Island hopping

Island hopping, formerly referred to as leapfrogging, was a military gameplan during World War 11 where generals would bypass heavily reinforced enemy targets instead of trying to invade every island in succession. Today, however, when you say island hopping, folks want to go along because they’ve never been to a sister isle before. They get so jazzed up, they start asking questions about what island they would visit first and how much “rum” they would drink during the trip.

So, why isn’t island-hopping big business in the Caribbean? I mean, why can’t I take an inter-island ferry or inter-island boat from Trinidad and Tobago to Grenada and then to S. Vincent and the Grenadines and then to another island up the Antilles? Of course, by airplane it is possible, but who wants to fly when you can have a much greater experience and better organic connection by boat? Some of the greatest destinations start in the southern side of the Caribbean.

Trinidad and Tobago is a hub for tourists with Tobago being the best of both worlds. Trinidad does have its advantages, but Tobago holds strong with its pristine beaches and welcoming atmosphere. White, sandy, secluded beaches and its historical African traditional food are natural lures. Their curry crab and dumpling are to die for, and the cassava (also known as yucca) and ground provision with stew will take you to another mental and gastronomic high.

Each island brings its own diverse cultural and historical backgrounds, its own flavour and charm. For example, Sint Maarten with a small population of approximately 41,500 people, encompasses the southern 40 percent of the divided island of Saint Martin, is connected historically to the Netherlands. While St Martin, the remaining 60 percent is connected to the French. The seductively attractive beaches are perfect for diving and snorkeling and serve as the perfect spaces for sunbathing, making it one of the best islands for family vacations. The French side appeals to your senses and captures the scent of a French perfume factory, in addition to smells from chefs that will make you stop and wonder what to start eating first.  

Then stop off at St Lucia, known as one of the most stunning jewels of the Caribbean with its popular Sugar Beach and its hiking options to the summit of Gros Piton or, if you prefer, ziplining over the trees in sight of the twin peaks. St Lucia also offers horseback riding and colorful undersea marine extravaganza by way of scuba diving and snorkeling.

Next, hop to Barbados, with its family-friendly sun-drenches beaches with sea turtle friends all around. The bubbling steams are a go-to along with the Harrison‘s Cave. Like St Lucia, Barbados is known for its snorkeling which offers vista of long buried shipwrecks and exquisite beauty of the deep blue sea edged by swaying palm trees.

Next hop is to the island of Antigua. Its copied jerk chicken (from Jamrock island), its pineapple salsa and coconut tarts are part of the must-haves. Specific parts of the island provide the opportunity for off-road adventures with four-wheel vehicles on rugged terrain while traveling through the rainforest. But, in addition, take the time to sink your toes in the white sandy beaches, parasail and water ski on the beachfront before relaxing with a snack of fried stingray.

Hip hop over to the small isle of St Kitts and Nevis replete with its charming rainforest, dormant volcanoes, lush greenery, and sunset beaches. It is vital to take a ride on the double-decked train to get a feel of the island’s charm and to savour its exquisite cuisine. No island is complete without a cup of local rum “for the worms”, then relax on the white sand under the golden sunset.

If you want to skip a few islands to head to Jamrock, I encourage you to prepare fully for the experience. First, you must start by immersing yourself in reggae music, (the traditional kind, like Bob Marley and the late, great Garnett Silk). Growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, we played reggae music all through the year except during carnival and Christmas, so I knew almost every “ole school reggae” song on the radio. Then there’s the jerk “everything” from chicken to fish. I’ve always wanted to visit the Appleton Estate and try the local best and most unique flavored “grapenut” ice cream. I continue to advocate for a regional boat ferry throughout the islands.

Subrina Hall Azih is a Trinidadian Educator residing in New York.