The Caribbean is home to some of the most awe-inspiring places on earth. These islands are a collection of beautiful, diverse, and unique natural features found nowhere else. So, are you a nature lover looking for a place with some amazing scenery? Maybe you’re deciding on a relaxing Caribbean vacation or you wish to explore some of the most unique natural features of the islands. Just stay put, we’ve got your back. Here we’ve brought you a list of seven natural wonders of the Caribbean that are a must-see!
These amazing places include:
The Baths in Virgin Gorda, the British Virgin Islands
The Baths is a stretch of the Virgin Gorda coastline in the Caribbean’s British Virgin Islands. This beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. The Baths consist of a series of saltwater pools that go all the way down to the sea floor. The calm waters of this area are perfect for snorkeling.
The Baths have expansive scenery of white sand surrounded by large granite rocks. Absolutely stunning, right? Whether you’re looking to relax on the sunny beach or take a dive in the warm water, the Baths will definitely leave you breathless.
The Great Blue Hole in Belize
The Great Blue Hole is located just off the coast of Belize, close to the center of the Lighthouse Reef. This enormous marine sinkhole is 984 ft wide and 410 ft deep. Visitors distinguish this circular water hole from the rest of the water due to its prominent dark blue color. It is one of the most popular scuba diving locations in the world.
This divers’ paradise is known for a variety of Caribbean sharks, including reef sharks, blacktip sharks, and hammerhead sharks. It is also part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Great Blue Hole is a true natural wonder of the Caribbean with its mysterious history.
The Soufrière Hills Volcano in Montserrat
The mountainous island of the Caribbean, Montserrat, is home to a number of natural wonders. One such place is the Soufrière Hills volcano. The eruption of this volcano in 1995 made the entire southern half of Montserrat uninhabitable. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the Caribbean and is definitely worth a visit.
The capital of Montserrat, Plymouth, is completely buried under ash. If you are someone who loves adventures, you can observe current eruptions in this ghost town. You’ll also get to see the ash-covered abandoned buildings and realize how powerful nature can be. Montserrat Volcano Observatory, which keeps a careful eye on the activities at Soufrière Hills, is also open to tourists.
The Pitons in Saint Lucia
The Pitons in St. Lucia are one of the most recognizable sights in the entire Caribbean. These are actually the twin volcanoes that ascend from the sea in a spectacular way. The height of Gros Piton is 798.25 meters and that of Petit Piton is 743 meters. The two volcanoes are linked by the Piton Mitan ridge.
The Pitons are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climbing these lush and dormant volcanoes is usually at the top of the bucket list of every climber out there. Here in this area, you’ll find active hot springs, coral reefs, and tropical forests. Apart from hiking and climbing, the water at the foot of the Pitons is ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling.
The Harrison’s Cave in Barbados
Harrison’s Cave is one of the largest wonders of the Caribbean, lying in the center of Barbados. The cave is made of large limestone blocks that were produced due to sedimentation and water erosion over hundreds of years. Inside the cave are water pools, gushing water streams, stalactites, and stalagmites.
This active cave sees continuous growth of stalactites and stalagmites. Different creatures also live inside the cave, which includes a large population of bats. The tour of the whole of Harrison’s cave takes about three hours. You can visit the cave with the help of a guide, on foot or by tram. A lovely visitor center is also present, and it is hidden within the limestone.
El Yunque Rain Forest in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is the gateway to several more breathtaking natural wonders of the Caribbean. Our favorite destination on the island is the El Yunque Rain Forest, one of the most heavily populated rainforests in the world. Although winters here can feel overcrowded due to the 600,000 annual tourists, the summer, spring, and fall offer vacationers a nicer experience.
The El Yunque Rain Forest is the habitat of a number of rare and endangered animals and native plant species. The Puerto Rican Parrot is one of the rarest creatures you’ll come across here. You must go to this rainforest if you genuinely want to experience the life of a jungle. You can do plenty of activities here, like hiking, camping, or fishing.
Cenote Azul in the Yucatan Peninsula
Cenotes are the characteristic feature of the Yucatan Peninsula. One such large cenote is the Cenote Azul on the Riviera Maya, which is the best place in the Caribbean to see fish and fresh turquoise water. Every year, thousands of swimmers visit Cenote Azul to swim in the natural swimming pool.
The Cenote Azul is 300 feet deep, hundreds of feet wide, and filled with sparkling turquoise freshwater. Divers can catch a peek at underwater caves in the cenote. These caves are made of historic stalactites, stalagmites, and a few Mayan relics. The lovely waters here are perfect for swimming or kayaking.
Final Thoughts
The Caribbean islands are home to some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the world. From the Baths on Virgin Gorda to the Cenote Azul on the Riviera Maya, these sites offer a unique glimpse into the natural beauty of the Caribbean. The Great Blue Hole in Belize, the Soufriere Hills Volcano in Montserrat, the Pitons in Saint Lucia, Harrison’s Cave in Barbados, and the El Yunque rain forest in Puerto Rico, are all must-sees for anyone visiting the Caribbean. Whether you’re looking to explore the underwater world or take in stunning natural light displays, these places are sure to leave a lasting impression.
