There are many beautiful places in the Caribbean that are famous around the world - from the Bob Marley Museum in Jamaica to Paradise Island in the Bahamas.
However, there are also many other hidden gems that might not even be on your radar.
If you’re exploring the Caribbean, it’s worth taking the time to visit some of the more off-the-beaten-track destinations. Be creative and adventurous! They will give you a completely different experience than the main tourist attractions - and will likely provide you with unforgettable memories.
Here are some of the amazing lesser-known attractions you should check out while in the Caribbean.
Culebrita Lighthouse
This is the oldest lighthouse in the Caribbean, located on the spectacular coastline of Culebra, an island of Puerto Rico. Culebra is a peaceful island, with sugary white sands and stunning views. The lighthouse was built there in 1886 by the Spanish Crown, to guide ships as they navigated through the Vieques Sound and the Virgin Passage.
You can spend your days snorkeling with sea turtles at the marine reserve there, then take a picnic to the lighthouse and watch the sunset. The lighthouse was damaged by a hurricane and is currently closed for repairs, but you can photograph it from outside.
Mount Royal
On the tiny island of Canouan in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, you can climb up to the peak of Mount Royal. Getting to the top of the hill only takes around 30 minutes, but it’s a tough climb so make sure you are prepared!
The breath-taking views from the top are absolutely worth it and you’ll feel on top of the world! On a clear day, you’ll be able to see all the way to St. Lucia - 85 miles to the north. You won’t want to forget your camera.
Saba Hot Springs
Take a step off the beaten track to the small volcanic island of Saba (known as the Unspoiled Queen) in the Dutch West Indies, only a 12 minute journey from St. Maarten. There are so many things to do here, from boating to scuba diving to hiking and climbing.
However, one of the most impressive attractions is the Hot Springs - a shallow water dive site where hot water billows from the ocean floor. It’s home to a dazzling diversity of sea life, from fish to turtles and more.
Playa Sun Bay
When you’re lying on in the sunshine on this beach in Puerto Rico, you just might see wild horses running free across the sand. (No, you’re not dreaming!)
It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the country - so perfect it doesn’t even look real.
Plus, it’s a Balneario (public beach maintained by the government) which means it has lifeguards, security, food kiosks, bathroom facilities and water quality control. It’s the perfect blend - a beach that has all the facilities you need for a comfortable day out, without being too touristic or overcrowded.
Salt Cay
Salt Cay is a remote island in Turks and Caicos, with a population of only around 100 people. It’s known for being one of the best places in the world to watch Humpback Whales migrate. The Atlantic Humpbacks migrate through Columbus Passage to the Silver Banks, to calve and mate.
When you are snorkeling here, you can even hear their mesmerizing songs echoing through the water - one of the most haunting and beautiful sounds in nature.
Little Cayman
Most people who visit the Cayman Islands head to Grand Cayman, the largest and most populated of the islands. However, we highly recommend you take the time to travel to Little Cayman. It’s only a short flight away on Cayman Airlines and it’s completely different.
There are only around 150 residents on the island and it feels so peaceful and unspoiled. The waters are crystal clear, perfect for snorkeling and diving. From Little Cayman you can venture out even further to Owen Island, a kayak ride away and the unofficial fourth island in Cayman.
Los Haitises National Park
The Dominican Republic is known for pristine, unspoiled natural landscapes and this protected area on the Northeast Coast is one of the most impressive. It’s an archeological site, lined with limestone cliffs and thick with overgrown jungles and mangrove forests.
Take a tour and approach the park via boat. You’ll sail through dense overgrowth where tropical birds chatter and enormous lizards slink through the waters. Venture into the dark system of caves and you’ll see petroglyphs painted on the walls by the indigenous Taino people. The drawings of whales, birds, and gods date back to the pre-Columbian era.
The Cancun Underwater Museum
This incredible museum in Mexico is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. You can dive under the surface of the water and you’ll find over 470 life-sized sculptures resting on the ocean floor.
It’s like an underwater art exhibition, and it has become even more fascinating now that marine creatures have made their homes within the sculptures. Take a dive and discover this surreal and beautiful underwater art installation.
Take Your Time Exploring!
These are just a few of the secret spots you’ll find within the Caribbean. In this part of the world there are so many gorgeous islands, beaches, and hidden coves to discover. You could spend years making your way around the Caribbean slowly and you’d still barely scratch the surface of what this region has to offer.
One of the great things about fractional ownership in a vacation property in the Caribbean is that you’ll get to return back again and again. This will allow you plenty of time to see all the more obscure attractions and really get to know these islands. You can take countless day trips, tours and overnight adventures, while having your own comfortable property to return to every time.
To learn more about fractional ownership of Caribbean properties, check out Partbnb.