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.

Puerto Rico · 6.5 hours · from $75

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

Punta Cana · Full day · from $129

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

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.

Turks and Caicos · 4 hours · from $264

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