What’s hot in the Caribbean? What are the up-and-coming destinations, the most popular things to see and do? If you’re asking yourselves these questions, you have come to the right place.
As part of Viator’s annual “Top Things To Do” lists, we are pleased to announce the Top 25 Things to Do in the Caribbean. The results are based on the actual travel choices made by thousands of Viator.com travelers to the Caribbean in 2008.
See yourself in the Caribbean in 2009?
Top 25 Things To Do in The Caribbean: 2008
The big travel trends this past year were a big jump in travel to both Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. There’s been a lot of press recently about the Dominican Republic, and it’s safe to say that the Dominican Republic is now firmly on the radar of many travelers to the Caribbean. Puerto Rico has seen a similar bump in popularity, driven in part from the looser passport requirements (American citizens don’t require a passport to visit, since it’s a U.S. Territory).
The other big trend? The ongoing popularity of Jamaica and the Bahamas (especially Nassau). We’re also pleased to see St Lucia and St Maarten make the list again this year. Now, without further ado, Viator’s Top 25 Things to Do in the Caribbean for 2008:
25. Jungle River Tubing Safari, Montego Bay or Negril, Jamaica
Navigate the rushing rapids of the Great River in your own tube, floating through the natural beauty of Jamaica with a combination of adrenaline, relaxation and a glimpse of jungle animals.
24. Rick’s Cafe Cruise, Negril, Jamaica
Cruise and snorkel the spectacular reefs in Negril marine park, watch cliff jumping at Rick’s Cafe, visit Pirate’s Cave and enjoy the mesmerizing sunset with fruit punch and Jamaican rum.
23. El Yunque Rainforest Hiking Day Trip, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Walk through the “Forest of Clouds” in this rainforest hike (35 minutes each way) to an amazing world of nature trails, exotic flora, waterfalls, scenic views and endangered wildlife habitat.
22. Jamaica’s Spirit of Reggae, The Bob Marley Experience, Montego Bay, Jamaica
A journey tribute to the King of Reggae, you will travel to Nine Mile village, stand on Mt Zion Rock, learn about the Rastafarian religion, visit Bob Marley’s birthplace and final resting place.
21. Country Adventure Safari, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Head into the countryside past sugar cane plantations, stop at a cigar museum and ‘finca’ where you can sample fruits, vanilla and coffee before lunch and a dip in the river or rest in the ‘hamacas’.
20. Nassau Majestic Lady Dinner Cruise, Nassau, Bahamas
Limbo on the Majestic Lady, with a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet, DJ and fire show for entertainment as you cruise in comfort along Nassau’s picturesque waterfront.
19. Ponce the Pearl City, San Juan, Puerto Rico
A scenic drive through the central mountain range to the lovingly restored mansions of Ponce, unique ‘Pearl of the South’, before visiting Tibes Indian Ceremonial Park and Seralles Castle.
18. Bavaro Splash Speedboat Ride, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Live like James Bond with an aquatic adventure in turquoise sea on your own mini two-seater speed boat, before diving in to see the underwater coral and fish life up close.
17. St Maarten Golden Eagle Cruise, Philipsburg, St Maarten
Relax on a deserted island in true Caribbean style, snorkel or sip rum punch before your gourmet lunch and a relaxing afternoon on the beach, sailing into the sunset as you return.
16. Horseback Ride ‘n’ Swim, Montego Bay or Negril, Jamaica
Saddle up for this spectacular ride on a well trained steed, through tropical rainforest and Jamaican countryside to panoramic mountain views, and ride into the crystal clear Caribbean.
15. Dunns River Falls and Ocho Rios Shopping Tour, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Leisurely stroll through the town’s craft markets, before a sumptuous Jamaican lunch, and afternoon trip to the sparkling waterfalls cascading 600 feet (180 meters) down to the gorgeous beach.
14. El Yunque Rainforest and Luquillo Beach, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Walk through unique plant and animals species in cool mountainous rainforest, and spend the afternoon relaxing and exploring the tranquil waters and golden sand of Luquillo Beach.
#1 in 2008: Dominican Republic dolphin swim
13. Dolphin Encounter Program in Ocho Rios, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Swim in the deep with your own personal dolphin friend, have your photo taken with a parrot, see fascinating sea creatures from the lagoon, enjoy tasty Jamaican fruits.
12. Fantastic Exuma Powerboat Adventures, Nassau, Bahamas
A high-speed powerboat ride to your private Bahamas island, with spectacular views in every direction, time to explore, snorkel or just kick back on the golden sands after your banquet lunch.
11. Rose Island Robinson Crusoe Cruise, Nassau, Bahamas
Your very own desert island adventure in this boat ride through picturesque waters, tropical fish, snorkel over coral reefs, after buffet lunch relax with a cocktail on the sun-drenched beach.
10. Jamaican Canopy Tour, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Soar over the spectacular jungle canopy of Cranbrook Flower Forest in an exhilarating adventure through a series of horizontal traverses, with a birds eye view of scenery and sea.
9. Snorkel Bahamas Adventure, Nassau, Bahamas
Snorkel with the sharks in this undersea extravaganza of living coral and tropical marine life, or stay on deck to watch them being fed from a safe distance.
8. Rum Distillery and Old San Juan Half-Day Tour, San Juan, Puerto Rico
A fascinating guided tour of Bacardi, the world’s largest rum distillery, followed by a stroll along cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, the second oldest city in the new world.
7. Dominican Republic Monster Truck Safari, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Explore breathtaking landscapes in this unique tour on an 8×8 Monster Truck along Dominican country roads, across rivers, streams, villages and sugar cane fields to lunch on the riverside.
6. Catamaran Day Sail, St Lucia
Sailing along the tropical west coast of St Lucia, drive-in to Sulphur Springs volcano, stroll the Diamond Botanical Gardens, swim, snorkel and relax in Marigot Bay after a Creole lunch buffet.
5. Jamaica ATV Off-Road Adventure to Sandy Bay or Rosehall, Negril, Jamaica
A scenic ride through rugged terrain on exciting 4 wheel bikes, taste Jamaica’s rich culture and heritage as you travel past villages and natural wonders.
4. Swim with Dolphins Program, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Experience a one-to-one encounter as you swim and frolic with friendly dolphins, walk through lush unspoiled tropical rainforest to see exiting birds and amazing Jamaican plants.
3. El Yunque Rainforest Half-Day Trip, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Learn the ancient Indian legend of El Yunque, explore an amazing world of nature trails, waterfalls and incredible views on this relaxing trip.
2. Montego Bay Canopy Tour, Montego Bay or Negril, Jamaica
Glide like a bird through the treetops in Jamaica, with this adrenaline charged tour in the rainforest canopy, 45 feet (14 meters) above the rushing waters and rainforest.
1. Dolphin Swim at Ocean World, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Dance and swim with the dolphins in a memorable 30 minute encounter with these amazing creatures, training and dorsal fin tow included.
There you have it. Viator’s list of the Top 25 tours and things to do in the Caribbean in 2008. Congratulations to the winners, and happy travels in 2009!
Stay tuned for more lists in the coming days, to help you plan your next trip across the globe. In the meantime, if your curious about the top things to do last year, in 2007, keep on reading…
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Top 25 Things to Do in the Caribbean: 2007
25. Punta Cana Deep Sea Fishing Cruise, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
24. Punta Cana Scubadoo Underwater Adventure, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
23. Horseback Ride ‘n’ Swim, Negril, Jamaica
22. Anguilla day Trip with Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling, Simpson Bay, St Maarten
21. Majestic Lady Dinner Cruise, Nassau, Bahamas
20. Jamaica ATV Off-Road Adventure to Sandy Bay or Rosehall, Negril, Jamaica
19. Bob Marley Reggae Explosion and Dunns Falls, Negril, Jamaica
18. Dominican Republic Monster Truck Safari, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
17. SUB Bahamas Adventure, Nassau, Bahamas
16. Catamaran Day Sail, St Lucia
15. Atlantis Submarine Expedition, Oranjestad, Aruba
14. Snorkel Bahamas Adventure, Nassau, Bahamas
13. Aruba ATV Mania Half Day, Oranjestad, Aruba
12. Dunns River Falls and Ocho Rios Shopping Tour, Montego Bay, Jamaica
11. St Maarten Golden Eagle Cruise, Philipsburg, St Maarten
10. Rum Distillery and Old San Juan Half-Day Tour, San Juan, Puerto Rico
9. Negril Canopy Tour, Negril, Jamaica
8. Jamaican Canopy Tour, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
7. Rose Island Robinson Crusoe Cruise, Nassau, Bahamas
6. Dolphin Encounter Program in Ocho Rios, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
5. El Yunque Rainforest and Luquillo Beach, San Juan, Puerto Rico
4. El Yunque Rainforest Half-Day Trip, San Juan, Puerto Rico
3. Fantastic Exuma Powerboat Adventures, Nassau, Bahamas
2. Swim with Dolphins Program, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
1. Dolphin Swim at Ocean World, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
If you’re looking for more inspiration, see our complete list of Caribbean destinations or browse the full list of things to do in the Caribbean.
December 12th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
I think the US and British Virigin Islands deserve a mention. One caveat that they have to offer is safety across the whole island. In St. Croix, for example, we rented a car and drove aimlessly throughout the entire island, running into random restaurants, neighborhoods and people. In my opinion, this feeling of safety doesn’t exist in Jamaica, Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic, once you venture outside the tourist zones.
January 2nd, 2008 at 7:19 am
That safety issue is one very important detail. Yesterday we were driving around in a rental exploring Aruba and of course, got a bit lost… A local whom we asked for directions not only tried to explain the directions to us, he jumped in his car and actually drove across the island to the Baby Beach (beautiful); we followed. He said that it was just the Aruban thing to do. The hosiptality and safety of Aruba is just like no other…so is the cuisine, beaches, sunshine and attractions.
January 7th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
just thinking of going to the Caribbean makes me nuts. what more if i’m actually vacation there right now. well, i only have one thing to do if i’m going to Caribbean. and that’s having a great time of my life!
May 9th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Swimming with Dolphins id really deserve at #1 position. I simply can not forget those moments, it was the best time of my life I have ever spent any where.
May 23rd, 2009 at 11:05 pm
Is there a reason Mexico got left off the list? The Yucatan peninsula is still in the Caribbean. I guess I was so impressed 20 years ago with Isla Mujeres, the tiny island off of Cancun, that I eventually bought a timeshare there. Jacque Cousteau put this island paradise on the map with his discovery of the “Sleeping Sharks Cave.” It has my vote. I’ve printed your list as a “future trips” list, thanks!