10 Best places to hike in the Caribbean: Discover majestic waterfalls & incredible views on a Caribbean yacht charter

There’s no denying the Caribbean’s dual appeal of paradisical beaches and lush landscapes, which is why to make the most of a Caribbean yacht charter, you need to explore this dream destination on land as well as on sea.

Hiking in the Caribbean takes you deep into the interior of the islands, where you can trek through nature-rich rainforests, discover diverse eco-systems, and ascend ancient volcanoes like the pioneering traveller you always wanted to be.

In this guide, we cover hikes suitable for everyone, from complete beginners to seasoned adventurers, all of which are accessible from some of the Caribbean’s best marinas and anchorages, putting our yacht charter guests at an advantage when it comes to reaching them.

10 Best places to hike in the Caribbean

For nature-focused excursions that take in the captivating beauty of the Caribbean fully, here are 10 of the best places to hike in the Caribbean. 

1. Dramatic Dominica hiking – Waitukubuli National Trail & Middleham Falls

The twin cascades of Trafalgar Falls, set within Morne Trois Pitons National Park, are among the Caribbean’s most spectacular waterfalls. An easy and rewarding hike on Dominica’s ‘Nature Island’, the trail also leads to nearby volcanic hot springs — a tempting reward even for the most reluctant walkers. For those seeking more exhilaration, the trail pairs perfectly with a river-tubing adventure downstream.

For something more taxing, take the Middleham Falls trek, a 1.5-2 hour hike through dense forest to reach the highest waterfall in the eastern Caribbean or join the Waitukubuli National Trail – the Caribbean’s only long distance trail. At 115 miles, it would take up to two weeks to complete it all, but you can dip into it by just completing one section.

For the sea part of your Dominican adventure, your captain can plot a course to some of the best whale-watching spots off the island’s west coast before returning you to your nearby anchorage in either Roseau Harbour or Prince Rupert Bay.

2. Stunning St Lucia hikes – The Pitons & Tet Paul Nature Trail

St Lucia’s rich ecosystem is best appreciated on a hike, where you can discover rare flora and fauna flourishing amid gorgeous mountain scenery. For a family-friendly walk, take the Tet Paul Trail (known as the ‘Stairway to Heaven’) where you can enjoy elevated views of the Pitons – at just 45 minutes for the round trip you can be back in your yacht’s pool before lunch time.

At 2-4 hours, the Gros Piton hike is a bigger commitment and requires a steep ascent but you’ll be rewarded with iconic views of St Lucia’s distinct volcanic peaks and her neighbouring isles.

Anchor in Souffière Bay and you can pair your land expedition with lunch at the working cocoa plantation estate of Fond Doux, or enjoy a snorkelling or diving session on the tropical Anse Chastanet reef.

3. Best of Grenada Hiking – Seven Sisters Waterfalls & Hapsack Region

The ‘Spice Island’ of Grenada offers a great mix of hikes, from easy lakeside strolls to jungle treks where you can cool down beneath secret waterfalls.

For the latter, the Seven Sisters Falls takes just 1.5 hours, while guests looking for more of a challenge should book a guide to take them into the Hapsack Region, where a six-hour hike will bring you to an otherworldly geothermal region of orange rivers and hot pools.

Yacht charter guests are well served by the nearby anchorages in St George’s, while a spice tour or a visit to a rum distillery is a fitting way to round off a shore-based day here.

4. Guadeloupe hiking with a view – La Soufrière Volcano hike & Carbet Falls Trail 

For a real out-of-this-world experience, the active volcano of La Soufrière is surely one of the best places to hike in the Caribbean. It takes some perseverance to reach it and a guide is advised, but the uninterrupted panoramic views are your reward, together with the active fumaroles that feel as though you’ve conquered some unknown planet.

For those looking for something less strenuous, the walk to the second cascade at Carbet Falls on the lower slopes of La Soufrière is accessible to most, with wooden walkways leading the way. Guadalupes’s Basse-Terre offers lots of options for dropping anchor, including the serene waters of Anse Colas, perfect for a post-hike pamper session in your yacht’s spa.

5. St Maarten hiking highlights – Pic Paradis Trail & Loterie Farm trails

From the hillsides to the picturesque coastline, the superyacht haven of St Maarten has hikes for all abilities. The eco sanctuary of Loterie Farm, with its scenic forest paths, zip lines, and plentiful pools is ideal for those looking to absorb the natural surroundings while having some fun.

More serious hikers should take on the Pic Paradis Trail, which brings you to the highest point in St Maarten, with views over Anguilla and St Barth’s. Whichever tempts you, drop anchor in Marigot Bay for afternoons spent boutique-hopping ashore and evenings allowing the French-influenced ambience to wash over you.

6. The Best Barbados hikes – Cherry Tree Hill & Hackleton’s Cliff coastal trail

From invigorating trails to casual strolls, the laid-back island of Barbados has it all and there is no judgement when it comes to your activity level. For an easy walk on the calves and some coastal charm, take the downhill route from Cherry Tree Hill to Morgan Lewis Windmill.

For something more heart-pumping, the Hackleton’s Cliff coastal trail provides far-reaching views and a chance to learn about one of the most tragic tales in Bajan folklore – the sad story of Colonel Hackleton who met his demise here after finding his wife in the arms of another.

Afterwards, compare notes of your walks over a rum punch tasting at Mount Gay Distillery followed by dinner at The Cliff – Barbados’s elegant fine-dining spot.

7. Dominican Republic hiking gems – El Limón Waterfall & Pico Duarte

From the mountains to the sea, the forests to the jungle, the Dominican Republic has a diverse offering when it comes to hiking. Serious hikers should undertake the multi-day climb to the peak of Pico Duarte – the highest mountain in the Caribbean – where you set off in a tropical forest and end in a sublime skyscape. An easier alternative is the El Limón Waterfall, which though it can be hiked in 2-3 hours is more often done on horseback.

The marina in Santo Domingo is an ideal base for either of the inland transfers, as well as colonial city tours pre or post-hike.

8. Beautiful Bahamas hikes – Andros Blue Holes National Park & Andros West Side Trails

The Andros Blue Holes National Park trails are among the best hikes in the Caribbean, due to the unique nature of the area, which is accessed from anchorages in Andros itself or Exuma. With more blue holes here than anywhere else in the world, you can break up your walk with a mesmerising diving or snorkelling expedition.

The Andros West Side trails offer more challenging hiking, while Bahamas yacht charter guests will love taking the tender up the mangrove creeks – your crew can even arrange a bonefishing excursion for an authentic travel experience.

9. Martinique hiking trails  – Presqu’île de la Caravelle & Mount Pelée Volcano hike

Martinique’s Presqu’île de la Caravelle nature reserve is an intriguing place of swamps and dry forests, soaring cliffs and coastal savannahs that lends itself well to a leisurely ramble.

More active members of your Martinique yacht charter may prefer to hike up to the summit of Mount Pelée – a challenging 4–5 hour hike up a dormant volcano with rewarding views from the top.

Both hikes can be accessed from the anchorage in Fort-de-Francs, and you can reward yourself for whichever hike you undertake with rum tasting at Habitation Saint-Etienne and French-Caribbean fusion dining at the Galanga Fish Bar.

10. British Virgin Islands hiking – Gorda Peak National Park & Devil’s Bay

Gorda Peak National Park is a fabulous choice for a short hike with the family as the round trip to the lookout tower for views over the BVIs and back down is under two hours.

For the more advanced hike to Devil’s Bay, you’ll have to do some scrambling over boulders, but you can take the tender from your anchorage at Virgin Gorda to the start point of The Baths mooring field.

Back onboard, take an afternoon sail to Anegada to sample some of the island’s famously good lobster at the Anegada Beach Club, a lovely setting for enjoying some post-hike sundowners. You’ve deserved them: this is, after all, the Caribbean.

Planning your hiking & yacht charter experience

The best season for hiking in the Caribbean is the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is warm and there’s little chance of rain. As experts in Caribbean yacht charters, Edmiston can craft bespoke itineraries that strike the right balance between luxury and adventure – whether you are looking for a rejuvenating wellness charter or desire an action-packed schedule.

We also have some beautiful yachts in our fleet that will provide the perfect base for your land and sea expedition. On SOPHIA yacht, you can soothe your aching muscles post hike in the dedicated wellness centre, while the beach club and games deck make the most of the Caribbean sun.

LIFE SAGA yacht’s strong connection to the sea creates a calming atmosphere onboard, while her expansive decks encourage guests to spend as much time outside, ensuring you get your sea fix in between hikes.

Meanwhile, with three tenders, shore excursions on ARROW YACHT are a breeze and after a day’s exploring there are few better places to unwind than in the chic sea-level lounge.

Speak to Edmiston today and let us curate a bespoke charter for you that pairs luxury yachting with the best hikes in the Caribbean.