The Caribbean Sea can easily boast of having the most versatile sea excursion options than any region in the world. Jirie Caribbean has complied this list of five (5) of the best Caribbean Sea Excursions, each to suit all types of travelers. Take the plunge and splash into these majestic waters.
Snorkeling on Buck Island Reef- St. Croix – USVI
Buck Island Reef is one of the best destinations for snorkeling in the Caribbean! There are few tour companies which offer this sea and shore excursion. Typically, the snorkeling tour starts by departing Christiansted harbor and arriving at Buck Island Reef National Monument by powerboat within 30-45 minutes. There you will get a guided tour of the island’s first underwater trail and an hour of snorkeling. Do not be intimated by this sea adventure if you are a non-swimmer, this tour comes with guides to show you how and help you comfortably enjoy your experience.
After exploring Buck Island reef, you can relax on Turtle Beach, located on the west side of Buck Island about 1.5 miles off the northeast coast of St Croix. The beach is simply stunning with its long stretch of sugary white sand and crystal clear waters. You will enjoy laying on the powdery sand and soaking up the sun’s rays. If you prefer exploring the area, Turtle Beach is also great for walks along the shore, hiking around, and a nice picnic lunch. Unfortunately, since the island is a National Landmark, there are no restaurants or bars so do remember to pack a lunch and a cooler of drinks, and of course your sunscreen.
Soufriere Catamaran Sailing- St. Lucia
The St. Lucia Soufriere catamaran tour begins by sail southbound for approximately 2 hours from Ganters Bay along the west coast of the island to the town of Soufriere. Along the way, the world-famous Marigot Bay and the villages of Anse La Raye and Canaries will be seen.
When sailing into the town of Soufriere, the magnificent Pitons will be seen rising 2,500 feet from the seashore. The Pitons are two distinct volcanic formations that have each been labeled a World Heritage Site. A landmark that made the island one of the most coveted in the colonial era.
When the boat docks in Soufriere, some tours include a land excursion where you will be driven past the Pitons to visit the Sulphur Springs, the world’s only “drive-in” volcano that includes a hot spring and mud bath. In Soufriere, you can stop by a local restaurant to savory seafood and other local cuisines.
Do not miss out on capturing the spectacular views with your camera on this unique all-day adventure.
Kayak and Snorkel with the Turtles on Culebra Island- Puerto Rico
Without a doubt, a sea excursion in Culebra is one of the most impressive excursions with the clearest waters, pristine beaches, and a variety of sea life that will amaze you. Grab the opportunity to explore Culebra’s reefs, beaches, and marine life on a kayak and snorkel tour. You will come across a turtle feeding ground, relax on white-sand beaches, marvel at brilliant coral reefs, and swim with tropical fish and green sea turtles. If you’re looking for that adrenaline rush, some tours include jet skis. Depending on the tour provider your select, the sea excursion will include a guide that will tell you about the history of Culebra Island and the marine and land ecosystem.
Be sure to eat a hearty breakfast, bring along lots of snacks and sunscreen as this is usually an all-day of fun and exploration.
Deep-Sea Fishing – Trinidad & Tobago
The rich Caribbean sea surrounding the Land of the Hummingbird is known for producing monster Tarpon, Snapper, Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and stubborn Blue Marlin. If you are into the thrill of deep-sea fishing Trinidad is the island to go.
Trinidad is one of the few places on Earth where you are all but sure to hook into a massive Tarpon. According to fishingbroker.com, “the famous Orinoco River draining into the ocean just 11 miles south of the island – this causes some murky waters around the island but also brings a bounty of Silver Kings. These monsters can be targeted year-round, but April sees hundreds of them around Trinidad. While the Tarpon rush is in town you can also hit the coastal waters for Kingfish, which tend to show up at the same time…The best time to hit nearshore waters of Trinidad is October through May, with November being the peak time.”
Boat tour to Pig Island – The Bahamas
The Bahamas offers an archipelago of 365 tiny beautiful islands, a great choice to explore for any nature lover. You can take a powerboat tour from Nassau, the Capital, and visit several islands in one day. There you will catch a glimpse of the Bahamian rock iguanas or you can jump in the warm turquoise Caribbean sea and swim with pigs or sharks. Yes, you read that right, pigs! At Exumas Cay, one of the tiny Bahamian islands there is a colony of pigs that would paddle and swim to curious visitors in hopes of getting food. They are very friendly and comfortable with people.
Your sea excursion would not be complete without tasting some good Caribbean Seafood. Jirie Caribbean will show you this amazing fish sandwich to pack for your sea adventure!
Blue Marlin Sandwich with Zesty Sofrito
Ingredients
- 4 blue marlin steaks (1 inch thick cuts) tuna steaks or any similar fish is good
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 tbsp Jirie Cuban Mojo seasoning blend
- 1 lime
- 8 slices favorite bread
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 3 tbsp fresh sofrito blend See Caribbean Seasonings post for the recipe
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the marlin steaks with the mojo seasoning, half of the lime juice, grated garlic cloves, and salt and pepper to taste. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
- In a frying pan, add the cooking oil heat up until very hot.
- Pan-fry the Marlin steaks 2 at a time on high heat for 3 minutes on each side.
- Set the Marlin aside and toast the bread slices with butter.
- Mix the sofrito, the juice of the second half of the lime, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the bread with the marlin steak first and top with the sofrito sauce.
- Add your favorite condiments if you desire or you can add a slice of dill pickle or pickled onions.