Things to do in the Caribbean

If you are a scuba diver then the Caribbean is a dream destination for a scuba diving holiday. The waters are often calm (and, of course, warm) and you will be setting off on your adventure from some of the planet’s best beaches. The creatures you find in the water are spectacular in the extreme, as is the coral and other fauna. The biggest challenge you face is which diving spot to choose from a seemingly endless list. It is actually hard to go wrong and all the major destinations offer scuba experiences beyond parallel.

If you would like to explore a shipwreck then Aruba has one that is teeming with life and hidden mysteries. Close by, the island of Bonaire is renowned for the treasures it offers within its National Marine Park and famous sites such as the Alice in Wonderland Reef and the ‘1,000 steps’. The latter’s name is misleading and you will spend more time enjoying your swim than walking underwater. The Blue Hole of Belize is a vertical cave almost 400 feet deep and demands to be explored to view stalactites and the resident sharks. Give the Turks and Caicos islands a go for superb visibility underwater and the remarkable marine life that thrives in this region. Come back to the Caribbean year after year to find something new.

The Caribbean is a place where music comes naturally. Whether it is the world famous rhythms of reggae or the beats of the merengue that get everyone dancing - you will find big smiles and big tunes across the islands. Some of the globe’s best music festivals take place in the region where these sounds are celebrated in full and enjoying a live band on a beach in the Caribbean will be a moment to treasure for the rest of your life.

Probably the biggest festival is Sumfest in Jamaica which has an almost 30 year history of offering the best reggae and dancehall music around. You would be joining thousands dancing on the streets, beaches and venues of the island for days of pure aural bliss.

Go to St Kitts in the last week of June for one of the most diverse music festivals in the calendar with a 20 year track record of unforgettable experiences., spectacular. For something slightly different, the Meet! Festival in the Dominican Republic offers a huge line-up of talent from the underground scene with the added bonus of free access to the Aquapark and cool clubs throughout its seven day reign. Get even more laidback at the St. Lucia Jazz and Art Festival which delivers brilliant live music and an array of surrounding events including a fashion show. Discover the music and dance in the Dominican Republic.

Shopping in the Caribbean is a joy, especially if you choose the days when the sun is not beating down so harshly. It can range from the experience of perusing arts and crafts and picking up unique souvenirs created by the locals to exploring air-conditioned malls and wincing slightly at the prices of the brand labels. Either way, make sure your credit card still has some wiggle room left for a holiday purchase.

For the luxury side of things, St. Maarten island is hard to beat where the cruise ship traffic has created a retail offering that covers electronics and designer fashion. Its close ties with France means you will always be able to pick up something chic whether that's a new outfit or a perfume. The Dominican Republic is a treasure chest of handicrafts with local gemstones such as larimar adding lustre to jewelry and other trinkets. Furniture is also a good buy here if you are able to transport it home. You will find stalls dotted along the coast ready to provide you with authentic, beautiful objects of desire. Barbados lives up to its reputation as a playground for the rich and famous with an equally high end collection of shops. The Limegrove Lifestyle Centre is a heaven for those who love their brand labels including Cartier and Gucci.

Finally, let us narrow things down to one activity which you are unlikely to encounter anywhere else in the world. Imagine being on a beautiful beach but also imagine that you are sharing the sands with a friendly tribe of pigs who enjoy a dip in the sea as much as the tourists. You will need to book your stay in the Bahamas for this experience where Pig Beach can be found and the snuffling, happy creatures roam freely around charming everyone with their brown and pink snouts. Where did the pigs come from? Depending on who you believe they are either refugees from a shipwreck or animals left behind to breed and provide a future feast for some hungry sailors. Either way, they have established their presence on the island and will not be leaving any time soon.

It is possible to feed these delightful creatures, and early in the morning is the best time to catch them going for a swim. However, you may want to leave them in peace at some point or risk spending your day by the sea fending off animals demanding a few more treats. Luckily there are plenty of other sunbathing spots in the Bahamas to choose from if you start to feel uncomfortable from the porcine attention.