On, under and over the water

The Caribbean offers a treasure trove of water activities in many beautiful locations.
On the waves constant trade winds stream in from the Atlantic to ensure the islands have excellent sailing. Beneath the waves the water is warm and the visibility superb. Snorkel or dive into an underwater world of attractions both man-made and natural.

Sea turtles

The four most common species of sea turtle in the Caribbean are Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead and Green. Leatherbacks lay their eggs from February to July with hatchlings emerging towards the end of September. The nesting time for Hawksbill, Green and Loggerhead is March to December, with hatchlings sea bound at the end of February. Hawksbill, Green, Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles are found in waters around Antigua, and Green sea turtles can be spotted coming up for air in Freeman’s Bay, English Harbour. During the nesting season, visitors have plenty of opportunities to join organised tours to see the turtles.

On St Lucia, at Grand Anse beach you can join tours observing nesting turtles from March to August. In the Dominican Republic, in Punta Cana, volunteers protect nests and eggs during the nesting season from March to November, and the island of Saona is one of the most important nesting areas. 

Barbados is host to the largest Hawksbill turtle nesting population in the Caribbean, thanks largely to years of work by the Barbados Sea Turtle Project, a conservation and research organisation. Hawksbills nest on almost every beach on the island between June and November with tens of thousands of hatchlings emerging between August and December. In addition to swimming and snorkelling near turtles, and beach-based hatchling releases, there are educational talks, beach walks and clean-ups. Leatherback turtle conservation is taken very seriously in Grenada, where turtle-watching, with strictly limited numbers, can be arranged from April to August.

Surfs up

The Dominican Republic is one of the best destinations for windsurfers of all abilities, although beginners to intermediates would do well to visit Punta Cana to hone their technique. Cross-shore winds and waves are pretty much constant but pick up from November to April. The combination of trade winds, flat water, wave riding and downwinders is what makes the island one of the Caribbean’s best kitesurfing destinations. Again, the best wind conditions in Punta Cana are between November and April.

The wind across Antigua is more playful than powerful throughout the year. With a sandy take-off, shallow bay and side-shore wind, Jabberwock Beach is the very best spot for beginners. Dickenson Bay, Darkwood Beach, and Turner’s Beach also enjoy good reputations.

The spot for surfers in Barbados is the area of Silver Sands and Silver Rock on the south-east coast, where jumping and wave-riding are welcoming to novices as well as the more experienced. Crane Beach features some of the best boarding in the whole of the Caribbean. The eastern flank is home to a serious Atlantic swell and the Soup Bowl at Bathsheba, close to The Atlantis Historic Inn, produces rideable waves for experienced windsurfers and surfers alike. 

Under the water

The warm waters and offshore reefs of St Lucia teem with colourful marine life. Dive highlights include the superb sites along the steep walls at the base of the Pitons, close to Sugar Beach and Anse Chastanet resorts, and a beach entry site at Anse Chastanet to a stunning coral wall which reaches depths of nearly 50 metres. There’s an intentionally sunk cargo vessel for wreck-diving off the south coast near Anse Cochon and the secluded Ti Kaye Resort & Spa, where snorkelers can also enjoy exploring the reefs.

Grenada is considered to be the shipwreck capital of the Caribbean; a huge variety of wrecks including a luxury ocean liner. On the island’s west coast scuba divers swim around, and snorkellers swim above, the many life-size figures and objects installed on the ocean floor at Molinère Underwater Sculpture Park: perfect for beginners. There are numerous PADI dive centres and experienced divers can follow the strong currents and meet some very big fish at Twin Sisters near Isle-de-Ronde.

The coastline of Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, is home to the longest reef in the country. There is an exciting variety of dive environments from caves and canyons to shallow reefs and wrecks. Game fish, small sharks and rays are a common sight on the reefs and wrecks of this area. Nurse sharks are the most seen inhabitants and likely to be hiding in caverns and wrecks.

Barbados has crystal clear waters which boast around 40 sites for diving and snorkelling. Coral reefs teem with tropical fish. Carlisle Bay is the place for wreck diving; half a dozen can be explored on a single dive. An in-shore reef is within swimming distance of the west coast and is ideal for beginners. The waters of Antigua are home to Cades Reef, a particular favourite amongst divers, the reef stretches for several miles within a protected area and shelters plenty of sea creatures. Antigua also hosts the wreck of the Andes merchant ship, in shallow waters which give good light permeation. 

Sailing

With the ideal mix of perfect climatic conditions, pristine beaches, yachting culture and maritime history, the Caribbean is one of the world’s top sailing destinations for competitors, spectators and those who prefer to pleasure cruise. Numerous sailing excursions, catamaran and classic yacht trips are available from many of the islands, and there is a fabulous choice of sightseeing excursions including coastal tours, sunset cruises, glass bottom boat trips, snorkelling and fishing outings.

Antigua is a top sailing destination and something of a yachters’ paradise. Many visitors seize the opportunity for a day trip sailing around the island, relaxing on deck while taking in the views and swimming in the pristine waters. The island hosts hundreds of boats throughout its many protected harbours, coves and inlets; Falmouth Harbour is Antigua’s premier superyacht marina and Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, English Harbour, is of outstanding maritime and naval interest. Antigua is home to several key global sailing events including Antigua Sailing Week, one of the premier sailing regattas in the world (late April to early May), the finishing point for the transatlantic Christmas Caribbean Rally (mid-January) and the starting point for the Royal Overseas Racing Club Caribbean 600 (late February).