Run through rainforests and wander with wildlife when you cruise to Caribbean Rainforest Destinations.
The Caribbean is a lush, mysterious land filled with rainforests and nature reserves of tropical beauty. Stop in Puerto Rico and head to El Yunque National Rainforest to trek along tree-lined, misty trails that lead to cascading waterfalls. If you're searching for serenity, swing by the Grand Etang National Park in Grenada, where peaceful greenery surrounds a shimmering lake. If animal adventures are more what you're looking for, visit the island of Dominica, where you can try to keep pace with quick-footed agoutis (think of a guinea pig, but cuter) or be on the lookout for agile hummingbirds in the protected lands of the nature reserves. Or stop in Costa Rica and venture into San Luis Park, where you can zip-line through the forest and capture its wild beauty from above. Discover the magic of nature with a Caribbean cruise.
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BRANCH OUT AMONG TROPICAL TREES
Choose the best Caribbean Rainforest vacation and find yourself in awe of the beauty of waterfalls, jungle creatures, birdsong and refreshing forest air. Be sure to snap photos — there's no other place in the world where you'll find the coqui tree frog of Puerto Rico or the mysterious, dark-eyed oilbird of Trinidad.
IT'S RAINING TROPICS!
Known as the only tropical rainforest in the United States, El Yunque — less than an hour's drive from San Juan, in the eastern town of Fajardo, Puerto Rico — is home to La Mina waterfall, multiple trails and a visitor center. Take a self-tour with the provided trail maps or join a group tour to trek through the forest with companions. Either way, you'll be enchanted by the fresh smells, earthy sounds and refreshing waters of the splashing waterfalls during your vacation.
NO RESERVE-ATIONS REQUIRED
With a myriad of ecological subsystems all existing in harmony within the same compound, the Grand Etang Forest Reserve in Grenada is home to stunning mahogany and gommier trees. As you explore the indigenous flora surrounding the Grand Etang Lake, keep your eyes peeled for local beauties like soursop, a creamy-textured fruit with a distinctive spiked skin.
THE PEAK OF EXCITEMENT
Go on an vacation adventure in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park in Jamaica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just a stone's throw away from Ocho Rios, where you can walk amongst endemic species of flora and fauna, explore historic maroon communities and indulge in what is arguably Jamaica's best coffee: Blue Mountain.
PARK AND PLAY
From zip-lining to bridge-crossing, travel adventures abound in some of the best national parks of the Caribbean. Take an expedition through the wonders of rainforests and reserves to witness waterfalls, blue holes, hiking trails and visitor centers. There is a wide selection of Caribbean islands offering outstanding hiking experiences.
GET READY TO COSTA-WAY
San Luis Park, the adventure park of Costa Rica — about a 90-minute drive from the port at Puntarenas — offers canopy tours, rappelling, hiking trails, a butterfly farm and a tour called the Tarzan Swing. For family fun, howl along with the local monkeys.
DIVE INTO THE DEPTHS OF THE CARIBBEAN
One of nine national parks in the Dominican Republic, Parque Nacional del Este — a quick 50-minute drive from Punta Cana — hosts over 500 species of flowers and 300 species of birds. If you're looking for aquatic adventures, dive with dolphins or capture the beauty of the coral reefs in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea right off the coast of the park.
THE WILD, THE WINGED AND THE WONDERFUL
Get to know wild creatures like the cute, beaver-like hutia that lives in the mangrove park of Los Haitises National Park, found in the Dominican Republic, about a two-hour drive from Punta Cana. On your adventure through this wonderland, which is home to the biggest population of native birds on the entire island, you're sure to fix your eyes on some fabulous flyers.
Feel The Flora And Frolic With The Fauna On The
Best Caribbean Cruises
A cruise to Caribbean is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. Whether you choose Eastern, Southern or Western, you will discover beautiful Rainforests and Parks onboard the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships.
KEEPIN' IT TROPICAL
If you want to explore on your own, grab a map of the tropical rainforest and discover its wonders at your own pace, but be sure to make stops for swimming in the turquoise waters or taking in the beautiful views of the rainforest national parks near Punta Cana or El Yunque near San Juan.
PRESERVE YOUR MEMORIES
National reserves and parks are great ways to explore a Caribbean island's wild nature with a guide. If you're looking for an adventure, make sure you take a tour of the area and sign up for different activities, from rappelling to zip-lining at Morne Trois Pitons National Park in Dominica, or Grenada's Grand Etang National Park.
WHAT TO KNOW
BEFORE YOU GO
Caribbean Cruises Insider
Many species of plants and animals call the Caribbean rainforests home, so as you enjoy the beauty of the verdant slopes, make sure not to disrupt their habitats. Snapping photos is a great alternative to touching the animals, and disposing of garbage properly is always a key component of respecting the rainforests.
Another way of helping protect these beautiful locations is visiting. By witnessing the wonders of the rainforests and reserves firsthand, you are helping to fund the protection of the land. The rainforests and reserves of the Caribbean, many considered to be UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are the pride and joy of locals living on these islands. Enjoy them responsibly during your next vacation.
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Make sure to bring proper wear for your rainforest travel adventure. Comfortable closed-toed shoes, a hat and sunscreen are must-haves.
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A swimsuit is never a bad idea because you never know when you'll get the urge to jump into a waterfall or blue hole.
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Keep an eye open for the distinctive wildlife of the region: Look (and listen) for the small coqui tree frog of El Yunque, whose distinctive song sounds like its name, and the bushy-cheeked Mona monkey of Grand Etang National Park in Grenada.
RELATED PORTS
All Caribbean Cruise Ports have something to discover. Travel Southern and wander down the colorful streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico, or trek the best National Parks in the Caribbean in Saint Lucia. Go to the western side and dive into the crystal clear waters of Grand Cayman and catch a glimpse of some wildlife. Eastern Caribbean cruises will bring you to St. Thomas, where you can take in stunning panoramic views of the island at Government Hill or to St. Maarten, where you can dine on some of the region's best cuisine.
