10 of the Most Thrilling Excursions you can take in the Caribbean with Saga!
When you think of the Caribbean, you naturally picture white sand beaches, fringed by coconut palms, azure skies and clear seas, with turtles swimming past. This is the Caribbean that attracts thousands of visitors from around the world every year, but theres so much more these islands have to offer than just the perfect seaside experience.
Travelling with Saga, youll get to find out more about the real Caribbean, youll sample the rum that is distilled from the sugarcane plants grown here, visit caves and coral reefs, as well as swim in lagoons and under picturesque waterfalls. If you want to find out about Creole culture and the Caribbeans rich history and music scene, then youll thoroughly enjoy the odd excursion during your fortnight here, if only to give your skin a rest from the relentlessly hot sun.
Saga Travel is a tour operator that caters for the over 50s. Your all-inclusive package holiday to the Caribbean will provide you with an escorted tour of the highlights of this part of the world, as well as more beach time than you can possibly handle. Youll stay in luxury accommodation and have your meals, drinks, transfers, flights and excursions included as part of the deal, not to mention your very own professional tour manager, who will guide you expertly from place to place. Lets have a look at some of the most fascinating trips you can take in the Caribbean.
Tobago
Often grouped together as part of a package with neighbouring Trinidad, Tobago stands alone given the unique and austere beauty of its landscape. It has an incredibly biodiverse tropical rainforest, which is home to plenty of local wildlife, and it offers dramatic mountain scenery as a backdrop to its stunning white sand beaches.
- Argyle waterfalls in Tobago
The ultimate way to feel refreshed under the hot Caribbean sun is to lie in the rock tubs of the 3 tiered Argyle Waterfalls and let the cool water rush over you, while you look up at the clouds of mist above you. Its a welcome feeling after the hike youll have just taken through Tobagos rainforest. Your walk here is a picturesque trail, where youll pass colourful plants and butterflies. The highest cascade is 175 feet high, and once youve had your swim, youll be able to enjoy a picnic lunch below.
- Birdwatching trip at Main Ridge Forest Reserve in Tobago
This is one for the wildlife enthusiasts. Main Ridge consists of 1000 acres of tropical rainforest. Your dedicated tour guide will take you to the spots where youre most likely to see the cute marsupial known as Robinsons mouse, agoutis and crab-eating raccoons, not to mention the twin star attractions; the white tailed Sabrewing hummingbird, and ocellated gecko; both of which are rare in the world but plentiful here.
- The Nylon pool in the Buccoo Reef in Tobago
The deep, clear waters of the Nylon Pool are said to have rejuvenating powers. As you lie on your back in the cool water, under the hot sun, youll have a white sand beach on one side of you and the ocean on the other. When you put your snorkel on, youll see exotic fish swimming in and around the coral reef below you; a sight you can also enjoy during the glass-bottomed boat trip that is included as part of this excursion.
- Cocoa Experience in Tobago
Do you consider yourself a chocolate connoisseur? You will do after this trip! The cocoa production process is fascinating and it results in an extremely tasty treat. Youll be taken to a beautiful 18th century stately plantation house, known as Richmond Great House, which is situated in the grounds of Belle Garden. A stroll around will reveal the secrets of how your favourite treat is made. This tour includes a trip to nearby Roxborough and an ancient, established forest reserve.
Grenada
This island is known as the Spice Isle. Its hilly conditions are perfect for growing spices, which is why so many of the Caribbeans spice plantations were established here. Bird enthusiasts will be keen to spot the national bird; the Grenada dove, which is critically endangered and so a real treat if you manage to see one during your time here.
- Rum and spice tour of Grenada
Heading towards the most eastern tip of the island, youll pay a visit to the ancient crypt of the architecturally impressive Roman Catholic cathedral of St George, and the De la Grenades Spice Garden, where the aromatic smells will make your tummy rumble. Youll be able to fill it with rum at your final destination on this trip; a tour of the rum distillery in the upmarket Westerhall Point area, which is known for its tree-lined streets and great beach.
- A second rum and spice tour of Grenada!
Rum and spices are such a heady, moorish mix. Its also possible to take a different type of tour on this island that encompasses the same attractions. This time, having toured around the perimeter of St. Georges, the capital of Grenada, youll head to the River Antoine rum distillery, to pick sugarcane and observe the fermentation and distilling process, before sampling the drink of course. Youll then wander around the spice plantations to see vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg growing, before tasting them too.
- Tour of the Grand Etang national park of Grenada
One of the biggest attractions of Grenada is the Grand Etang national park; ideal for anyone interested in Caribbean nature. Expect misty landscapes and lush rainforest, often at a high elevation. You can hike around the shoreline of the lake, visit the Seven Sisters Falls and explore the trails around the central volcanic crater.
St Vincent
A favourite destination for the jet set, St Vincent is known for its yacht-filled marinas and private islands. Its very chic, sophisticated and set in stunning volcanic surroundings. Luxury sailing is the must-do pastime here if you can afford it, and if you cant then, its fun to imagine for the day how the other half lives, as you sip very reasonably priced (by European standards) champagne cocktails on the quay.
- Tour of the Tobago Cays archipelago
The Tobago Cays are 5 uninhabited islands that sit upon a horseshoe reef, with a turquoise lagoon in the middle. They are reached via boat from St Vincent. Given the protection from the wind and the waves these small islands offer, and the fact that this reef complex is one of the most developed in the world, snorkelling conditions are perfect. If you want to observe the exotic fish of the Caribbean up close and personal, this place is ideal!
- A tour of St Vincents capital, Kingstown
Youll visit the lively market and the popular Villa beach, as well as the beautiful 19th century churches, such as St Marys Cathedral. Then youll move on out to Fort Charlotte, built in 1806 and with an amazing viewpoint, to take in a panorama of your surroundings. This tour ends on a high at the Botanic Gardens, which is packed full of tropical plants and aviaries, housing over 500 endangered parrots. This garden is the oldest of its kind and is particularly loved for its spice and medicinal plant sections.
Nevis
Nevis is often grouped together with its neighbour St Kitts and is known to be a haven for sheltering sea turtles and stingrays. Diving here in the calm waters is a very rewarding experience, given the wildlife Nevis attracts. The island itself is known for its colonial architecture and gardens.
- Nevis island tour
This is an island which has suffered much damage at the hands of natural disasters; first an earthquake, and then a hurricane. It ruined Cottle church, which was built by the former president of the island and was where he used to pray with his slaves. Also influential on the islands legacy, was Horatio Nelson, who met his future wife on Nevis.
Highlights of your island tour will include the tropical rainforest conservatory, housed within the Nevis Botanical Gardens, the 19th century Georgian buildings of the islands capital Charlestown, and the curative waters of Bath Bay, which are known for restoring people to health. You will experience them first hand at the Bath Hotel, which utilises the natural hot springs to create its spa facilities. Once youve enjoyed all there is to offer of Neviss cultural highlights, youll then be taken to the Nisbett plantation; a beach resort 3 acres wide, which is infamous for its beautiful Avenue of Palms and the hammocks hanging from the trees on site, where you can swing lazily while you drink your cocktails.
Saga is very popular with couples and groups of friends, but also solo travellers. Huge efforts are made to ensure that everyone feels included and special social nights are hosted to introduce all the travellers in your group, solo or otherwise. Youll be given every opportunity to make new friends and new memories together.
Aspen Travel are a respected booking partner of Saga Travel. Our dedicated travel advisors will be able to help you choose the tour that best suits you, as well as pass on the best prices. Please get in touch and let us take the stress out of the booking process for you.
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