Top Caribbean “Secret” Destinations

The island of Jamaica doesn’t blend in easily with the rest of the Caribbean archipelago, despite of its location which smack in the Caribbean Sea. It isn’t all just yachts and cruise ports. To be sure, here are some of the regions with countless experiences that don’t get as much press, but deliver unbeatable trips.

Dominica’s Boiling Lake

Photo credits to: tourismontheedge.com

One of Dominica’s UNESCO World Heritage site. The 207- foot-wide lake filled with bubbling grayish-blue water is easily viewed in its continuous rolling-boil state – which looks like a giant pot of water cooking and steaming on a stove. It covers a distance of approx. 7 miles from the path village of Laudat. And it’s perfectly scenic hike to complete takes around 3 hours each way.

The ‘Caribbean Pompeis’

Photo credits to: ssets.vice.com

In 1995, when the volcano in the Soufriere Hills shattered high over the small capital of the island of Montserrat, the Plymouth turned into the Pompeii of the Caribbean. In the end all the 11,000 island’s residents relocated. Nowadays, using a 4WD vehicle, visitors can drive along to visit the strange scene of abandoned mansions around Olde Town and get a supernatural view from Garibaldi Hill.

In the meantime, St. Pierre, which was known as the "Paris of the West Indies," was wrecked by an eruption in 1902. Today, ones who visit the St. Pierre can picture the blackened ruins as well as the      800-seat  theater destroyed in 18th century.

Cycling in Guantánamo

Photo credits to: southcom.mil

The region consists of the infamous Guantánamo Bay US Naval Base, and also one of the country’s spectacular drives between the Guantánamo and Baracoa- Cuba’s small windswept coastal town right on the eastern tip of the island, which is a great place to relax.

Learning about Jamaican Culture

Culture, as we put it, is a collection of beliefs and ideas of people in a specific place. Different countries come with different cultures of course.  In this site, let’s come to know more about Jamaican culture – a colorful mixture of various people’s influences.

Out of Many, One People

That’s the motto, and perhaps provides the most suitable definition of culture of Jamaica. This symbolism was adapted after their liberation from Great Britain in 1962. In Jamaica’s National Flag, we can also trace their rich cultural heritage- two black triangles symbolizes historical struggles, green triangles represent agricultural riches, and yellow-cross stripes that symbolizes the sun and its mineral resources. The national symbolism also represents the combination among the cultures of Africa, Europe, India and China which led to the present Jamaican culture.

The People.  Jamaicans are said to be intriguing and unique individuals. They are also friendly and altruistic shown in their unofficial motto: “No problem man.” Strong family ties also identify the Jamaicans. They value the importance of family above all. Jamaicans also have this idea of ‘utilizing whatever is available to make something remarkable.’ Though they somewhat are laidback, Jamaicans also are hard-working people which have strong belief in honest labor. Indeed, Jamaicans really know how to survive.

The Religion. On Saturdays and Sundays, it is common to see Jamaican people walking down the street, holding their bibles and heading off to church. To them, religion is an important part of life. In fact, you can see churches in every street and take note: Jamaica set a record on the Guinness Book of World Records which has the most number of churches foe every square mile. In general, Jamaicans are mostly Christians but there are also different denominations like Methodist, Anglican, and Seventh Day Adventist.

The Language. Jamaican English is the official language but they use British English in spellings. ‘Jamaican Creole’, or Jamaican Talk is a multiethnic indigenous creation that represents the defiance of European authority. This creole is used by Jamaicans in everyday living, for conversational purposes. On the other hand, the Jamaican English is considered the language of education which is used in the government and in formal speeches.

The Food. There is an extreme variation in cuisines served in Jamaica since its inhabitants are a mixture of different ethnicity in the world. They have a ‘country morning meal’, composed of boiled bananas, salted cod, and herbal or chocolate tea. Popular dishes include Red Pea Soup, Jerk Chicken and SaltFish which is their national dish.

The Dunn’s Riverfalls

The Dunn’s River Falls is a famous waterfall in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. It is described by geologists as a living and growing phenomenon because it continuously regenerates from travertine rock as it flows through the falls. It is one of Jamaica’s national treasures that attract thousands of tourists every year. 

More about Dunn’s

The falls is approximately 1,000 feet in height. The waterfall stretches directly into the nearby sea of Caribbean which is peculiar to other waterfalls in the world; making it really distinct. Another trait that popularized it is its physical appearance of being like a giant staircase (though some are man-made innovations). There are also thermal spring activities in the limestone caves and small lagoons on the vertical parts of the falls. 

Have you ever thought that this amazing spot has a rich history behind it? Arawaks, or the native people of Jamaica first termed Ocho Rios as “Xayamaca” meaning land of springs and rivers. During the Spanish times, they named the place “Las Chorreras ” where it became one of the famous attractions in the area. A battle happened at this area between the Spaniards and the English in 1657 both claiming for the ownership of the island. The English won under the leadership of Charles Pryce. Later on, the name was changed to “Ocho Rios” which means “eight rivers”. On the contrary, the island only has four rivers, namely: Dunn’s River, Cave River, Turtle River, and the Roaring River. Years later, the area was entrusted to the Urban Development Corporation belonging to the people of Jamaica. UDC, together with St. Ann Development Company worked hand in hand in renovating and upgrading the area for the benefit of the locals there. 

At present, the Dunn’s is a mixture of human-made and natural attributions. The roads are constructed in order to provide a better way of approaching the top of the falls; there are also parks, picnic grounds, and parking for the convenience of the tourists. 

Activities that you must try at Dunn’s

If you’re looking for fun and relaxation, Dunn’s River Falls has it all for you. You can never get bored here. The famous activity here is climbing up the falls. Tourists can easily do this by doing a human-chain formation facilitated by local tourist guides. You can also watch the setting of the sun as it shades the beautiful Caribbean Sea. There are souvenir stores where you can purchase local-made items good for bringing home to your loved ones. You can also try nature-watching with a variety of plants relaxing to look at; and once you’re hungry, why not try their delicacies at the cafeteria or bring your own stuff and use their grilling pits at the park.