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Most interesting
attractions and landmarks in
Caribbean
Gatis Pvils, 22 December 2012
No.36. http://www.wondermondo.com/Caribbean.htmImage: View from Mount Scenery, Saba.
Christine Warner Hawks, Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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Caribbean is unique group of islands. These islandsare somewhat similar tropical islands surrounded by
the blue Caribbean sea. At the same time they are very
diverse from enormous Cuba to minuscule Saba, from
dry Bonaire to jungle covered mountains of Trinidad,
from flat Bahamas to mountainous Dominica.
Highlights of Caribbean are: Unique geological landmarks. Severalgeological landmarks here are truly incredible: such as
Black Hole of Andros (Bahamas), Palo Quemado blue
amber (Dominican Republic) or Boiling Lake in
Dominica.
Colonial architecture. Powerful Europeanempires clashed in Caribbean, these islands brought
wealth but also death and despair. Rich, often
legendary architecture tells this history to us.
Unique ecosystems. Humans have depletedthe rich ecosystems of these tropical islands, many
animals and plants are extinct now. Nevertheless a lot
remains to see and admire.
Caribbean consists of the following 32 countries and territories: Anguilla(United Kingdom) Antigua and Barbuda Aruba(country in Kingdom of Netherlands) Bahamas Bajo Nuevo Bank (Petrel Islands) and
Serranilla Bank(disputed islands)
Barbados Bonaire(municipality of Netherlands) British Virgin islands(United Kingdom) Cayman Islands(United Kingdom)
Cuba Curaao(country in Kingdom of Netherlands) Dominica Dominican Republic Grenada Guadeloupe(France) Haiti Jamaica Martinique(France) Montserrat(United Kingdom)
Dean's Blue Hole.Ton Engwirda, Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-
3.0 Netherlands
There exists a broad term blue hole describingany deep, water filled, vertical caves. The deepest
known blue hole in the sea is the 202 203 m deepDean's Blue Hole in Bahamas, Long Island.
Wondermondo is unique project: it aims to describe the most interesting man made and natural attractions /
landmarks in the whole world.
Author of website www.wondermondo.com and each article in it is Gatis Pvils. Visit the site to find a lot more
information!
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Navassa Island(United States) Puerto Rico(United States) Saba(municipality of Netherlands) Saint Barthlemy(France) Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin(France)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Sint Eustatius(municipality of Netherlands) Sint Maarten (country in Kingdom of
Netherlands)
Trinidad and Tobago Turks and Caicos Islands(United Kingdom) United States Virgin Islands(United States)
Bimini Road Bahamas, Bimini. Unusual naturalmonument some 0.8 km long geological formation
which resembles ancient man-made linear structure,
located in 5.5 m depth. For a while it was considered to
be a unique megalithic structure. There are several more
similar sites in the Bahamas f.e.Andros Temple.
Los Haitises Dominican Republic, Samana, Sabana
de la Mar And Monte Plata. Interesting karst region,
covered with tropical forest. Consists of hundreds of
conical, 200 300 m tall, steep hills. Numerous caves,
underground rivers, rare species of animals and plants.
Moonhole arch of Bequia Saint Vincent and Grenadines. Enormous natural arch at the seaside, with
small community of ecologically oriented community living under it and next to it. Moon can be observed
through the arch in certain times of the year.
Petit Piton Saint Lucia. Giant, very steep volcanic plug, 743 m high. Contains different vegetation zones,
including elfin forest. Many rare species.
Ro Jauco Canyon Cuba, Guantnamo. Spectacular,
up to 300 m deep canyon with limestone cliffs, covered
with pristine rainforest.
Tanama River Cave Puerto Rico, Lares. Natural arch
300 m long and 40 m wide tunnel with Tanama river
flowing through it.
The Baths British Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda.
Unusual beach with giant granite boulders with amazing
grottoes in between.
Camuy cave system Puerto Rico, Camuy, Hatillo and
Lares. Giant cave system with 17 entrances, not mapped
yet. Not all caves are connected currently system
consists of some 220 caves with total length in excess of
15 km. Clara Cave contains 212 m long and up to 65 mhigh chamber. Rio Camuy is one of largest underground
Pitons main landmark of Saint Lucia. Petit Pitonis the steepest mountain.
Mike Fleming, Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
One of entrances in Camuy cave system, PuertoRico.
Jason Sturner, Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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rivers in the world.
Gran Caverna de Santo Toms Cuba, Pinar del Rio. One of the largest known caves in Cuba, the
explored length of passages is 46.2 km. Cave has beautiful speleothems, including gours.
Jackson's Bay Caves Jamaica, Clarendon. Group of closely located caves with total length exceeding 10
km, although the connections between some of the caves still need to be found. Some of the most beautiful
caves in Caribbean. Here have been found prehistoric engravings and rock paintings. Human bones from circa
1240 AD have been found. Here have been found remnants of such extinct animals as Jamaican monkey
(Xenothrix mcgregori) and the unique Jamaican ibis (Xenicibis xympithecus) whose wings were like clubs,
possibly used in fights.
Martin Infierno Cave Cuba, Cienfuegos. Cave with the tallest stalagmite in the world. This fantastic
speleothem is 67.2 metres tall. Two other stalagmites are 45 and 35 m tall. Cave is 793 m long, 179 m deep, it
has also unique, enormous gypsum flowers and fossils of extinct mammals.
Rio Encantado Cave system Puerto Rico, Ciales. 21 km long and up to 344 m deep cave system with
underground river Rio Encantado.
Black Hole of Andros Bahamas, South Andros. 300
m wide and up to 47 m deep round water filled sinkhole
with a layer of violet jelly layer of bacteria at 18 metres
depth. Microoganisms have heated up the water to 40
C.
Dean's Blue Hole Bahamas, Long Island. World's
deepest sinkhole in the sea, 202 metres deep and only 25
35 metres across.
Dunn's Hole Jamaica, Trelawny (Saint Ann?). The
largest cave chamber in Jamaica, some 200 m long, 100m wide and up to 80 m high. It is located at the bottom
of 200 m deep, slanting sinkhole with 100 by 80 m large
entrance.
Boiling Lake Dominica, Saint Patrick. Flooded fumarole, filled with bubbling greyish-blue water and
enveloped in a steam. Diameter of this lake is some 63
m. Temperature of water is 82 100 C . At the late 19th
century in the centre of lake formed a geyser which was
up to 18 m high. Second largest boiling lake in the world.
Valley of Desolation Dominica, Saint Patrick.
Spectacular geothermal area with steam vents,
fumaroles, hot springs and boiling mud pots.
Carbet Falls (Chutes du Carbet) Guadeloupe,
Capesterre-Belle-Eau commune. Magnificent waterfall
with a total height of 245 m. Fall has three steps, tallest
is 115 m high.
Dunn's River Falls Jamaica, Saint Ann.
Approximately 55 m tall waterfall with many cascades
and spectacular travertine formations. Waterfall ends
Boiling Lake, Dominica.Jean & Nathallie, Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Carbet Falls.gen, Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
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directly in the sea. Popular tourist destination, tourists enjoy climbing the falls.
Salto Fino Cuba, Guantnamo. The tallest waterfall in Caribbean, 305 m tall. Formed on Arroyo del
Infierno, this waterfall is not a vertical plunge it slides down along very steep mountainside. Tallest plunge is
some 60 m tall.
Bioluminescent Bay (Mosquito Bay) Puerto Rico,
Vieques island. One of the most spectacular
bioluminescence sites in the world. The bluish glow is
caused by dynoflagellates which feed on the leaves of red
mangrove trees.
El Yunque Cuba, Guantnamo. Forested mountain
plateau where in isolation for millions of years have
evolved endemic species of ferns and palms.
El Yunque National Forest Puerto Rico. The onlytropical rainforest in Puerto Rico. Beautiful area, where
mountains raise up to 1,065 m. Rich with species of
plants and animals, contains 23 species which are not
found anywhere else in the world. Contains unique dwarf
forest.
Gunica State Forest Puerto Rico. Peninsula in
south-west of Puerto Rico. The best preserved
subtropical dry forest in Caribbean. Although species
diversity here is comparatively low, here are many rare species of plants. 16 species of plants are met only in
this forest, also Puerto Rican Nightjar is found only here.
Hellshire Hills Jamaica, Saint Catherine. Some of the largest and most interesting dry forests inCaribbean, with 53 endemic species of plants and many endemic animals, such as Jamaican iguana ( Cyclura
collei) and skinkMabuya mabouya.
Marine terraces of Mais Cuba, Guantnamo. Possibly the most prominent limestone marine terraces in
the world a rugged coast with several impressive marine terraces starting under the sea and rising up to 460
m above the sea level. Terraces contain unique ecosystems with many endemic species of plants and animals.
Some of the most exotic are the large, colourful land snails ofPolymicta genus.
Mogotes de Jumagua Cuba, Villa Clara. Group of 8 forested limestone hills. These hills have served as a
refuge for numerous species of plants and animals not met anywhere else. In the hills have formed caves.
Interesting endemic species is Thrinax ekmaniana a spectacular palm, some 100 trees remain. Site of many
legends.Mona Island ecosystem Puerto Rico, Mona island. Small, isolated island which is surrounded by steep
limestone cliffs. Well preserved ecosystem with endemic species of animals and plants, including the 1.2 m
long Mona Ground Iguana (Cyclura cornuta stejnegeri) and six other species of reptiles. Sometimes this
island is named Galapagos of Caribbean.
Rockbay bioluminescence Jamaica, Saint Ann. Small bay, one of the best places in the world to
experience bioluminescence. It is caused by high concentration ofPyrodinium bahamense microorganisms.
Chalk Sound Turks and Caicos, Providenciales. Lagoon with unbelievably blue, shining water. Water is
colored by the fine, white chalk powder.
El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico.Jeff Gunn, Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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El Patriarca Cuba, Matanzas. One of the largest cacti in the world. This Dendrocereus nudiflorus might be
more than 500 years old.
La Brea pitch lake Trinidad and Tobago, Siparia.
Natural asphalt lake, the largest in the world. In some
areas one can sink in the asphalt if he stands in one place
long enough. Water on the surface of asphalt maybecome sulphurous. Contains unique ecosystem of
microorganisms.
Las Breas of San Felipe Cuba, Matanzas. Two
ancient asphalt seeps where in the past have drowned
many animals which are extinct now. Interesting are the
remnants of enormous sloths Megalocnus rodens (went
extinct after the coming of people), crocodiles.
Lagon Bouffe Trinidad and Tobago, Rio Claro-
Mayaro. One of the largest mud volcanoes in Trinidad,
some 100 150 m wide area covered with water, with
occasional vents of gas and mud in it.
Palo Quemado blue amber mines Dominican Republic, Santiago. The richest finds of the fluorescent
Dominican blue amber, which changes its color according to lighting conditions. Dominican amber (but not
the blue one) is found also in many other mines in three regions La Cordillera Septentrional,
Bayaguana and Sabana de la Mer.
Bassim Zim Cave Haiti, Centre. Large cave withTaino petroglyphs, used for vodou rituals.
Buccament petroglyph cave Saint Vincent and
Grenadines, Saint Andrew. Cave shelter with near
unique group of petroglyphs rows of abstract symbols
which look like a primitive writing.
Dondon Caves Haiti, Nord. Group of magnificent
caves with stone carvings of stalagmites and petroglyphs
made by Taino people. Caves still are used by vodou
priests.
Patana Cave Cuba, Guantnamo. A cave in thelimestone marine terraces, which contains 9 idols carved
in stalagmites. Around the cave are located more
archaeological monuments.
Pomier Caves Dominican Republic, San Cristbal.
Series of 55 caves containing the largest collection of
ancient rock art in Caribbean, created 2,000 years ago by
Tano, Carib, Igneri people. Approximately 6,000
charcoal drawings and etchings.
Punta del Este petroglyph caves Cuba, Isla de la
Juventud. Group of seaside caves with 235 prehistoricdrawings mainly complex, overlaid sets of concentric
Chalk Sound, Turks and Caicos Islands.Tim Sackton, Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
Pictograph in Pomier Cave No.2., DominicanRepublic.Espeleogrupo, Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
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rings. Some drawings have clear astronomical orientation.
Cueva de los Nios Cuba, Sancti Spritus. Cave with 13 prehistoric child burials. Each deceased child got a
stone ball with him larger ones for larger children, smaller ones for smaller. Balls have been crafted in very
high quality. Cave has petroglyphs as well.
Pueblo Viejo in Mais and Laguna de Limones Cuba, Guantnamo. Prehistoric earthen enclosures
ceremonial squares. The largest monuments of such kind in West Indies.
Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center Puerto Rico, Ponce. Unique archaeological monument
ceremonial, sports center and cemetery of Tano and Igneri people, inhabited circa 400 1000 AD. Possibly
served as astronomical observatory. Contains large stone constructions, alignments, ballparks, burials.
Camagey Cuba, Camagey. A historical city with
winding alleys and authentic architecture, established in
this location in 1528. The city is intentionally planned as
a maze to make it hard for pirates to orientate.
Numerous ornate buildings.
Cienfuegos Cuba, Cienfuegos. Beautiful historical
city with many hundred buildings in Neo-Classical style
and many other historical buildings. With its strict grid
planning Cienfuegos is one of the best examples of the
Spanish Enlightement city planning from the early 19th
century.
Old Havana Cuba, La Habana. A centre of Caribbean
metropolis, established in 1519. The best preserved largehistorical city in Americas. The enormous historical
centre of city has huge number of valuable buildings in
Baroque, Neo-Classicism, Ecclecticism, Art Noveau and
Modern styles. Buildings have retained their original
details of wrought iron and wood. Old Havana has many impressive places but one of the best known is
Malecn one of the most picturesque promenades in the world.
Old San Juan Puerto Rico, San Juan. Oldest European settlement in Puerto Rico, historical quarter of San
Juan. Cobblestone streets here are lined with historical buildings, many from the 16th and 17th century. City
walls preserved.
Oranjestad historical centre Aruba. Collection of colourful, ornate buildings representatives of Dutch
colonial architecture. Built mainly in the late 19th early 20th century.
The Underwater City of Port Royal Jamaica, Kingston and Saint Andrew. This historical city was
submerged in the sea in 1692 after an catastrophic earthquake. Thus the city has been preserved very well and
represents an unique testimony of English colonial town from the late 17th century. Captain Morgan was
buried in a cemetery which is under the sea now.
Trinidad Cuba, Sancti Spritus. Beautiful historical centre in one of the oldest cities in Americas. The city
was founded in 1514 and its centre almost entirely consists of very well preserved historical buildings. Street
network was developed in 16th 17th centuries, but current buildings are built in 18th 19th century.
Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo Dominican Republic, Distrito Nacional. The oldest continuously
inhabited European city in Americas, settled since 1496, city established in 1498. Partly preserved the
defensive walls and the original grid pattern. Contains many valuable and ornate buildings in late Gothic,
Renaissance, Baroque styles.
Street in Trinidad, Cuba.Elemaki, Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
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Castillo San Felipe del Morro Puerto Rico, San
Juan. Impressive fort. Construction was started by
Spanish in 1539 and lasted for some 400 years. Outer
walls are up to 6 m thick and up to 44 m high.
Citadelle Laferrire Haiti, Nord. Largest fortress in
Americas, built in 1805 1830 in order to protect Haiti
from French. Very well preserved, originally had 365
cannons, many still preserved. Even stockpiles of
cannonballs still are standing. Walls are up to 40 m high.
Fortaleza Ozama Dominican Republic, Distrito
Nacional. The oldest European fortification in Americas,
built in 1502 1505 by the Spanish. Representative of
late Medieval architecture. Served as a prison until
1960ies.
La Cabaa Cuba, La Habana. The largest historicalEuropean fortress in Americas, built in 1763 1774.
Alczar de Coln Dominican Republic, Distrito Nacional. The oldest European palace in Americas, built
in 1510 1512 in Renaissance style. Residence of the Viceroy of the Indies. Site of important historical events,
contains rich collection of furniture and artworks of period, now museum.
St. Nicholas Abbey Barbados. Plantation house in Jacobean style. One of three genuine Jacobean style
buildings in Americas, built in 1650ies.
Amber Museum on Calle Duarte 61 Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata. One of the best collections of
amber in the world, with unique specimens.
Arecibo Observatory Puerto Rico, Arecibo. Site with the world's largest single-aperture telescope,
visually very impressive structure. Diameter of the main collecting dish is 305 m it is constructed, using a
natural depression sinkhole. Constructed in 1960 1963.
Catedral de Santa Mara la Menor (Catedral de
Santa Mari de la Encarnacin Primada de America)
Dominican Republic, Distrito Nacional. The oldest
cathedral in Americas, built in 1512 1540 in Gothic and
Renaissance styles. Altar is chiseled of silver. Containscollection of valuable art.
Chase Vault Barbados. Burial vault, site of legends.
According to a legend, every time when the vault was
opened in the early 19th century, all lead coffins had
changed position.
Manaca-Iznaga Tower Cuba, Sancti Spritus.
Unusual structure 45 m tall bell tower, built in 1816 in
Manaca Iznaga plantations. Ring of its bells marked
the beginning and ending of the work in sugar
plantations.
El Morro the old fortress of San Juan, Puerto
Rico.blucolt, Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Underwater sculptures in Moilinere Bay, Grenada.SunCat, Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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Moilinere Bay underwater sculpture park Grenada, Saint George. The oldest and possibly the most
impressive underwater sculpture garden in the world, created by sculptor Jason de Caires Taylor. Here are
located some 65 sculptures which can be seen by snorkeling or using glass bottom boats.
Snoa (Curaao synagogue) Curaao, Willemstad. The oldest synagogue in Americas, built in 1692 and
reconstructed in 1732.
St. Vincent and Grenadines Botanic Gardens Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint George. The
oldest botanical garden in the Western Hemisphere and, possibly, the oldest in tropics. Collection started in
1765, gardens contain many rare plants. Here grow breadfruits brought by William Bligh from Tahiti. Aviary
of the endemic St. Vincent Parrot.