SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
Main picture, opposite: jet-boating in St. Kitts Clockwise from left, main picture: snorkelling in the Cayman islands; diving in the depths of the Bahamas; and sailing in the open blue waters of Jamaica
HOT TIP
Fun in the sun... Check out the tourist offi ces’ websites (see pages 25-
39) to see the range of sports and activities available ion each country
and Nevis or through rainforests on Saint Lucia, Dominica, Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago. Jamaica’s famous Blue Mountains lend themselves to hiking and cycling, but many other islands also cater for bikers. Saint Lucia has an excellent network of mountainous bike trails while Barbados offers scenic bicycle tours. Adventurers can also fl y through the trees on a zip-wire in Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Antigua. Belize is another country ripe for exploration, as
is Venezuela, with mountains, jungles, rainforests, rivers and waterfalls. On Montserrat walkers can follow trails across hills and woodlands to the backdrop of the active Soufriere Hills volcano. Cuba’s Sierra Maestra mountains are not only for hiking, but full of history as the place where Fidel Castro and Che Guevara took refuge. In Curaçao, visitors can hike, bike or jump on a horse to explore the Christoffel park, home to the island’s highest point Mount Christoffel – while on Bonaire, walkers can climb Mount Brandaris. Haiti is another place that offers unspoilt landscapes, challenging hikes and amazing views. But for those who prefer four legs to two, horse- riding is a good way to soak up the sights.
Most islands have riding stables and it is easy to arrange trips ranging from a few hours to a full day. In some places, such as Jamaica for example, one of the highlights is plunging into the sea on your trusty steed for a swim and literally riding the waves!
“ Golfers will not be
disappointed. The Bahamas, Jamaica and Barbados lay claim to some of the world’s top courses”
Bird-watching is another area where the Caribbean’s reputation is growing. Dominica, Belize, Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana are well- established haunts, but Cuba, Grenada, Anguilla and Antigua are also becoming known.
GOOD SPORTS The Olympic spirit rides high – especially in Trinidad and Jamaica, where local legend Usain Bolt is one of a number of world-class athletes. The larger nations tend to have more modern stadia
where fi eld and track events are regularly held. Tourists can participate in some of the marathons on islands like Montserrat’s with its Volcano Half Marathon; while Barbados, Nevis, Bermuda and Caymans stage similar events. Cricket carries the crown as the most popular sport on many of the English-speaking islands, where it is the national game and national passion. It is particularly popular in Barbados and Antigua, and international matches are staged here and on Trinidad, Grenada, Saint Lucia and Guyana. Barbados runs an annual sports camp where local and visiting children can play football, netball and cricket with star coaches, while St. Vincent’s new Buccament Bay hotel has its own Liverpool FC soccer school and a Pat Cash tennis academy. Tennis courts are scattered through the islands and Antigua, in particular, enjoys a growing reputation helped by its annual Tennis Week. For golfers, some of the world’s top championship courses are here. The Bahamas, Jamaica and Barbados lay claim to top courses, while Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Maarten and St. Croix all have excellent facilities. Puerto Rico has so many of them it is nicknamed the ‘Scotland of the Caribbean’.
The Cayman Islands - for the best diving in the world.
Whether it’s a family who have no experience or an accomplished expert, there’s nowhere like the Cayman Islands for exploring the spectacular undersea world. The colours and richness of marine life are simply breathtaking. For more information contact the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism on 020 7491 7771.
caymanislands.co.uk CAYMANCONCIERGE
Caribbean
Guide.indd 1 Caribbean
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caymanislands.co.uk
Let us help you plan your visit? For free, impartial advice call 020 7491 7771 (office hours) or email
concierge@caymanislands.co.uk
15/07/2011 10:42
The Cayman Is welcome to paradise
Beautiful unspoilt and uncrowded beaches, private haute cuisine, indulgent spas and the best diving in welcome and feeling of freedom one experiences truly makes it the holiday of a lifetime. For more in Cayman Islands Department of Tourism on 020 749
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