Still our favorite island throughout the Caribbean, though there are still some islands we havenât seen yet.
From the rugged east coast (facing the Atlantic) to the miles of golden sand beaches on the west coast, there is no shortage of shoreline magic for residents and tourists alike. Unlike most other Caribbean Islands, Barbados is founded on coral rather than volcanic rock. As a consequence there is no real mountain there, but there is a beautiful highland region called (surprise, surprise) the Scotland District in St. Andrew parish.
Because of its geographic position, further out into the Atlantic than the rest of the Caribbean islands, it has not suffered from too many hurricanes, the last one being Hurricane Allen in 1980. Others have passed close by, or impacted as tropical storms, and Hurricane Allen was âonlyâ a Category 3.
This unique geographic location also gives rise to spectacular scenic views on the island. Two in particular stand out. Up at the north point of the island, thereâs an attraction called Animal Flower Cave. Although Iâm not a fan of this cave, the location provides a really nice restaurant, a couple of gift shops, and an absolutely fabulous view of the Atlantic Ocean breaking against the rock coast line. We go there every trip and you never get tired of the view.
Further down the east coast is our second favorite scenic view, and that is the coral/rock formations standing offshore at Bathsheba. Slowly being undercut by wave action, these formations never cease to inspire and amaze in their natural beauty.
As a result of the coral and limestone, the island has numerous caves â most not even fully explored. Harrisonâs Cave is however a must see for any visitor. In the center of the island it offers a full rail system for most of the 2.3 km accessible cave system.
Numerous white sand beaches galore, though predominantly on the west and south shores. Snorkeling opportunities are right off the beach where you can access several wrecks as well as Hawkesbill Turtles and Stingrays. Further offshore there are plenty of scuba diving sites and abundant sport fishing.
Quite a unique island in that, while small (about 13 sq. miles) it is jointly owned and operated in a fully supportive and collaborative manner by both the Netherlands and France. Beautiful colonial style architecture, quality shopping (the public market at the main marina is highly recommended), and a sailors paradise.
Still recovering after a devastating Category 5 Hurricane Irma in 2017. Evidence of the destruction of building, facilities, and even pleasure boats, is still wide spread in 2020.
After completing the filming of Pirates of the Caribbean â Dead Men Tell No Tales, Jack Sparrowâs ship, the Black Pearl, sought safe anchorage in St. Maartenâs Simpsonâs Bay Lagoon, where it remains today (2020) after being seriously damaged in Hurricane Irma.
Maho Beach, at the west end of the International Airport, is also famous with YouTubers and beach bunnies who get a thrill after being blown into the sea by the jet wash of departing large aircraft. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqVjD3nBSQg
These two gorgeous islands are crowned with picturesque mountains and surrounded by beautiful azure waters. We took a boat from St. Kitts over to the Nevis side and explored some of the British Colonial history while over there. Again, a fabulous boating location.
Beautiful island, still recovering from Hurricane Maria which struck in 2017. Fabulous plant life abounds and the Dominica Botanical Gardens were just magical.
Speaking of which, within these gardens is still a crushed school bus. Your typical yellow school bus as seen all over North America. It had been donated by Canada and was caught under the fallen tree during Hurricane Maria.Â
The Dominicans were wondering if Canada can send another bus to help them out?
Atypical Caribbean island, gorgeous scenery, well maintained tourist attractions, great hotels & restaurants, and a destination place for the high end yacht people. Fabulous snorkeling, right off the beach. Lovely place, glad Iâve been there once.
The Spice Isle, famous for its wide variety of spices grown here particularly nutmeg but also mace. A sovereign state, it gained independence in 1974 and so does not have a larger sovereign state to help it grow and thrive. As a result it is not as well taken care of, despite having some beautiful sights around the island.
The last of the âABCâ Islands as you head from Aruba towards the east â Aruba; Bonaire; Curacao. Similar to Curacao in term of Dutch culture and Heritage. Beautiful Colonial style buildings and great snorkeling. Very much a water based lifestyle on this island, and it enjoys a reputation as a scuba divers paradise.
At the harbour is an interesting sculpture of a large flamingo feeding its baby. The form of the sculpture is plastics recovered from the waters around Bonaire, and is a sad commentary on the damage we do to our oceans.
Another of the âABCâ islands in the Caribbean. This one has a bit more going for it, and is very much a visitor friendly location. Nominally a Dutch protectorate, the island is well taken care of. The capital city of Willemstad is wonderfully colonial in its building style and colours with good shopping and really wonderful patio bars overlooking the pontoon Queen Emma Bridge.
Also by the pontoon bridge is a heart shaped fence for couples to leave padlocks declaring their love. Not sure when this was put in place but the weight of the declarations of love will make it really difficult to move!
On either side of St. Anna Bay are some really colourful shops, residences and even government offices, making this a truly attractive venue. For those who enjoy the water, there are Snorkeling and Scuba opportunities all over the place.
One of the âABCâ islands in the Caribbean off the north coast of Venezuela, Aruba is a superb destination for those who just like to soak up the sun and relax in a resort. Not really for us, as we like to explore, and there isnât that much to do on the island. The scenery is beautiful, but no better than on every other Caribbean island.
As many are the times weâve been to âThe Fallsâ they still hold a special fascination. The history of the area is intricately tied in with the history of Canada as a nation and there are numerous resources available to help you along that path.
The Falls themselves â for the uninitiated, there are actually two waterfalls. The American Falls are, well, in America. They are smaller and are eroding relatively quickly. The Horseshoe Falls are the ubiquitous âNiagara Fallsâ of picture and post card fame. They straddle the border of Canada and USA.
Standing on the Canadian side, at the crest of the falls watching 700,000 gallons per second flow down into the water below, is one of the most powerful experiences that an individual can feel without actually hurting themselves!
A lot of tourist glitz and glitter has built up in the area, but there is still a great sense of satisfaction in walking down the river, following the flow of the water.
The small town of Niagara On The Lake is also a treasure that should be enjoyed. What was once a quaint little town is pretty much spoiled by the explosion of tourism, but scratch the surface just a little and youâll find an absolutely marvelous country style village.