The Caribbean’s Can’t-Miss National Parks
The Caribbean is renowned for its natural beauty, much of which is on display across the region’s many national parks.
For nature-minded visitors to these sun-kissed islands, these protected lands and seas are not to be missed.
Virgin Islands National Park, USVI
Occupying two-thirds of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the territory’s namesake national park boasts not only gorgeous white-sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs but more than 3,000 years of rich history that visitors can experience through historic plantation sites and the Indigenous Taino’s ancient petroglyphs.
The park is free to visit and its busy season doesn’t start until November.
Pigeon Island National Park, Saint Lucia
Visitors to Saint Lucia will find amazing views and fascinating history in Pigeon Island National Landmark. This living history museum is ideal for enjoying scenic hikes, touring the ruins of centuries-old forts and lounging on white-sand beaches.
Adults can expect to pay $10 for entry, while admission for children ages 5-12 is just $3. Book a stay at the all-inclusive Sandals Grande St. Lucian for easy access to Pigeon Island.
El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico
Travelers to Puerto Rico will want to prioritize a visit to the island’s El Yunque National Forest, which is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.
Visitors can look forward to a wide range of unique experiences, including hiking past waterfalls, taking a dip in natural pools, encountering diverse plants and wildlife—including 240 plant species endemic to Puerto Rico—ziplining, ATV tours and much more.
The forest is quite popular so guests should make a reservation up to one month in advance through recreation.gov.
Arikok National Park, Aruba
Comprising nearly one-fifth of Aruba, Arikok National Park features an impressive yet diverse landscape that’s home to a slew of cultural and historical sites. Visitors will spot eye-popping volcanic rock formations, sandy beaches, cacti and, of course, Conchi, Aruba’s famous natural pool.
The park is open seven days a week and adult visitors can expect to pay a conservation fee of $15 to enter for the day.
Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Dominica
Known as the Nature Isle, Dominica is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The island’s Morne Trois Pitons National Park is one of its many natural gems, having been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
The park is home to the richest biodiversity in the Lesser Antilles, wowing visitors with spectacular volcanoes, valleys, hot springs and freshwater lakes, including the second-largest hot lake in the world in the Boiling Lake. The Valley of Desolation and Titou Gorge are also among the park’s can’t-miss sites.
Visitors to Morne Trois Pitons National Park can secure single passes for $5 or week passes for $12.