Caribbean Experiences You Won't Find Anywhere Else In The World
By Sanjay Surana
VACATIONS
Pig Beach
Big Major Cay, also known as Pig Beach, is a small, uninhabited island southeast of Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park — one of the best places to snorkel in the Bahamas.
The pigs live peacefully on the cay, and volunteers from nearby islands work to ensure their well-being while tourists can visit the swine and feed the animals.
Try Doubles
Doubles are an enticing street food from Trinidad, featuring curried chickpeas sandwiched between two pieces of flatbread with various pickles, chutneys, and sauces.
Their origins trace back to Princes Town, in the south-central part of Trinidad, created by the Deen family in 1936. Visitors will find them all over Trinidad as a breakfast dish.
Checkerboard Cemetery
On the French island of Guadeloupe, Morne-À-L'Eau cemetery features tombstones with an arresting checkerboard pattern that makes for a surprising sight.
It is located in the northeast of the island and is popular, even for tourists. On All Saints Day, visitors light candles, and activities create an almost festive atmosphere.
Underwater Sculptures
Located between Cancún and Isla Mujeres, MUSA, a vast trove of underwater sculptures in two sites, is a dreamland for art-loving divers and snorkelers.
The Manchones site by Isla Mujeres has more than 450 sculptures that visitors must dive to see. The other display is by Punta Nizuc, with some less than 10 feet below the surface.
Merengue
Merengue originates in the Dominican Republic and is a rapid, rhythmic form of music and dance. Visitors will likely hear it throughout their travels in the streets.
Over the summer, Santo Domingo comes alive during the Festival de Merengue, with events in the city's heart. However, there are many clubs where merengue can be found year-round.