Get In To Active Sports in The Caribbean

When it comes to sun, surf and luxury hotels, Caribbean destinations will be at the top of any holidaymaker’s list. Any of the myriad islands in this archipelago has sufficient conditions to provide a top-shelf holiday, full of scenic landscapes, lazy beachfront afternoons and five-star hotel pampering.

Unlike what may at first glance appear, however, there is far more to a holiday in this part of the world than just sunbathing and luxury hotels. Caribbean destinations can, for those who know how and where to look, provide a plethora of other activities to complement the standard fly-and-flop fare.

A good example of this is the variety of sports available across the islands, both for spectating and for taking part in. While the region is by no means a go-to destination when it comes to activity holidays, sports enthusiasts willing to take a chance on this archipelago might find that it offers enough variety to more than hold their interest.

The Spirit Of Competition

In keeping with the unaffected nation of locals, the sports in these islands are still viewed in the traditional manner - with the millionaire salaries of European or American athletes taking a back seat to the spirit of pure competition. While virtually non-existent in the grand scale of world sports, local leagues are disputed with a fierce intensity and passion seldom found elsewhere in the world.

Popular sports across the islands include the usual suspect, football, as well as cricket, a remnant of the British occupation of the region. Slightly more puzzling is the archipelago’s love of baseball, a traditionally American pastime. It should come as no surprise, however, that the islands in which this sport is more popular are those with links to the United States, such as the Dominican Republic or Cuba.

Aside from these team sports, islanders are also quite fond of sports involving betting or racing. The tradition of placing bets is alive and well in the archipelago, and sports such as dog-racing, cock-fighting, motorsports, regattas or (on certain islands) goat or crab racing continue to be popular as a result.

Join In the Fun

But of course, watching from the sidelines is not the only way in which visitors can engage in some of the islands' sports activities. For tourists staying in local luxury hotels, Caribbean destinations also offer a wealth of opportunities to engage in a bit of sport themselves. Most people visiting the islands are aware of the plentiful opportunities for watersports (snorkelling, scuba-diving, sailing, jet-skiing, etc.), and when activities such as cycling or para-sailing are added to the mix, it becomes apparent that active holidaymakers have plenty to keep them occupied. Some hotels even offer amenities such as table-tennis tables or multi-sport courts, helping extend the range of options for tourists fond of sporting activities.

It is clear, then, that quite apart from sandy beaches and luxury hotels, Caribbean islands can also be a viable option for tourists looking for a sporty holiday.

Helen C. Edwards works for the Essential Hotel Collection. For a stay in romantic luxury hotels, Caribbean venues can't be beaten. We have a handpicked portfolio of privately owned hotels offering superb accommodation. We have an intimate knowledge of every property and can provide the perfect accommodation to make your island dreams a reality.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.