By Abigail Cattell
With lush rainforests, volcanic mountains, translucent seas and exotic wildlife, there's too much to see and do in the Caribbean to waste all your time lying on a beach. So skip that afternoon tea, bookmark the latest thriller and read on to whet your appetite for adventure.
Underwater Adventures
The coral reef off the coast of Barbados
is two miles long and 60ft high. Estimated to be around 20 million years old,
it's home to a plethora of reef fish in bright colours, green, hawksbill and
leatherback turtles as well as delicate fan coral and anemones. And you can
explore this fascinating marine world without even getting your feet wet! The
award-winning Atlantis submarine explores Clarke's Reef off the west coast of
Barbados in picturesque Freshwater Bay. The submarine has large picture windows
down each side giving you the best view of the underwater world in complete
comfort and safety.
Rainforest Romps
Nestled in the south west corner of Antigua
are the volcanic Shekerly Mountains, a hilly pocket of lush rainforest which
has grown up from the fertile volcanic soils. The area is called Fig Tree Hill,
after the leafy fig banana trees which mix with other tropical foliage. Set
in the middle is Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tours, where you'll find a series
of zip lines, hundreds of feet above ground amidst the wildlife-rich forest
canopy. From the pretty Old Pump House you'll wobble across a suspension bridge,
Indiana-Jones style, before getting ready for this Tarzan-like jungle tour!
Enjoy an exhilarating bird's eye tour of the tropical foliage as you whiz along
nine zip lines between 200 and 300 ft long which criss-cross the gorge up to
350ft high.
Dolphin Discovery
Discover just how intelligent and friendly dolphins really are during a once-in-a-lifetime
experience swimming with these memorable mammals. Cuba
is surrounded by the dolphin-rich Caribbean waters so the dolphins feel right
at home as you enjoy a 30 minute session splashing about the special cove, enjoying
unique interaction with these clever creatures. The dolphins are free to approach
you and often let you touch their smooth, delicate skin. This encounter is a perfect opportunity
to learn more about dolphins.
Plantation Paradise
The dramatic, volcanic isle of St
Lucia may be ringed with beautiful, palm-fringed beaches, but its interior
is even more picturesque with spectacular lush forests covering its striking
mountains. Numerous tours can take you inland to soak up the sights and sounds.
On an inland jeep tour you'll experience the island's dense rainforest for yourself,
smelling the rich, earthy scent and looking out for colourful endemic flora
and fauna. There's an opportunity to get out and view the rainforest, taking
a refreshing dip in a waterfall before lunch. Taste delicious, freshly cooked
local dishes at lunch, served against the breathtaking backdrop of a 300-year
old Plantation House surrounded by cocoa and coffee fields.
If the a Caribbean adventure sounds like the perfect holiday for you and your family, find out more about the latest deals to the Caribbean
Abigail Cattell is a freelance travel journalist who has written for Wanderlust, The Guardian, ASOS Magazine and TTG Luxury.