Enjoy the Best Watersports on These Caribbean Islands
As experts so often note, there are more than 7,000 islands in the Caribbean archipelago. This includes “13 sovereign island nations and 12 dependent territories,” and a lot of unique conditions. While the region has a tropical climate all year round, it has a diversity of geographies and conditions. For example, some islands have a bit of rainforest, some have unique rocky landscapes, and most have beaches that can feature white sand, golden sands, pink to coral sands and more.
Each island is host to a long list of activities that can range from hiking and biking to horseback riding and shopping. Yet, where all islands are alike is along their coastal areas, where watersports are the order of the day. However, even here there is diversity. As one expert explained, noting that all islands have water sports, which “have the best water sports will likely remain a subject of endless debate among aficionados of diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and fishing. Every island has something to offer.”
As is the case with almost anything in life, some locations will have better conditions or options for specific watersports than another. Many have a bit of everything, “from wind and waves to calm, clear shores, along with the necessary infrastructure to support these aquatic pursuits,” meaning that you can always enjoy yourself on any island.
If you want to know which of the Caribbean’s many islands do authentically deserve their title as the best and most diverse (i.e. something for everyone) in terms of watersports, we’d recommend the following:
Grand Cayman
For our guests staying at one of our Grand Cayman villas, the island boasts a renowned underwater paradise demanding to be explored. Part of the Grand Cayman Islands, this large and famous spot has something for everyone of any level of interest or experience. Surrounded by calm and clear waters, it is a divers’ and snorkeler’s paradise. It is also a perfect spot for those who enjoy sailing or wish to learn more about it. Home to an annual Regatta that runs all around the islands, it features lots of windy conditions. There is deep water, too, and this can make it great for scuba and fishing.
In fact, the island is famous for its “underwater walls” that make it a top tier diving destination throughout the entire region.
At the North Sound area of the island, beginner to experienced kayakers will find a lot to love, and there is a lot of opportunity for sailing. Fly fishing enthusiasts appreciate the flats around the edges of the bay, too.
The northern edge of this sound is home to lots of kiteboarding and windsurfing, and then there is always Seven Mile Beach along the western edge of the island where flatwater activities from water skiing and paddleboarding to boat tours are available.
Dominican Republic
Home to famous Catalina Island, the Dominican Republic’s southern coast is also a world-class snorkeling and diving destination. The north coast is also home to the famous Cabarete area where windsurfing and kiteboarding are the order of the day, and where major competitions make for amazing conditions.
As one enthusiast noted, “Strong and consistent winds blow into the bay, while an offshore barrier reef breaks up the prevailing swells and creates surfable and jumpable breakers for the more advanced, as well as sheltered nearshore areas for beginners.” It is not unusual to see dozens of kites in the air above the bay on a good day and there are a lot of options for lessons and guidance.
Punta Cana villas are an ideal and central location to experience the grand wonders of the east coast with plenty of opportunity for kite surfing, visiting deserted offshore islands and other water adventures. The Punta Cana area is close to this part of the island and it is a famous spot for deep-sea fishing enthusiasts who can charger one of the many top-tier craft that head out into the waters each day – particularly the Mona Passage that takes them between Puerto Rico and Hispaniola.
Barbados
Villas in Barbados are renowned for their pampered service but travelers should explore the incredible waters and nature of the island. The west coast of Barbados has gentle snorkeling, sailing and waverunners while the south and east side of the island is a popular destination for the surfers of the region, and you will find plenty of spots for windsurfing and more traditional big wave surfing. The south coast of the island is noted as an ideal location for surfing, and it also places you near the best restaurants and some of the most popular nightlife locations.
Dominica
If you are on the search for something quite different from your Caribbean watersports, this may be a good island to choose. This is because it has an entirely unique terrain. It is not one of the “beachy” islands and is more an ideal spot for those who want waterfalls as part of their watersports options. There are mountain rainforests, mangrove areas, hot springs with mud baths, and even a lot of options for diving and more traditional water sports.
Turks & Caicos
Beach lovers find that Turks & Caicos never disappoints. It is home to some of the clearest waters, pristine coral reefs, and picture-perfect beaches. Grace Bay beach has been consistently voted as one of the best beaches in the world.
The islands are a good choice for the enthusiastic diver, too, and there are plenty of options for solo, guided, and expert experiences.
Yet, each of the islands has its own “best” watersports. For example, the largest island of Provo (officially Providenciales) is ideal for snorkeling, diving, and boating. Long Bay Beach on Provo is the go to spot for kite surfing. It also has a lot of parasailing and paddleboarding. North and Middle, however, are home to world-class fishing, kiteboarding, and kayaking.
You can find something for everyone regardless of the Caribbean Island selected, but if you are eager to enjoy the best of the best, take the advice above to heart. Remember that all of the islands will allow you to experience great beaches, beautiful waters, and lots of water activities. If you are eager to enjoy more famous sites, though, make sure you pay a visit to some of the locations above and discover for yourself why they are noted as the best of the best. And don’t forget to take a camera because most of these locations are also frequently rated as some of the most beautiful on their respective islands!