Caribbean vacation travel cruise

The islands definitely have the action. Here are a few ways to increase your heart rate and your excitement level.

Are you planning to vacation in the Caribbean--again? If you've been to any of these beautiful islands, you've probably already soaked up the sun and drunk all the rum punch your stomach could handle. And that's great. But this year's Caribbean Guide invites you to go beyond the beach and participate in some island adventure. At first, this may pose a challenge. There are more than 33 countries and even more islands in the Caribbean, and each offers its own adventure experience. Scuba divers, for example, can indulge anywhere in the Caribbean, but Bonaire will give you the ultimate underwater encounter. And while you can choose a leisurely walk on island beaches, you'll get the most out of your hike if you venture into the rainforests of Puerto Rico, Dominica, Grenada and St. Lucia. Yes, the islands are the ideal place to catch up on some R&R, but they also contain everything you need to add a new twist to your travel experience.

Adventure vacations offer something for everyone. According to B.J. Hansen, program director, Adventure Travel Trade Association, "There are hard and soft adventures. For beginners, the soft adventure experience is a great way to introduce yourself to adventure travel." He says the softer adventure experience allows travelers to sprinkle in some action without giving up any amenities. Many of the resorts allow guests to participate in some activities--biking, scuba diving, snorkeling--right from their premises. At the same time, adding adventure to a vacation is a great enhancement to any trip. "Adventure travel builds a sense of achievement, and people who start off as soft adventurers typically move toward harder adventures."

Over the next few pages we'll highlight a diversity of adventure choices--even challenging ones. Don't worry. There will still be time to swing in a hammock as you nibble on some island cuisine--after that 10-mile hike.

ride the bahamian wave

Kayaking fun for the soft adventurer

When most people think of the Bahamas they picture Nassau. Although much of the Bahamas' population indeed is concentrated here--not to mention hotels, tourists and stores--the archipelago has approximately 700 islands. The best way to explore the hinterlands is by sea.

Stable, safe and silent, sea kayaks allow novices to explore the islands' nooks and crannies: rich mangroves, hidden beaches and coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. Kayaking is relatively new here but growing wildly in popularity. Many boat rental companies offer day-use boats, and several tour operators have appeared on the scene to service more ambitious paddlers.

Ecosummer Expeditions plies the Exumas, a development-free string of 365 cays blessed with idyllic paddling conditions. Trip options include a two-week doozy that covers more than 100 miles. For more information call 800-465-8884.

If that sounds like too much, Ibis Tours offers week-long trips from Nassau through the Exuma cays via tandem kayaks rigged with sails. Long stretches of the day are entirely exercisefree. For more information call 800-525-9411. You can also call the Bahamas Tourist Board at 800-4-Bahamas.

Child friendly? Kayaking no, Bahamas yes

Flight time:

From New York: 2 1/2 hrs.

From Miami: 45 mins.

Entry requirements: Passport or birth certificate along with a photo ID, proof of onward ticket

Kayaking Gear

Bathing suit, waterproof sack for carrying binoculars, sunglasses and sunscreen, blister tape for your hands, waterproof hydration pack, water slippers or sandals

Other great Kayaking Spots

The Bay Islands of Honduras

Belize's Glovers Atoll

Peter Island

British Virgin Islands

go birding in trinidad & tobago

Enjoy island wildlife as you hike

The twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago is one of the Caribbean's richest melting pots, with African, East Indian, French, Portuguese, Spanish, British and Chinese cultures all in the mix. This is a very harmonious country where religious and ethnic tolerance are the norm.

Due to its tropical environment, wide range of elevations and proximity to South America (Venezuela is just seven miles offshore), Trinidad is also a world-renowned birding spot--the island is a crossroads for birds migrating both north and south. Lipstick-red scarlet ibis congregate in especially huge numbers here.

A boat trip through the Caroni Bird Sanctuary in northeast Trinidad is an opportunity to see hundreds of Trinidad's birds up close, though the exact number of species is a matter of some debate. Winston Nanan, an Indian Trinidadian and self-taught ornithologist, is the guide of choice for hard-core birders during their visit to Caroni. Most reference books cite 157 bird species in the swamp. Nanan swears by 186. Our bet is on him.

For more information on bird-watching trips to Trinidad and Tobago, call Adventures Inc. at 800-462-2473 or the Trinidad and Tobago Tourist Board at 888-595-4TNT.

Child friendly? Yes

Flight time:

From New York: 4 1/2 hrs.

From Miami: 3 1/2 hrs.

Entry requirements: A valid passport

Other Great Birding Spots

The southern part of Bonaire for flamingos

The Cayo District of Belize

Hiking Gear

Binoculars, insect repellent, lightweight hiking shoes, sunglasses, water-bottle carrier, i.e., a camel-back, and water

set sail from the british virgin islands

Don't let the British Virgin Islands' individually ghastly names--Virgin Gorda, Dead Chest, West Dog, etc.--put you off. This 59-square-mile cluster of volcanic tips and coral cays is among the most beautiful in all the Caribbean, and relatively unspoiled.

Sailing is the thing in the BVI, which is regarded as the yacht-charter capital of the world. There's steady 15- to 20-knot trade winds, ample moorage, a community of yachtsmen and huge yachting supply stores, and you're talking about a sailing Mecca.

Wannabe yachtsmen have a variety of options to choose from based on expertise, energy level and expense. Beginners can charter a sailboat and crew. So-called "crewed" yachting provides all the bang of a yachting life with none of the effort--or mortgage payments.

Experienced sailors have the option of "bare-boating," in which you choose your sailboat from a roster of candidates and then sail it yourself.

Most charter companies offer a range of options.

Prices can be steep. To bare-boat a 32-foot sailboat that sleeps about four can cost from $210-$375 daily depending on the season. A seven-day cruise on a crewed yacht, with three state rooms for six, will range from $1,400-$2,200 per person.

Caribbean-based charter companies abound. The Moorings is the most established outfit. For information call 800-535-7289 or visit www.moorings.com.Sunsail (800-327-2276; www.sunsail. com) is equally huge.

The Wildcat Sailing Co. specializes in multi-hulled boats, which are more stable in rough water and more spacious. For information call 800-296-KATS; www.catamaransailing.com.

For more tourism information call 800-835-8530.

Child friendly: Yes, especially on a multi-hulled sailboat

Flight time:

From New York: 5 hrs.

From Miami: 3 hrs.

Entry requirements: Valid passport or birth certificate with photo ID, and proof of onward ticket

Sailing Gear

Flotation device, boat shoes, windbreaker, global positioning device (GPD)

Other Great Sailing Spots

Belize's hundreds of small cays U.S. virgin Islands

whiz through the dominican republic

whiz through the dominican republic

Take to the roads of this island--on a bike

The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. Its national language is Spanish, a legacy of the 16th century conquistadors who made the island their home base.

The Dominican Republic's interior includes the highest mountain peak in the entire Caribbean--the 10,382-foot Pico Duarte--so the sport of choice is mountain biking. The island's diverse terrain offers cyclists breathtaking downhills, challenging single track and easy cruises along a beach-laced coast. Eleven percent of the Island's land mass is set aside for nature lovers in the form of 16 national parks.

Iguana Mama offers a repertoire of bike excursions ranging from overnighters to day trips, strenuous pedaling to easy coastal tours. The tour operator provides plenty of support for riders: food along the way, vans to carry your gear--even high-end bikes for kids. All that's left for you to do is pedal and soak up the view. Remember to wear your helmet, dress in fluorescent clothing at night and always apply your back brakes before your front brakes so you don't flip over the handlebars. To book your bike tour with Iguana Mama, call 800-849-4720.

Call the Dominican Republic Tourist Information Center at 800-752-1151 for other suggestions.

Child friendly? Yes, Iguana Mama has bikes for everyone.

Flight time:

From New York: 3 hrs.

From Miami: 2 hrs.