Relaxing and luxurious, a Caribbean cruise is an excellent vacation for people of all ages. Whether you’re traveling solo or taking the kids along with you, the entire family is sure to enjoy a trip to sunny Barbados, the Cayman Islands or St. Maarten.
Of course, the cruise is only part of the fun. To get the most out of your vacation, be sure to sign up for some of these seven amazing shore excursions:
1 – Stingray City at Grand Cayman Island
Stingrays are graceful and beautiful. In stingray city, you can enjoy these magnificent creatures up close. People who are feeling a little more adventurous can go snorkeling with these elegant marvels, or you can just enjoy the view through the window of a boat with a glass bottom.
2 – Tubing in Dominica
Travel down the Layou River for an exhilarating experience. The only similarity to a lazy river is the inner tube you will ride in. The Layou River will provide you with an incredible amount of action as you ricochet off rocks, spin along and enjoy the lush vegetation of the area.
3 – Visit the Rainforest in Puerto Rico
El Junque is a beautiful, tropical rain forest in Puerto Rico. Explore waterfalls as you walk along the trails in this stunning natural treasure. You don’t even have to hike through the trails. This rainforest features a paved road, so you could drive up the mountain and enjoy the incredible sights in comfort.
4 – Spend the day in San Juan
If your cruise stops near San Juan, Puerto Rico, be sure to take a tour of the fortress that once defended the island against pirates and other invaders. After you have enjoyed a piece of history in El Morro, head over to Parque de las Palomas to have an incredible experience hand-feeding doves. The park sits right next to Capilla del Cristos, the smallest church in Americas. Layered inside in beautiful gold, you’ll want to find out when it’s open for a tour you will never forget.
5 – Amazing Shopping in Barbados
Shore excursions don’t have to include hikes, snorkeling or historical tours. A shopping trip can give you a feel for the culture, and you will come home with wonderful new treasures. When the ship docks in Barbados, plan on visiting Pelican Village or the amazing Cheapside Market. You will enjoy the local crafts and the local flavor.
6 – Enjoy the Culture with Tea in Barbados
Sunbury Plantation waits to take you stepping back in time 300 years. This restored plantation features an impressive collection of era antiques, silver, furnishings and farm tools. Stop in to enjoy tea and see how life was in the 18th and 19th centuries.
7 – View the River Falls in Jamaica
Dunn’s River Falls are a popular spot for thousands of visitors every year. Rising 600 feet into the air, the view from the falls is incredible and will stay with you for a lifetime. Take a dip in the plunge pools to cool off, and be sure to take your camera along to capture the magnificent views.
If you are heading out on a cruise to the tropical Caribbean, do some research and plan some fun shore excursions. From flying on a zip line to shopping in the quaint shops, you are sure to find activities that are the right pace for you.
About the author: Diane Magruder is a hotel and resort reviewer. While she’s in between destinations, Diane blogs for barbadosholidays.org where you can find great deals on packages for luxury holidays to Barbados. In particular she recommends the Tamarind Cove Hotel, Barbados as a fantastic place to stay.
Credits: Photo courtesy of Angel Janer.