The Caribbean: An Adventurer's Eden - (Part 1)
**This article is the first in a two-part series covering adventure travel in the Caribbean. The second article, to be published January 8, will cover hiking and turtle watching in the Caribbean.
Hordes of travelers flock to Caribbean resorts every year. While most are seduced by luxurious, air-conditioned suites; five-star meals; swim-up bars; and umbrella-adorned, tropical drinks, these "luxuries" don't satisfy everyone's taste. In fact, to the adventurous traveler, they're about as appealing as a trip to the dentist. Fortunately, the Caribbean has more to offer than these tropical clones of stateside hotels.
The authentic Caribbean is an adventurer's paradise just waiting to be discovered and explored. With pristine water and beaches, abundant wildlife and vegetation, and terrain ranging from mountainous rain forest to lunar-like desert, the Caribbean provides the adventurer with endless possibilities.
Mountain Biking
While steep, unpaved roads and hairpin curves are a driver's nemesis, these same conditions are a mountain biker's Eden. The mountains of the Caribbean provide a unique biking experience complete with tropical foliage on every slope and interesting people around nearly every bend.
Anguilla
With its rolling terrain and beaches, Anguilla is the perfect location for a biking and beach adventure. Everything from bike rental and delivery to maps and advice are available through Multiscenic Tours (809) 497-5810. For a mere $10 a day, you're on your way to the rugged trails of the island's interior. Your destination? - One of Anguilla's beautiful and secluded beaches.
Shoal Bay - Shoal Bay, the most popular beach on the island, is your first stop. Pave your own trail on the new dirt road through Brimegin, and you're off on a wonderful bike/beach day trip.
Captain's Bay - Bike down the paved road to White Hill, where you'll catch the dirt trail. Then travel through Junk's Hole, and you'll find yourself at the semi-secluded Captain's Bay.
Little Bay - Bike to the hospital, locate the dirt trail behind it, and you're off to this beautiful, cliff-side beach. At the beach you're in for another adventure as you descend the cliff via a rope for sun bathing and snorkeling.
Jamaica
The Blue Mountains are home to world-renowned coffee plantations, steep, winding roads amid lush rainforest, and the culture-filled downhill ride of your life. Former New Orleans natives Becky and Paul LeMoine operate a one-day tour though Blue Mountain Tours in Ocho Rios (809) 974-707. A mere $80US includes a humorous, yet sturdy, pink bike, transportation, a Cajun/Jamaican lunch, and a guided glide from 5,000 ft up in the Blue Mountains.
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