Yachts anchored at Peter Island in the British Virgin Islands
FEATURE
VENTURING INTO CARIBBEAN WATERS
The Caribbean is a hot destination for water-based adventures, with activities that range from rafting legendary rivers to kayaking bioluminescent waters. Here are some of the best. By Lucy McGuire
Kayaking Bioluminescent Bay in Grand Cayman There are few places in the world where travelers can witness the neon glow of bioluminescent plankton, and Grand Cayman’s Bioluminescent Bay — or ‘Bio Bay’ — is one of them. The best time for guests to take these one-of-a-kind tours is during a new moon when the skies are at their darkest. As visitors gently kayak through the water and disturb the billions of plankton, these tiny creates emit a bright light in a mesmerizing display that’s sometimes referred to as the ‘aurora of the sea’.
Freediving the Great Blue Hole in Belize Ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau named the Great Blue Hole as on of the world’s to 10 dive sites — and the hype that surrounds this marine sinkhole is more than justifi ed. At 1,000ft wide and more than 400ft deep, it offers visitors the chance to swim in a truly extraordinary environment, amid stalactites and stalagmites and alongside numerous species of shark. It’s located 45 miles out to sea on Lighthouse Reef, part of the UNESCO-listed Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. Travelers can reach the site via a two- to three-hour boat ride.
Sailing around the British Virgin Islands The British Virgin Islands are ripe for sailing vacations thanks to their high-quality marinas and natural protection against strong currents. Nanny Cay, off the beautiful Sir Francis Drake Channel on Tortola’s south coast, is a magnet for keen boaters during the BVI Spring Regatta. It’s also where travelers can fi nd bareboat and skippered yacht charters, allowing them to explore tiny islands like the so-called ‘Little Sisters’ or nearby Jost Van Dyke. Steady winds and short distances between islands foster ideal conditions for sailors of all skill levels.