The Caribbean’s most interesting animals for adventure seekers

Stef Zisovska
What could be more idyllic than holidaying on a Caribbean island
What could be more idyllic than holidaying on a Caribbean island

So many animal lovers are looking for active and animal oriented vacations. If this is what you’re looking for then look no more and get ready for your Caribbean summer adventure.

Rare birds, giant whales, sharks and colorful reef fish are some of the beauties that you can see from Puerto Rico to the Cayman Islands. Start looking for a flight and prepare to explore the most exciting species of the Caribbean.

Reptiles, fish, and birds in Puerto Rico

A Red-footed Booby (Sula sula) in its typical white color morph at the Tubbataha Reef National Park in the Philippines. – Author: Gregg Yan – CC BY-SA 3.0
A Red-footed Booby (Sula sula) in its typical white color morph at the Tubbataha Reef National Park in the Philippines. – Author: Gregg Yan – CC BY-SA 3.0

About fifty miles west of Puerto Rico is an island called Mona that is home to 300 types of fish and 100 endangered species. Mona Island is uninhabited, so the wildlife is blooming freely. Here you can find red-footed booby bird, leatherback sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, and the indigenous Mona iguana. Turtles hatching season runs from May to October and thousands of baby turtles can be seen crawling to the sea, usually at night. Camping is allowed on Mona Island so you may consider spending few nights in this paradise.

Reef sharks in the Bahamas

A reef shark patrols the clear water
A reef shark patrols the clear water

If one of your biggest wishes is to see a shark’s face close up, then Nassau is the right place for you. Here you can find diving tours with experienced guides who will take you at the bottom of the sea in a tank, from where you can see the sharks being fed by the divers. This scuba dive activity is not dangerous because Caribbean reef sharks don’t see humans as food.

Humpback whales in the Silver Bank

The majestic humpback whale
The majestic humpback whale

Humpback whales mate and calve in the Silver Bank region of the Atlantic, which lies between the Dominican Republic and Turks and Caicos. Go out there in the big blue space and swim with the calves while the parents are observing from below. With the help of an experienced guide, you will know how to move and approach a baby whale without freaking out.

Birds and bats in Trinidad

Long-tailed Manakin – Author: Steve Garvie – CC BY-SA 2.0
Long-tailed Manakin – Author: Steve Garvie – CC BY-SA 2.0

The Trinidad area is one of the most famous bird watching locations in the world with more than 200 different species including toucans, manikins, tanagers and the rare oilbird.

For the bat lovers, there is another surprise. Go to the island’s highest point, Mount Tamana, where you’ll find a massive cave system that hosts more than 500,000 bats. At sunset, you can see rivers of bats flying out to feed.

Stingrays in the Cayman Islands

Group of Stingrays
Group of Stingrays

Book a tour to head out to the Stingray City sandbar is a unique experience. Your guide will teach you how to safely interact with these gentle creatures on this series of shallow sandbars, as well as having the opportunity snorkel and have a look at the coral reefs. Don’t panic if they touch you with their wings, a stingray won’t sting unless it feels threatened.

Whale sharks in Utila

Swimming with a whale shark
Swimming with a whale shark

Whale shark are the biggest fish in the world and the best time to see them is from April to August. This solitary creature dominates the waters around Utila, the smallest of the Bay Islands of Honduras.

Time to start planning your Caribbean island adventure!
Time to start planning your Caribbean island adventure!

These amazing Caribbean animals are something you should see this summer if you are a fan of active vacations. The majestic beauty of the whales and the rare birds will make you feel as a part of some wildlife documentary that you have always admired as a kid. Now, go out there and live your dream!

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We live in a beautiful world, get out there and enjoy it. Outdoor Revival – Reconnecting us all with the Outdoors.

stef-zisovska

stef-zisovska is one of the authors writing for Outdoor Revival