A Caribbean vacation isn’t complete without visiting the island’s most magnificent gems. Waterfalls in the Caribbean are typically found nestled in the hills and surrounded by lush greenery filled with exotic fauna. The crystal clear and refreshing rapids are awe-inspiring. With all the beauty in the islands it’s difficult to know which attraction to see first, but no worries, we have narrowed it down for you. Check out the 8 must-see Caribbean waterfalls.

Jamaica, Dunn’s River Falls
Probably one of the most famous in the Caribbean, these magnificent falls are 60 feet high and empty directly into the sea!  A series of pools and rocks that have become smooth from the pressure of the falls, make it a perfect natural playground! Make sure you visit the beach and test out the natural slides!

Jamaica, YS Falls
Found deep in the heart of Jamaica’s South Coast, YS Falls is a place of unique beauty and a must-see whilst on the island.  With seven waterfalls and a series of naturally formed freshwater pools, it’s a natural wonder hidden in the southern parish of St. Elizabeth. Make sure you climb the nature trails to the top of the falls, grab a rope swing and jump in! Swim in its natural pools. They also have the opportunity to zip-line through the rain-forest canopy from the top of the falls to its base below.

Saint Lucia, Errard Falls
If you’re looking for an adventure that’s off the beaten path and you’re up for a bit of a trek, this one’s for you!  After a bike ride through the forest it’s time to talk a walk through the jungle, across river (and over a few rocks!) to reach the foot of this incredible waterfall! It’s a beautiful clear pool surrounded by deep rain-forest. Make sure you observe the incredible biodiversity of the area, like the super cool land crabs that you’ll find hiding under the rocks.

Grenada, Concord Falls
If you like to hike, this is the one for you; a series of three waterfalls located on the edge of a reserve on the western side of the island, the water is crystal clear and ice cold! Make sure you take a camera!

Barbados, Harrisons Cave
Forget the beaches, discover the hidden waterfalls beneath the surface of this Caribbean paradise in a massive stream cave system that is at least 2.3 kilometres long! Visit Harrison’s Cave Barbados to see the stalactites, stalagmites, glass-like pools and hidden waterfalls! Make sure you carry water and a camera with flash and don't miss the cave and critters!

For the best experience book in advance through your travel agent, or the resort and trusted tour company onsite to visit these must-see sites!

Contact ChrisRakes@totalexperiencetravel.com to help you plan your Caribbean vacation! She is an all inclusive specialist and her personal professional planning services bring you added value from research through return at no extra cost.

Swimming Pigs Adventure - Enjoy a fun filled, action packed excursion aboard a 35 foot custom designed Power Cat while you  swim with the pigs, snorkel, beach comb and experience all the beauty of the Exumas in one tour. Your captain and first mate will entertain you with excellent knowledge and first class service as you cruise in and out of over 75 magnificent, little known cays with several stops along the way. Take incredible photos atop an island with 360-degree views of the Exuma cays. Visit the endangered Bahamian rock Iguana at an island, which the original natives of the Bahamas once called home. Circle past the million dollar privately owned islands of celebrities, and speed across waters only inches deep as Stingrays race across the bottom. No journey into the cays is complete without feeding the always hilarious Swimming Pigs. Afterwards snorkel and swim along a lively reef with magnificent colors while a nearby virgin sandbar awaits your exploration

​Dolphin Encounter - Enter the world of these gentle bottlenose beauties with a special kiss and caress while you get a chance to make friends, touch and have an up-close experience with the dolphins.  Also, learn some interesting facts about these wonderful creatures from a knee deep water platform. You can also view the exciting Shark Show, performed by our very own pirates of “Little Port Royal.” Interact with the colorful birds, exotic snakes and iguanas on the nature trail. Enjoy unlimited mini-boat rides, a 40ft. water slide and interactions with the gentle stingrays (with barbs clipped).

MINI-Routes To Negril - Buckle up and take the wheel of your own MINI Cooper during this first-of-its-kind journey along Jamaica’s beautiful north-west coast to the ‘capital of casual’, Negril! This exciting new experience puts you in the driver’s seat as you follow behind an expert island guide to local spots and famous landmarks. Your journey begins with a short stop at a local coconut vendor. Then hop back in your MINI and drive through the historic town of Lucea. Once you arrive in Negril it’s time for some delicious food and a relaxing break on the Seven Mile Beach. In the afternoon drive to the iconic Negril Lighthouse at the westernmost point of the island where you can see the lighthouse and take in the gorgeous view. Next, visit the legendary Ricks Café where you’ll have the opportunity to witness the daring cliff-divers, snap a few pictures and enjoy the stunning views.  On your way back to Montego Bay you’ll make a final stop at an authentic jerk shack for a quick cooking demonstration. It’s time to take your island experience into your own hands on this fully-loaded adventure, but get ready because there’s nothing ‘mini’ about it! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to benefit the local communities that we call home.

Luminous Lagoon Experience - Join in at sunset for a trip to Jamaica's famed Luminous Lagoon on a night cruise like no other! With a complimentary rum or fruit punch in hand, hop aboard to head out to the magical glistening waters. Surrounded by mangroves, at night the waters of the lagoon are home to microscopic organisms that emit a phosphorescent blue light when disturbed. Once you’ve cruised to the middle of the lagoon, you can jump in and really experience the true beauty of this unusual natural wonder. Luminous Lagoon is one of the few places in the world to have such a high concentration of these harmless organisms, this is truly something not to be missed!

Moriah Sea Park Adventure - ​Head over to the Exuma’s famous Moriah Harbor Cay National Park and become one with Mother Nature! Spanning across 10-miles of diverse land and sea, this park is home to reef fish, stingrays, turtles, dolphins and more! Basque in the Bahamian sun while keeping your eyes on the water, for you never know which ocean animal will swim by to say hello! Then, come face-to-face with these exotic sea-creatures as you cool off in the aquamarine sea and snorkel to your hearts content!

Reggae Catamaran Cruise - ​Sway to the sounds of reggae on one of the Caribbean’s most wet ’n’ wild adventures! Indulge in delectable appetizers and unlimited exotic cocktails while enjoying the best panoramic views you’ll ever set your eyes on. There’s nothing quite like this ‘club on water’ to feel the pulse of the island and see the wonders of the Caribbean. Snorkeling is included.

Contact ChrisRakes@totalexperiencetravel.com today to plan your customized all inclusive trip to the Caribbean! Chris is an all inclusive expert, as well as Antigua, Jamaica, St Lucia and Honeymoon specialist!! You can count on her for professional reliable recommendations. 

They say what goes around, comes around. As proof, once a favorite for stars and socialites, the beautiful  Caribbean Island of Jamaica appears to be a hot spot once again! It  continues to post impressive visitor growth with overnight, land-based visitor arrivals to Jamaica increasing 5.9 percent in the first six months of 2018.
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Jamaica hosted 1.25 million overnight visitor arrivals in the first half of 2018. Jamaica is one of only six countries tracked by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) to exceed one million annual land-based visitors.
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​The increases came despite a January declaration of a state of emergency by Andrew Holness, Jamaica’s prime minister. The declaration authorized “increased security measures” to curb “crime and violence” in St. James Parish, which includes the key Montego Bay tourist district. In a statement, Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) officials attributed the increases to quick, decisive and sustained initiatives led by Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s tourism minister, and Donovan White, the director of tourism, which successfully mitigated the possible negative outcomes from enhanced security measures implemented in the parish of St. James in January. “While the implementation of enhanced security measures did stir a whirlwind of concerns locally and internationally, several overseas partners welcomed the initiative as a necessary step,” said Bartlett. “[We] continue to support our nation’s security apparatus in their efforts to make Jamaica a safe place for all,” said Bartlett.

Jamaica has also benefited from strong hotel and resort development and investment, as major hospitality suppliers have targeted the island for future visitor growth despite the expressed security concerns. Several of Jamaica’s classic luxury resorts are slated for significant renovations this year, while both major and regional airlines have added new flights to the destination, facilitating the growing visitor totals.

Like many other destinations in the Caribbean, the Turks and Caicos suffered its share of bumps and bruises as a result of last year’s hurricanes.  An archipelago of 40 low-lying coral islands southeast of the Bahamas, the British Overseas Territory sustained the most damage from Hurricane Irma, though it was also impacted by Hurricane Maria. Many Turks and Caicos hotels, as well as the airport, experienced water damage and the port of Turks and Caicos witnessed even heavier destruction. However, before year’s end in 2017, most of the island’s restaurants, bars, hotels and tourist attractions had reopened.

Longtime Turks and Caicos Developer Mark Durliat, owner of Grace Bay Resorts, recently spoke with us about the destination, where it’s been and where it’s headed. Over the past two decades of working in the Turks and Caicos, Durliat has led the creation of 10 new resorts, condominiums and single-family residential projects. He has spearheaded more than 300,0000 square feet of new construction and directly sold $145 million of real estate.  His initial project, Grace Bay Club, was the first luxury, all-oceanfront-suite resort in the country. More recently, Durliat’s energies have been focused on his new Rock House Resort, a 14-acre residential enclave that has a target sell out of $55 million. It will offer 41 cottages and four hillside homes.

I went down to Turks & Caicos this past Spring to check out the recovery and see what's new. 

Not only did Turks and Caicos recover remarkably quickly from the 2017 hurricane season that devastated much of the Caribbean, it is experiencing a variety of important developments and is thriving as a destination on many levels.  The transition has been helped along in large part by more direct flights to the Turks and Caicos in recent years.   A list of cities that now offer direct flights to the Turks and Caicos at dizzying speed – New York, Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami, Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago and more.  

There are a variety of new luxe properties that have opened in recent years or that are slated to open in the near future. The Ritz-Carlton, a legend in luxury has announced plans for Turks and Caicos. The project will be located in the Grace Bay.  My favorite spot!  In addition, Durliat’s own company, Grace Bay Resorts, recently acquired a new property, Point Grace. The luxury boutique resort, which came under Grace Bay Resorts ownership in April, offers a world-class location on Grace Bay Beach and 35 luxe suites.  And, last December 2016 the much buzzed about Shore Club opened. It's a $100 million property located on a three-mile stretch of beach featuring opulent villas and lavish suites. There are three pools, poolside cabanas, a yoga pavilion and a 12,000-square-foot spa, as well as three dining venues too.

Sun, sand, sea, good food and relaxation - not hustle and bustle - is what you will find in Turks & Caicos!

To start planning your trip and get help picking the perfect spot contact ChrisRakes@totalexperiencetravel.com. She is an experienced expert who will make it easy for you to research, customize and go!