There’s nothing wrong with spending a Caribbean vacation stretched out on a beach chair, preferably with a cold drink within reach. But when every island has beautiful beaches, it’s a shame not to see what else is on offer.
Most people picture a Southern Caribbean cruise as a week of sunscreen and sun loungers, but the ports on that route are built around more than the sand.
Here are six slightly different ways to spend a Caribbean port day that might just stick with you even more than all the amazing sunsets.
1. Trade the Sun Lounger for a Serious View
Some of the Caribbean’s best views come with a bit of a workout.
In Aruba, you can tackle the roughly 600 steps up Hooiberg. The views are something else, and it’s a good way to get your heart pumping without committing to a full-day hike.
If you’re in the mood for something more challenging, though, St Lucia’s Gros Piton takes things up a notch. This volcanic peak rises over 2,600 feet above sea level, with a steep guided hike that offers incredible views along the way.
Whichever climb you choose, be sure to pack some good walking shoes, plenty of water, and check that you have enough time to get back to your ship.
2. Find Out What’s Hiding Beneath Barbados
Barbados has some of the most fascinating scenery hidden underground.
Head to Harrison’s Cave and you’ll be able to venture into a network of limestone caverns filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and underground streams. There’s something almost otherworldly about being surrounded by these natural sculptures, especially when you think about how long they’ve taken to form.
You’ll tour the cave aboard an electric tram, the classic way to see it. It’s a great option if you love exploring nature, but aren’t mad about heading out for a hike.
3. Follow Your Nose Through the Spice Markets
Grenada is known as the Spice Isle for a reason. The smell of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves is hard to miss when wandering through St. George’s market, so you may just want to stock up while having a chat with some of the local vendors.
Over in St. Lucia, Castries Market is another popular stop. Along with the spices and the chance to taste some fresh produce, you can pick up a few handmade goods to remember your trip by.
As for Barbados, Cheapside Market is where you want to be, especially if you’re curious about the ingredients that go into the local dishes there.
4. Make Chocolate Instead of Just Buying It
Ever been curious about how a cocoa pod becomes a chocolate bar? St. Lucia is one of the best places to find out for yourself and get your hands a little dirty in the best possible way.
The island has a long history of cocoa growing, with places like Hotel Chocolat’s Project Chocolat near Soufrière offering hands-on chocolate-making experiences.
You’ll get to try your hand at grinding the beans and making your own chocolate bar, and leave knowing a lot more about St. Lucia’s cocoa-growing history with your very own chocolate bar to show for it.
5. Get a Taste of the Island’s Rum-Making History
Rum and Barbados pretty much go hand in hand, going right back to the days when sugarcane plantations covered most of the island. Mount Gay has been around since 1703, so it’s fair to say they’ve had plenty of time to perfect their craft.
If you’re curious about what goes into a good bottle of rum, a stop at the Mount Gay Visitor Center in Bridgetown is well worth it. You’ll hear all about the distilling process, find out why some rums taste so different from others, and of course, get to sample a few for yourself.
If you’d rather get more involved, look out for one of their cocktail-making workshops, where you can try mixing a few Caribbean classics.
6. Get Lost In the Streets of Curaçao
Willemstad’s waterfront looks like someone decided to paint an entire row of Dutch-style buildings in the brightest colors they could find. Curaçao’s capital, Willemstad, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s well worth exploring on foot.
Start in Punda for a look at the architecture, a good cup of coffee, and some shopping. Then, cross the floating Queen Emma Bridge to Otrobanda, a neighborhood that’s filled with street art and has tons of character.
You don’t need much of a plan here, either. Give yourself time to wander down a few side streets, browse the little shops, and see what catches your eye.
Make Room for More Than Just the Beach
Caribbean beaches will always be there, but how often do you get the chance to climb a volcanic peak, make chocolate from scratch, or explore a cave? It really is worth swapping flip-flops for walking shoes on vacation every now and then.
