The Caribbean is VV’s primary destination network, and the Shore Things catalog across Caribbean ports is the deepest and most developed in the fleet. This guide covers the standout excursions across the Caribbean region — the ones that consistently deliver the best experiences, the ones that sell out fastest, and the ones that represent the best use of Sailor Loot across the different island types.
The Must-Book-Immediately List
These Caribbean Shore Things sell out fastest and should be booked the same day you book your voyage: Check out Best Shore Things in the Mediterranean: Virgin Voyages Excursion Guide. Check out Sea Turtle Snorkeling in Barbados: The Complete Virgin Voyages Shore Things Guide.
- Stingray City, Grand Cayman: The most popular Shore Thing in the entire VV Caribbean network. A shallow sandbar in the North Sound where dozens of southern stingrays have been conditioned over decades to approach boats. You wade in knee-deep water, hold and feed stingrays, and the experience is extraordinary. Sells out weeks in advance on Grand Cayman port days.
- Sea turtle snorkeling, Barbados: The west coast of Barbados has a resident population of sea turtles that feed on sea grass in shallow water and are habituated to snorkelers. A calm, warm snorkel alongside green and hawksbill turtles at a range of two or three feet. Sells out quickly.
- Rhum agricole distillery, Martinique: The Habitation Clément or Depaz distillery tours are among the best cultural excursions in the Lesser Antilles. Agricultural rum (rhum agricole) made from fresh sugar cane juice rather than molasses — a categorically different spirit from standard Caribbean rum. The historic estates are extraordinary.
- Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica: A terraced river waterfall on the north coast of Jamaica, about 30 minutes from Ocho Rios. The guided chain-climb up the falls — a group holding hands in a chain, ascending the terraced rock face with the water rushing around you — is one of the most distinctive physical experiences available from any Caribbean port.
Best Beach Shore Things
- Bimini Beach Club (included): The Beach Club at Bimini is free for all Sailors — six bars, two pools, beach access, and the full day included. Cabana upgrades and the RockStar Retreat are available through Shore Things for premium experiences.
- Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda: The most famous beach in Bermuda — pink sand, turquoise water, rock formations creating natural pools, and a distinctly un-Caribbean atmosphere. Accessible by shuttle from King’s Wharf.
- Eagle Beach, Aruba: One of the finest beaches in the Caribbean — wide, white, calm water, and significantly less crowded than Palm Beach. Accessible independently by taxi but VV Shore Things includes catamaran snorkel tours departing from Eagle Beach.
Best Adventure Shore Things
- Blue Hole, Jamaica: A series of natural swimming pools connected by cascading waterfalls about 45 minutes from Ocho Rios. Cliff jumping from 10-25 foot platforms, natural water slides, and the clearest turquoise water on the island.
- Pitons hike and Sulphur Springs, St. Lucia: A guided hike in the shadow of the Piton mountains followed by the Sulphur Springs volcanic mud bath — the only drive-in volcano in the world. The combination of dramatic scenery and geothermal experience is extraordinary.
- Catamaran sailing, multiple ports: Private or small-group catamaran charters are available at most Caribbean islands. Best options: Barbados sunset catamaran, St. Lucia Pitons sailing, Aruba snorkel catamaran. Use Sailor Loot for these premium experiences.
Best Cultural Shore Things
- Rhum agricole distillery, Martinique: Already listed above as a must-book, this also wins the cultural category. The history of French Caribbean rum production — made from fresh cane juice, protected by French appellation law, and categorically superior to molasses-based Caribbean rum — is fascinating.
- Brimstone Hill Fortress, St. Kitts: An extraordinary UNESCO site — an 18th-century British fortress on a volcanic plug overlooking the Caribbean and Atlantic coasts simultaneously. Small-group guided tours explain the colonial history in detail.
- Willemstad walking tour, Curaçao: The Dutch colonial waterfront of Willemstad is one of the most distinctive architectural environments in the Caribbean. A guided walking tour covers the floating Queen Emma pontoon bridge, the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue (oldest continuously used synagogue in the Americas), and the Handelskade waterfront that gives Curaçao its signature visual identity.
Insider Tips from Joel and Erin
- Book the high-demand Caribbean Shore Things before the dining reservation window opens. Shore Things have no specific booking window. Stingray City, sea turtles, and Dunn’s River Falls should be booked as soon as your voyage is confirmed — not when your 45-day dining window opens.
- Use Sailor Loot for catamaran charters and premium adventure excursions. These are the highest-priced and highest-value Shore Things. A $250 private catamaran paid with Sailor Loot is the best use of onboard credit in the Caribbean.
Ready to Plan Your Caribbean Port Days?
As certified First Mates, Joel and Erin know exactly which Shore Things sell out fastest on your specific itinerary. Let them help you plan.
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