Article written by Wendy Helfenbaum.
As eco-tourism and immersive adventures soar in popularity, zip lining has become a top activity for travellers vacationing in the Caribbean.
Whether it’s an excursion organized through a resort, a cruise line or a local operator, ziplining tours guarantee a few hours of adrenaline-rushing fun for the whole family. Coasting over or through the region’s lush forests, waterfalls and hilltops, participants get a bird’s-eye view of the natural beauty surrounding them.
Ziplining originated thousands of years ago in ancient China, India and Japan as ‘zip wires’ – practical transportation to help people cross over rivers and mountains. Today’s modern zipline attractions are available to experience in more than 70 countries and can include aerial rope slides or canopy tours. The Caribbean is a prime destination for fans of the activity, thanks to its gorgeous coastlines, tropical forests and warm climate. Children as young as seven can safely ride the zipline, and all participants are outfitted with safety harnesses and helmets.
Zipline tours are best taken during the dry season – December through April – when there’s less rain. Here are a few favourite spots to check out in the Caribbean.
Guadeloupe Islands
Getting to the zipline is half the adventure—ropes, climbs, and plenty of laughs along the way. Photo courtesy of Le Tapeur Adventure Park
This French island’s sun-soaked coasts make it an ideal destination for travellers eager to explore its famous black- and white-sand beaches and verdant landscapes.
In the heart of the rainforest, thrill-seeking visitors can head to Le Tapeur Adventure Park on route de la Traversée, which opened in 2004 for a memorable ziplining experience. The park’s original course, Le Tapeur, is a cheeky nod to the native Black Woodpecker. Young kids will enjoy Ti sucrier zipline, while more experienced guests flock to the Fou-Fou. There’s even a zipline sequence, Tapeurfound, that leads to a secret passage through the tree canopy and a circular one called the Gli-Gli. The newest segment, La Trembleuse, features monkey bridges that allow for spectacular views.
Discover another family-friendly zipline attraction, Akropark in Petit-Bourg, which has two trails for 3- to 5-year-olds called Ti Racoon, three tails – Little Forest – for kids aged 6 to 10, and the Grand Mahogany’s three more runs for guests 11 and up. The property also offers other activities including monkey bridges and climbing nets, sure to tire out the little ones (and their parents). Then, everyone can relax at the picnic area or onsite restaurant, La Badiane.
Sint Maarten & St. Martin
Soaring down the slopes with Philipsburg at your feet—thrills don’t get more scenic! Photo courtesy of The Flying Dutchman.
With its unique two-nation status, the Dutch and French sides of this island have long drawn visitors seeking rich culture and loads of active adventures.
Boasting the steepest zipline in the world, participants will catch gorgeous 360-degree views of the island on Rainforest Adventure Park’s Flying Dutchman course, located on Sentry Hill in Rockland Estate, the highest peak on the Dutch side. This zipline, which drops 1,050 in elevation over 2,800 feet, is perfect for thrill-seekers, as you’re harnessed in a chair and then launched down the mountain. There’s also the Sentry Hill Zip Line, and a Schooner Ride, where participants head downhill on an inflated tube through the curves of a specially designed track. At base camp, the lovely Emilio Wilson Museum chronicles the island’s history and teaches visitors how it earned the nickname ‘The Friendly Island’.
On the French side, Loterie Farm – located at Pic Paradis, the island’s highest point – is a great spot to hike, surrounded by nature and tranquility. Make your way through obstacle courses and zip down over tropical forests on the Fly Zone Canopy Course. Suitable for all ages, this treetop course offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. Participants are provided with all safety gear, and there’s a Jungle Room restaurant on the property after everyone’s worked up a big appetite.
Dominica
Suspended above the lush forests of Dominica, participants tackle bridges, ropes, and ziplines in this canopy challenge. Photo courtesy of Secret Bay.
With its unspoiled beauty, volcanic landscapes, waterfalls and rainforests, it’s no wonder this destination’s nickname is ‘The Nature Island’.
It’s also a fabulous spot for ziplining. At 3 Rivers Eco-Lodge, visitors can spend a fun day surrounded by lush forests. Four zipline courses are available, and you can purchase a package that includes lunch and a drive around the Morne Trois Pitons mountain on the rugged east coast. A one-day pass also includes access to several river pools as well as a hike to Flocky’s Falls. Top off your day with a free tour of the property’s organic garden and learn about their sustainability initiatives. Be aware that this spot is remote – the only way to get to the lodge is by zipline or walking through the river.
Guests staying at the Secret Bay resort can also book a zip lining excursion through the hotel concierge. Participants will navigate a network of seven ziplines, plus footbridges and ropes among the trees. The action ends with a final flight across the island’s longest river, Layou.
Antigua and Barbuda
Nothing but smiles on this rainforest ride through paradise. Photo courtesy of Antigua Rainforest Zipline Tours
Boasting more than 365 beaches, this island’s draw also includes a popular adventure park. A memorable day awaits visitors at Antigua Rainforest Zipline Tours, which offers a selection of packages ranging from serene to pulse-racing – all surrounded by beautiful scenery. Options include a Jeep ride and zipline adventure that begins with a walk across a suspension bridge at the Old Pump House, followed by a 13-zipline flight through the forest across the canyon. Another tour takes participants through the Antigua rainforest, then an exciting speed boat rode to the coral reef and a swim with friendly stingrays.
Prefer a slower pace? The Mangrove Kayak Adventure combines ziplining with a paddle and time spent at Great Bird Island. Need more action? Veteran zipliners will love the Zipline and Challenge Course, a 24-element journey through the forest. Hold your breath as each step takes you higher above the treetops.
No matter which Caribbean ziplining excursion you choose, you’ll create lifelong memories along your thrilling jungle journey. Happy soaring!
Article by Wendy Helfenbaum. Wendy Helfenbaum is a Montreal-based freelance journalist who writes about travel and lifestyle for dozens of publications.
Throughout her career as a journalist, freelance writer and television producer, she’s written and produced print or television features on a wide variety of topics, including news, business, health and fitness, parenting, celebrity profiles, art, home decor, entertainment, sports, consumer affairs, philanthropy and corporate incentive travel.
Wendy is President of Take Two Productions Inc., a freelance writing, television production and translation solutions company in Montreal, Quebec. She works with clients in Canada, the U.S. and Europe.
