Exploring Blue Lagoon's Treasures

Picture your cruise ship approaching a small tropical island with a population the size of a small town, winding roads, criss-crossing beachscapes, pastures and rainforests. As you arrive at your port of call, you plan to rent a car and tour the island on your own - to truly experience the spice of this stand-alone country.

Until you realize this island drives on the wrong side of the road, the roads are not well maintained (how much tax base can 20,000 support for a country?), and the hills have treacherous switchbacks that look impossible to navigate. Plans have been dashed and now you have to sit on the beach for the day sipping margaritas ...

While a beach day is always appropriate, GoGirlfriend is here to offer some tips to help you get out and explore that island's blue lagoon treasures and national features.

Understanding the rules of the road (Caribbean-style)

No matter where you call home, travel involves learning how to navigate the many different rules of the road around the world. Almost 70% of the world's population live in countries where drivers drive on the right side of the road (like North America), while the remaining 30% drive on the left side of the road (like Britain).

There was even a 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic to regulate how a country chooses its standard.

Caribbean countries add another twist. In North America we drive on the right side of the road with the driver sitting in the left hand drive position of the car (the opposite is true with left hand side of the road driving in the right hand side of the car). In the Caribbean they mix it up again with the driver opposing the above rules (putting a ride side of the road country with a right side of the car driver - and left with left).

Now try to drive and navigate a traffic circle. Very stressful for a relaxing vacation. Below are a few tourist-friendly driving countries. If your island of choice isn't listed, driving customs are topsy-turvey and caution is advised.

Island's with North American similarity (right side of the road, left hand drive):

• Netherland Antilles (Bonaire, Curacao and St. Maarten)
• French Antilles (St. Martin, Martinique, Guadeloupe)

Islands with British similarity (left side of the road and right hand drive):

• Barbados
• Jamaica
• Trinidad and Tobago

Scooter Rentals - freedom to tour the island

The simplest, safest, most economical option that allows you to chart your own course is a scooter rental. No matter the island's driving style, the simple navigational ease of a scooter for two allows much more flexibility and adaptability - and they're a lot of fun to drive. Many islands have scooter rentals at or near the pier or airport for a day's adventures.

Typical rental is $55 (USD) per day for a 2-seater. Check before you leave if your auto insurance policy covers you or you need more insurance (approx. $25/day) and some may require a valid motorcycle license.

ATV rentals – Four wheels are more rugged than two

If you’re in for a little off-road adventure or want to get to some of those more secluded beach locations that may be a bit of a challenge for scooters, consider renting a 4-wheel ATV or quad. Four wheels are better than two when you’re off the main roads and back-roading to those more scenic spots. They offer more stability and generally, more power to climb and navigate non-road terrain.

A word of caution though – don’t get yourself into terrain or off the beaten path where you may get stranded. Being off-road, you are also not easily seen when you may require help. As also applies to scooters, consider the safety and crime of the island and these more secluded areas. Ask the rental agency for areas to avoid and what zones are reputed unsafe – they will help keep you on the right path.

And what’s a UTV? Picture a side-by-side dune buggy – real beachy fun!

Check these scooter rentals out:

Antigua – Salty Dog Rentals ~ Scooter & UTV

Aruba – Justin’s Car and ATV Rental ~ ATV & UTV

Bahamas (Nassau) – Bowcar Bahamas Rentals ~ Scooter, ATV & UTV

Barbados – Demario’s Cycle World ~ Scooters & ATV

Bonaire – Rento Fun Drive ~ Scooters only

Cayman Islands – Cayman Auto Rentals ~ Scooters only

Curacao – Curacao Scooters ~ Scooters only

Martinique - Scooter Evasion ~ Scooters only (Use Google Translate for English page)

St. Kitts – Sunny Blue Rentals ~ Scooters & ATV

St. Maarten – Johnny’s Scooter and ATV Rental ~ Scooter & ATV

USVI (St. Thomas)  - Rent A Motion ~ Scooter only

San Juan Puerto Rico – San Juan Scooter Rentals ~ Scooter only

Turks and Caicos – Scooter Bob’s Island Rentals ~ Scooters only

• Top ATV Tour Adventures by TripAdvisor
• Top ATV Adventures from our Viator partner

GoGirlfriend suggests don that bikini (and helmet), grab your partner and find your own Blue Lagoon treasures. That's what exploring the islands all are about.

Take a picture of yourselves with your scooter or in your new-found blue lagoon and send it to us. We'd love to hear where you went and a little about your experience. Drop us a line in the comments below, or on Twitter or Facebook.