Many islands may be small, but they are packed with a lot of fun. There are so many great islands to visit that it can be hard to determine where to go. We’ve put together our top list of places of interest on the islands that you can use as a guide the next time you are planning a tropical vacation.
Virgin Islands
Estate Little Princess, St. Croix
This plantation is 24 acres and features walking trails that give spectacular views of Christiansted Harbor, great houses and 19th century sugar mills. The Nature Conservancy owns Estate Little Princess and they pay special attention to the upkeep of the plantation as well as the native plants that surround it.
Trunk Bay, St. John
Trunk Bay is one of the most popular beaches on St. John. It features very fine, powdery sand. Because of its crystal clear turquoise water it is an excellent place to scuba dive and snorkel.
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
Charlotte Amalie is filled with historic buildings and sites. Some of these include Lutheran Church, Fort Christian and Grand Hotel. It’s also an excellent place to shop and find one of a kind treasures to take home.
Cayman Islands
Stingray City
Stingray City is one of the most popular attractions in the Cayman Islands, but you will probably have to scuba dive to get there. The water is only about 12 feet deep, but is filled with thousands of stingrays. Some of these amazing creatures are about 6 feet in diameter. They have become so tame that you can snorkel right next to them and they will come up to you and brush you with their belly as a way of begging for food.
Cayman Brac’s Caves
Some people visit the Cayman Islands just to see the Brac’s Caves. These caves include Peter’s Cave which gives an amazing view of the South Side Bluffs, The Bat’s Cave that is rather large and has small bats hanging around above you and The Great Cave with an amazing display of rock formations inside of it. An interesting fact about these caves is that the residents have actually sought shelter in them when a severe storm has come their way.
Pedro St. James
This national historic site has been transformed after a period of 7 years which cost over 7 million dollars. Pedro St. James is the country’s first national landmark. The grounds consist of vegetable gardens, a theater and a Great House. It is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily and admission costs $10. Children under 12 are free if accompanied by a paying adult.
Dominican Republic
27 Waterfalls of Damajagua
Seeing the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua is more than just an experience, it’s an adventure. Visitors have to make their way through canyons, hike through the forest and climb the many ladders, rocks and ropes that await them. It’s all worth it to get to the top and slide down the falls
Las Galeras
The Dominican Republic can be a little hectic at times. Sleepy little towns like Las Galeras offer an escape from it all. Visitors can relax on the beach surrounded by beautiful palm trees. For those that want to partake in a little bit of adventure in the evenings they can do some dolphin or whale watching at Restaurant El Cabito.
Santo Domingo
The New World’s oldest city is Santo Domingo. It’s filled with restored mansions, cobblestone streets and a lot of interesting character. What’s interesting about this city is that there are glimpses of both the past and present everywhere.
Costa Rica (Central America)
Tortuguero National Park
If you love turtles then Tortuguero National Park is the place to go. It’s known as the Caribbean’s turtle breeding ground. Four out of eight of the world’s entire species of marine turtles reside there. The West Indian manatee also calls Tortuguero National Park home. In addition to the unique wildlife there’s many different lagoons and rivers to explore.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
You don’t have to be on an airplane or go skydiving to get an up close view of a cloud. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has a humidity of about 100% which means that it is immersed in clouds. Over 3,000 different species of plants and animals live at the reserve as well.
Tamarindo
The beaches of Tamarindo are easily accessible and the weather is almost always good to splash around in the crystal clear water and have a good time. It is a popular destination for tourists for good reason. There’s plenty to do and the locals are very accommodating to visitors.
