The demand for cycling tourism in the Caribbean is being supplied by a number of countries who are keen on developing new and exciting experiences. Cycling is an activity that falls into several alternative tourism niches including adventure tourism, community tourism and eco-tourism. Traditionally, large countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands have dominated the cycling market. However, the Caribbean is quietly, yet quickly becoming one of the preferred destinations for cycling and biking.
Types of Cycling Tourism in the Caribbean
Throughout the Caribbean, many countries have embraced opportunities in cycling tourism by focusing on the main cycling niches. The Centre for the Promotion of Imports (CBI) explains that the four specialist niches in cycling tourism are road cycling, mountain biking, family cycling and touring/ expedition.
- Road Cycling: Fast cycling on asphalt and paved roads
- Mountain Biking: Biking over challenging trails in fields, forests, or mountains
- Family Cycling: Multi-day family cycling trips that are suitable for children
- Touring/ Expedition: Non-sport, leisure-focused cycling tours
Which Caribbean Countries Offer Opportunities for Cycling Tourism
A 2008 study by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation identified a number of countries who offer cycling tourism niche products. Countries with cycling niche markets must have bicycle rentals and bicycle tours.
The countries are Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Martinique, Montserrat, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten/ St. Martin, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and Caicos, and the United States Virgin Islands.
* Barbados, Bermuda, and Curacao are not included in the original CTO study; however, these countries have established cycling tourism niche products and services.
Examples of Cycling Tours in the Caribbean
There are a number of cycling tours in the Caribbean that fall into at least one of the main cycling categories. Here are a few examples.
Road Cycling in the Caribbean
Barbados: For road cycling tours that hit the road in the Barbados, Bike Caribbean Tours is a worthy option. The company has a number of tours that are on-road, off-road or mixed. For a road cycling adventure, the South Coast: Bicycle/ E-bike tour is recommended. It is a two-hour tour tailored for casual to advanced riders. Riders can choose to ride a regular bicycle or an e-bike. Stops on the tour include the South Point Lighthouse, Freights Bay, Zed’s Surfer’s Point and Talma’ Beach Culture. Tours begin at Miami Beach and rates start at USD 65 per person. For bookings or more information about the tour, contact Bike Caribbean via one of the following methods:
Telephone: 246-269-2811
Website: South Coast: Bicycle/ E-bike Tour
Email: bikecaribbean@gmail.com
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Mountain Biking in the Caribbean
Nevis: Adventure cyclists will be happy to know that there are a number of mountain biking tours in the Caribbean. The Windwardside Discovery Bike Tour by Nevis Adventure Tours is mountain biking tour with a mixture of on-road and off-road trails. This tour is best for intermediate and advanced riders who can handle a climbing variant that averages 2 to 5 percent. The tour route encompasses Newcastle Village, Barnaby, the Upper Road trail, Eden Browne Estate and new River/ Coconut Walk. The tour fee starts at USD 85 per person and includes the guided tour, bike, helmet, water, and refreshments. For bookings or more information about the tour, contact Nevis Adventure Tours via one of the following methods:
Website: Windwardside Discovery Bike Tour
Social Media: Facebook
Family Cycling in the Caribbean
Bermuda: The Bermuda Railway By Bike is a memorable family cycling tour in the Caribbean. It is one of the many of the island tours offered by Island Tour Centre, and one of the few bike tours of the railway. The guided three- and half-hour tour is a scenic yet historic lesson along the Bermuda Railway Trail, which was once the mode of transportation from one end of the island to the other. Points of interest along the trail include Heydon Trust Park and Fort Scaur. Although the tour is a family friendly, riders must be at least 10 years old and 58 inches tall. The tour fee starts at USD 85 per person and includes a mountain bike and safety helmet and water refills. For bookings or more information about the tour, contact Island Tour Centre via one of the following methods:
Telephone: 441-236-1300
Website: Bermuda Railway By Bike
Email: info@itc.bm
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
Touring/ Expedition in the Caribbean
St. Maarten: The Historical Bike Tour and Beach Time tour offered by Tri Sport is a leisure experience with a bit of culture. The tour is a history lesson that takes riders through the streets of the capital city, Philipsburg. At the beginning of the tour, there is a briefing that consists of a lesson about the bikes and a short test ride. The three-hour tour, which is perfect for beginner riders, includes stops at the Captain Hodge Wharf, the Freedom Fighters Monument, Carnival Village and Great Bay. Rates for the tour, which begins and ends at the cruise ship terminal, start at USD 49 per person. For bookings or more information about the tour, contact Tri Sport via one of the following methods:
Telephone: 721-545-4384
Website: Historical Bike Tour and Beach Time Tour
Email: tours@trisportsxm.com
Social Media: Facebook
Image: The Bermuda Tourism Authority
Sources
Centre for the Promotion of Imports: The European Market Potential for Cycling Tourism
Rentle: Grab the Opportunity in the Growing Cycling Tourism Market
Caribbean Tourism Organisation: Developing a Niche Tourism Market Database for the Caribbean