For the more adventurous and water-loving travelers, the Caribbean boasts some of the best snorkeling and hiking trails in the world.
We traverse cliff edges on some of the best trails in The Bahamas, find dolphins in Guadeloupe and hike a Volcano in Saba.
So, if you’re looking for an active vacation with plenty of opportunities to explore the ocean and trails, here are five of the best Caribbean Islands for snorkeling and hiking.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas is easily the most popular snorkeling and hiking destination in the Caribbean and for good reason. It’s home to various ecosystems, including lush rain forests and mangrove swamps.
This makes it the perfect place for those who want to explore and see as much of the natural world as possible. Hiking and snorkeling are both popular in the Bahamas, with various trails and beaches to choose from.
Some of the best snorkeling spots include Blue Lagoon Island, Exuma Cays Land, Sea Park, and Staniel Cay. Traveling by boat is one of the best ways to see the Bahamas. Bahama catamaran rentals allow you to explore the different islands comfortably and at your own pace.
Blue Lagoon Island is easily some of the best snorkeling in the world. It is home to a wide variety of marine life, including coral reefs, fish, and sea turtles.
Exuma Cays Land offers visitors an opportunity to explore the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. Sea Park and Staniel Cay are also great options for those who want to explore the underwater world but are not experienced enough to go on longer snorkeling excursions.
Some great hiking trails include The Cliffs, Lighthouse Trail, and Gold Rock Beach. The most exciting hiking trail is The Cliffs, which takes hikers along the edge of a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Dominica
Dominica should be at the top of your list if you take snorkeling and hiking seriously. This island is home to some of the most beautiful and varied marine life in the Caribbean. Its lush rain forests are also a hikers’ paradise, with miles and miles of trails to explore.
This island is less touristy, making it perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and get back to nature.
Some of the best snorkeling beaches in Dominica include Champagne Reef, Scotts, and Head Beach & Soufriere Bay.
Scotts is one of the most recommended snorkeling destinations in Dominica. With its clear water and abundance of marine life, this spot is perfect for both beginner and experienced snorkelers. You will see all sorts of fish, coral, and even sea turtles.
The boiling lake and Scott’s Head Trail are the most popular hiking trails on the island. The boiling lake is a natural wonder that you won’t want to miss. It’s about a four-hour hike round trip, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.
Scotts Head Trail is a shorter hike, but it’s no less breathtaking. This trail will take you to the highest point on the island, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Remember to plan ahead so that you can make your visit to Dominica memorable.
St. Lucia
With its dramatic volcanic landscape, it’s no surprise that St. Lucia is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The island’s Piton mountains offer some of the most challenging (and rewarding) trails in the Caribbean. Perhaps the hardest hiking trail on the island is Edmund Rainforest Trail. This trail stretches for seven miles and features a strenuous vertical climb.
Another outstanding hiking trail in St. Lucie is Gros Piton Nature Trail. This moderate hike takes about four hours to complete and offers stunning views of the island’s coastline and rain forests.
Snorkeling is also popular in St. Lucia, with some great spots located off Anse Chastanet beach and near Pigeon Island National Park. These areas are perfect for beginners and offer a chance to see a variety of marine life, including turtles, stingrays, and colorful fish.
Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe is a favorite among nature lovers. It offers pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush rain forests.
Snorkeling is also excellent in Guadeloupe. Some of the best beaches for snorkeling include Plage de la Datcha, Terre-de-Bas, and Plage des Saintes. These three beaches offer excellent snorkeling opportunities, with plenty of coral and fish to be seen. When snorkeling in Guadeloupe, you will likely see barracuda, parrotfish, and even dolphins.
Hiking trails in Guadeloupe include Grande-Terre, Basse-Terre, and La Désirade. The best among these is Grande-Terre, which offers stunning views of the island’s coast. La Désirade is also a great choice for those who want to get away from it all and really explore the wilderness of Guadeloupe.
Saba
This tiny island is often referred to as the “unspoiled queen” of the Caribbean, and it’s easy to see why.
Saba is home to some of the most unspoiled and pristine beaches in the region. It’s also a hiker’s paradise, with miles of trails that wind through lush rain forests. These trails provide visitors with stunning views of the island and its surroundings.
What makes Saba stand out is Mount Scenery. This volcano is the highest point in the entire Kingdom of the Netherlands and offers hikers an unforgettable experience.
What makes Mount Scenery so special is its unique ecology. The mountain is covered in a rainforest that has been untouched for centuries. This makes it the perfect place to see some of the island’s rarest plants and animals. They include the Saba oriole and the saba bat. When hiking on Mount Scenery, remember your safety comes first.
The best snorkeling spots on Saba include Tent Bay, Diamond Rock, and Well’s Bay. Hiking trails to check out include Mt. Scenery Trail and Sandy Cruz Hiking Trail.
Diamond Rock is the most fascinating of these. It is a small island teeming with marine life. Snorkelers can expect to see all sorts of fish, coral, and even sea turtles here.
