As your plane flies above the shimmering blue-green waters of the Caribbean, you search for the next sign of land. With the prop spinning wildly outside your window, you might wonder how you’re even being kept in the air. Then, you feel the plane start to descend. Your heart is pounding. Finally, you catch a glimpse of land, an incredible green gem in the vast waters.
Welcome to the Caribbean Islands! We’re going to show you two of the best islands in the Caribbean for ecotourism: St. Lucia and Dominica. You’ll see how much each of these sister islands has to offer to adventurers!
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Dominica is not your typical Caribbean island. If you’re looking for a week of sunbathing and reading near the beach, I suggest you skip this island. However, if you’re in the mood for some incredible adventures, then this is the place for you!
Dominica has gotten the nickname of ‘The Nature Island’, and for good reason. What it lacks in white sandy beaches, it makes up for in beautiful dense jungle, mysterious mist-covered mountains, and warm and friendly people.
When Christopher Columbus returned and was asked to describe Dominica, he allegedly took a piece of parchment paper, crumpled it up and threw it on the table. There is practically no flat surface area on the entire island, with an inactive volcanic mountain range rising straight up in the middle of the island.
Because of this, the island is a fantastic place to go hiking. The Morne Trois Pitons National Park features dozens of different trails. You can spend days wandering through thick rainforest, experiencing the jungle with all its vibrant colours and life.
Boiling Lake is a site that many strive to reach, although not all succeed. If you really want an adventure, I highly suggest this amazing site! The hike covers about 14 miles and travels up and down two mountains in the range. It takes people about eight hours to go and return. The lake is actually the second largest boiling lake in the world, with its water constantly heated by the volcano. The experience really is astounding.
Note: Bring Your Bathing Suit!
If you’re looking to take a dip, you can experience some great adventures in the water. Scuba diving and snorkeling have become very popular on the island, mostly due to the stunning coral reefs that surround it. Head to Champagne Reef and swim through the tiny bubbles that are produced by the volcano. It really is like swimming in champagne!
Also, don’t forget to check out different bodies of water inside the island, such as the hot springs at Screw’s Sulphur Spa, or the many waterfalls such as Trafalgar Falls, Emerald Pool, or Middleham Falls.
Although there is limited camping on the island, there are some very nice eco-resorts. Check out an extensive list here at Caribya!
This lush and dense green island is a mirror of its sister island, only with a bit more of the modern world tacked onto it. Although here there are more beaches to relax on, it’s still a fantastic spot if you want to really take in that rich tropical air. With many natural parks and hiking trails, there is no way you will be bored.
Here are some other interesting things to do:
Literally meaning ‘Freedom Harbor’, this is a fantastic place to set up camp while you’re in St. Lucia. Here, the water is your best friend and you can do all kinds of activities on it, such as scuba diving or kayaking. There’s also many hiking trails based from this point, allowing you to wander through the rich natural beauty of the island. Make sure you have a good camera, because you’ll want to take in all of this beauty! Don’t know how? We’ve got few tips for you here!
This adventure is not for those with a weak stomach! Go flying through the jungle treetops on a zip line and experience the rush of adrenaline as you hurtle downwards out of control! What an incredible feeling!
The Caribbean is a beautiful place to get away from it all and really take in nature at its finest. It is also a beautiful region that we need to ptotect the nature and opt for more sustainable ways to retain its beauty.
Are you looking for a way to travel the Caribbean on a budget? Check out this article and see how to save on your trip with us!