Protected Areas in the Caribbean

El Yunque National Forest is a forest reserve located in northeastern Puerto Rico on the slopes of the Sierra de Luquillo mountains. It is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. High annual rainfall creates a jungle-like setting with lush foliage, crags, waterfalls, and rivers.

Nestled on Antigua's scenic southern coast, English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard embody a historic maritime enclave. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, blending natural beauty with architectural marvels, is a testament to Antigua's strategic significance and the British Empire's naval prowess.

Saba Bank Atoll, nestled in the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, stands as a unique and vital ecosystem of unparalleled ecological significance. This atoll is not only the largest actively growing submarine atoll in the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean but also the third largest in the world. Saba Bank Atoll was designated the Saba Bank National Park, a testament to its importance in safeguarding marine biodiversity.

The Exuma Cays are an archipelago of over 365 islands and cays in the Bahamas known for their white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and crystal-clear waters. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a protected area that extends from Shroud Cay in the north to Bell Cay in the south.

Grenada's oldest and most extensive protected area is the Grand Etang National Park and Forest Reserve. It boasts diverse elevations and terrain that house numerous ecological subsystems. Notably, the Forest Reserve's Grand Etang Lake serves as its centerpiece.

Grande Colline National Park is located in southwestern Haiti and contains the Grande Colline mountain range at the core of the Massif de la Hotte. This protected area includes five named peaks and is one of Haiti's most remote and difficult-to-reach areas.

Guadeloupe National Park is a vast protected area on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. It encompasses stunningly diverse tropical ecosystems, from lush rainforests and volcanic peaks to pristine beaches and mangrove wetlands. As the centerpiece of the larger Archipel de la Guadeloupe Biosphere Reserve, Guadeloupe National Park plays a crucial role in conserving the remarkable biodiversity of the Caribbean region.

Nestled in the westernmost corner of Cuba, the Guanahacabibes Peninsula is a remarkable natural treasure. It is the country's westernmost point and offers a glimpse into its rich biodiversity and unique cultural heritage. This remote and sparsely populated region is home to a National Park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts and conservation-minded travelers.

The Guánica Biosphere Reserve in southwestern Puerto Rico comprises coastal areas with mangrove cays and subtropical dry forests. Designated Guánica State Forest in 1919, it is considered the best-preserved subtropical forest and the best example of a dry forest in the Caribbean.

Nestled off Cuba's southern shores, the Jardines de la Reina archipelago beckons as an aquatic haven, revered for its untouched coral reefs and flourishing marine habitats. This expansive sanctuary, encompassing over 250 coral islands and cays, is one of Cuba's most significant protected regions, boasting dual distinctions as a marine reserve and a national park. Renowned for its translucent waters and immaculate coral formations, the area teems with a rich array of marine biodiversity.