Visit the "Crabby" Caribbean

Sun and sand, love and romance, this is what the Caribbean is known for, a place for honeymooners relaxing under the swaying palm trees, sipping rum punch and listening to Reggae Music. But what if you just want to escape for a few days, see somewhere new and really aren't looking for romance? You feel a bit crabby and just want to get away. Will you be welcomed in the Caribbean? There is one small island, Nevis, which claims that it has several types of crabs and can suit anyone!

You want to just sit on the beach taking that occasional dip into the waves and not be seen, sit with the Ghost Crabs. These little creatures live in holes near the surf and are light brown to grey. Easy to miss and they occasionally taking a dip in the waves to keep moist and rub their bellies, just like some tourists.

Maybe you are a military type? Head to the mountains and search for what West Indians call "Soldier Crabs". They live in the lower edge of the rain forest munching on dead leaves (Vegetarian crabs) and once every few years migrate in troops to the sea, looking for shells and mates. In the 1700's there could be thousands, but now groups are usually less than 100.

Want to be alone? Hermit Crabs are your friends and there are several types, both on land and in the sea. Some are minute, hiding in little snail shells while divers will encounter them carrying Queen Conch Shells!

If you've been caught doing something you weren't suppose to do, you can join the "Shame-faced Crabs"! These guys sit offshore buried in the sand with huge claws over their body, just the eye stalks showing. When a fish of the right size shows up, it's time to grab and eat. There are a lot of people like that!

And no traveler can forget or ignore the sponge-backed crab, though it is easy to miss! This crab is for those people that like to carry as much as possible, and we've all seen those (usually in line just in front of us). It collects debris from the ocean floor and sticks it on its back as camouflage, carrying sand, shells, and, yes, sponges.

So crabby people, you are welcome in the Caribbean to come enjoy the sand and sun, and find some crabs to hang around with. Of course, hopefully, when you leave you may not be quite so crabby!