The Caribbean islands, combined, are about 90,000 square miles of landmass, roughly half of it hilly or mountainous and the other half flat land. Most of the islands are a gloriously scenic combination of the two landscapes, circled by sandy beaches, which themselves are surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the sea.
Mother Nature has been extraordinarily diverse and creative in her artwork. Depending on your island of choice, you'll be stunned by what you see - from volcanic mountains (some active) to stretches of desert, mangrove swamps to sand dunes, and natural rock formations (some with just huge boulders) to vibrantly colored coral reefs. There are limestone cliffs and limestone caves, rivers both above and below ground, rapids, waterfalls, forests, rainforests, bluffs and lakes and blowholes. Always, there is the sea. There is nothing more spectacular than a sunrise or sunset over the Caribbean Sea.
Mother Nature isn't finished with her handiwork yet. Though rare, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes could cause a stir by changing topography and creating new landforms. The violent winds and drenching rains of hurricanes might be blamed for shifting beach sand from one place to another, for etching out a tiny bay that wasn't there before, or speeding up the erosion process of one already in existence.
The intensely panoramic splendor of the Caribbean defies description. To truly appreciate it, you need to see it for yourself.
Inhabiting, coloring, and flavoring all of this geology are the living creations of nature, the flora and fauna. There is what seems to be an endless number of species of plants and animals, many indigenous, many adopted, some endangered. You might stumble upon a shovelnose shark, a loggerhead turtle, or a cannonball tree. You could see the world's largest butterfly, the world's smallest hummingbird, or have your ears assailed by a very noisy grackle.
Besides more well-known species like flamingos, terns, and pelicans, birders might catch a glimpse of a barrancoli, a flautero, or a bananaquit. Migrating birds, both from the north and the south often pass through the islands. Botany lovers will recognize hibiscus, frangipani, and orchids, but may be surprised by a fish-tail palm or an ackee tree. There will also be iguanas, mongoose, parrots, monkeys, poinsettias, ferns, and coconut palms to see for those interested in many different aspects of tropical nature.
The intense beauty of the natural world is practically inescapable in the Caribbean. You're never far from a beach, a garden, or a panoramic view. Most of the time all you have to do is look out your window or take a casual stroll. You can certainly get caught up in the splendor without spending the first minute planning for it, and without knowing the names of the plants and animals you encounter.
The relatively new concept of eco-tourism is growing fast. Many of the individual Caribbean governments have begun to recognize and acknowledge the value of their natural resources and their history, as well as their historical sites. In conjunction with worldwide environmental groups, the tourism industry is helping to further develop the concept, along with local governments.
So, what does eco-tourism in the Caribbean mean? It means enjoying activities such as hiking or biking instead of driving. It means bird watching instead of shopping. It means doing nothing to endanger plants and animals. It inspires the desire to get in touch with nature, not pollute or deplete it.
To this end, local governments are setting aside more and more nature preserves like National Parks and bird sanctuaries. The admission fees charged help the ongoing efforts to protect the environment and the species inhabiting it. Hotels and tour operators are creating more opportunities for environmentally friendly activities, tours, and hikes promoting nature. Generally speaking, on-island groups will offer the best "eco-tours" because of their specialized local knowledge.
Fully two-thirds of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands is part of the National Park system. M. Timothy O' Keefe, author of Caribbean Afoot, claims that the whole island is one of the top ten hikes in the Caribbean. There are coral reefs for your snorkeling adventure, campsites, and many trails that take you past all manner of plants, flowers, and trees. Wildlife is abundant, as are the park rangers who act as guides. For unspoiled, pristine beauty, this is the place to be.
Puerto Rico is absolutely packed with possibilities for getting in touch with Caribbean nature. Perhaps the best known is the El Yunque rainforest and its surrounding areas. This is home to some 240 species of trees, inhabited by millions of tiny tree frogs called "coquis" that get rather vocal at night. Also dwelling here is the endangered green parrot called "cotorra." There are a significant number of hiking trails, many short enough and easy enough for the kids and the not-so-physically-fit. The panoramic lookouts offer stunning views. There are also campsites available.
Guadeloupe's National Park, where you will find the active La Soufriere Volcano, charges no admission fee and has no established hours. Here you will encounter exhibition huts to educate you about the volcano and the plant and animal life. On one of the many marked trails you may be lucky enough to meet one of the park's mascots, a raccoon called "titi." There are gigantic ferns and hot springs, and you won't want to miss Crayfish Waterfall while there.
The Arikok National Wildlife Park in Aruba comprises approximately 20 percent of the island. You can ascend Aruba's highest peak or go exploring in the caves. The wildlife is plentiful and includes parakeets and iguanas. Lignum vitae, an endangered species of tree, can be found here as well.
Strike out on your own, or with a group, and find some of the world's most impressive natural sites in the Caribbean; even if exploration isn't your style, you're still sure to experience the glory of nature on these islands.
Make the most of your the Caribbean vacation by checking out local landmarks.
