Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Cuba

The coastal regions of Cuba offers plenty of snorkeling and scuba diving options for both beginners and experts. The water is pristine, the corals are well preserved, and the Cuban coast is home to more than 50 species of corals, 200 species of sponges, and a myriad of other underwater creatures. For those who want to stay close to the hotels, Playa Coral in Varadero offers a fun snorkeling experience complete with beautiful corals and playful tropical fish.

Swimming in a cave

Sure, you can swim on the stretch of beach by your resort, but swimming in a cave with fresh (read: non-salty) water is a whole other experience. You won’t even have to go far to enjoy the experience. Bellamar Caves and Saturno Cave are two popular caves, both located within an hour of the Varadero resorts. You’ll be mesmerized by the crystalline formations in the caves. Remember to bring your snorkeling gear for an even better underwater experience.

Hiking through a national park in Cuba

No matter what type of hiker you are, Cuba’s seven national parks has something to satisfy your outdoor desires. For an easy hike, the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve located at the tip of the Varadero peninsula offers a 1-hour self-guided trek through large cactus, small caves, and even a 2,500 year-old aboriginal burial site. Those serious hikers, Parque Nacional Pico Turquino in Santiago de Cuba offers a two day climb to Cuba’s highest mountain peak in the Sierra Maestra mountains.

Horseback riding through the valley

Horseback riding through the natural beauties of Cuba is a magical experience. While it is possible to participate in horseback riding on the beach, for an even more stunning experience, book a ride in Vinales Valley or Trinidad where you can enjoy the scenic Cuban countryside from the comfort of a horseback.

Kayaking along the coast of Cuba

The main island of Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, and a large island means a lot of coast. That fact, combined with pristine turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and royal palms make Cuba a beautiful kayaking spot. Many resorts even provide kayaking activities for guests free of charge. As you paddle out into the water, leaving the resort behind, enjoy the calming waters of Cuba and explore the country’s numerous little cayes.

Written by Tracy Zhang of Just in Time Travels

Grenada is famously known as the Spice Isle, and with good reason. Not only does this island produce an entire rack full of spices (such as nutmeg, ginger, all spice, and cinnamon), but the culture of Grenada has a rich and flavorful appeal as well.

The capital port St. George has an old world Caribbean charm with cobblestone streets that weave between vibrantly colored buildings of old English and French architecture. The city’s waterfront bay is a great place to take a stroll, sit down with a cold rum drink, or check out the incredible view from atop historic Fort George. When you’re feeling more adventurous hop on a bus and freely explore the rest of the country. The bus system will carry you all over the island for very little cost, but keep a venturesome mindset as you will most likely experience overcrowding and erratic bus schedules; however, it is definitely worth it if you want to spend the day beach hopping. Grenada has plenty of white sand beaches with tranquil Caribbean waters. Once your done at the beach sling your day pack over your shoulder and take a hike through the island jungles where you will find mona monkeys and some really awesome waterfalls.

The natural beauty of Grenada offers plenty for the appreciative visitor to do. Budget to spend some money on scuba diving, sport fishing, or sailing, but the free snorkeling, beaches, and hiking are great as well. And if your lucky you may stumble upon the occasional cricket match.

While there are plenty of breath-taking (yet pricey) resorts, with the right accommodations a budget traveler could easily have just as memorable island vacation. There are restaurants to suit every budget, but the best deal on the island comes from the numerous Roti stands. One Roti packs lots of food and flavor at an affordable price.

If you happen to be traveling to Grenada by boat then the experience is even better. The free anchorages are calm, scenic, and offer plenty of nearby services. The greatest experience of Grenada for Alyson and I was at anchor just off Hog Island. Travelers will sometimes tend to avoid other tourists, but no where will you find a better mix of people from around the world than on Hog Island. An international community of sailors and the local Grenadians meet at Rogers Beach Shack to enjoy sun downers and rum with beach barbeque and the occasional Oil Down ( a local delicacy). Live music, bon fires and rum fueled sailor stories left us with some unforgettable memories of our stay on the Spice Isle.