VACATION OPTIONS Tropical choices
The great diversity of the Caribbean means that it has something for every traveller, not just your honeymooners in search of the perfect sunset
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the Dominican Republic is home to sharks, sea lions and dolphins and features up-close experiences for children as well as adults. Aruba’s Morgan Island Aqua Park is the largest water park in the Caribbean and Latin America.
The Cayman Islands is a breeze for young children. They’ll love Boatswain’s Beach and Turtle Farm where they can hold baby turtles, the Butterfly Farm near Seven Mile Beach is a must, as is the authentic Pirate Caves in Bodden Town. Cayman Sea Elements offers a gentle and educationally rich eco tour up the mangrove forests followed by snorkeling for upside-down jellyfish. To get children away from the high tech world and back to nature, the Out Islands of the Bahamas is another dream destination. At the Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour there’s a Bahama Buddies club for youngsters with a special young ambassador, who delights in showing kids how to fish with a hand line and crack conch shells. There’s also a ‘must see’ pirate museum in Nassau. From jungle hikes and captivating Maya temples, to fun water sports and lively marketplaces, Belize is
Top: Running Rings - Aruba Tourism Authority Right: Room with a view - British Virgin Islands Tourist Board
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www.CaribbeanTravel.com
he Caribbean is an amazing playground for families and, as the summer school vacation
falls outside the region’s high season, there are bargains to be had. Many hotels and resorts organize special programmes at this time to appeal to younger visitors. Families visiting Barbados during summer vacation days can take part in the famous Barbados Sports Camp, arranged by the Barbados Tourism Authority. And many resorts have kids clubs, usually catering to toddlers and teens. Every island has something to attract children. There’s a Pony Park at Half Moon resort in Jamaica and a dolphin lagoon with the chance to be a dolphin trainer for the day. The Ocean World Adventure Park in
Many islands have mock pirate
ships where families can spend the day under the skull and cross bones, dancing to calypso and sipping pirate grog, before the anchor is dropped for snorkeling
a great destination for a family getaway.
Many islands have mock pirate ships where families can spend the day under the skull and cross bones, dancing to Calypso and sipping pirate grog, before the anchor is dropped for snorkeling. Pirates of Antigua and Jolly Roger in Grand Cayman are two of the best.
Empty nesters and seniors may find a new lease on life as they have more holiday budget to spend on more upmarket resorts such as Butch Stewart’s Royal Plantation Island in the Exuma Cays or in a boutique hotel like the new Lighthouse Bay Resort on sleepy Barbuda. For the more adventurous, charter a boat around the Tobago Cays or the British Virgin Islands. Alternatively, head for less obvious islands such as the
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