Hot List : Thrilling Caribbean Getaways

By Don Nichols

Yes, glorious white-sand beaches lure throngs of visitors to the many postcard-perfect islands strewn throughout the Caribbean; but, for those sunseekers who want to do more than just chill on an idyllic beach, amazing adventures guaranteed to get the adrenalin pumping await. To get your juices flowing, put these five thrills on your must-do list.

BONAIRE: SOAR ACROSS THE WATER

On this Dutch island, consistent offshore winds blow at an average of 17 to 22 knots nearly year-round, making the isle a prime location for kiteboarding. The fast-paced action takes place at Atlantis Beach on the isle’s southern tip where flat, warm, and crystal-clear water makes the fun suitable for all levels, with supervision. With a wide bay, there’s plenty of room for newbies to try their hand at the sport, and for the experienced to learn new tricks. Local kiteboarding companies offer lessons and equipment rentals.

KITEBOARDING IN BONAIRE

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME

Every year, from January through April, up to 7,000 humpback whales migrate from northern Atlantic to the waters off the north coast of the Dominican Republic to mate and nurse newborn calves. In the Silver Bank sanctuary, about 130 kilometres off Puerto Plata, nature-lovers can do something especially exhilarating: swim and dive with these giant creatures. Three local operators offer these day tours from just outside Puerto Plata. Up to 2,000 of these humpbacks also spend time in Samaná Bay on the northeastern coast. Whale-watching expeditions (but with no in-water encounters) leave from Santa Bárbara de Samaná. From land, the curious can watch the whales at the Punta Balandra Observatory, about 14 kilometres northeast of Santa Bárbara.

ST. LUCIA: CHALLENGE YOURSELF WITH A HIGH ADVENTURE

St. Lucia’s two pitons – Gros Piton and Petit Piton – are attention-grabbers. But if you want to test yourself, do more than look at these natural wonders. Lace up your hiking boots and ascend Gros Piton (hikes up Petit Piton aren’t government-sanctioned because it’s steeper and more difficult to navigate). Using a guide is recommended, and you can find one in the towns of Soufrière or Fond Gens Libre, where an interpretive centre will orient you to the trek ahead. Start early in the morning because the hike, each way, takes three to six hours, depending on your physical ability. The sweat you’ll likely work up is a small price to pay for the jaw-dropping views from the top.

SWIMMING WITH HUMPBACK WHALES ©DON NICHOLS

BELIZE: TAKE A DEEP DIVE

Considered one of the world’s best dives, the Great Blue Hole is found more than 70 kilometres off the coast of Belize City, near the centre of the Belize Lighthouse Reef, the largest reef system in the northern hemisphere. By no means an easy underwater adventure, it’s best explored by experienced divers or resort-certified divers with enough training. Views of large stalactites and stalagmites reward those who take the plunge into its depths. Its marine residents, including giant groupers and sharks, add to the dive’s appeal.

TURKS & CAICOS: SEE AN ENDANGERED SPECIES

Rock iguanas once occupied all the islands in the Turks & Caicos; but, now endangered, they’re found mainly on Little Water Cay off the northeast coast of Providenciales, home to most of the island’s resorts. Thanks to conservation efforts, the iguanas are rapidly multiplying and roam all over this uninhabited nature reserve. Kayak or take a boat tour to the isle to eyeball these docile creatures. See them from two looping boardwalks on the cay’s north and south sides.

TURKS AND CAICOS ROCK IGUANA ©NATURE STILL PHOTOGRAPHY

THE BLUE HOLE IN BELIZE