dreamingofthebeach

Dominica has many fun nature excursions and a lot less of your standard beach vacation as the rest of the Caribbean. Can’t speak on particular companies as I lived there and we went with locals however some top places to check out are Emerald pool (short east hike through jungle with huge natural pool and waterfall), Titou gorge, trafgar falls, and boiling lake (however this one is quite a steep hike). Another idea that is much farther north from the port is explore Cabrits, an old fort (Fort Shirley) now national park.

The easiest low key beach on St Maarten with a casual beach bar and free umbrellas/chairs is Karacter Bar on Simpson bay. Runs parallel alongside the airport so it can be loud however you can enjoy the planes without the crazy crowds of Maho Beach (found at the end of the runway but overrun with tourists). Taxis are cheap and most will plan a time with you to come back and pick up!