8 Cooking Classes in the Caribbean to Build a Day Around

1.Nicole’s Table – Cooking with Rum

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 112 reviews · from $165Our pick

At 11:00 am, Nicole and Adam welcome you to their hilltop home on Orchid Hill Drive for a four-hour Caribbean cooking class. You will prepare cocktails, an appetizer, a main course, and dessert with rum, then share the meal while learning about West Indian food, island culture, and regional rums.

“My girlfriends and I decided to take a cooking class while on our trip to Antigua. We selected Nicole’s Table and chose the Cooking with Rum class. The class was offered in Nicole’s house which is on a hillside with a stunning view of the seRead more”

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2.Authentic Bahamian Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 75 reviews · from $135

Start at Elizabeth on Bay in Nassau for a guided trip from Bay Street toward the island’s east end. You’ll see major sights, try cracking conch, then cook a traditional two-course Bahamian meal with a professional chef at Goombay House Cooking Studio. Lunch, beverages, and cocktails are included.

“There were two separate directions for where to meet for this activity. There was no one at either location. We tried calling the number provided with no answer. Several locals tried to help us. One looked up the company providing the acRead more”

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3.Zimbali Mountain Cooking Studio

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 58 reviews · from $113

Head about 30 minutes from Negril to Zimbali Mountain Cooking Studio for a farm walk, welcome drink, Jamaican cooking demonstration, and four to five-course dinner. Chef Alicia leads much of the food presentation, with fish, shrimp, chicken, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. Transport costs an extra $20 per person.

“The experience on the farm was nice. We did not get the tour due to the rain coming in. The food was very good. However I suggest booking your own transportation. I had the absolute worst taxi ride there and back.”

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4.Caribbean Cooking Class with Daria

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 55 reviews · from $97

At Camp JTAS, 500 meters above sea level, Chef Daria welcomes you into her family home for a hands-on Caribbean cooking class. Prepare dishes such as coconut rice, curry chicken, plantains, salads, or Creole fish, then share a three-course buffet with rum or fruit drinks. Pickup from central Roseau is included.

“Wonderful day! Daria’s home is located in a beautiful setting. She is so friendly and clearly enjoys sharing her cooking skills. We had great fun preparing an absolutely delicious meal. This excursion is highly recommended!”

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5.Curaçao Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 46 reviews · from $175

Spend about 4.5 hours in Willemstad with Chef Helmi Smeulders and assistant Riley, learning about Curaçao ingredients and Caribbean cooking. You will taste local fruits, prepare dishes with tamarind, funchi, and lionfish, then share the lunch you made with wine, coffee, or tea. The private class has a maximum of 12 participants.

“This was one of the highlights of my vacation!!! Helmi was a fabulous host and teacher with the help of Riley, who was also great to meet and work with.”

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6.Caribbean Cooking Class in Aruba

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 44 reviews · from $250

Join Chef Kari Heron at her home in Noord for a 2.5-hour, hands-on Caribbean cooking class. You’ll prepare several dishes, hear about Jamaican and Aruban food traditions, enjoy a mocktail, then sit down together for the meal. Groups are capped at 10, with keto options available by request.

“Chef Kari is amazing!! She fed our mind, soul and bodies. The food was soooo good. I am definitely adding this experience to my must repeat list (10/10)!”

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7.Authentic Jamaican Cooking Experience in the Mountain from mobay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 38 reviews · from $199

Meet your English-speaking Jamaican host at Sweet Spice Restaurant in Montego Bay, then head into the mountains for a hands-on cooking session. Visit a local market, select ingredients, learn about farm-grown herbs and spices, cook over a wood fire, enjoy breakfast and lunch, and spend time with goats, rabbits, ducks, chickens, turtles, and other animals.

“It was a great experience. Wear sneakers and bring bug spray. Also plan to pay for a cab separately from Negril. It’s not included with the cost of the excursion.”

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8.Cooking With a Twist: Sancocho Borracho

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews · from $95Best value

Join the Taino Gourmet Cooking Lab in Punta Cana for a two-hour hands-on class making sancocho with seven meats, local roots, rice, avocado, dessert, and Dominican liquor. Chefs such as Ruth and Francesca guide the work, with bachata, merengue, dinner, drinks, and hotel transport included.

“Ruth was our lovely chef for the day. She explained why each ingredient was used and also engaged in some interesting conversations with us. Food tasted great and we were also treated to a romantic, candle lit lunch which was a rather surprise. 10/10”

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