Things to do in  Caribbean

El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest under the protection of the US Forest Service, as well as the largest nature reserve in densely populated Puerto Rico. Situated in the mist-wreathed Luquillo Mountains—where year-round precipitation ensures green landscapes and a healthy diversity of animal life—El Yunque rainforest is home to the rare Puerto Rican parrot and the coqui frog, whose distinctive croak provides El Yunque’s soundtrack.

With its jungle-fringed lagoons, white-sand beaches, and turquoise waters, the small, uninhabited Icacos Island (Cayo Icacos) is one of Puerto Rico’s most idyllic island getaways. Just a short boat ride from Fajardo, it’s the largest island of the Cordillera Cays Nature Reserve and a popular day-trip destination, where you can escape to secluded beaches to swim, snorkel, and scuba dive.

With deserted beaches and rocky coves, dusty plains dotted with cacti, and ancient limestone caves, Arikok National Park feels worlds away from the luxurious resorts of Aruba’s north coast. Covering almost 20 percent of the island, the park, one of the best reasons to venture south, offers a spectacular backdrop for outdoor adventures.

Puerto Rico is a lush Caribbean island, but Culebra takes the term exotic paradise a step further. What this sleepy island lacks in big resorts and golf courses, it makes up for with its white-sand beaches, technicolor coral reefs, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect day trip for beach lovers who want to explore a wild, pristine coastline. The crescent-shaped Flamenco Beach is the island’s top attraction, boasting turquoise waters and crystalline sands.

Saona Island (Isla Saona) is the Dominican Republic's island gem, a tropical paradise that film buffs may recognize from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl or The Blue Lagoon. Part of the Cotubanamá National Park, this nature reserve is small but mighty, featuring plenty of photo-worthy white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and turquoise waters for an unplugged vacation.

Old San Juan’s brightly hued buildings and cobblestone streets make strolling the historic neighborhood a must. Although it's biggest attraction is the San Juan National Historic Site—famous for the sprawling fortresses of Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) and Castillo San Cristóbal—Old San Juan's charm invites visitors to stay thanks to lively squares, colorful streets, and downright delicious piña coladas.

Just across the water from New Providence, Paradise Island is a fun-filled destination with stylish resort hotels, beautiful beaches, restaurants, casinos, and other entertainment and recreation facilities. Visitors come to take in a show, try their luck at the blackjack tables, or enjoy some wet-and-wild exhilaration at the world-famous water park. Plus, the island’s white-sand beaches offer an idyllic dose of Caribbean nature.

Dunn's River Falls is a spectacular White River waterfall near Jamaica’s Ocho Rios. Here, refreshing, cold mountain water cascades 1,000 feet (300 meters) down naturally terraced steps. The way the world-famous falls renew themselves via regular deposits of calcium carbonate and sodium is fascinating. You don’t even have to be a fan of geology to appreciate it. Meanwhile, movie buffs will recognize these iconic waterfalls from films that are even more iconic. For example, Dr. No, starring Sean Connery, and Cocktail, starring Tom Cruise.

Located in Aruba’s desert interior, the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins are the stone remains of a gold smelter that was established by prospectors in the 19th century. Once considered sacred by the indigenous Arawak people, the site offers a unique look at Aruba’s history and can be explored with a variety of guided tours.

True to its name, the Blue Hole is a turquoise-hued natural swimming pool, surrounded by waterfalls and lush forest trails that are scenic enough to lure travelers away from Jamaica's Caribbean beaches. Go rope-swinging or cliff-jumping into the limestone pools, or simply take in the views from the base of a "secret" waterfall, the comfort of a mud bath, or nearby hiking paths in Ocho Rios.

With the blue Caribbean sky and calm sea as its backdrop, the Alto Vista Chapel, or “Pilgrims Church,” is one of the most photographed attractions on the island of Aruba. This bright yellow chapel, which also hosts weekly religious services, is visited by Christians and non-Christians alike and is a popular stop for small-group tours.

Allow an easy, perfect day on the east coast of Sint Maarten to unfold at Maho Beach and Mullet Bay, two very different beach experiences within walking distance of each other. First, go to Maho to feel the thrill of swimming in the sea as incoming airplanes fly extremely low overhead, then walk to quiet Mullet Bay to sunbathe, snorkel, and play golf.

Rose Island is an idyllic private getaway off the coast of Nassau. Home to a coral reef and a lone beach bar, this tiny, tropical islet offers an exclusive setting for snorkeling and sunbathing on an 11-mile (18-kilometer) stretch of uninhabited, privately owned Bahamian beach.

Located near the northwest tip of Aruba and the popular Arashi Beach, California Lighthouse is a landmark on this small tropical island. Known for impressive views of the Caribbean Sea, as well as the nighttime stars, the lighthouse is one of the most photogenic spots in Aruba.

With vibrant coral reefs, crystalline waters, and some of the largest southern rays in the Caribbean, it’s no wonder that Stingray City is one of the most visited attractions in the Cayman Islands. Dive into the warm Caribbean waters of the North Sound to swim and snorkel in an area known for its wild stingrays and learn more about the magnificent creatures and their conservation.