With towering palm bushes silhouetted towards idyllic white-sand seashores, the Caribbean actually is a magical vacation spot. But there’s a lot extra to this island chain than picture-perfect seashores or crystal-clear waters.
Lush jungles and putting volcanoes make the Caribbean the right vacation spot for households in search of 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 in relation to planning your journey. In this text, I’ve outlined among the greatest Caribbean islands for teenagers and adventurous households! (Also see my article on the greatest holidays for teenagers.)
Best Caribbean Islands for Teens
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Anyone 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 cheerful household trip. If you have an interest in going past the all-inclusive resort, listed below 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 excellent for rising a large number 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 right island for journey.
Adventurous Things to Do in Grenada
One of absolutely the 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 putting will be seen when strolling the Seven Sisters Waterfall Trail. The path is inside Grand Etang National Park, which is a formidable 1,000 hectares in measurement.
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. At the top of the path are two magnificent waterfalls cascading into swimming pools. You can take pleasure in a swim within the pool under the bigger waterfall which is each refreshing and exhilarating.
Another 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 neglect to admire your environment!
A extra stress-free (however equally enjoyable) approach to take to the water is through 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 essential ecosystems on the planet, scrubbing carbon dioxide from the air whereas additionally offering a secure haven for juvenile fish.
Another of my favourite actions in Grenada is to go on a tour to be taught extra about how Grenada’s well-known spices are produced in addition to sampling some contemporary produce together with Grenadian bananas.
Where to Stay in Grenada
Set on an intimate bay, Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel is the best-rated lodge on the island. The lodge contains 30 luxurious suites that boast panoramic views of the ocean. This is the right place to unwind after a protracted day of journey.
A barely cheaper choice that also oozes luxurious is Mount Cinnamon Resort & Beach Club. You can select from a spread 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
Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, Dominica is a hidden gem within the Caribbean, usually missed by vacationers. It’s referred to as the ‘Nature Island’ and is arguably one of the vital stunning 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 the truth is nonetheless being fashioned by ongoing geothermal-volcanic exercise. The island is being fashioned by 9 energetic volcanoes, by far essentially the most of any island within the Caribbean.
Adventurous Things to Do in Dominica
One of essentially the most adventurous actions that you simply and your loved ones can full in Dominica is a hike to Boiling Lake. This tour will not be one for the faint-hearted because it lasts all day. The hike takes place inside the spectacular Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 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.
Those nonetheless wanting a style for journey however with out marching by way of winding jungle paths all day might want to discover one in all Dominica’s many awe-inspiring black-sand seashores comparable to Calibishie Cove. Backed by forests of sleepy palm bushes, these taking a stroll on this seashore may very well be forgiven for considering they’re on a abandoned island. A river cuts by way of the black sand seashore including to the surreal ambiance.
Other spectacular seashores on Dominica that are properly value a go to embody Batibou Beach and Number One Beach, 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. This is the place the wood jungle hideaway of Tia Dalma (Calypso) is nestled. The river is lined with mangrove forests and is a haven for a wide range of chicken species.
Where to Stay in Dominica
Without a doubt, essentially the most magical place to remain in Dominica is Secret Bay on the northwest coast of the island, a brief distance from a variety of Dominica’s key seashores and points of interest. Secret Bay is an award-winning boutique resort nestled in lush hills overlooking its personal personal seashore. The lodge consists of simply six eco-friendly villas. The reefs simply off the seashore are perfect for snorkeling and are alive with a plethora of marine life.
For those that wish to get as a lot journey as potential 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 through a zipline. The cottages are perched upon a river which has a pure pool in it that’s ultimate for cold-water swimming. Also hidden inside the resort’s huge grounds is a spectacular waterfall which you’ll hike to.
Barbados
Barbados is among the hottest islands within the Caribbean and is legendary for its huge stretch of golden-sand seashores which line the west coast of the island. But this island is a lot greater than only a seashore vacation spot!
The ocean is teaming with marine life and is a improbable place to snorkel atop vibrant reefs in addition to swim alongside majestic turtles. In the inside of the island is a swathe of untouched countryside which is ideal for exploring on horseback.
Adventurous Things 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. Families can go to the wrecks on a ship journey and snorkel above the rusting steel ships while additionally holding an eye fixed out for marine life. Turtles are sometimes noticed in these waters and the wrecks themselves have turn out to be synthetic reefs, now the properties of a spread of colourful fish.
A visit to Barbados wouldn’t be full with out taking the household to Bathsheba seashore on the wild east coast of the island. This seashore is uncooked and untouched, the tough Atlantic ocean crashing towards putting rock formations that are jutting from the golden-sand seashore. Natural rock swimming pools will be discovered alongside this seashore 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 will find yourself on a quiet seashore 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.
Where to Stay in Barbados
For a peak luxurious expertise in Barbados, Sandy Lane is the primary alternative. 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. Guests 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 Beach View Barbados. This family-friendly lodge is ready 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 one in all Barbados’ most unique and fine-dining eating places: The Cliff.
St Vincent and The Grenadines
A sequence of volcanic islands and uninhabited sandbanks to the south of the Caribbean, St Vincent is residence to numerous secluded seashores and among the Caribbean’s greatest snorkeling spots.
St Vincent and the Grenadines is comprised of the primary 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 energetic volcano referred to as La Soufrière which erupted in 2021.
Adventurous Things to Do in St Vincent and The Grenadines
Without a doubt, one in all my favourite issues to do in St Vincent and The Grenadines and one in all my most memorable experiences in all the Caribbean is to go crusing on a catamaran across the smaller islands in The Grenadines. There are so many 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 stunning islands in The Grenadines and homes a really energetic reef. Snorkelers are continuously gifted with sightings of inexperienced sea turtles which will be seen in giant numbers slightly below the water’s floor.
St Vincent’s mainland additionally has a lot to supply for households in search of journey. The island has a wild shoreline dotted with spectacular rock options comparable to caves and rock arches in addition to secret seashores. One of the most effective methods to discover the shoreline is through a ship tour. Tours sometimes take you to a secluded seashore the place you’ll be able to stroll on a black-sand seashore and snorkel over one of many island’s many reefs.
Shrouded by the dense rainforests on St Vincent is Dark View Falls, a set of two spectacular waterfalls that are only a brief hike by way of the jungle. Visitors can take pleasure in a welcome dip within the spacious swimming pools on the base of the falls.
Just 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 supplies guests with sweeping vistas of valleys coated in dense forests. Keep an eye fixed 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.
Where to Stay in St Vincent and The Grenadines
Young Island Resort is an idyllic hideaway simply off St Vincent by itself personal islet. Set amongst 13 acres of tropical gardens are 29 charming personal cottages. The island boasts attractive seashores and is nice for a spot of snorkeling.
Situated on the island of Bequia in The Grenadines is Bequia Beach Hotel, 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.
Those are my prime suggestions if you’re searching for journey within the Caribbean!
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Author 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 overwhelmed path and immersing myself in several cultures. Images are courtesy of Ella McKendrick.
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