Hidden Gems of the Caribbean

It’s no secret that the Caribbean is simply bursting with stunning beaches, vibrant wildlife and heavenly hotels. There’s more to this magical group of islands than just unmatched beauty though. Join us as we take a look at some extraordinary places to visit in the Caribbean that you may not have heard of…

Samana Peninsula, Dominican Republic

The Samana Peninsula has so much to offer, from glowing jungle landscapes to serene, sleepy beaches. You can do a whistle-stop tour of this sliver of land in the south east of the dreamy Dominican, or you could take a trip there and spend days exploring. One thing’s for sure – you’ll be truly in awe of your surroundings here.

You can expect all kinds of wonders on your visit to the Samana Peninsula, from flowing rivers and rolling hills to coffee plantations and hidden-away bays. Some of the top spots to note on your visit include the Salto El Limon waterfall, the gorgeous beach of Playa Rincon and the breathtaking tropical islet of Cayo Levantado.

Konoko Falls, Jamaica

Jamaica is just brimming with exciting and adventurous things to do, and there’s no shortage of strikingly beautiful places to visit. Konoko Falls isn’t quite as busy as some larger, better-known attractions like Dunns River Falls and Martha Brae River, but it has just as much charm and beauty, and it’s one of our favourite hidden gems on the island.

You’ll find this captivating collection of falls flowing through beautiful botanical gardens on jungle-green hills, with impressive views over the parish of Ocho Rios. Your journey will see you climb the falls and cool down in an array of twinkling pools and rippling rapids along the way. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the island, be among the wildlife and try an experience unlike any other.

Topes de Collantes, Cuba

This idyllic nature reserve in the Escambray mountains is the perfect place to get a true taste of Cuba and soak in some of the most incredible scenery in the Caribbean. Topes de Collantes, which is located between Cienfuegos and Trinidad, is home to five smaller parks, each with their own fantastic hiking trails. If you’re a fan of all things outdoors, you’ll simply fall in love with this slice of paradise.

Some of the splendid sights you can expect to see in this park include banana trees, tropical birds, tumbling waterfalls and enchanting caves. Many choose to hike through Topes de Collantes (with a guide – not only is it highly recommended for safety reasons but they’ll know the best spots to take you to), but there are also 4×4 tours for those wanting to save their feet. However you choose to explore, you can expect spectacular scenes that could be straight off a postcard!

Harrison’s Cave, Barbados

Want to see something truly stunning? Head to the heart of beautiful Barbados and into the uplands where you’ll find a crystallised cave over a mile long filled with trickling streams and stretching stalagmites and stalactites. Exploring these fascinating caves is a real adventure and a great way to inject some activity into your lazy, luxurious beach holiday in Barbados.

When you visit this extraordinary place hailed as a ‘natural wonder of the Caribbean’, not only can you venture into the mountains on a tram and be wowed by the caves themselves – you can have outdoor adventures too. In fact, there’s a whole eco-adventure park to enjoy! Think ziplines and high ropes courses people of all ages will love. You can even top your day off with a cocktail or two in tropical surroundings. What could be better?

Great Fort George Monk’s Hill Trail, Antigua

Those who love nothing more than walking the days away through scenic landscapes won’t want to miss this astounding spot in Antigua. Great Fort George Monk’s Hill Trail is famous for its sweeping panoramic views of Falmouth’s twinkling harbour below, so don’t forget your camera for when you reach the peak!

Hiking beneath the Caribbean sunshine might seem a little gruelling at first thought, but the incline on this trail is fairly steady and that view from the top is an ample reward. Your journey will see you pass through a combination of tropical forest and dry desert, by cacti and through old fort walls. If you want to stay active on your Caribbean escape, this walk is a great one to add to your list!

Cayo Arena, Dominican Republic

When you picture a tropical desert island, it’s pretty much the exact vision of Cayo Arena. It’s actually sometimes referred to as Paradise Island, owing to its perfect white sands, totally clear waters and secluded spot in the Caribbean Sea. The island itself is tiny, but there’s plenty of room for sunbathing and enjoying a drink or two in a setting unlike anywhere else!

You’re missing a trick if you visit Cayo Arena and don’t have a go at snorkelling or scuba diving in the idyllic waters surrounding it. You’ll be mesmerised by the sea life here! The colourful coral reefs are swarming with fascinating fish and other interesting creatures, from crabs to octopuses. The waters are unparalleled and there’s plenty of spaces to explore, so be sure to bring your goggles!

Luminous Lagoon, Jamaica

This magical natural attraction in Falmouth, Jamaica, will make your jaw drop. As the name suggests, the Luminous Lagoon quite literally lights up an electric blue because of microorganisms within the water. These particles glow when they’re agitated, so you’ll first see them in the ripples made by your boat, and then you can see for yourself how easy they are to activate with a late-night swim in the lagoon.

When you book a trip to the Luminous Lagoon, you can expect to have a drink at a beachside bar whilst the sun sets before your boat ride, and some excursions include a meal and a traditional fire show after you return from the waters. It goes without saying that this trip needs to be taken at night, so be prepared to put an evening aside on your Jamaican adventure to see this phenomenon for yourself. You won’t regret it!

Yumuri Valley, Cuba

Many people first picture Cuba’s chalky white beaches and bustling cities like Havana when they think of the Caribbean’s largest Island. While all this is amazing and largely what draws people to Cuba, there’s so much more to discover beyond it. Take the breathtaking Yumuri Valley, for example – a beautiful landscape of luscious jungle, flowing rivers and sugar cane fields. It’s total heaven on Earth!

Tourists tend to explore the Yumuri Valley on Jeep safari tours, and this is probably the best way to do it. The Cuban countryside holds so much to explore, from pretty villages tucked away in the hills to tropical foliage and caverns to swim in. A day journeying through this vibrant valley will truly give you memories to last a lifetime.

Ready For The Caribbean?

If you’ve got a taste for adventure and want to have some truly unique experiences in the most tropical and luxurious settings, the Caribbean is for you! Check out our best deals and prepare for paradise.