Things to do in Caribbean

Aruba · Half day · from $99

Desert landscape, caves and the Natural Pool, reachable only by 4x4. Go with a guide or check your rental allows it.

Aruba · 3 hours · from $79

Red Sail takes you to the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean, plus Catalina Bay, with an open bar.

Aruba · Full day · from $159

An all-inclusive island day with snorkeling, a waterpark and flamingos. Good for families.

Aruba · Full day · from $150

The Renaissance's private island with the flamingos. Passes release about a week ahead and sell out.

Aruba · 2 hours · from $92

Red Sail's happy-hour sail off Palm Beach, with an open bar and appetizers.

Puerto Rico · 6.5 hours · from $75

Waterfalls and a river swim, with pickup, so you don't have to fight for parking.

Puerto Rico · About 2 hours · from $79

Paddle through mangroves into a lagoon that glows when you move the water. Avoid full-moon nights.

Puerto Rico · About 2 hours · from $65

The brightest bio bay in the world. Worth an overnight on Vieques. No kids under 5.

Puerto Rico · 6 hours · from $180

East Island Excursions sails to Culebra for snorkeling and lunch. Flamenco Beach depends on the sea that day.

Puerto Rico · 3 hours · from $179

Four or five tastings and a cocktail while you learn the old city. Do it on your first day.

Puerto Rico · 50 minutes to 2 hours · from $45

Tours and mixology classes at the rum distillery across the bay from Old San Juan. 18 and up.

Punta Cana · Full day · from $129

Ziplines, caves and the turquoise Hoyo Azul cenote in Cap Cana. Go early, before the tour buses.

Punta Cana · 8 to 12 hours · from $82

White sand and a natural pool full of starfish. Pay more for a small-group or private boat; the big boats are crowded.

Punta Cana · 2 to 3 hours · from $90

Freshwater lagoons you can swim in, inside Puntacana Resort. Free or discounted for resort guests.

Punta Cana · 4 to 5 hours · from $69

A replica 16th-century village above the river at Casa de Campo, with an amphitheater and views.

Saint Lucia · 7 hours · from $145

A full-day catamaran from the north down the coast to the Pitons, with snorkeling and lunch. The best way to see the island from the water.

Saint Lucia · 4 to 5 hours · from $90

A steep, rewarding climb with a required local guide, booked at the Fond Gens Libre trailhead. Start by 7 a.m.

Saint Lucia · 1 to 2 hours · from $132

Walk up to the drive-in volcano, then soak in the warm mud pools. Wear a dark swimsuit.

Saint Lucia · About 1 hour · from $7

Gardens, a mineral-streaked waterfall and old mineral baths, near Soufrière. Pay at the gate.

Saint Lucia · 2 to 3 hours · from $10

A short hike to an old British fort with views over Rodney Bay, plus two small beaches.

Saint Lucia · 2 hours · from $115

A tram through the canopy, then ziplines back down. Easy to fit into a morning.

The Bahamas · Full day · from $329

Powerboat Adventures runs from Nassau to the Exuma cays with sharks, stingrays, iguanas, lunch and an open bar.

The Bahamas · Full day · from $160

The waterpark at Baha Mar, open to non-guests with a limited day pass. $65 for kids under 48 inches.

The Bahamas · 4 hours · from $129

Snorkeling with turtles on the reefs off Rose Island, a short boat ride from Nassau.

The Bahamas · Full day · from $257

Pink Sands Beach and golf carts. Runs Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; an overnight is better if you can.

The Bahamas · Full day

The waterpark, aquariums and beaches at Atlantis. Prices change by date; refundable until 4 days before.

Turks and Caicos · 2 to 3 hours · Free

The best shore snorkeling on Providenciales, near Turtle Cove. The east entrance is shallowest for kids. Stay away from the channel.

Turks and Caicos · 4 hours · from $125

A half-day group trip to the reef, Iguana Island and the sandbars, without the cost of a private boat.

Turks and Caicos · 4 hours · $1,995 per boat

A private catamaran with snorkeling, sandbar stops and the rock iguanas on Little Water Cay.

Turks and Caicos · 4 hours · from $264

Conch Bar Caves, the largest dry cave system in the region, and the cliffs at Mudjin Harbour.

Turks and Caicos · 3 hours · from $350

Long Bay's shallow, steady-wind water is one of the best places in the world to learn.