The "Insider's" Guide to Beaches Resorts: Off Island Adventures

Keywords: activities, beach, resort, vacation

By Susan Finch

Don’t be afraid to venture off the resort to see what the rest of the island has to offer. In Jamaica, try a tour with Chukka Caribbean featuring 4x4 Safari and ATV tours through the island’s tropical forests. If you’re feeling adventurous, join a Canopy Tour and spend the afternoon zip lining through the trees for a birds-eye view of Jamaica. Chukka also offers a unique horseback riding experience where the horses trot right into the ocean for a swim while guests remain secure on their backs. You can also climb the 90-foot falls in Coyaba Gardens or explore the 600-foot falls of Dunn’s River Falls.

If you’re just looking to relax and see more of the island, try a shopping tour through downtown Negril, Ochos Rios, Montego Bay, or Half Moon Shopping Village during the day or evening hours. There’s duty-free options, village crafts, and local vendors to choose from. To get a taste of local flavor, try Rick’s Café, a popular choice in Jamaica for authentic Caribbean food complete with stunning sunset views. Or ask the Beaches staff to arrange a day tour, kayaking, rafting, and art tours are also available.

In Turks and Caicos, explore the largest but least populated part of the island with a mountain bike tour through the northern tip of the island. See how the locals live and try your hand at bonefishing along the banks, or venture out to the flats of the island. But to see the waters up-close and personal, try an eco kayak tour to explore the marine ecology around Little Water Cay or grab your binoculars and do some bird watching.

Get to know the city of Provenciales with a shopping tour at the town center shops at Central Square. There’s also a local Craft Market to see what the natives are offering up. For authentic eats, try Anacaona along Grace Bay Beach for Mediterranean fare. Grace’s Cottage is also a romantic choice for parents looking for an evening alone over local seafood and drinks.

Turks and Caicos houses the only conch farm in the world, and the local delicacy is worth the trip. Head to the farm’s offshore and onshore pens to catch a glimpse of Conch pearls or purchase fresh fish for an added treat in a salad. Daily tours offer a quick and informative biology lesson before exploring the life and harvest of a conch.

Susan Finch is a freelance writer who has also worked extensively as a film and video editor on advertising, film, and corporate campaigns. As the daughter of a commercial airline pilot, she spent her childhood traveling and enjoying all the free perks while living in Atlanta. Her husband, a graphic designer, also has the travel bug and they use every excuse to hit the open road.