The Caribbean is famous for its sun-kissed beaches and turquoise seas. However, only a few consider it a place ideal for hiking.
Nevertheless, the Caribbean has lush green forests, scenic mountains, and waterfalls that you can trek. A vacation in the Caribbean must include hiking the fantastic mountains in the area.
Where is the best hiking in the Caribbean? Here is a list of the best locations for hiking in the Caribbean.
Where Is The Best Hiking In The Caribbean?
Don’t forget to go on a hike in the fantastic locations in the Caribbean that are mentioned below. They will surely leave you with great experiences and memories to last a lifetime.
- Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica
Dunn’s River Falls near Ochos Rios is an excellent place to channel your inner explorer. It is where Christopher Columbus first stepped on the Jamaican islands.
It is an outdoor tropical playground with a refreshing waterfall underneath. The waterfall cascades in several steps, and it is the best place to cool off and relax amidst the tropical climate.
Dunn’s River Falls is considered one of the best-hiking destinations in the Caribbean.
- Cabrits National Park, Dominica
Dominica, is renowned as a natural island with ample opportunities for outdoor adventures like hiking and exploring. Cabrits National Park is located north of Dominica and lies on a peninsula between two extinct volcanoes.
The park is also bordered by a scenic beach, making it a more beautiful destination for hiking. One of the park’s main attractions is the well-preserved historic ruins of Fort Shirley, believed to have been built in the 1700s.
The historical background of this location, combined with its fame for hiking, makes it the ideal combination that deserves a visit. Feel the ocean breeze on your face as you hike the Cabrits National Park.
- Gros Piton, St. Lucia
Gros Piton is home to some of the best hiking in the Caribbean and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The best way to experience Gros Piton, standing at 2618 feet above sea level, is to hike to the top for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and villages.
The hike becomes challenging in the second half. The halfway point of the trek offers beautiful panoramic views of the sister mountain, also known as Petit Piton.
- Sage Mountain National Park, Tortola
Sage Mountain National Park is set on the picturesque island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. The park spans 86 acres of rainforest and consists of 12 hiking trails.
At 1716 feet, Sage Mountain is the highest point in the British Virgin Islands and the US. Enjoy breathtaking views up the mountain and at its incredible viewpoints.
- Mount Liamuiga, St. Kitts
Mount Liamuiga is a dormant volcano and the highest point in St. Kitts. The hike takes you through the rainforest until you reach the highest viewpoint with breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
It’s a two and half hour’s hike amidst a variety of flora and fauna. You need to climb a staggering 4000 feet, which is all worth it at the end of it.
The highest point provides views of the surrounding islands of Saba, Antigua, St. Martin, St. Baths, Statia, and Nevis.
- Cas Cay, St. Thomas
Cas Cay is an uninhabited island with abundant wildlife and mangrove forests. Its diverse plant and animal life offers hikers a lot of exploration options as well.
While on a hiking adventure at Cas Cay, St. Thomas, you can come across tropical plant species, hermit crabs, and exotic birds.
The island also offers fantastic opportunities for snorkeling in its sparkling turquoise water. You can also catch a glimpse of starfish, parrotfish, pufferfish, and spotted eagle rays while snorkeling at Cas Cay, St. Thomas.
- Vermont Nature Trail. St.Vincent
The Vermont nature trail is a two-mile trail on St. Vincent. It is a trek suitable for individuals of all ages passing forest plantations, cliffs, valleys, and exotic flora and fauna.
It’s a straightforward hike that provides excellent views and glimpses of birds frequenting the region, including the purple-throated Carib and the whistling warbler. Therefore, it is a fantastic hiking location for bird enthusiasts.
- Grand Etang National Park, Grenada
Grand Etang National Park in Grenada, consists of lush vegetation, diverse terrain, and different species of exotic birds.
You can hike up to a crater lake that lies 1700 feet above sea level. The diverse flora and fauna you can catch glimpses of at the park include lizards, frogs, mongooses, armadillos, and monkeys.
What You Need To Take With You When Hiking
Here is a list of essentials to pack when going hiking.
- Hiking backpack
- Clothing for warm and cool temperatures
- Hiking boots
- Plenty of food
- Lots of water
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Knife or multi-tool
- A map or compass for navigation
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Two-way radios
- Personal documents
- Sanitary items
Here is a complete list of items you must remember to pack while hiking. Hiking gear may only sometimes be standard equipment that we use in our daily lives.
For example, you cannot take your EDC flashlight when going hiking. Outlighter explains the features and recommendations of the best flashlights for hiking and outdoor adventure.
Final Thoughts
The Caribbean is excellent for hiking, snorkeling, and outdoor exploration activities.
There are many fantastic hiking spots in the Caribbean, including the ones mentioned above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Caribbean Islands Are Best For Exploring?
The best Caribbean islands for exploring include Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Bahamas, and Grenada.
Is St.Lucia Good For Hiking?
With its natural beauty, St. Lucia offers excellent hiking opportunities. Some of the best hikes in St. Lucia include Pigeon Island National Park, Mount Pimard, Gros Piton Nature Trail, and Petit Piton Trail.
