NATURE & EXPLORATION N Natural mystic
The islands of the Caribbean offer one of the world’s most diverse and vibrant natural playgrounds. From the rainforests of St. Kitts to the waterfalls of Guyana
operators offer river-based adventures like tubing down rapids or rowing up the tranquil Indian River at dawn or dusk. You can hike the lengths of the Layou River through currents and over boulders, or take a zip-wire! Dominica’s waterfalls are an adventure in themselves to get to and once there you can swim in crystal clear pools. Meanwhile, Belize is home to the largest cave system in all of Central America.
Nature may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Jamaica, yet the island is home to the stunning Blue Mountains where you can trek, mountain bike and generally immerse yourself in nature. Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios is widely held to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. The home of reggae has over 200 species of bird including the streamer- tailed hummingbird and many colourful parrots. Visit Noel Coward’s Firefly estate and you’ll see majestic eagles swooping over the coastline 1000 feet below.
Another Caribbean country with strong eco- tourism credentials is Suriname, on the South American mainland. It claims more than 700 bird species and is also popular with sport fishermen.
Neighboring Guyana was recently featured in a BBC documentary for its diverse wildlife and habitats. Mainland Venezuela and Belize too, have unique natural attractions. Grenada’s Grand Etang Forest Reserve has several different ecological subsystems, culminating in the elfin woodlands atop the slopes of the reserve’s central mountains. It’s a great place to observe nature in the raw.
The Cool box:
The new Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour offers an unforgettable journey through the forest, from tree to tree, via suspension bridges, zip lines and swings, climaxing with a daredevil 60-foot controlled parachute jump.
Thrill seekers can now explore Aruba’s desert- like landscape off road with Tom Car Tours.
Top: Natural beauty - Luc Olivier for Comité Martiniquais du Tourisme Left: Big cats in Belize - Belize Tourist Board
The home of Reggae has over 200
species of bird, including the streamer-tailed hummingbird, colourful parrots and majestic eagles swooping over the coastline
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www.CaribbeanTravel.com
atural wonders abound in the Caribbean. The region has taken great steps in recent years
to protect this fragile beauty and to enable visitors to experience the flora and fauna with exciting soft adventure options.
Dominica is known as ‘The Nature Island’ because of its lush rainforests and undeveloped landscapes. Morne Trois Pitons National Park was the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean. The island is home to many endemic bird species such as the Sisserou (Imperial parrot), which is also the national bird.
Dominica is fantastic for hiking, whale and dolphin watching, kayaking, sport fishing and river bathing. A growing number of tour
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