Puerto Rico Archives - Caribbean Articles

March 30, 2024March 30, 2024

The Best Caribbean Destinations for Solo Travelers

Are you a solo traveler with a penchant for adventure and a desire to explore the captivating beauty of the Caribbean? Look no further! This is your best guide to Caribbean destinations for solo travelers like yourself. From stunning beaches to vibrant cultures, these destinations offer everything you need for an unforgettable solo journey.

Jamaica: Where Vibrancy Meets Serenity

Jamaica, the land of reggae and breathtaking landscapes, is an ideal destination for solo travelers seeking a perfect blend of excitement and tranquility. Enjoy Kingston’s lively music scene or unwind on Montego Bay’s pristine beaches. Explore the lush rainforests of Ocho Rios and discover hidden waterfalls, such as Dunn’s River Falls, that will leave you in awe. The friendly locals will make you feel right at home as you savor the delicious jerk cuisine and embrace the island’s laid-back vibes.

Barbados: Paradise Found

Barbados is your answer if you’re seeking a destination that offers natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Stroll along the stunning beaches of the Platinum Coast and witness the turquoise waters meeting the golden sand. Engage with the locals in Bridgetown and learn about the island’s history and vibrant traditions. Don’t forget to visit the iconic St. Nicholas Abbey, a beautifully preserved plantation house that glimpses the island’s colonial past. With its warm hospitality and vibrant atmosphere, Barbados will steal your heart.

Barbados beach — You’ll love Barbados for everything it offers!

One more thing about Barbados. If you’ve ever thought of taking up a new adventure sport, like kitesurfing, windsurfing or surfing, all can be done through Endless Kiteboarding on Silver Sands Beach. It might be tricky in the beginning, but everyone can do it after a few lessons. If you only have a day try surfing, cause for windsurfing and kitesurfing you might need a few days with an instructor.

Girl holding a kite preparing for launch — Don’t kitesurf on your own. Have a friend help you launch and land your kite

The Bahamas: Where Paradise Awaits

No list of Caribbean destinations is complete without mentioning the Bahamas. With its postcard-perfect beaches and vibrant coral reefs, this archipelago is a true paradise for solo travelers:

Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Exuma.
Swim with friendly nurse sharks at Compass Cay.
Visit the stunning pink sand beaches of Harbour Island and unwind in the luxurious resorts of Nassau.

The Bahamas offers a plethora of activities for every solo adventurer, from exploring underwater caves to indulging in local delicacies like conch fritters.

And if you’re thinking of renting a villa on the beach on Exuma, and make that dream come true, contact Saffron House Exuma, they offer 5 star service.

Aruba: A Haven for Water Enthusiasts

If you’re a water enthusiast seeking an island paradise, look no further than Aruba. With its pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, this Dutch Caribbean island offers endless opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and windsurfing. Explore the vibrant marine life at the popular wreck dive site of Antilla, or simply relax under a palm tree and soak up the sun. The charming capital city of Oranjestad offers a delightful mix of shopping, dining, and colorful architecture. Aruba’s welcoming atmosphere and water-based adventures make it a top choice for solo travelers.

Anual Aruba Hi-Winds. Kitesurfing, Windsurfing and Biking races.

Every year they host the Aruba Hi-Winds races where top international bikers, windsurfers and kitesurfers partake in a 5-day family fun water and bike adventure with extreme speed on both land and water. They change the dates every year so keep afloat via their website Aruba Hi-Winds. Coolest Carib has been a proud media sponsor for almost ten years.

Puerto Rico: A Caribbean Gem

For an unforgettable solo adventure, head to Puerto Rico, where history, culture, and natural wonders converge. Explore the colorful streets of Old San Juan and marvel at the well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture. Discover the magical allure of El Yunque National Forest, where lush greenery and cascading waterfalls await your exploration. Indulge in the vibrant nightlife of San Juan, filled with live music and delicious cuisine. Puerto Rico’s unique blend of cultures and warm hospitality will make your solo trip truly extraordinary.

Puerto Rico flag — Puerto Rico is a must-see place.

Visiting Old San Juan, ‘Viejo San Juan’, the first plaza you’ll see is Plaza Colón, and at the top end overlooking this quaint small public plaza you’ll find Cafe Berlin. If you’re into the European like terrace culture and international food you’ll go there for breakfast, lunch and supper. Sit inside for the decor and ambiance, and outside under a red umbrella ideal for people watching.

Cafe Berlin Restaurant Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Vacationing alone in Puerto Rico try get some boating in. There are quite a few operators around the island, but if you’re in San Juan already get yourself on a sail boat tour departing from San Juan. The docks at Parque Central are only 10 min drive from Cafe Berlin in Old San Juan, about 3 minutes from Condado, and just around the corner from the cruise ship docks. We know Jim Boat Trips offers tours in and around the harbor.

Sail Boat Tours in Old San Juan Puerto Rico

Cayman Islands: Underwater Paradise

If you’re a solo traveler with a passion for diving and marine life, the Cayman Islands should be at the top of your list. With its world-class dive sites and vibrant coral reefs, this Caribbean destination offers unparalleled underwater experiences. Known for its strong financial industry and political stability, the Cayman Islands attracts investors seeking high-end properties and a favorable tax environment. The demand for luxury properties and rental accommodations from expatriates and tourists contributes to the island’s robust real estate market. So, if you plan to invest in real estate here, you must choose among many options!

Check out the famous Stingray City, where you can swim with and feed gentle stingrays in their natural habitat. Dive into the depths of the Bloody Bay Wall in Little Cayman, known for its stunning drop-offs and diverse marine life. After your underwater adventures, unwind on the pristine beaches and indulge in the local cuisine influenced by Caribbean and international flavors. For many reasons, the Cayman Islands are considered among the best Caribbean destinations for solo travelers.

For self-catering condo vacation rentals the Grandview Condos on Seven Mile Beach provides the ideal setting for families, couples and friends in Grand Cayman.

Aerial view of Grand View Condos in Grand Cayman — Grandview Condos in Grand Cayman

St. Lucia: A Tropical Paradise

For solo travelers seeking a slice of tropical heaven, St. Lucia is a must-visit destination. Known for its majestic Pitons and twin volcanic peaks rising dramatically from the sea, this island offers a breathtaking backdrop for solo adventures. Explore the lush rainforests and hike to enchanting waterfalls like Diamond Falls and Toraille Falls. Relax on the pristine beaches of Rodney Bay and soak up the warm Caribbean sun. Don’t miss the chance to experience Sulphur Springs, the world’s only drive-in volcano, where you can indulge in a rejuvenating mud bath. St. Lucia’s natural beauty and serene ambiance make it a perfect escape for solo travelers.

The Caribbean Attracts Many Newcomers

The Caribbean has long been a desirable destination for people seeking a change of scenery or a slower-paced lifestyle. Numerous individuals worldwide choose to make the Caribbean their new home each year. The reasons for relocation vary, ranging from retirees seeking a tropical retirement haven to expatriates searching for new job opportunities or entrepreneurs attracted by the region’s growing economy. Moreover, some are drawn to the Caribbean’s rich culture, warm climate, and picturesque landscapes.

E
nthusiastic woman suggesting best Caribbean destinations for solo travelers — Pack your bags and experience some of the best Caribbean destinations for solo travelers!

Plan the entire endeavor if you plan to relocate to any Caribbean destination. Contact trustworthy international movers that provide all the necessary services in one place, as the Ample Moving experts team advises.

Conclusion

The best Caribbean destinations for solo travelers offer many experiences that cater to your adventurous spirit and desire for cultural immersion. Whether you’re exploring the lush rainforests of St. Lucia, diving into the vibrant underwater world of the Cayman Islands, or indulging in the tranquility of Turks and Caicos’ pristine beaches, each destination promises a unique and unforgettable solo journey. So pack your bags, embrace the freedom of solo travel, and embark on an extraordinary adventure!

For more articles on Caribbean islands go to CoolestCarib.com

Images:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/the-fishing-boat-16403289/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/wooden-lifeguard-station-on-seaside-8920863/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/cheerful-trendy-young-woman-sitting-on-floor-with-luggage-4254148/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/flag-of-puerto-rico-painted-on-the-wall-4633604/

May 27, 2019

The Value of having a Farmers Market Within the Community

Everybody benefits from supporting their local farmers market. It’s easy to do, especially when the market has multiple vendors offering a good variety and is close to your home. When you support your local farmers’ market, you are supporting something much greater than you imagine.

The Fiber of the Community

Local farmers markets have the unique ability to bring locals together by providing a lively, family friendly environment that everyone can enjoy.

Local produce; crafts; vegan, vegetarian, and mainstream food options; desserts; clothing and more can be found at your local farmers market. In a way it should be called a Community market as it represents a segment of your town coming together offering their best products for everyone to consume and enjoy.

Business Incubators

Building the local economy begins at the farmers market. New small businesses often begin their journey here in order to test the market with their products. The level of success many of them find at the market will decide if they go on to open a local store front. The merchants that move to a brick and mortar space will look to hire local help. This is something that often gets overlooked but is very important to keep in mind as you support your local farmers market. The success of the small business merchants will spill over to the economical success of your town.

Tourist Attraction

Tourist will come from far and wide to visit your town because of your beautiful beaches, your beautiful rivers or your grand mountains. One way of exposing tourists to the local people and culture is through the farmers markets.

Tourists often look to find the local farmers markets and see for themselves the produce and arts that are not necessarily available at your traditional malls. These folks want to take as much as they can from their experience in your town and what better way to do so than at the local, friendly farmers’ market.

One more attraction for tourists are local farms which gives your guests a refreshing perspective on how food is grown locally. We wrote a blog post on the tours we offer of our urban farm and we were amazed on how many great friends we made thanks to them.

Better Prices

Way too often the price point is overlooked. Local products, especially produce are immune to the price shifts in the general market as they are transported a very short distance to arrive at their destination.

Read Full Article on RossiNaturals.com

April 19, 2019

Living Off the Grid and Safe From Hurricanes in Puerto Rico

In this jungle community, self-sustaining homes are built from trash and can withstand the deadliest storms.

When Noemi and Carlos Chaparro peered outside on September 21, 2017, they gasped at the destruction. Hurricane Maria, which had made landfall the previous day, had uprooted the gracious old palm and bamboo groves that once stood on their family farm in northwest Puerto Rico. The wind had torn the roof off the bedroom their two sons shared. The electricity was down. To get water, Carlos and Noemi had to carry buckets from a nearby river. To feed their three kids, they captured a pigeon and cracked open coconuts. The family couldn’t reach a working phone until early October. “It was traumatic,” Noemi told me. “Apocalyptic.”

For the Chaparros and millions of other Puerto Ricans, the hurricane served as a bitter reminder that this vestige of forgotten American empire still relies on a federal government that can’t be trusted to provide for even its most basic needs. After Maria, the Trump administration responded, but with delays. Convinced the funds would only go to paying off Puerto Rico’s debts, President Donald Trump tried to divert aid to the battered coasts of Texas and Florida. Poor communication, ruined infrastructure, and shoddy transportation left crucial aid stranded in Puerto Rico’s ports for weeks. Nearly 3,000 people died. Five months after the storm, a fifth of the island’s population still lacked electricity. No American community has suffered through a longer blackout.

Read full article on The New Republic

September 2, 2018

Caribbean Comeback: Top Vacation Destination is Better Than Ever After Hurricanes

Caribbean Destination is Better After Hurricanes

“I hear from clients all the time, today, who think the entire region is decimated, no power, nothing open, no flights,” said one of the thousands of luxury travel advisors attending the annual Virtuoso conference in Las Vegas two weeks ago told me, shaking his head in disbelief.

Totally not true.

In fact, most islands were unscathed by last year’s horrific hurricane season, and even those hit hard are nearly back to the hotel, villa, restaurant and flight levels they enjoyed before the storm. But what may surprise many high-end travelers is the silver lining – because so many hotels rebuilt partially or completely, taking advantage of the opportunity to expand, improve or update, many of the Caribbean’s top resorts are better than ever. Another surprise – occupancy for the coming peak holiday, winter and spring break season is nearly back to normal levels, so don’t expect bargain, and if you are waiting to see what happens and book last minute, you will likely get shut out. For the most part this winter the Caribbean will see business as usual – only better.

Anguilla is a perfect example. One of the most traditionally luxurious islands in the Caribbean, it is home to five top tier luxury resorts and countless deluxe villas, a favorite way to stay on the island. Even after Anguilla was ravaged by storms last summer, owners managed to get 70% of the villas reopened before last Christmas season. Most of the rest of the work was done in the first quarter of this year, and currently the vast majority of the villas, 95% of the island’s restaurants, and three of the five top hotels are already open. The remaining two resorts, the Belmond Cap Juluca and Auberge Resorts’ Malliouhana, are both reopening in time for the holidays. These are two of the best luxury properties in the entire Caribbean and they will essentially be brand new.

Read full article by Larry Olmsted on www.forbes.com

October 16, 2017November 7, 2017

More Tesla Solar Powerpacks Arrived at PUERTO RICO

Since our blog titled, “Elon Musk Willing to Power Puerto Rico” of 6 October, a few hundred Powerwall battery packs for solar power energy arrived in Puerto Rico.

According to *Frederic Lambert of Electrek.co, “The new shipment arrived not long after Musk spoke with Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello last week to talk about ways for Tesla Energy to help rebuild the power grid destroyed by the two hurricanes that recently hit the Caribbean.”

That’s not all. Elon Musk is now putting extra effort into bringing power back to Puerto Rico AND other affected areas by unveiling his new Tesla Semi truck earlier than planned:

Tesla, the automaker, is changing the planned revealing date of its electric truck, the Tesla Semi, from October 26 to *November 16 (according to Electrek.co) as it focuses on Model 3 production and aiding “power-less” Puerto Rico.

Tesla Semi, Model 3 truck image from trucks.com

Currently, less than 20% of the island has power and some areas may experience months without electricity. That is why Tesla plans to first focus on helping hospitals and medical centers to get stable power.

Puerto Rico and Tesla seem to be committed to work together beyond short-term solutions and rebuild the power system to be more sustainable with solar power and energy storage. Continue reading “More Tesla Solar Powerpacks Arrived at PUERTO RICO”

October 6, 2017October 17, 2017

Elon Musk Willing to Power Puerto Rico

By Lizpiano

Picture of Elon Musk by Getty Images.

That is, if given the green light to go ahead. Elon Musk has helped many smaller islands, like Ta’u Island in Samoa, with his solar power devices and tweeted this yesterday:

“The Tesla team has done this for many smaller islands around the world, but there is no scalability limit, so it can be done for Puerto Rico too. Such a decision would be in the hands of the PR govt, PUC, any commercial stakeholders and, most importantly, the people of PR.”
@elonmusk

Above is a video about the SolarCity created with Tesla’s Microgrid Solar Power in Samoa.

In response to this, Puerto Rico Governor Ricky Rossello showed interest, tweeting “Let’s talk” to Musk, saying “PR could be that flagship project.”

Musk has already done his part for Puerto Rico. Hurricane Maria left the island’s power grid in tatters, so Tesla reportedly sent hundreds of Powerwalls — battery systems designed to store energy — along with employees to install them in an effort to restore power.

Powerwall batteries can be paired with solar panels to help restore the grid. According to Fortune.com “the Powerwall, which was first introduced in April 2015, is a battery designed for homes that store the energy generated by solar panels.”

Musk also donated $250,000 of his own money to the relief effort.

In the meantime, President Donald Trump said on Fox News in an interview with Geraldo Rivera, “the island’s debt will have to be wiped out.” Puerto Rico owes over $70 billion to creditors while the total storm cost is between $45 and 90 billion dollars.

Continue reading “Elon Musk Willing to Power Puerto Rico”

September 20, 2017October 17, 2017

Hurricane Maria: Power Outage in All of Puerto Rico

By Lizpiano

From Instagram @whatereverpuertorico

It is with sadness and awe that one watches The Weather Channel today after hurricane Maria struck the Virgin Islands and also Puerto Rico.

According to the mayor of San Juan, PR, Maria’s power surge on the island will take 4 to 6 months to repair as electricity outages are recorded on the whole island. Yes, no electricity in Puerto Rico except for those who had their own generators.

Although the worst of the hurricane has passed the island, the storm is not over yet. Storm surges are still dangerous and record flooding of the river Rio de la Plata, south-west of San Juan, is a big problem for people in the region. FEMA rescue teams are being deployed to the island today.

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