Aerial drone bird's eye view photo of attractive young woman practicing paddle board or sup in tropical caribbean sapphire crystal clear calm waters; Shutterstock ID 1121881937; Invoice Number: -
Cruise life Life On Board Christmas

Six bucket-list Caribbean experiences

Put down the bucket and spade and pick up the bucket list. These once-in-a-lifetime Caribbean experiences take you beyond the beach and leave you with memories to last a lifetime

5 min 22 Dec 2025

Editorial Team

Author

A Caribbean cruise is the kind of holiday you never forget. Island hopping from one slice of paradise to another, you don’t need to do anything more than relax on sandy beaches and bathe in the warm waters to have an epic time. But if you’ve travelled this far, why stop there? You’ll find enriching experiences in these sun-kissed isles, from being immersed in spectacular scenery to discovering different cultures.

 

A P&O Cruises holiday puts these exotic experiences at your fingertips. Whether you choose to depart from Southampton and enjoy the sail across the Atlantic or fly straight to the sunshine on a fly-cruise, we make island-hopping in the Caribbean easy, accessible and fun. We offer holidays of 14-35 nights that visit a minimum of eight different islands, so you can really get to know the region- while only having to unpack once.

 

Ready to explore? Here are six of the best bucket-list experiences in the Caribbean that’ll stay with you long after your tan has faded.

Snorkel in Bonaire

Before conservation was a hot topic, the people of Bonaire realised what they had on their doorstep was worth protecting, and thus the Bonaire Marine Park was established in 1979. The 27km2 park comprises the waters around Bonaire and nearby Klein Bonaire, the largest uninhabited island in the Caribbean. Its protected status has kept its coral reefs and mangroves more pristine than anywhere else in the region and helped wildlife thrive. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeller or brand-new to the pastime, it’s thrilling to swim among tropical fish, rays, seahorses and more than 50 varieties of stony coral. You might even spot sea turtles nesting on the island’s beaches. 

Ayo Rock formation and typical cacti in the Arikok national park, Aruba

Go adventuring in Aruba

Have you got an adventurous side? Aruba certainly does. Beyond its pristine beaches you’ll find the kind of landscapes you’d expect to see in the Canary Islands or the deserts of California. Arikok National Park packs a mini-continent’s worth of geological wonders into one 34km2 park. At the Fontein Cave you can admire native Arawak drawings dating back 1,000 years, and at Guadirikiri Cave, marvel at the dazzling sunlight streaming in from the open roof above. Hop in a 4WD and spot cacti, Fofoti trees and local lizards lounging in the desert landscape. When it’s time to cool off, there’s nowhere cooler than Conchi, a natural saltwater pool surrounded by volcanic stone where you can snorkel or simply float in the tranquil waters. 

Four friends cheering with Blue Hawaiian drinks.

Make cocktails in Curaçao

Think Curaçao, think blue. Whether it’s the cerulean seas and lagoons that surround the island or the brightly painted houses of Willemstad that greet your ship on arrival, the colour is everywhere you look. But perhaps the island’s most famous local blue is its eponymous liqueur. The orange flavour of blue curaçao comes from the laraha fruit that grows in abundance here; the vibrant blue colour was added some 100 years ago. On a tour of the original Blue Curaçao liqueur distillery, Landhuis Chobolobo, you can check out the factory, learn the history and try it for yourself. Then watch and learn as a pro bartender demonstrates how to make the perfect cocktail – a fabulous way to impress your friends and family back home.

Explore caves in Bermuda

Bermuda’s above-ground attractions are beyond beautiful but dive a little deeper and you’ll discover an underground world that rivals anything you’ll find above. Some 35m below the surface is the Crystal Cave, home to a lake with water as clear as glass. As you stroll the walkway, marvel at the white stalactites that dangle overhead like icicles, and the striking formations under the waters below. The site also houses Fantasy Cave, where mineral deposits have formed what looks like waterfalls tumbling down the walls. Fun fact: these caves inspired the Jim Henson TV series Fraggle Rock! If you want to combine your caving adventure with a swim, head to Tom Moore’s Jungle. Explore the cave at Blue Hole Park, then take a dip in the turquoise waters of the nearby grottoes.

Airplane Landing above Maho Beach in St. Maarten Island; Shutterstock ID 736251334

Go Dutch – then French – in St Maarten

Experience the unique joy of exploring the smallest dual-nation island in the world. Part Dutch, part French – and only 96km2 – St Maarten/St Martin packs a plethora of culture and attractions into a pretty, palm-fringed package. Your ship will dock in Philipsburg on the Dutch side, which is home to the iconic Maho beach, where planes landing at Princess Juliana airport fly mere metres overhead. Cross to the French side to explore the quirky French capital Marigot and bliss out on beaches such as Orient or Happy Bay. Unsurprisingly, the combo of French, Dutch and Caribbean has created quite the culinary scene. Hit up the lolos (casual, traditional restaurants) in Grand Case and try freshly grilled seafood or johnnycakes (fried cornbread). 

St Lucia Caribbean, woman on vacation at the tropical Island of Saint Lucia Caribbean ocean

Climb high in St Lucia

St Lucia’s twin peaks, the Pitons, are emblematic of this lush island nation. You can see them from ground level or sail around them, but for an experience you’ll never forget, the only way is up. Alongside a guide, you’ll trek up Gros Piton – at nearly 800m high, the larger of the two volcanic plugs. As you ascend you’ll traverse stairs made of volcanic rock and walk among tropical flora, colourful birds and views that only get better. When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with sights so spectacular, they almost don’t look real. Marvel at the Soufriere volcano below, spot St Vincent in the distance and gaze out over the sparkling sea. The hike isn’t for the faint-hearted, but the views are well worth it – as is the feeling of accomplishment you’ll carry back down with you.