Choose from 419 Fun Things to Do in Caribbean
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Aruba Aloe Factory & Museum
While the name of Aruba might connote white sand beaches, sunshine and tropical drinks with those little umbrellas in them, the truth is that Aruba is an amazingly diverse little island nation, and nevermore is that apparent than when visiting the Aruba Aloe Factory and Museum. Aloe is native to Aruba, and thanks to its medicinal and restorative properties, it has become one of the leading exports of the nation.
Learn about the history of aloe and Aruba while on a complimentary walking tour offered in English, Dutch, Spanish or in Papiamento – the native language of Aruba – every 15 minutes. You’ll explore the grounds, learn about aloe’s restorative properties and see the processing methods of this amazingly versatile plant.
Practical Info
The Aruba Aloe Factory and Museum is located in Hato at Pitastraat 115 off L.G. Smith Blvd.
Address: Pitastraat 115, Hato, Aruba
From $ 40
Atlantis Submarine Center
Even a seasoned sailor will tell you that subs are a special experience. Watching the depth sounder as it slowly ticks higher, gazing out a porthole at the ocean floor, and the weird realization there are fish above your head—even though your hair isn’t wet. It’s all part of the submarine experience with Atlantis in the Cayman Islands.
When navigating the depths on this high-tech sub, journey to parts of the blue Caribbean that even scuba divers won’t experience. Float past shipwrecks that are perfectly preserved on the lonely ocean floor, and watch as rays, eels, or turtles go drifting right past the window. There is no change in pressure—so you won’t pop your ears—and children love the feeling of an aquarium while viewing marine life in the wild. After climbing back from 100 feet down—where the inky blue depths swallow bright colors such as reds, oranges, and yellows—it’s as if you’ve journeyed to another world and returned above water unscathed. Or, if 100 feet sounds a little too deep, there are semi-sub experiences that visit the shallows and rarely exceed 5 feet.
Practical Info
The Atlantis Adventure Center is located in Georgetown across from the Hard Rock Café. Tours last 45 minutes on average, and children must be 3 years old and 36 inches tall to ride. Tours depart in morning and afternoon, and there is also a tour that takes place at night and views nocturnal, rarely seen fish.
Address: 30 South Church Street, Georgetown, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
From $ 44
Asa Wright Nature Centre
In the field of eco-tourism, the Asa Wright Nature Centre was well ahead of the curve, having been a sanctuary for wildlife since 1967. It is famous the world over for the staggering variety of birds which pass through, often on their way to or from nearby continental South America. From Ornate Hawk-eagles to the nocturnal Oilbird and the psychedelic plumage of dozens of tropical species, there is enough here to make a birdwatcher of any skeptic.
The center was once a coffee and cocoa plantation, and you can still enjoy lunch or high tea on the broad shady veranda of its old colonial house. Get the most out of your visit by taking a tour; expert guides will be able to point out not just birds but also the huge range of butterflies as well as lizards and other fauna.
Practical Info
The Asa Wright Nature Centre is in northern Trinidad, within easy reach of Port of Spain. The main plantation house and nearby cottages offer accommodation, but if you’re coming for the day you will need to call or email ahead.
Address: Trinidad and Tobago
Hours: Open daily 9am - 5pm
Admission: Adults: US$10
From $ 10
Belmont Estate
If you find yourself watching two people dancing barefoot in a large copper pot, rhythmically moving to the beat of a drum while stomping on piles of cocoa, you know you’re at the Belmont Estate on the northeastern coast of Grenada. Here at this traditional island estate that dates to the late 1600s, “dancing the cocoa” is just one tradition that still lives on to this day. Designed as a way to remove unsightly residue from the exterior of freshly grown cocoa beans, the dance today is a highlight of touring the 400-acre plantation. Though the estate was founded on sugar and coffee, it’s now spices such as nutmeg and cloves that spring from the Caribbean ground. For travelers with a self-professed chocolate addiction, a tour of the neighboring Granada Chocolate Company showcases the process of cocoa beans being transformed to silky rich chocolate. Or, for a taste of authentic Grenada cuisine in a pastoral island setting, the restaurant on site at Belmont Estate is regarded as one of the island’s best for its fine collection of flavors. Families will love the petting zoo and chance to hang with the goats, and this model of island agri-tourism successfully fuses Grenada’s past with its modern, tourism future.
Practical Info
The Belmont Estate is open 8am-4pm on every day except Saturday. The property is located approximately an hour from Grenada’s capital of St. George’s, and remember to bring some insect repellent to combat the area’s mosquitos.
Address: Belmont Estate, Belmont , St Patrick, Grenada, West Indies, Grenada
Hours: Sun-Fri 8am-4pm
From $ 125
Bavaro Beach (Playa Bavaro)
In Punta Cana, an idyllic resort town on the Dominican Republic’s east coast, all roads lead to Bavaro Beach (Playa Bavaro). Visitors flock to this beach not just for its aquamarine waters, white-sand strip, and coconut palm forest, but also for its abundance of fun—from water activities to watering holes.
The Basics
The roughly seven-mile (14-kilometer) stretch of Bavaro Beach offers much more than just sunbathing and sipping piña coladas—although these are excellent options. Take advantage of Bavaro’s popularity and ease of access by sailing the day away on a catamaran tour or booze cruise, snorkeling at offshore coral reefs, or parasailing or windsurfing over the crystal-clear water. Those looking to stay dry can opt for a dune buggy adventure along the Atlantic and Caribbean coasts, play a few rounds at a beachfront golf course, or take in the views from a helicopter tour over the Dominican Republic’s southeastern tip. Nearby attractions such as Macao Beach and Catalina Island make for easy and popular day tours from Bavaro as well.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bavaro Beach tends to attract large crowds, but its long expanse makes it easy to spread out.
- Bavaro hosts the most visitor amenities, resorts, and restaurants of all the beaches in Punta Cana.
- Most accommodations and services are located only a few blocks—at most—from the water.
How to Get There
Bavaro Beach is a 20-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport; book an airport arrival transfer for peace of mind, or hop on a shuttle. Those arriving from Santo Domingo can choose to make the three-hour drive themselves, hire a local driver, or take a bus. Taxis within and around Bavaro are plentiful, and the beach itself is free and accessible to the public, although large portions are reserved for resort guests.
When to Get There
High season runs from December to March and from July to August, but to avoid the spring break and summer crowds, consider visiting between April and June or between September and December. Budget travelers will like Bavaro beach during these times due to the plentiful deals on accommodations and activities. Warm weather year-round means that the beach is always available.
Where to Stay
Luxury hotels and resorts flood the Punta Cana area, and Bavaro Beach is no exception. Opt for an all-inclusive resort for guaranteed entertainment in the form of night clubs, swimming pools, hot tubs, restaurants, and recreational facilities, all in the same place. Budget options such as vacation home rentals and B&Bs are ideal for those who want to experience local culture and explore all that the town of Bavaro has to offer.
Address: Plaza Bavaro, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Admission: Free
From $ 49
Bathsheba Beach
According to an old legend, beautiful Bathsheba—the wife of King David—bathed in milk to keep her skin looking smooth and soft. Barbados locals say the white, frothy waters of Bathsheba Beach, named in her honor, have similar healing powers.
Surfers love riding the wild Atlantic waves and navigating the strong currents this beach is famous for, while the more leisurely set enjoy taking in its picturesque landscapes and soaking in the relaxing mineral pools lined by coral reefs. Huge boulders resting along the shore give this destination a distinctly wild vibe, and the nearby fishing village is filled with friendly locals, strong rum shops and quaint restaurants serving up classic Barbados fare.
Practical Info
Bathsheba Beach is located on the central eastern coast of Barbados in the parish of Saint Joseph. Strong undertows make swimming at this beach rather risky, so it’s best to stick to soaking in the protected pools.
Address: Barbados
From $ 145
Bermuda Railway Trail
The Bermuda Railway Trail is a series of trails for walkers and cyclists that follows along the path of the short-lived Bermuda Railway, which was finished being built in 1931 and ceased operation by 1948 due to it falling into massive disrepair. The Bermuda Railway Trail differs in terms of difficulty level and has sections ideal for beginner or advanced cyclists and hikers. The Bermuda Railway Trail stretches from one end of Bermuda to the other and covers 18 miles. For those wanting to experience the trail by bike, you don’t need to worry about how to pack a bicycle on a plane as there are many bike rental shops in Bermuda.
Parts of the trail are paved while other sections are still dirt. Regardless of the floor of the trail, the Bermuda Railway Trail is surrounded by the beauty of Bermuda and leads you along the coast, through inland forests and past historical sites like lighthouses and old forts. Nature reserves such as the 59-acre Spittal Pond Nature Reserve are also located along the Bermuda Railway Trail and make for a great diversion from cycling or as an added spot to hike through.
Practical Info
A common place to start the Bermuda Railway Trail is in Sandys Parrish, where you can do a scenic four mile walk or head farther into the island via bicycle. A bike rental will run you about $40 to $50 per day.
Address: Bermuda
From $ 80
Barbados Parliament Buildings
Historic Bridgetown has a Colonial feel reminiscent of a miniature England, and on a visit to the Barbados Parliament Buildings, travelers can learn what it means to be a part of the former British Commonwealth. The Barbados Parliament was established back in 1639—which makes it the Commonwealth’s third oldest, behind only Britain and Bermuda. The gorgeous, Neo-Gothic buildings were completed in 1874 and give the historic district the feel of Victorian England. Unlike some other Caribbean architecture that is decaying and in disrepair, the Barbados Parliament Buildings are exquisitely maintained to the point where you just might find yourself staring and gawking in the middle of the street.
Aside from the spectacular, external appearance, it’s inside the Museum of Parliament and National Heroes Gallery where visitors can learn the fascinating history of Barbados. Located inside the West Wing, the Museum of Parliament tells the island’s history through stunning photographs and videos, and shows visitors what life was like through various historical eras. You’ll also find info on influential figures who have helped to shape the nation. Visitors will leave with a deep, well-rounded knowledge of this historic Caribbean nation.
Practical Info
There is no photography, video, food or drink allowed inside the museum. Visitors must also be properly clothed, and no beachwear is allowed. The Parliament Buildings are closed to the public whenever Parliament is in session.
Did You Know? The famous clock tower, which can be seen from much of historic Bridgetown, was damaged in a 2010 tropical storm and was stuck on the time of 2:12 for years until it was fixed.
Address: Broad Street, Bridgetown, Barbados
Hours: The Museum of Parliament is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10am-4pm, and on Saturday from 10am-3pm.
Admission: $10 for adults
From $ 25
Basseterre
One of the oldest towns in the Eastern Caribbean, Basseterre is the capital of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis in the West Indies, making it an excellent jumping off point for exploration in the area. Owing to centuries of French and British colonial rule, this small hub of a now sovereign state is a delightful combination of European history and culture and island living, tourism and opportunities for repose.
Basseterre’s small, protected harbor is its most distinctive physical feature. The city itself is dived into two main areas, The Circus, which is geared towards tourists, and Independence Square, which contains the cathedral, courthouse and most of the older buildings. As the cultural and commercial center of the Federation, there are an assortment of iconic regional businesses, breweries, craft markets, museums, monuments, heritage sites, eateries and pubs. Points of interest include St. George's Anglican Church, which has endured fires, demolition, and hurricanes since 1670, the National Museum, Fort Thomas, and the Springfield Cemetery and Chapel.
Basseterre’s small, protected harbor is its most distinctive physical feature. The city itself is dived into two main areas, The Circus, which is geared towards tourists, and Independence Square, which contains the cathedral, courthouse and most of the older buildings. As the cultural and commercial center of the Federation, there are an assortment of iconic regional businesses, breweries, craft markets, museums, monuments, heritage sites, eateries and pubs. Points of interest include St. George's Anglican Church, which has endured fires, demolition, and hurricanes since 1670, the National Museum, Fort Thomas, and the Springfield Cemetery and Chapel.
Practical Info
Due to its tropical latitude and lush green surrounding hills, St. Kitts is an ideal travel destination year-round. Both the Circus and Independence Square are excellent locales for the entire family, with plenty of options appropriate for children and adults alike.
Transportation around the city and surrounding area is accessible and affordable, with 5 bus lines servicing the Ferry Terminal, local colleges, and other significant destinations.
Transportation around the city and surrounding area is accessible and affordable, with 5 bus lines servicing the Ferry Terminal, local colleges, and other significant destinations.
Address: Basseterre, St. Kitts, St Kitts and Nevis
From $ 34
Barker's National Park
The Cayman Islands' first-ever national park was created around the northern end of West Bay, in an area called Barker’s National Park. Here you can find a long stretch of undeveloped beach alongside mangrove forests, where you can go for a hike or join a horseback-riding excursion. You can also see the park as part of a West Bay bike tour.
Whether you’re hiking, biking or riding the trails in the park, keep an eye out for wildlife like the brown pelicans and green iguanas that make their homes here. However, don’t expect to find much in the way of facilities, as the park is simply a preserve without any ranger station or bathrooms to visit while you’re there. Luckily, it’s located just a few minutes from the town of West Bay.
Practical Info
To reach Barker’s National Park, follow signs to Pappagallo Restaurant, which sits just outside the park boundary. If you’re visiting the park from George Town, the drive is about 25 minutes long. Visiting the park on your own is free, but you can pay for guided biking or horseback riding tours.
Address: West Bay, Cayman Islands
From $ 300
Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations
The Ayo and Casibari rock formations are popular stops on many Aruba tours, despite the fact that they are basically piles of rocks woven with cacti. These natural structures offer a unique view of the volcanic forces on Aruba. Some intrepid travelers clamber on top of them to score panoramic views of the island.
The Basics
Northeast of Hooiberg, Aruba, the Ayo and Casibari rock formations were purportedly used by the indigenous Arawak people to listen for approaching thunderstorms. The Arawak also carved paintings (known as petroglyphs) into the rocks during religious rituals. The formations are free to visit, and make a good spot to give the family a fun geology lesson. These structures are often included as a stop on island tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There are walking trails and steps to make exploring easier.
- Wi-Fi is available at the Casibari rock formations, along with on-site food and drink.
- Restrooms are available for a fee.
How to Get There
The Ayo formations are located near Ayo village, about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from the Natural Bridge toward Casibari, and about 20 minutes’ drive from the cruise ship terminal. The Casibari Formations are about 2 miles inland, between the Natural Bridge and Oranjestad; they’re on the way to Ayo, about 15 minutes from the terminal.
When to Get There
The formations are free to visit anytime, but if you want to avoid crowds and heat, it’s best to go early in the morning or late in the evening. In general, Aruba’s weather is warm year-round, with an average temperature of 82°F (28°C), so any time is the right time, but attractions will be more crowded during winter months when tourists want to escape colder climes.
Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins
A quick 7-minute drive north of the Ayo formations, the Bushiribana Gold Mill ruins are the remains of an ancient gold smelter built by prospectors in the late 1800s. The ruins are free to visit and explore, and offer a different perspective on Aruba, where gold was mined during the 19th century.
Address: Hooiberg, Aruba
From $ 40
Bayahibe
Just 10 miles to the east of La Romana lies the relaxing beach town of Bayahibe. Originally a sleepy fishing village, Bayahibe has retained its laidback atmosphere and has a small, easily walkable downtown area. Visitors to the town will enjoy the colorful buildings, the excellent seafood and the shops sellings artisan crafts.
While the town of Bayahibe is fun to explore and walk around, the real draw is its gorgeous coastline. The beach has soft, nearly white sand that borders clear turquoise water. The clarity of the water makes this an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving, and there is a conveniently located local dive shop where you can rent equipment. Others may choose just to relax on the sand underneath the many palm trees growing around the beach.
Bayahibe is also a gateway to the nearby island of Saona, located 45 minutes away.
Practical Info
The town of Bayahibe is accessible by car and you can arrive via the Coral highway from the east or highway #3 from the west. A sample taxi fare from La Romana Airport to Bayahibe is about $35.
Address: Bayahibe, Dominican Republic
From $ 85
Bacardi Rum Factory
The Bacardi Rum Factory is entwined with the history of the Caribbean itself, and the factory’s new visitor center traces the company’s early roots as a small distillery in Cuba through American Prohibition, the Cuban Revolution, and beyond. Today, Bacardi is a well-known brand with a global presence, and its factory in Puerto Rico is the largest premium rum distillery in the world.
The Basics
Bacardi may evoke memories of late-night parties or mojitos on the beach, but there’s island history and culture too to be explored on a tour too. There are three tour options: the Historical Tour, the Rum Tasting Tour, and the Mixology Tour, and each opens with a welcome cocktail. Combine a visit with a guided tour of Old San Juan for a more holistic look at regional history.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Bacardi Factory is open daily with shorter Sunday hours.
- The tour is a must-do for history buffs and those seeking insight into Caribbean culture.
- Bring your photo ID if you plan to drink and are 18 years or older.
- You may be buzzed by the end of the visit—be sure to arrange safe transportation to your next destination.
How to Get There
A ferry ride will get you from Pier 2 in Old San Juan to Cataño, where you can catch a shuttle or taxi to the Bacardi Factory. Driving is not recommended for those doing the tasting tour or mixology tour, but designated drivers can take Highway 1 from Old San Juan to 22 West and then take the exit for Cataño.
When to Get There
The Bacardi Factory is open daily until 4:30pm, making it an easy activity to tack onto your San Juan itinerary. It is most popular in the afternoon and on weekends, so plan to visit earlier in the day (or earlier in the week) if you want a more intimate tour experience.
Viva Cuba Libre
Bacardi claims that the famous mix of rum and Coke with a lime, or Cuba Libre, was invented by American soldiers stationed in Cuba during the Spanish-American war. Regardless of origins, you can enjoy the drink knowing it has withstood the test of time. Pick up a bottle of rum in the gift shop to take the experience home.
Address: Route 165, Km 6.2, Cataño 00962, Puerto Rico
Hours: Tours: Mon - Sat 9am - 4:30pm, Sun 10am - 4:30pm
Admission: Tour prices vary.
From $ 13
Betty's Hope Sugar Plantation
Betty's Hope Sugar Plantation is the historic site of the first large sugar plantation on Antigua, built during the late 1600s by Sir Christopher Codrington who named it after his daughter. All that remains today are the ruins of a stillhouse and two large stone windmills, one of which has been restored, with working gears, crushing rollers and a sail all built to period specifications. The local government is developing the area as an open-air museum, and a small visitor’s center offers information about how sugar cane was processed here, and about the hardships of the African slaves who toiled in its production.
Practical Info
Betty’s Hope Sugar Plantation can be found on the east side of the island, amid rolling hills with panoramic views of Antigua’s east coast and the Atlantic Ocean. To get here from St. John’s is about 25 minutes by car, heading east along Sir Sydney Walling Highway.
Address: Antigua and Barbuda
Hours: Daily 24/7
From $ 110
Bioluminescent Bay
By daylight, Fajardo's bioluminescent lagoon appears just as scenic as any other bay on the tropical Puerto Rican coastline. But come nightfall, the Laguna Grande bio bay glows fluorescent with every movement and splash, thanks to the presence of microscopic plankton that thrive in the shallow Caribbean waters. Read on to learn how to take your own memorable Bio Bay tour.
The Basics
Bio bay tours allow visitors the chance to set the water aglow and create a trail of light with every stroke of a kayak paddle. To see the bioluminescence, night trips are offered around the cycles of the moon, with ideal timing on the darkest nights. These guided kayak tours are available departing from San Juan or Luquillo, which is only nine miles (15 kilometers) away. It’s common to couple kayaking with an afternoon nature walk to La Mina Falls in the nearby El Yunque National Forest.
What to Expect When Visiting the Bioluminescent Bay
Bio bay kayaking trips frequently set out in the early evening around sunset, launching from Las Croabas with a tour guide or instructor. These kayak tours travel through a dense collection of mangrove trees under a total canopy of darkness, and once you’re out of the mangrove tunnel, the stars above provide the only light by which to view the glowing waters, where the tips of your paddles will slowly begin to glow as they strike the liquid surface. There’s no swimming in the bay during this popular Puerto Rico vacation activity, but it’s easy to pass your hand through the water over the side of your kayak.
How to Get There
Laguna Grande is located in the Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve just off the shores of Fajardo, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) or an hour’s drive east of Old San Juan, a major tour departure point.
Why Does the Bio Bay Glow?
Although the glowing water often gives visitors a magical feeling, this spectacular natural wonder is actually caused by pyrodinium bahamense, single-celled organisms that glow when disturbed. The bay is surrounded by red mangrove trees, native to the surrounding El Yunque rainforest, that provide vitamin B12 to the marine plankton and create the perfect environment for their survival. There are only a handful of places in the world where this natural phenomenon is consistently found, two others of which are also on Puerto Rico, the Island of Enchantment: at Mosquito Bay on Vieques Island and the bay at La Parguera.
Address: Laguna Grande, Fajardo, Puerto Rico
From $ 54
Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo
Fuchsia-pink flamingoes are the highlight at the on-site zoo, but it’s the fish that win all the accolades at Bermuda’s well-regarded Aquarium, one of the territory’s most popular attractions.
Audio guides provide information about the specimens displayed in each tank, which are kitted out to re-create Bermuda’s marine ecosystems.
On show are around 200 species of fish, plus a living coral reef (the first in the world) that’s a must-see if you’re planning on doing any diving while in Bermuda, preparing you for the wonders of the deep that await.
Along with parrot fish, puffers and groupers, there are loggerhead turtles, sharks and green turtles. Seal-feeding time is especially popular, along with interactive tours.
The natural history museum is ideal for families, with hands-on discovery activities and animal storytelling for younger kids. The museum’s exhibits provide a fascinating overview of Bermuda’s plants and animals, with fossils, taxidermied creatures, shells and geological specimens to browse.
Audio guides provide information about the specimens displayed in each tank, which are kitted out to re-create Bermuda’s marine ecosystems.
On show are around 200 species of fish, plus a living coral reef (the first in the world) that’s a must-see if you’re planning on doing any diving while in Bermuda, preparing you for the wonders of the deep that await.
Along with parrot fish, puffers and groupers, there are loggerhead turtles, sharks and green turtles. Seal-feeding time is especially popular, along with interactive tours.
The natural history museum is ideal for families, with hands-on discovery activities and animal storytelling for younger kids. The museum’s exhibits provide a fascinating overview of Bermuda’s plants and animals, with fossils, taxidermied creatures, shells and geological specimens to browse.
Practical Info
The aquarium, museum and zoo are in the center of Bermuda on the southern edge of Harrington Sound, 20 minutes by bus from Hamilton.
Address: 40 North Shore Road, Flatts Village, Bermuda
Admission: Varies
From $ 75
Bath Hotel and Spring House (Old Bath House)
Thought to be the first tourist hotel in all of the Caribbean, the opulent Bath Hotel was built on Nevis in 1787 to provide visitors easy access to the on-site volcanic hot springs. The mineral laden waters from the Bath Stream were believed to have healing properties, and the water temperature consistently stays around 107 degrees thanks to underground volcanic activity.
Over the centuries, the hotel and the original spring house have experienced cycles of disrepair and restoration—today the hotel is partially used as government offices—but visitors can still take to the waters in the stream itself or in a bathing pool on the grounds. After a soak, take time to explore the once immaculately manicured property, home to the “Garden of Jericho,” where Captain Horatio Nelson’s wedding was held in 1787.
Practical Info
To reach the Bath Hotel, drive south from Charlestown on Main Street and take a left after crossing the Bath Stream. The original Bath Hotel and Spring House are not open, but at the base of the hotel you’ll find a newly constructed, small bathing pool that is free and open to the public.
Address: Charlestown, Nevis, St Kitts and Nevis
From $ 84
Baby Beach
Gentle surf and waist-high waters earned Baby Beach its name and reputation as one of the most popular beaches for kids in the Caribbean. Add in soft, sugar-like sand and waters as warm as a bathtub, and it’s no wonder this sheltered man-made lagoon on the southeastern tip of Aruba is popular among locals and visitors alike.
The Basics
Baby Beach is one of the most sought-after spots in the Caribbean paradise of Aruba. Although it’s easy enough to spend a day relaxing on the sand and snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea with a population of angel fish, blowfish, and eels, taking a guided tour offers the addition of informative commentary and exciting touring options. Travelers can explore Aruba on a Land Rover or Jeep adventure that combines a stop at Baby Beach with attractions such as the Seroe Colorado Natural Bridge, California Lighthouse, Arikok National Park, and Ayo and Casibari rock formations, with the added benefit of learning about the island’s history and culture from a tour guide. Many tours include lunch, use of snorkeling equipment, and round-trip transportation from Aruba hotels. Those arriving by cruise ship can book a shore excursion to ensure perfectly timed travel to Baby Beach and other must-see Aruba attractions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Baby Beach can get crowded; arrive early to find a good spot for your towel.
- There is no public restroom, so bring cash for bathroom access.
- This beach is popular among families with young kids and those who are new to snorkeling.
- Beach chairs, snorkel gear, and windscreens are available to rent.
- There is a restaurant and refreshment stand at the beach.
How to Get There
The easiest way to visit Baby Beach is on a guided tour, which takes you to Baby Beach’s remote location on far end of Aruba and then back to a more central point, or even back to your hotel. Those traveling independently can rent a car for the 45-minute drive from Palm Beach or take a bus from Oranjestad to San Nicolas, and then either walk or find a taxi to the beach.
When to Get There
Arrive early in the day for the best chance of scoring a good spot. Aruba is a year-round destination, with January to March being the most popular months. April to August is equally nice but with fewer crowds.
Lago Colony History
The nearby area of Seroe Colorado was once known as the Lago Colony, a small town of primarily United States citizens living in Aruba. The colony was mainly supported by the Lago Oil and Transport Company, which operated for 60 years before closing in 1985. Some original houses still remain in the area.
Address: Seroe Colorado, Aruba
Hours: Daily
Admission: Free
From $ 37
Berkeley Memorial
The Berkeley Memorial is a historic green structure presiding over Basseterre’s main center in the middle of the Circus. It features a fountain and a clock with four different faces, each of them positioned in the direction of the four streets leading to the Circus. The memorial is in honor of Thomas Berkeley, a president of the General Council in the 1880s.
You can visit the Berkeley Memorial as part of a walking tour through Basseterre, taking in the National Museum, the courthouse and the town’s churches. Visiting the memorial can also be combined with a sightseeing trip to Brimstone Hill Fortress and a visit to the beach. To really appreciate the landscape, history, and culture of St Kitts, join a full- or half-day island panoramic tour.
Insider’s Tip: Though the climate in St Kitts is tropical, you might want to note that Basseterre's rainy season runs from May to November when selecting a walking tour of the city.
Practical Info
The Berkeley Memorial is hard to miss if you’re in Basseterre. It’s located in the center of the Circus (named after London’s Piccadilly Circus).
Address: The ‘Circus’, Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis
From $ 25
Black River
The Black River is one of the longest rivers in Jamaica and flows west for 33 miles until it empties into the sea. The name derives from the river’s dark riverbed, which has obtained its hue from thick layers of decomposing vegetation that has stacked up over the years beneath the water. The Black River is easily accessible from the popular vacation spot of Negril and provides several different activities to fill a day with fun during your vacation in Jamaica.
Tubing and kayaking down the Black River are adventurous ways to experience the rapids here, and with the thick rainforest trees and plants surrounding the water, you’ll feel like you’re twisting and dipping your way through a tropical paradise, all while getting an adrenaline rush.
In a calmer part of Black River, close to the Caribbean Sea and the actual town of Black River, crocodile spotting is a popular pastime, and boats with expert guides take travelers out to the spots where crocodiles typically spend their days. See just how many you can spot of the hundreds that call the riverbed home.
YS Falls is also along the river and is made up of multiple levels of waterfalls with swimming holes at the bottom of each.
Practical Info
The most convenient way to reach the Black River is via an excursion, which will pick you up from your hotel, provide you with what you need for the day’s activities and then drop you back off at your hotel. If you’ve rented a car, it is also possible to explore the Black River on your own.
Address: Negril, Jamaica
From $ 50