These Are the 10 Best Attractions in the Caribbean—and No. 1 Is Not a Beach or National Park

OH MY GOSH! Are you ready for the best trip of your entire life? I am so excited that you are finally going to the Caribbean! You have been talking about this forever, and it is finally happening! I found this amazing list of the top 10 things you have to see. And get this—the number one spot isn’t even a beach! I know, right? Usually, everyone just thinks of sand and water, but this list is way more interesting than that. Grab a snack and sit down, because I am going to tell you exactly where to go, what to eat, and where to take the best photos so everyone back home gets super jealous!

1. Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

This is the number one spot on the list, and it is totally awesome! It is an old city with bright, colorful houses everywhere. The streets are made of these cool blue bricks called adoquines. They aren’t just regular rocks; they were used as weights on old ships hundreds of years ago! How cool is that? You need to spend a whole day just walking around. When you get hungry, you MUST go to a place called El Jibarito. It is on Sol Street. Order the mofongo with garlic shrimp. It costs $22.00 and it is basically mashed plantains that taste like heaven. For the best photo, go to Calle de la Fortaleza. They usually have hundreds of colorful umbrellas or a giant flag hanging over the street. Stand right in the middle and look up! It looks so cool and everyone will love it on your feed.

2. Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica

Next up is Jamaica! You have to go to Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios. It is a giant waterfall that you can actually climb. Most waterfalls are for looking at, but this one is like a natural staircase made of wet rocks. It costs $25.00 for a ticket to get in. You have to wear those dorky rubber water shoes so you don’t slip. Buy them at the entrance for $15.00. Don’t worry about looking silly, everyone is wearing them! You should hold hands with the people in your group to make a “human chain.” It makes the climb way easier. When you get to the “massage” part of the falls, stand right under the crashing water. Have your friend take a burst photo of the water hitting your head. It is super fun! After you finish, find a local stand and get jerk chicken with rice and peas. It will cost you about $14.50 and it is nice and spicy!

3. The Baths, British Virgin Islands

This place is on an island called Virgin Gorda. It looks like a giant giant dropped a bunch of massive boulders on the beach. It is like a secret playground! You have to crawl through little tunnels and walk through water to get to the “Cathedral” area. The water is so blue it looks fake. It costs $3.00 to enter the park area. Once you get through the caves and reach Devil’s Bay, stand between the two biggest rocks for a photo. The light hits the water and makes it glow! For lunch, you have to take a boat over to the Soggy Dollar Bar. Order a “Painkiller” drink. It has rum, pineapple, orange juice, and cream of coconut with fresh nutmeg on top. It costs $12.00 and it is the best thing you will ever drink. Trust me!

4. Stingray City, Grand Cayman

Okay, this one sounds scary but it is totally safe! You take a boat out to a sandbar in the middle of the ocean. The water is only chest-deep. Hundreds of stingrays swim right up to you! They feel like giant, slimy mushrooms. It is so weird but so cool! A boat tour costs $45.00. The guides will show you how to hold them. You have to do the “Stingray Kiss.” Stand there and let the ray’s face touch yours for a photo. They say it gives you seven years of good luck! After you get back to the dock, go to a little shack and buy conch fritters. They are like fried dough balls with seafood inside. A plate costs $18.00 and they are super yummy with spicy dipping sauce.

5. Brimstone Hill Fortress, St. Kitts

This is a massive old fort on top of a huge hill. It is really old and has giant stone walls. It costs $15.00 to get inside. The walk up is a bit of a workout, but the view is totally worth it! You can see five other islands from the top if the sky is clear. Stand right next to the big black cannons for your photo. It makes you look like a pirate! You should also check out the “Goat Water” at a local spot nearby. Don’t let the name scare you! It is just a very tasty meat stew. It costs $13.00 and it is the most famous dish on the island. It’s perfect if you’re feeling extra hungry after all that walking.

6. Harrison’s Cave, Barbados

Most of the Caribbean is about being outside, but this is underground! You get to ride a little tram through a giant cave system. It costs $30.00 for the tour. There are stalactites and stalagmites everywhere. Those are the pointy rocks that grow from the ceiling and the floor. The “Great Hall” is huge—it’s over 50 feet high! When the tram stops at the underground waterfall, that’s your photo spot. The white rocks look like they are melting! For a snack, find a vendor selling “Flying Fish Cutters.” It is a fish sandwich on a soft roll. It costs $11.50 and it is the best lunch in Barbados. Use lots of the local yellow hot sauce, but be careful—it’s hot!

7. Shirley Heights, Antigua

You have to go here on a Sunday evening! They have a huge party with steel drum music and BBQ. It costs $10.00 to get into the lookout area. The view looks amazing because you can see all the fancy yachts in English Harbour below. Stand on the edge of the stone wall right when the sun starts to go down. The sky turns orange and purple and it is so pretty! Order a glass of rum punch for $9.00 and some BBQ ribs for $20.00. Everyone is dancing and having a great time. It is the best vibe on the whole island!

8. Swimming Pigs at Big Major Cay, Bahamas

Yes, real pigs that swim! You have to take a boat from Exuma to see them. A full-day boat tour is pricey—it costs $165.00—but it is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. The pigs swim right out to the boat because they want snacks. Bring some carrots! For the best photo, sit in the shallow water and wait for a little piglet to swim toward you. They are so cute! After the boat trip, find a spot that serves “Sky Juice.” It is a mix of coconut water, condensed milk, and gin. It costs $10.50 and it is very refreshing when it’s hot out.

9. Citadelle Laferrière, Haiti

This is a giant fortress on top of a mountain. It is actually the largest fort in the whole Western Hemisphere! It is so big it’s hard to believe people built it so long ago. It costs $10.00 for a ticket and about $20.00 to rent a horse to take you up the trail. If you walk, it takes a long time and you will be super sweaty! Stand on the very edge of the stone ramparts where the old cannonballs are piled up. The view of the green mountains is incredible. At the bottom of the mountain, buy some “Griot.” It is fried pork with spicy cabbage on top. It costs $12.00 and it is super filling.

10. Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua

This is an old shipyard where the British Navy used to hang out hundreds of years ago. Now, it’s full of beautiful old buildings and huge sailing boats. It costs $8.00 to walk around. It feels like you stepped back in time! Go to the Admiral’s Inn for lunch. Order the Caribbean lobster. It is a bit of a splurge at $38.00, but it is so fresh and buttery. For your photo, stand in front of the giant stone pillars that used to hold up the boat roofs. They look like ancient ruins and make a great background!

Budget vs. Balling Out

I know you want to save money, but sometimes it’s fun to spend a little extra! Here is a quick guide to what things cost so you can plan your budget.

I am so jealous that you are going on this trip! It is going to be so much fun. Make sure you take a million photos and tag me in all of them! If you want more tips on how to travel for cheap and find the best hidden spots, you should totally join our Facebook group. Everyone there is super helpful and shares the best deals!

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Have the best time ever, bestie! Love you!