Joanna James
Made up of enchanting islands, the Caribbean with its azure waters, lush landscapes, and breathtaking wonders, beckons travellers from across the globe. At its diverse destinations, you will find some of the world's most awe-inspiring natural attractions and here is a glimpse of some of its finest.
Located on Long Island in the Bahamas, Dean's Blue Hole is a mesmerising natural phenomenon that lures adventurers looking for exciting escapades beneath the waves. Considered the second deepest blue hole on the planet, this sinkhole plunges to a depth of over 650 feet, promising plenty to discover. Whether you're a seasoned diver or an eager snorkeler, the crystal-clear, sapphire waters beckon you to come and encounter fascinating marine life including vibrant tropical fish, seahorses, turtles, tarpons and more.
Imagine kayaking under a starlit sky through waters that come alive with ethereal, glowing light. It may sound like something straight out of the X-Files, but fear not, this is not an extraterrestrial phenomenon but rather a natural one! This is what’s on offer at the Bioluminescent Bay in Vieques on the island of Puerto Rico which can be easily reached via inter-Caribbean flights. The secret behind the glow at night of this intriguing bay is dinoflagellates, organisms that emit a radiant blue-green light when disturbed. As you paddle along on moonless nights, you will find the bay's waters shimmer like liquid stardust, creating a magical ambience that's nothing short of extraordinary.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site that belongs to the Pitons Management Area, the awe-inspiring Pitons are made up of two volcanic peaks namely Petit Piton and Gros Piton. To get to these natural attractions, you will have to travel to the island of St. Lucia which can be reached on flights offered by the likes of interCaribbean Airways. This is a dream destination for hikers with a challenging but rewarding trek to the summit of Gros Piton reaching a height of 2,619 feet on offer; as you can imagine, truly breathtaking panoramic views await. One can also embark on a boat excursion to Pitons Bay to enjoy a different perspective of the Pitons.
Home to the world’s oldest marine reserve, the Bonaire National Marine Park offers exhilarating underwater adventures for divers with amazing coral reefs and marine life to see. There is much to discover for those venturing into the deep of this park from a staggering array of soft and hard coral to butterflyfish, angelfish, barracudas, turtles, tarpon, seahorses and much more. Adding to its appeal for divers are several shipwrecks to explore, while those who can’t dive, have plenty to enjoy as well; activities such as snorkelling, kayaking and swimming provide plenty of engaging escapades in this thriving marine park.
Another sea-based natural wonder, The Baths can be found on Virgin Gorda, part of the British Virgin Islands; this site features colossal granite boulders scattered along the shoreline, creating a labyrinth of tidal pools, grottoes, and tunnels set amidst idyllic coastal backdrops. Explore the hidden passages, wade through crystal-clear waters, and marvel at the natural beauty of this unique formation. Amongst the most popular attractions here is what is known as the Cathedral Room, an enthralling natural pool in a cave that is truly a wonderous sight to behold and photograph. This area is also excellent for snorkelling amidst the calm waters that offer clear views of a spellbinding world beneath the waves.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
