Shore Experiences Food and drink Caribbean

What type of Caribbean traveller are you?

Every Caribbean island is unique – and so are you. Get to the heart of the region your way with our diverse collection of shore experiences.

5 min 12 Mar 2025

Editorial Team

Author

Why book your shore experiences with P&O Cruises?

Our shore experiences help you get under the skin of a destination and see it from a unique perspective – yours. They’re curated by locals who know and love these places and want you to know and love them, too. It couldn’t be easier to book before you sail or once you’re on board – and of course, when you book through us, you have the added comfort of knowing the details are all taken care of and we’ll always get you back to your ship.

 

We have more than 450 shore experiences in the Caribbean – more than 100 of them new for 2025 – that bring you the very best of each island. Here, we’ve highlighted a few of our favourites for every type of traveller.

Best shore experience for memorable moments: Climb the Pitons

St Lucia

 

They’re a UNESCO World Heritage site, they’re represented on the national flag, and there’s even a brewery named after them: The Pitons are truly icons of St Lucia. So why not do something iconic and climb them? The two volcanic plugs rise majestically from the sea on the southwest coast, towering over the lush island below. Climbing them isn’t a walk in the park, but the rewards are more than worth it. After a briefing from your guide, you’ll set off together on a trail that takes you up the 798m-high Gros Piton. Halfway up, you’ll pause for a well-earned break and marvel at the view of Petit Piton, backdropped by the sparkling Caribbean Sea. Climb stairs made of volcanic rock, discover rare species of exotic trees and look out for colourful birds. Your reward for reaching the summit is a jaw-dropping vista of St Lucia and the surrounding electric-blue sea, and your reward for walking back down is a lunch at The Beacon Restaurant. As you tuck into tasty local dishes, sit back, relax and admire the view of the mountain you’ve just climbed.

 

You might also like: Helicopter Adventure to Montserrat (Antigua); Sapphire Falls & Rainforest Hike (St Lucia); America’s Cup Experience (St Maarten)

Best shore experience for culture and cuisine: Local Delights & Arty Sights of St Maarten

St Maarten

 

With a rich mix of cultures and a bounty of fresh and flavourful ingredients on its doorstep, it’s no surprise St Maarten is considered a culinary hotspot. From Michelin-starred restaurants to laid-back lolos (traditional eateries centred around a barbecue), the options for eating well are endless. This shore experience starts off on the French side of the island to enjoy some bakery-fresh pastries. Then it’s off to the bustling local market, where you can experience the Caribbean custom of bargaining with friendly vendors over fresh produce and crafts. Next, it’s time for a taste of local flavours with a stop at Guavaberry liqueur shop where you’ll learn about this traditional island drink, a unique blend of oak-aged rum, cane sugar and hand-picked guavaberries. Finally, make your way to lively Front Street and its beautiful murals that tell the story of the island's rich history, culture and natural beauty.

 

You might also like: Best of Antigua and Lobster Lunch (Antigua); Bele Folkloric Dance & Rum Distillery (Martinique); Scenic Drive & Local Craft Market (Martinique)

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Best shore experience for pulse-raising adventure: River tubing experience

Grenada


If you like your sightseeing with a hearty side of adrenaline, this is the shore experience for you. Immerse yourself in Grenada’s tropical rainforests with a river-tubing ride along the Balthazar River. With the lush Grand Étang National Park as your backdrop, you’ll float along on your inflatable tube, flowing with gentle currents and racing through rushing rapids. Moments of excitement are punctuated with moments of calm as you take a breather in the natural pools, giving you space to admire the verdant landscape and look out for tropical wildlife. An expert guide will show you the ropes and be with you all the way. When the adventure is over, it’s time to relax in true island style with a fortifying rum or a refreshing fruit punch.

 

You might also like: Seabob Adventure (Barbados); Snorkel Sensation (St Vincent); UTV Adventure (Aruba)

Central America & the Caribbean, Grenada, St George, Constantine

Best shore experience for laid-back luxury: Catamaran Sail & Snorkel

St Kitts & Nevis

 

Take to the calm, warm Caribbean waters for an easygoing adventure you won’t soon forget. From a custom-designed catamaran, you’ll start with a leisurely cruise along the tranquil leeward coast of St Kitts. En route through the azure waves, you’ll pass the popular Frigate Bay and Friars Bay before arriving at your destination, Shittens Bay, a secluded cove that’s only accessible by sea. Its calm waters and remote location make it an ideal snorkelling site to explore the underwater volcanic rock formations that shelter an abundance of marine life, including sea fans, sponges and reef fish. Beginners needn’t worry: if you’ve never snorkelled before, your guide can help show you the ropes. Snorkelling is an invigorating experience, but the refreshment doesn’t stop when you’re back on the catamaran – you can enjoy an open bar serving ice-cold beer, rum punch and soft drinks on your journey back to shore.

 

You might also like: All-inclusive Verandah Resort (Antigua); Stolen Times Resort Day (St Lucia); Mustique Retreat and Local Lunch (St Vincent)

Happy family - girl in snorkeling mask dive underwater with tropical fishes in coral reef sea pool. Travel lifestyle, water sport outdoor adventure, swimming lessons on summer beach holiday with child; Shutterstock ID 648353362; Invoice Number: -
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Best shore experience for the ultimate Caribbean experience: Virgin Gorda

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

 

The Baths at Virgin Gorda are like a Caribbean beach on steroids – the softest white sands and the bluest seas are surrounded by a mind-blowing landscape of natural tunnels, arches and tidal pools. Granite boulders, formed from underground magna and up to 12m in diameter, are dotted around the beach like massive marbles. From Tortola, a motor-launch will bring you to this tiny island where you can explore the baths, enjoy a leisurely swim, or simply lie on the sugar sands and soak up some sunshine. Back on board the boat, a refreshing drink will be served on your way back to Tortola.

 

You might also like: St Kitts Railway and Cruise (St Kitts); Bajan Beach Party (Barbados); Cooking like a Local at Cocoloba House (Antigua)

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When it comes to travelling in the Caribbean, we know there’s no such thing as one size fits all. Each destination is different when seen through the eyes of the person exploring it. Maybe you’re all about the beach – to you, nothing says holiday like the breeze in your hair, the sun on your skin and the sand between your toes. Or maybe you pack your adventurous side, scuba diving or ziplining your way across breathtaking landscapes.  

Book your shore experiences with us today by clicking here and you can enjoy a 10% saving on pre-cruise bookings! We also offer discounts for Peninsular Club members; plus children under 12 pay half the adult ticket price, and children under two go free. See T&Cs for details.