SAD — Seasonal Affective Disorder — is real. For those of us made weary by the gray skies and slush of winter, thank goodness there’s the Caribbean.
A few days on an island provide all the sun, surf, and sand we’ve been missing. Escape the cold with these 10 Caribbean destinations for snowbirds.
1. Sunbathing in St. Thomas
St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands is home to Magens Bay. One of the Caribbean's most celebrated beaches, it offers tranquil waters and soft, champagne-colored sand, perfect for building castles or just for wiggling your toes.
As popular as it is with visitors, Magens Bay is also quiet enough for beachgoers to simply sit back and enjoy the sun’s warm rays.
2. Salsa in San Juan
If you’re looking to dance the night away, San Juan, Puerto Rico, is the destination of your dreams. From quaint cafes to packed nightclubs, the rhythm of salsa is inescapable in this Caribbean city.
If you’re new to salsa, you’re still welcome to join in on the fun — bars and clubs throughout San Juan offer lessons for guests of all skill levels. Once you’ve mastered the basics, show off your new moves at venues like La Factoría in Old San Juan or the trendy Club Brava, which often hosts two separate DJs, one for English music and the other for Spanish.
3. Beach-Going in Barbados
A beloved spot for surfers, photographers, and nature-lovers alike, Bathsheba Beach is as beautiful as it is unique. Located along the eastern coast of Barbados, Bathsheba Beach is best known for its striking rock formations that jut out of the water and along the pristine coastline.
The beach’s enormous waves make for incredible photos and ideal surfing conditions. Just be advised that swimming isn’t recommended. Instead, enjoy a soak in one of the beach’s many tidal pools, and enjoy the rough waters from a distance.
4. Adventuring in Aruba
Aruba is known for its natural beauty, and when paired with a rush of adrenaline, the island is sure to take your breath away. From ATV tours through seaside bluffs, to horseback riding across soft beaches, to a sailing cruise along the coastline, there are countless ways to get out and explore.
If you need a break from the beach, connect with your wild side on the shore. Stop by the island’s butterfly farm, tour the donkey sanctuary, or birdwatch at the local ostrich farm to learn about the unique creatures that call Aruba home.
Don’t miss Arikok National Park, either. It makes up almost 20% of the island and can be seen by hiking or on a Jeep tour.
5. Boating in the Bahamas
The Bahamas is a network of hundreds of pristine islands, which means one of the best ways to explore is by boat. Many tours offer opportunities for guests to snorkel, dive, and swim through the calm Caribbean waters.
For guests with a need for speed, certain boat tours allow tubing, wakeboarding, and knee-boarding. You may even get the chance to play with the Bahamas’ island-dwelling, swimming pigs!
One of the more unique sights on the islands are the pink sand beaches of Harbour Island. And what better way to wrap up a day at sea than with a spectacular sunset view as you make your way back to shore.
6. Jungle Tours in Jamaica
While Jamaica certainly has its share of incredible beaches, countless treasures can be found further inland.
Surrounded by lush forest, Dunn’s River Falls is one of Jamaica’s most beloved attractions. Visitors can climb this network of waterfalls with the help of local guides and enjoy swimming and inner tubing in the nearby rivers.
Benta River Falls is another option, especially if you want to get off the regular tourist path. It’s often touted as one of Jamaica’s best-kept secrets and a “mini Dunn’s River without the crowd.”
For a birds-eye view of the island, try a zipline tour through the jungle canopy. No matter your interests or activity level, Jamaica has endless options to bring out your inner adventurer.
7. Snorkeling and Scuba in St. Lucia
Some of the Caribbean’s best snorkeling can be found off the coast of St. Lucia; the island’s volcanic cliffs and centuries-old reefs create spectacular underwater landscape. Swim alongside parrot fish, moray eels, sea turtles, and a colorful array of aquatic creatures that make St. Lucia such an ecologically diverse destination.
If you’re up for a deeper dive, take the plunge down to the sunken freighter, the Lesleen M. The ship’s wreckage — rugged as it seems — creates a perfect nursery environment for young fish and marine plant life.
Go the other direction, from below the water’s surface to up in the clouds, with a hike on Gros Piton or Petit Piton, two of the island’s volcanic peaks.
8. Trekking in Turks and Caicos
If you’re eager to stay fit during your vacation, you really can’t beat a hike through paradise. Turks and Caicos is crisscrossed by numerous trails.
Take a hike up Sapodilla Hill for a view from the highest point of the island. This spot also has a series of centuries-old rock carvings, thought to be inscriptions from shipwrecked sailors (and even a few pirates).
Another great hiking spot is Crossing Place Trail. This coastal path was laid by 18th-century settlers and slaves. Today, the path leads visitors through eight kilometers of sandbars, cave formations, and seemingly endless coastline. Neither of these hikes is a walk in the park, however, so bring sunscreen, plenty of water, and sturdy shoes.
9. Paddling in Punta Cana
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, has clear, calm waters that make it an ideal setting for paddle boarders and kayakers.
If you’re interested in learning how to surf, there are a number of schools and private instructors available to show you the ropes. Unlike surfing in the Pacific, you’ll find that the conditions in Punta Cana are great for beginners. Warm waters, mid-sized waves, and a carefree vibe will have you laughing off any tumbles you take along the way.
10. Basking in the British Virgin Islands
Sometimes all you want out of a beach vacation is time to kick back, relax, and listen to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. Named the number one Caribbean destination for beaches by U.S. News & World Report, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) boast picturesque shorelines that would put your computer background to shame.
The top destination in the BVI is The Baths of Virgin Gorda. This series of boulders, coves, and grottoes is perfect for climbing and exploration — but the real treat is the Devil’s Bay beach at the end. Enjoy an afternoon in the sun, kick back with a cool drink, and celebrate the natural playground that the BVI have to offer.
Travel Insurance for the Caribbean
You’re escaping to the Caribbean to lighten the heavy mood of winter. Don’t let a travel mishap weigh you down.
Travel insurance can cover medical expenses if you get sick or hurt during your trip. Your domestic health insurance probably won’t do that, so without coverage from Seven Corners, you could end up paying for treatment out of pocket.
Get a quick quote for travel medical insurance or trip protection, which can reimburse you for trip cancellation or delays. There’s also coverage for lost or delayed luggage and so much more. And once you get your hassle-free quote, we bet you’ll be surprised by how affordable travel insurance is, too.
