The Caribbean by its very nature is family-friendly. Give most kids a beach and they’re in heaven. While there are scores of resorts throughout the region that cater to families with water parks, children’s and teen’s clubs and live entertainment geared towards the younger set, there’s a world of appealing activities beyond resort walls. Here’s a selection.
Jamaica: One of the best ways to experience the island’s stunning Blue Mountains is to take one of the tour operator-organized bike rides. Travelers coast alongside the serene green beauty without pedaling for miles, and end the excursion with a picnic and dip in a picturesque waterfall. Also on the island, Mystic Mountain Rainforest Adventures in Ocho Rios packs a punch with adrenaline-inducing rides, including a Jamaica Bobsled Ride that calls to mind Jamaica’s iconic Olympic bobsledders. The sleds hurtle along a track, offering sea and jungle views. The park also has a zipline, infinity pool, and butterfly and hummingbird gardens.
Grand Cayman: If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to feed stingrays in waist-deep water, then head to Stingray City. An excursion boat brings vacationers to a submerged sandbar out in the sea, where they can offer a handful of fresh squid. Friendly stingrays will be gliding toward the visitors in search of a snack before they know it. The rays are harmless as long as no one tries to lift them out of the water for a Facebook photo.
Curacao: The Hato Caves make a cool and spooky change of pace from the bright sun of the beach. The more-than-200,000-year-old caves were once home to Arawak Indians and were also a sanctuary for runaway slaves. If anyone in the party is bat-phobic, this might not be the excursion for them, since long-nosed fruit bats flit about overhead.
St. Lucia: The Drive-In Volcano sounds more exciting than it actually is, although it still makes a good peg upon which to hang a day trip. Smoky wisps of sulfur seep from the ground as a guide fills visitors in on the natural history of the volcano. Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens Mineral Baths is adjacent to the volcano; here travelers can take a dunk in the supposedly restorative mineral waters bubbling up from the ground.
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Antigua: The Donkey Sanctuary is close to my heart. Some visitors may brush back a tear, while others may find it underwhelming. On Antigua, donkeys have a habit of wandering off or being abandoned. This poses a threat to motorists and the donkeys as well, who more often than not come out on the losing end of a collision. The Donkey Sanctuary looks after these wayward animals, who go from homeless to loving home. Visitors can “adopt” a donkey for a fee, which will go towards tending these loveable creatures.
Puerto Rico: Visitors to El Yunque National Forest can explore the rain forest by foot or drive along a well-maintained road. Observation towers along the way present spectacular views of land and distant sea. Also on the island, the nighttime excursions on three bioluminescent bays offer kids a real thrill when they dip their hands in the water and see the startling effect. The most famous one is in Vieques; while the most convenient is only a short drive from San Juan.
ACTIVITY GUIDE: Things to do in San Juan
FAMILY VACATION GUIDE: The Caribbean experience
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