Cruise guide in the Caribbean

The Caribbean has turned out to be a very popular destination during these last years, so cruise ships have created specific routes in several countries that include the Caribbean islands. In this post, we will highlight their fantastic beaches, cultural activities that are a must which features adventure parks, archaeological sites and more!

Caribbean cruises have three main routes, which are:

1. Eastern Caribbean Route

Tortola: Is known for being the capital of the British Islands, making it the most populated island of this archipelago, it is famous among eco-tourists as it has several ecological tours. A popular tour here is the swim with dolphins in Dolphin Discovery Tortola, but you also can visit the Park National Gorda Peak, or perform a water sport such as diving, water skiing, snorkeling, and windsurfing. To be able to visit this paradisiacal place an access permit is required and to have a valid passport.

The Bahamas: Its capital is Nassau and the most important fishing tournament is done in July, when this happens, people from different countries meet to witness this event along with the beauty of the beautiful landscape. It is important to mention that diving and snorkeling are the most popular activities carried out within the island. Other alternative activities are excursions to Cayo Big Major, excursions along the coast of Nassau, Gastronomic walking tours, etc.

Puerto Rico: It has a landscape of mountains, waterfalls, and tropical forest. It is currently famous for being the birthplace of several urban music artists, for its paradisiacal beaches and for being close to Vieques Island which is known for its bioluminescent bay. However, its main attractions are the El Yunque National Forest, the San Felipe del Morro Castle, the Flamenco Beach and the Isla Verde Park nature reserve.

Panoramic view of Puerto Rico

Anguilla: This island is one of the 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories under the supervision of the United Nations Decolonization Committee. It has 33 fine sand beaches and is characterized by its subtropical climate with an average temperature of 27 ° C. the most attractive activities for tourists are the cane plantation haciendas that are now museums, swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery and the visit to the Roman Catholic Church of Saint.

Dominican Republic: It is known for its resorts and golf areas. This country is made up of tropical forests, savanna, and highlands, including the peak Duarte which is the highest mountain in the Caribbean. If you decide to visit the Dominican Republic, you must visit its cathedrals, which are more than five centuries old and have the Gothic style of that time. Other activities or places to visit are the Haitises National Park, Dolphin Discovery, Cayo Levante, Isla Catalina, and the Cathedral Basilica María de la Encarnación.

Haiti: Its most populated city is Puerto Principe, which is also its capital. Some fun fact of this island are:

• Its languages are Creole Haitian and French,

• Haiti is a very rich culture,

• One of its natural wonders is the endemic butterfly Abaeis nicippiformis.

Some activities that can be done in Haiti visit the Citadel of Laferrière, the National Pantheon Museum of Haiti, Marché en Fer, Bassin Bleu (Park with jungle water basins).

Panoramic view of Haiti

2. Western Caribbean Route

Cayman Islands: These islands are particularly popular with divers, as the best season to visit this paradise is from December to May. We can tell that the most famous activities of this island are the turtle farm, Dolphin Discovery Grand Cayman, Dolphin Cove Grand Cayman, horseback riding and Rum Point.

Costa Rica: Known for its beaches, volcanoes, culture, while a quarter of its territory is part of protected jungles. The places you can visit are the National Museum of Costa Rica, the Historical Agricultural Technology Museum of Santa Ana, the Arenal Volcano, the Irazú Volcano.

Jamaica: This island is distinguished by being the birthplace of the reggae singer Bob Marley, which has been used both for tourism and for the exploitation of Reggae music and everything related to it. Some activities or places you can do during your visit are Dunn’s River Falls tour, Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Yaaman Adventure Park, and Dolphin Cove Ocho Rios.

Dolphins In Dolphin Cove

Panama: It is formed by lowlands and has a highly humid climate which is very characteristic of the country, it also houses several South American species. The main attractions of Panama are the San Blas Archipelago, Panama Viejo, Panama Interoceanic Canal Museum, Portobelo, and Insel Zapatilla Beach Panama.

Insel Zapatilla Beach Panamá

Cozumel: Is the largest island in Mexico, which annually hosts thousands of tourists on cruises It is known for its various activities, in which we can find the bests are “El Cielo” Beach, Museum of the Island of Cozumel, Celarain Lighthouse, Dolphin Discovery Cozumel, Chankanaab park, and San Miguelito Mayan Ruins.

View of Cozumel

3. South Caribbean route.

Aruba: An autonomous country and full of resorts, shopping centers, and nightlife, although in a part of this country is the Arikok National Park that protects a landscape of desert sand, large cactus and nature. In Aruba, you can walk through the streets freely and safely and be welcomed by warm people. The places you must visit are the Airkok National Park, Palm Island, California Lighthouse, and Baby Beach.

Bonaire: The climate of this island is semi-arid tropical, although in the north of the island you will find mountainous elevations. In the interior of the island, there are saltwater lakes and one of the most attractive is Goto Lake, which is inhabited by more than 20,000 flamingos. Within these places, you can also appreciate the flora and fauna and protected areas in the National Park, where more than 195 species of birds have been located. The most famous places for tourists are Klein Bonaire, Washington Slagbaai National Park, Sorobon Beach, and the flamingo sanctuary.

Martinique:Reflects a culture of influences from France and the Antilles. Its largest city, Fort-de-France, In the main garden of this island is a statue of Josefina de Beauharnais, who was originally from the island and was the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte.

To the north of the island is the start of the imposing Mount Pelée, which is another option for tourists since it offers a wonderful view from the top of this active volcano, among other options are the Balata Garden, Habitation Clément, Plage des Salines, Anse Noire, Schœlcher Library.

Santa Lucia: It has a volcano that is currently extinct, but in its last eruption, it gave the island two mountains known as the Pitons. You should also visit its Diamond botanical garden which has small waterfalls channeled by the volcano, being one of the main attractions of this island.

St. Kitts: The island of San Cristóbal is located just in front of the island of Nieves and together they form the Federation of San Cristóbal y Nieves. A curious fact is that only two airlines fly directly to this island despite being a small island you can do activities and visit wonderful places such as Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, Frigate Bay, Mount Liamuiga, Cockleshell Bay, swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery Saint Kitts.

Lagoon Junco St. Kitts

As you can tell now, the Caribbean is a world to discover from emblematic islands like Tortola, to full of reggae like Jamaica. Tell us which route you would like to do and why!