Hiking in the Caribbean
When you think of the Caribbean, chances are your mind goes to stretches of gorgeous golden sand, warm turquoise waters, and the gentle sound of waves breaking as the sun sets over the horizon. You might not consider the Caribbean when thinking of hiking destinations, but these charming little islands might surprise you!
The Caribbean is not all blue skies and beach bars. The lush, verdant forests and startling peaks that make up the islands’ interior are heaven for adventure-lovers, thrill-seekers, and wildlife fanatics. So when you book a Caribbean cruise next year, why not pack your bags with a spot of hiking in mind, and explore these four islands that offer a perfect combo of paradise beaches and rugged exploration.
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia’s stunning skyline is dominated by the towering twin peaks of dormant volcanoes looming out of the thick green forest. These two Pitons are UNESCO-protected and offer excellent trails for hiking. Climbing Gros Piton (oddly the smaller of the two) is a decent four-hour hike and will reward explorers with astonishing views of the Caribbean from the summit. The Tet Paul Nature Trail is another excellent, less arduous option and is a chance to discover some of the 186 bird species that call the island home, including the rare St Lucia parrot.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
St Kitts is covered in magnificent rainforest, and over a quarter of the island is protected as a National Park. This means it is a great place to explore nature, whether you want a gentle trail to discover the island’s remarkable wildlife, including monkeys, lizards, and hummingbirds, or a serious trek to the Devil’s Tooth at the top of Mount Liamuiga.
Dominica
Dominica has been a popular destination for eco-travelers for years, mainly due to its lack of development compared to other islands in the Caribbean. There are some genuinely magical spots to explore, from hot springs and lush rainforests to a mysterious and exciting boiling lake! It also boasts the first developed hiking trail in the Caribbean, the Waitukubuli National Trail.
St Vincent
Despite being little more than a dot on the map, St Vincent offers a stunning variety of landscapes and scenery for hikers to explore. From leisurely walks along the coast to the magnificent trail up the slopes of La Soufriere, the island’s active volcano, there’s something for everyone here. Don’t miss the trek to Dark View Falls, where you’ll find two splendid cascades stacked on top of each other, shimmering their way down a rocky cliff to the natural basin below.
