When it comes to beautiful beaches, the islands and countries that make up the Caribbean are often what comes to the mind of travelers. And yes, the region is home to some of the most gorgeous stretches of beach and shimmering turquoise waters one has ever seen, but there’s also much more to this diverse region. Teeming with lush foliage and undulating mountains, the Caribbean is also a hidden gem for nature experiences, which is what one magazine – Wanderlust – aimed to highlight this week. In “16 Nature Secrets of the Caribbean” Wanderlust contributor Mark Stratton shines a spotlight on the wildlife encounters, off-grid treks, and underrated experiences that make the Caribbean much more than meets the eye.
Belize’s Hidden Adventures
Manatee watching on Monkey River. Photo by Captain Jak’s
Latin America’s largest population of Antillean manatees lives along Belize’s”beautiful Caribbean coast”, notes Wanderlust Magazine. These gentle giants are also known as sea cows and face dwindling numbers due to boat strikes. They can be seen up close, however, in designated protected areas in Belize like Gales Point Manatee and Swallow Caye. Belize is no stranger to being champions of conservation, and that is true even when it comes to these unique marine mammals.
-
- Verdant vistas await at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo by Belize My Travels
-
- The Cockscob Basin Wildlife Sanctuary Visitor’s Center. Photo courtesy of Hamanasi
-
- © Takuto Kurosawa, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Meanwhile, on land, Belize has been doing its part to protect one of the region’s biggest cats: the jaguar. Take a trip to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary to hike the trails of the world’s first and only jaguar preserve. The preserve, writes Wanderlust, is “a treasure trove of waterfall-striped rainforest through which these elusive cats prowl.” Beyond Cockscomb, some lucky visitors have been able to spot the elusive jaguar up north in places like Gallon Jug and the Rio Bravo Conservation Area.
Go Off the Beaten Path on Your Next Caribbean Vacation
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo by the Belize Tourism Board
From blue iguanas in the Cayman Islands to rugged caves in Aruba, the Caribbean is brimming with unique and awe-inspiring experiences. That’s true whether you’re a novice adventurer looking for easy excursions or a thrill-seeker who wants to check a few things off their bucket list.
Consider this your sign to break away from the typical tourist trails on your next Caribbean vacation. Instead, venture beyond the crowds for something far more immersive (and not to mention memorable).
Wanderlust’s full article, “16 Nature Secrets of the Caribbean” on their website.
