruined Mariner Hotel and you’ll come across rock carvings dating back to the early 1800s.
It’s thought the carvings were made by shipwrecked sailors as they looked out to sea, hoping to be rescued. The intricately carved lettering incised into the rocks atop the hilltop records the dates of the sailors’ enforced stay on the island.
Climb to the top of this rocky hilltop and you’ll also be rewarded by panoramic vistas over the island and neighboring Chalk Sound National Park.
It’s thought the carvings were made by shipwrecked sailors as they looked out to sea, hoping to be rescued. The intricately carved lettering incised into the rocks atop the hilltop records the dates of the sailors’ enforced stay on the island.
Climb to the top of this rocky hilltop and you’ll also be rewarded by panoramic vistas over the island and neighboring Chalk Sound National Park.
Practical Info
The Sapodilla Bay Rock Carvings can be found on a rocky hilltop at the far eastern end of the Sapodilla Bay peninsula on the Caicos Island of Providenciales.
To get there, follow a rocky trail beginning a little east of the abandoned Mariner Hotel in the south of the island near Chalk Sound National Park.
To get there, follow a rocky trail beginning a little east of the abandoned Mariner Hotel in the south of the island near Chalk Sound National Park.
Address: Turks and Caicos
From $ 100
Scape Park at Cap Cana
Set in the Dominican Republic’s Cap Cana Resort, the Scape Park ecoadventure site draws thrill-seekers and families who come to enjoy the property’s varied outdoor activities. You’ll find more than 247 acres (100 hectares) of limestone topography and jungle, including an active marina and the popular Juanillo Beach.
The Basics
With a variety of available tours, you can focus on just one way of exploring Scape Park, or pack your day with different activities. Go ziplining over the treetops, horseback riding along the beach, or off-roading in an adventure buggy. Scuba diving and snorkeling tours allow you to discover the Caribbean island’s underwater flora and fauna, while catamaran and yacht tours showcase the landscape above sea level, including the scenic Juanillo coastline. Swim in the otherworldly turquoise water of the Hoyo Azul cenote (an underground limestone sinkhole), or opt for kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, fishing, or sailing. Try a cave expedition or lagoon tour for extra adventure. Many combination tours from Punta Cana pair adventurous activities with cultural tours or ecotours, most with transportation included.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Both adults and kids will find activities to enjoy at Scape Park, making this day trip a crowd-pleaser for families.
- Wear clothes you won’t mind sweating in; most tours here involve some level of activity.
- The hot, humid jungle climate makes sunscreen and bug spray necessities.
- Buying tickets ahead of time minimizes the chance you’ll have to wait in line at this popular attraction.
- Scape Park’s rugged terrain makes it unsuitable for wheelchair users or strollers.
How to Get There
Centrally located just seven miles from the Punta Cana airport, Scape Park is located below Farallon Cliff in Cap Cana. If you’re staying at one of the many resorts in Punta Cana, Bavaro, or Bayahibe, you can arrange for a complimentary tour bus to pick you up from your resort.
When to Get There
Scape Park is open daily from 8am to 6pm. The busiest times to visit the Dominican Republic are from mid-February to mid-June, when many visitors from the northern United States book trips to escape freezing temperatures. The rainy hurricane season lasts from June to November.
Hoyo Azul
One of the most popular attractions in Scape Park is the Hoyo Azul. Meaning “blue hole,” Hoyo Azul is a sinkhole resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposed groundwater underneath. The Hoyo Azul eco tour involves a descent into the cave where you can walk on boardwalks above the water. Guided commentary talks about the formation of the water feature, plus the flora and fauna that flourish there.
Address: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Hours: Daily
Admission: Varies
From $ 129
Sapphire Beach
With more than 40 major beaches lining St Thomas’ shores, how do you decide which to visit?
One of the most popular is Sapphire Beach, located on the east end of the island. This area of St Thomas is known for its laid-back atmosphere and is home to some of the best views of neighboring St John. With a mix of red-tiled roof homes and commerical buildings, the area is anchored by Red Hook, a popular spot for boating enthusiasts and where the historic center of Charlotte Amalie is located.
Sapphire Beach, an ideal stop for cruise ship passengers exploring St Thomas for a day, features about 35 acres of fine white sand beaches and is also a great choice for families. The waters are calm and good for snorkeling, while the sea grape trees on the right end of the beach provide some shade for beach goers. The left side, however, is ideal for sunbathing. Keep your eyes open for ducks and iguanas wandering the shores.
At the nearby Sapphire Beach Resort, visitors can rent lounge chairs and snorkeling equipment, or opt for other water activities, such as windsurfing, kayaking, jet skiing and sailing.
Practical Info
Beaches in St Thomas are public property and typically extend to the tree line. There are no clothing-optional beaches in St Thomas, and public nudity is illegal. Do not remove shells from the beaches or feed the marine life and sea birds.
Address: Sapphire Beach, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands
From $ 89
Sangre Grande
The Trinidadian town of Sangre Grande sits due east of the Port of Spain. As the largest town in the northeast of the island, Sangre Grande is an important hub for surrounding villages, and it’s a crossroads for various attractions in the northeast of Trinidad. At Aripo Savannah, birdwatchers can spot species like red-bellied macaw and southern lapwings. The Hollis Resivoir is a man-made lake surrounded by mountains where you can find hiking trails, shady picnic spots and look for local wildlife like howler monkeys, deer and caiman. Head east from Sangre Grande to visit Matura Bay. From March to August, this sandy stretch is a protected nesting site for endangered leatherback turtles. Permits are required to visit the beach at night, and guides can make the arrangements for a once-in-a-lifetime turtle watching excursion.
Practical Info
Sangre Grande is located on the Eastern Main Road in the northeast of Trinidad. To get there from Port of Spain, take the Churchill Roosevelt Highway and take the right fork. The drive takes about an hour.
Address: Sangre Grande, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago
From $ 100
Smithy's Garden
This private estate and spice garden is rich with orchards, vegetables, spice plants and tropical flower gardens. It is divided into two sections, one representing the old gardens and the other the new. The old garden is home to everything flowering—including large fruit trees and colorful flowers. The orchards grow everything from bananas and avocados to sugarcane, and visitors can see the tropical citrus fruits the Caribbean is famous for, as well as its colorful ornamental flowers—orchids, ferns, roses and the national flower of Grenada, the bougainvillea.
The “new” garden is an area recovering from the devastation of 2004’s Hurricane Ivan. It’s a community project that grows and protects Grenada’s native plants such as ginger lilies and heliconia. There are even more fruit trees to wander through, including passionfruit vines and several different types of palms. Tropical plants and fruits of all shapes, sizes and uses can be seen here. Though the gardens are maintained, the area maintains a wild, jungle-like atmosphere and a sense of these plants thriving in their natural environment.
Practical Info
Smithy’s Garden is located just past Fort Frederick and is open to the public by appointment.
Address: Morne Jaloux, St. George's, Grenada
Hours: Tours by appointment
From $ 63
Shirley Heights
Home to the most famous view in all of Antigua, as well as the island's residential party place, no trip is complete without a visit to Shirley Heights. Overlooking English and Falmouth Harbours, the panoramic view from Shirley Heights takes in the neighboring islands of Guadalupe and Montserrat, the latter of which is home to an active volcano. While the views are spectacular any time of day, nothing can beat a night time visit where you can watch the sun set over the Caribbean.
A night trip to Shirley Heights isn't just about the view, however. The home of the most happening parties on Antigua, the Shirley Heights Lookout Bar and Restaurant is the place to be on Thursday and Sunday nights. Every Thursday a steel drum band plays and they offer food from the grill. On Sunday nights, they host a huge barbecue with two live bands for plenty of dancing, drinking, and feasting late into the warm Caribbean night.
Practical Info
Shirley Heights is located on the southern tip of Antigua, near the English Harbour. It is about a 30-minute drive from the airport.
Address: Antigua and Barbuda
From $ 57
Seven Mile Beach
Grand Cayman’s resort central is Seven Mile Beach, dubbed one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches.
The Caymans’ most developed stretch of sand is lined with luxury resorts and up-market condominiums, white coral sand and palm trees. There are artificial reefs offshore for snorkeling.
It’s a public beach, so don’t feel shy about strolling past those resorts. Some of the resort restaurants are open to the public, and there are beach bars for a seafront drink or two.
Practical Info
Seven Mile Beach runs north from George Town on the west coast of the island’s West Bay peninsula. It’s a 15 minute drive from Georgetown.
Address: West Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach KY1, Cayman Islands
Admission: Free
From $ 15
Savonet Museum
Take a trip through Curacao’s history at the Savonet Museum, located within one of the island’s oldest plantations at the heart of Christoffel Park. The museum’s exhibits include depictions of local life starting from the original Arawak inhabitants who came to the island about 4,000 years ago, through the Dutch colonial era and modern day. Choose the audio tour to get in-depth details about life on the plantation, or ask for a guided tour from one of the museum’s docents. As you explore, you’ll see historical artifacts, documents, and pictures, and after you’ve looked around the museum, you can take a hike through the surrounding park to spot local wildlife like the Curacao white-tailed deer or the Palabrua, a native barn owl.
Practical Info
The Savonet Museum is location on the north end of the island, within the Christoffel Park nature preserve. To get there, drive north from Willemstad along Weg Naar Westpunt, the main road, for about 40 minutes. The museum is open 7 days a week and costs $7 for adults, $5 for children.
Address: Weg Naar Westpunt, Christoffel Park Nature Preserve, Curacao
Hours: Mon-Sat 7:30am-4pm, Sun 6am-3pm, Hours subject to change, refer to website for up to date times.
Admission: Adults $7, Child $5
From $ 99
San Juan Gate
Named in honor of Saint John the Baptist, La Puerta de San Juan was originally one of five doorways to the city used to protect its streets from invaders and each gate has its own unique function. Today, this towering red and white entryway that’s tucked into the city’s surrounding stonewall offers a truly magical way to enter and explore Puerto Rico’s capital city.
Travelers who pass through this historic entrance will find energetic vendors selling traditional snacks and ice-cold piragua along walkways heading towards the historic old town. Ancient trees stretch high into the sky and provide cool shade for lovers on romantic strolls. Narrow cobblestone streets lined with restored Spanish colonial homes and ornate balconies add to the charm of this favorite San Juan attraction.
Practical Info
Travelers who start their walk to the gate from Paseo la Princesa will find the most picturesque views of San Juan Bay.
Address: Paseo de la Princesa, San Juan, Puerto Rico
From $ 33
Shoal Bay
Anguilla is famous for its picturesque beaches, and even on an island ringed by fabulous sand, Shoal Bay takes the prize. Often lauded as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, Shoal Bay’s pristine white sand is lapped by clear-blue waters and makes the perfect spot for a day lounging by the sea.
The beach is divided into two sections: upper and lower Shoal Bay. Most people head to the larger and wider area of Lower Shoal Bay, where you’ll find a collection of beach bars and restaurants where you can grab a cold drink before settling under a palm tree or sliding into a beach chair for the afternoon. While there, be sure to stop at Gwen's Reggae Bar and Grill, a local institution where you can sample local BBQ ribs and lobster while sipping a Carib beer.
Practical Info
To visit Shoal Bay, drive 12 minutes north from the Blowing Point ferry terminal along The Valley Road, which will take you through The Valley, Anguilla’s capital. You can also find sailing charters on St. Martin that stop at Shoal Bay for lunch on the beach.
Address: St. Martin, Anguilla
From $ 135
San Juan National Historic Site
Established in 1949, The San Juan National Historic Site is home to some of the city’s most famous attractions. Visitors can climb to Castillo San Felibe del Morro, overlooking the San Juan Bay, for an up close look at military efforts more than 250 years ago. Travelers can learn about historic battles that took place against the English and Dutch while visiting the restored lighthouse, chapel and vintage cannons.
History buffs will also love Castillo San Cristobal, near the gate of Old San Juan. While El Morro protected Puerto Rico from seaside attacks, Castillo San Cristobal was designed to stop intruders approaching by land. With grounds stretching some 27 acres, this is Puerto Rico’s largest fortification site, as well as the biggest built by the Spanish after discovering the New World.
Practical Info
The National Historic Site is an easy walk from the pier where most cruise ships dock. Travelers can head north past the Plaza Colon to access most sites. Free trams are also available every 20 to 30 minutes. Most attractions are open from 9 a.m until 6 p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.
Address: San Juan 00901, Puerto Rico
Hours: Daily 9am-6pm, Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Year's Day
Admission: Adults $5, Children Under 15 Free
From $ 62
Simpson Bay
The expansive arc of Simpson Bay Beach, St Maarten’s longest, has everything you’d expect from a Caribbean beach: squeaky white sands, clear, lapping waters and gently waving palms. While it backs on to Princess Juliana Airport, you shouldn’t be unduly disturbed by noise, and the space and relative lack of other visitors will make you feel like you’ve found your private tropical paradise.
But as soon as you’re ready to return to civilization it’s right there, in the numerous bars and restaurants within reach of the beach. Or feast your eyes on nearby Cole Bay Hill, whose lookout offers stunning views towards neighboring islands, all the way south to St Kitts.
Practical Info
Simpson Bay is in the island’s south-west next to the main airport, 10 minutes drive away from both Marigot and Philipsburg (respectively, the French and Dutch administrative centers).
Address: St Maarten
From $ 51
Seru Largu
Since so much time on Bonaire is spent enjoying the water and sand, it’s nice to escape to the hills for a minute and get a view of the island. At Seru Largu, or “Large Hill,” visitors are met with a sweeping view of the island’s western shoreline, where the small island of Klein Bonaire hovers just off the turquoise coast. Wild goats, and sometimes iguanas, are visible up on the hill, as is the massive monument with its signature, yellow and white cross. Since Bonaire’s landscape is dusty and dry, the view looks out over fields of cactus and sand running out to the coast, and is one of the island’s best places to watch the sunset or stars come out. Every year on New Years Eve, island locals gather up here to watch the clusters of fireworks, and at any time of year it’s a highlight of taking a small group tour of the island.
Practical Info
Seru Largu is about 15 minutes and 4 miles from Kralendijk. It’s best accessed by car or by tour, and at an elevation of 400 feet, it’s a tiny bit cooler and often windier than down on the beach or in town.
Did You Know? On clear days you can see neighboring Curacao, over 40 miles away.
Address: Seru Largu, Kralendijk, Bonaire
From $ 35