Caribbean Activities

 Things to do in the Caribbean

Casinos

Visitors that regard Las Vegas as their gambling Mecca, and who enjoy the food almost as much as the entertainment will find the best of all combinations in the Caribbean. There are a variety of gaming activities that are of interest to adult visitors of any age. While the casinos offer the glamorous dream of hitting the jackpot under the neon lights, the cool island breezes remind you that you're not in the desert. Caribbean casinos offer the best combination of non-stop entertainment. Most islands have what are commonly referred to as gaming zones where casinos are allowed to be built and operate night and day. Other islands have a designated city where the casinos are located, while still others have few casinos and others have no gambling whatsoever. Some of the most popular gambling destinations include: Antigua, Aruba, The Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

Golf

Some of the better golf courses in the Caribbean can be found in the Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Croix. The avid golfer should research packages that are offered at the resorts. Widely available throughout the Caribbean, the casual golfer will find that most courses welcome visitors. Some offer instruction and even rental equipment. The budget-conscious should make plans and T time reservations well in advance. Greens fees vary from reasonable to high dollar, while some of the pro designed courses will be closed to non-guests during peak winter season.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

The two most popular destinations are the Cayman and Virgin Islands, but other spots that boast return visits year after year. These include: Cozumel, Dominica, Martinique, St. Eustatius, Tortola, Bonaire, Curacao, and Antigua. Before you go under, take time to familiarize yourself with your equipment and the surrounding areas. Snorkeling is offered within sight of land and often in shallow water. The sea life includes some of the most vibrant colored fish, varieties of coral and sponges that most people have only seen in magazines. Equipment is available for daily rental and classes are often conducted on the beach, including dive certification. There are island reefs, drop offs, canyons, trenches, walls and wrecks that attract the more serious scuba divers from all over the globe. St. Croix is gaining popularity and the Puerto Rican Trench is the earth's fifth-deepest place in the ocean. Spear fishing is not uncommon while some islands have protected reef parks that allow snorkeling only and prohibit the removal of anything from the sea. Packages and excursions are available to suit all tastes and budgets.

The Beaches

Caribbean destinations offer sugar white sand and crystal blue waters. Some have cliffs and waterfalls while others are scattered with coconut and date palms. You can unwind, sunbathe, or take pictures of a place you'll never forget. Collect shells or take the path less traveled. There are even some beaches that welcome nudity while others do not permit it. Part of the allure of visiting the Caribbean is exploring and perhaps discovering your very own spot you'll want to visit time and time. There are plenty of inviting beaches that contain no recent footprints, while still others enjoy visits to well known shores. The list of Caribbean beaches is nearly endless and just waiting to be discovered.


Beyond the Beach

Some travelers look forward to a game of tennis and playing a match or two against a background that belongs on a postcard, while others want nothing more than a comfortable lounge chair next to the pool and an umbrella in their drink. Baseball fans would enjoy Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, where the game is a national obsession. Many other islands offer cricket, croquet, polo and tours of famous landmarks. Other islands offer local flavor and dancing the night away in stylish clubs. Risk-takers will enjoy big game fishing, the casinos, parasailing and deep-sea diving. Shows that rival Las Vegas are a nightly occurrence. Duty free shopping, music and art festivals also abound. No matter what your tastes may include, your certain to satisfy your urge to get away from it all and find what you're looking for in the process.