5 Caribbean Adventures for Thrill Seekers

So, endless hours of lounging on the beach sipping cocktails is not exactly your idea of fun? Wait, what’s wrong with you?! Ha. I’m just kidding! A Caribbean cruise is not only a great way to bring you to glorious destinations for rest and relaxation but it also offers a variety of stimulating activities and adventures to get your heart pumping! Here’s my list of 5 thrill seeking experiences you should try while cruising through the Caribbean.

ZIPLINING:

Arguably one of the milder activities of the bunch, but most definitely not a letdown! There is no better or exciting way to see your Caribbean port than on a zip line. If you are taking a Costa Maya cruise, try the Kukulcan Zip Coaster. It takes regular zip lining to the extreme—zipping you around with twists and turns that’ll make your spirits fly as you whiz above picturesque jungle views! If you are on board a breakaway class ship, you can zipline at sea in the Sports Complex. Another great option if you're cruising to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, is the Ultimate Adventure Zip, Tubing & Dunn's River Falls shore excursion.

CAVE TUBING:

I think we can all agree that tubing is a bunch of thrills, but cave tubing on a Belize cruise has the added perk of witnessing some ancient Maya caves. Guides will lead you through the caves and teach you about their history and geology. Additionally, you'll learn about the fascinating rituals of the Maya that were connected to them. As a part of the excursion, you'll get to enjoy a delicious and authentic Belizean lunch afterward, a perfect ending to an experience that is both intellectually and physically stimulating.

WATER SPORTS:

When you cruise The Caribbean, you're surrounded by crystal-clear waters, so why not take advantage of the beauty and dive right in? Whether it's surfing, paddle boarding, snorkeling, kayaking, kite surfing, etc., etc., etc. — water adventures are calling! Even if you've never done any of these, don't chicken out. It's the perfect time and place to start learning. Norwegian offers many Caribbean shore excursions for beginners and beyond. For instance, one of the best ways to explore Harvest Caye, Belize, is on a Wave Runner Tour.

PARASAILING:

Want to see things from a new perspective? This experience will get you soaring, literally. On a cruise vacation to Harvest Caye, Belize, there's a chance to rise 400 feet into the sky for a parasailing adventure. Not only will it give you an adrenaline rush, but the epic viewpoint will make for amazing pictures and memories. Enjoy the vibrant blues, crisp greens, and pearly whites of The Caribbean from a vantage point unlike any other. 

SWIMMING WITH STINGRAYS:

If your Caribbean cruise vacation takes you to George Town, Grand Cayman, be sure to check out the Stingray City Sandbar shore excursion. Here, you'll have the once-in-lifetime opportunity to get close to loads of stingrays when you visit Stingray City. As you wade through a series of shallow sandbars, you can feed and touch these shy and misunderstood creatures. 

CLIFF JUMPING:

The quintessential activity for any true adrenaline junkie! Opportunities to cliff jump in The Caribbean are all over the place. You just have to ask the guides or locals. But if you have the urge to do something crazy, make your way over to Negril (a few hours from Ocho Rios) while you're cruising Jamaica. It's a little bit of a way out, but there you'll find one of the best places in the world for cliff jumping. Head to Rick's Cafe to take a leap (at varying heights) and enjoy the ambiance. Once you've jumped, you can congratulate yourself with a drink and some jerk chicken for being a boss.

ADVENTURES ON BOARD:

These are all great options while you're out and about exploring the destinations, but what if I told you that you don't even have to leave the ship to get your fix for thrills? Well, you better believe it! Norwegian's Breakaway Class ships have a bunch of activities to keep the excitement going on board. Water slides, a rope course, rock wall climbing … maybe you'll build up the nerve to walk the plank. But that's not all! The Norwegian team offers a host of Caribbean shore excursions that are sure to get your heart pounding. Whatever thrill you're craving, an epic Caribbean cruise with Norwegian will satisfy your need for adventure.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was originally published on March 11, 2016. It has been updated to show related content and itineraries.