Shore excursions in the Caribbean give you numerous opportunities to see unusual and scenic sites and also learn about the history and culture of an area while you are having fun or enjoying a tasty local meal.
Grenada
Also known as the "Spice Island," or "Island of Spice," because it is one of the world's largest exporters of its famous nutmeg and mace, Grenada is in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. Nutmeg is the seed of a fruit produced by a unique evergreen tree that is one of only a few plants that produce the two spices, nutmeg and mace. The biggest and best nutmegs come from Grenada. To show its importance, the flag of Grenada pictures a nutmeg.
The Grand Etang National Park is based around the crater lake of an extinct volcano. Its main feature is the magical Seven Sisters Falls that rush down the mountainside into a large refreshing pool that is perfect for swimming. There is also a view of Volcano Lake from the Rainforest area, where Mona Monkeys come out of the forest and entertain.
St. Martin/St. Maarten
This island's draw is its shopping opportunities at Marigot with its five city blocks full of chic boutiques selling upscale French fashion imports and duty-free jewelry, perfume and crystal. Also, appreciate the interior design and stunning architecture of the three-level masterpiece, Le West Indies Shopping Mall, with 23 luxury designer shops.
The St. Maarten Museum on Front Street is small and is in the second floor of a converted 1800s house, but it is free and has nicely exhibited relics covering the culture, history and founders of the island. Exhibits include coin collections, household implements, nautical charts, ship models and more.
Costa Maya
This laid-back village carved out of Yucatan jungle and features three-foot banana daiquiris, chips and salsa, and swimming in their pools since the beach isn't suitable for swimming. The quirky fishing town of Mahahual, with its beachside restaurants and shops, is just a five-minute cab ride away.
Take a trip to the mysterious Mayan Village at Chacchoben. Visit the home of a Mayan family and perhaps make your own tortilla creation as you learn about the delicious ethnic foods. See the Mayan ruins and learn about the ancient history and culture of the area, the structures, and their building materials. Stop at a roadside stand for a bag of fresh and sweet sliced pineapple with a small packet of smoked Habanero chili powder, which proved to taste amazing together!
Curacao
Take a scenic island tour and visit the famous Hato Caves with their underground waterfalls and grottos. Chobolobo is a country estate where you can sample the island's namesake Curacao liqueur.
The Curacao Underwater Marine Park is one of the three best preserved reefs in the Caribbean and is ideal for snorkelers and divers and has lots of different sea life. The Royal Aquarium has touch tanks, a large viewing tank, and a chance to swim with the sharks and dolphins.
