By Ron Harper
Unknown to many, the Caribbean Islands actually have more to offer than just white sand beaches and crystal blue waters. In fact, some of nature's best kept secrets are found here. Here's a handful that you might want to know about.
Pitch Lake - Not all famous natural wonders are pleasing to the eyes. The Pitch Lake of Trinidad is probably one of the most unsightly places you'll ever set foot on. This 100-acre lake is the largest body of liquid asphalt in the world. Parts of it are made of crusty material where you can walk on. As with practically all places mentioned in this list, a guided tour will allow you to learn more about this unusual site.
Soufriere Hills Volcano - Montserrat or the "Emerald Eye of the Caribbean" is known for this active volcano. The volcano's latest eruption was in 1995, which buried the entire capital of Plymouth. This temperamental geographical behemoth can be seen closely from the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and is visited by many adventurous tourists every year.
The Pitons - Gros Piton and Petit Piton are two volcanic plugs towering above coral reef beds that are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. You don't have to get wet to experience the splendor of the place though. For laid-back-style exotic vacations, you can tour around the drive-in volcano, Diamond Botanical Gardens, and the mineral baths which are found within the area.
Bonaire National Marine Park - Unlike the previous one, this is one place where you would definitely have to get wet to appreciate its hidden grandeur. Around 200 feet below the water's surface is the most protected coral reef system in the entire Caribbean. Although swimming, kayaking, and windsurfing are also performed here, the best experience can be obtained underwater. Thus, be prepared to include snorkeling or even scuba diving in your luxury Carribean vacation planning.
El Yungue Rain Forest - Inject some fun and excitement into your Caribbean family vacations. Go hiking, fishing, and camping in this rugged tropical rain forest. Due to the volume and diversity of its wildlife, the El Yungue Rain Forest draws in 600,000 visitors into its jungles every year.
Photograph by Phil Thebault
Unknown to many, the Caribbean Islands actually have more to offer than just white sand beaches and crystal blue waters. In fact, some of nature's best kept secrets are found here. Here's a handful that you might want to know about.
Pitch Lake - Not all famous natural wonders are pleasing to the eyes. The Pitch Lake of Trinidad is probably one of the most unsightly places you'll ever set foot on. This 100-acre lake is the largest body of liquid asphalt in the world. Parts of it are made of crusty material where you can walk on. As with practically all places mentioned in this list, a guided tour will allow you to learn more about this unusual site.
Soufriere Hills Volcano - Montserrat or the "Emerald Eye of the Caribbean" is known for this active volcano. The volcano's latest eruption was in 1995, which buried the entire capital of Plymouth. This temperamental geographical behemoth can be seen closely from the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and is visited by many adventurous tourists every year.
The Pitons - Gros Piton and Petit Piton are two volcanic plugs towering above coral reef beds that are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. You don't have to get wet to experience the splendor of the place though. For laid-back-style exotic vacations, you can tour around the drive-in volcano, Diamond Botanical Gardens, and the mineral baths which are found within the area.
Bonaire National Marine Park - Unlike the previous one, this is one place where you would definitely have to get wet to appreciate its hidden grandeur. Around 200 feet below the water's surface is the most protected coral reef system in the entire Caribbean. Although swimming, kayaking, and windsurfing are also performed here, the best experience can be obtained underwater. Thus, be prepared to include snorkeling or even scuba diving in your luxury Carribean vacation planning.
El Yungue Rain Forest - Inject some fun and excitement into your Caribbean family vacations. Go hiking, fishing, and camping in this rugged tropical rain forest. Due to the volume and diversity of its wildlife, the El Yungue Rain Forest draws in 600,000 visitors into its jungles every year.
Photograph by Phil Thebault
