The Caribbean is a big place, with more than 700 islands and roughly 44.5 million people spread across 33 political entities—13 sovereign states, 12 dependencies, one historical disputed territory, and seven other overseas territories. While travelers tend to lump the region into “the Caribbean,” there’s a rich tapestry of cultures, cuisines, experiences, and waters across the 1.06 million square miles of the Caribbean Sea.
We decided that, instead of divvying this list by island, we’d select different experiences, accessible only by boat. They range from exploring sunken shipwrecks to getting a taco on a floating restaurant in the middle of turquoise waters to diving stunning ecosystems, to enjoying some of the best sportfishing in the world.
The list isn’t exhaustive by any means, but it does show the range of possibilities in this beautiful, and often remote region, even after the spring-breakers have left and it moves into the much-less crowded summer season—which is often the best time to visit.
Here are 10 of our favorite island experiences.
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Best Snorkeling, Barrier Reef in Turks & Caicos
Image Credit: Getty Images The third-largest coral reef in the world, the Turks and Caicos’ Barrier Reef is home to over 60 coral species and over 250 fish species. Spanning 65 miles along the eastern edge of the islands, the reef is only accessible by boat. On a good day, you can see up to 100 feet below the surface (thanks to the extremely clear, blue waters), offering a chance for snorkelers to spot stingrays, reef sharks, vibrant reef fish, eagle rays, and dolphins. Local vessel Lady Grace is a full-service catamaran with a picnic lunch, a full open bar, and even a slide off the back that provides direct access to the reef.
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Best Surf Spots, Costa Rica
Image Credit: Getty Images Hidden along Costa Rica’s captivating coastlines are some of the country’s best-kept surfing secrets, like Punta Uva, an unspoiled stretch of coastline offering consistent waves and nearby rain forests. Nearby, Playa Negra beckons with its volcanic black sand and powerful reef breaks, providing an exhilarating challenge for experienced surfers. Further south, the secluded shores of Playa Chiquita offer a tranquil escape and epic waves for all skill levels. For those craving a genuinely off-the-grid experience, head to the remote breaks of Manzanillo, home to crowd-free beaches and rugged wilderness.
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Best Family Charters, British Virgin Islands
Image Credit: Getty Images Combining breathtaking scenery with an array of activities accessible by boat, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) have long been a playground for families. The crystal-clear waters and untouched beaches are idyllic, with areas like Cane Garden Bay on Tortola offering white sand and picnics, and across Sir Francis Drake Channel, the boulders of the Baths on Virgin Gorda are the perfect destination for selfies. You can then cruise from the Baths to Devil’s Bay National Park to discover vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life beneath the crystal-clear waters. Flamingo Pond offers up the pink, graceful beauty of these majestic birds in their natural habitat. The Moorings, Sunsail, MarineMax Vacations, and Kensington Yachts offer barebone or full-service charters.
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Best Beachside Restaurant, Hemingway’s, Turks & Caicos
Image Credit: Sands Resort While just about every Caribbean island can claim top spot in this category, we chose an eatery named after our favorite writer of the sea. Located at the four-star Sands Resort at Grace Bay, Hemingway’s Restaurant sits on the white sandy beaches of Turks and Caicos’ most famous beach—Grace Bay. Inspired by the spirit of the legendary Ernest Hemingway, this beachfront gem offers a dining experience that becomes a Hemingwayesque journey into the heart and soul of Caribbean cuisine. Be sure to ask for the Old Man and the Sea special or choose an untitled fan favorite, like the curry lobster or grilled snapper. Call ahead to reserve your table during the golden hour to enjoy one of the best sunsets you’ll ever see. Caicos Luxury Charters offers a range of day charters before dinner.
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Best Offshore Taco Stand, Lime Out, St. Johns, USVI
Image Credit: Lime Out/Getty Only reachable by boat, Lime Out Taco Bar—located just off St. John’s, USVI—fulfills any cravings for the munchies, even when you’re far out to sea. Distinguished by its “lily pads,” these green, circular floating tables offer the chance to sit, eat and drink in the warm Caribbean waters. Since these tables are first-come, first-serve, many people order fresh Mahi Mahi or local shrimp tacos ahead to enjoy from their charter boats. Local vessels include the Flying Frenchman, Axopar 37, VanDutch 40 or boats from Cruz Bay Watersports for getting you to the best sights around St. Johns, and then out to this popular watering hole.
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Best Fishing, Guna Yala and Isla Bastimentos, Panama
Image Credit: Getty Images Some of the best fishing in the world can be found in Panama’s San Blas Islands, off the north coast of the Isthmus of Panama. The remote archipelago of 300 islands boasts exceptional fishing opportunities in turquoise waters and near coral reefs, including fly-fishing for bonefish and permit. When not fishing, a visit to the islands’ Guna Yala indigenous people is a fascinating experience. Closer to Bocas del Toro is Isla Bastimentos, where you can fish for snapper, grouper, and tarpon. YC Yachts Panama has a number of charter vessels that can show you the islands.
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Best Wreck Diving, Cayman Islands
Image Credit: Getty Images Besides being known as a tax haven, the Cayman Islands boast an impressive array of shipwrecks waiting to be explored. From the iconic Captain Keith Tibbets wreck to the USS Kittiwake, a former U.S. Navy submarine rescue vessel transformed to an artificial reef, an underwater trip is like diving through time. Another must-see is the Gamma, a 100-foot cargo ship that crashed during a storm in 1981. The wreck sits in only nine feet of water and is located at the southern end of Seven Mile Beach, letting snorkelers join scuba enthusiasts. Cayman Yacht Charters offers sailboats, catamarans, or crewed motoryachts to discover these wrecks.
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Best Wildlife Viewing, St. Martin/St. Maarten National Reserve
Image Credit: Getty Images Cradled at the island’s northernmost tip and encompassing nearly seven miles of coastline, St. Martin Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife lovers. From December to April mating seasons, humpback whales seek this protected area to breech and feed. While snorkeling, other marine marvels include Great Barracudas and graceful leatherback turtles, to dozens of other fish. On land, a hike will reveal iguanas and red-billed tropicbirds living in the salt ponds and mangroves. St. Maarten boat charters provides day trips to access the National Reserve’s bounty.
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Best Nighttime Activity, Bioluminescent Bays in Puerto Rico
Image Credit: Getty Images There’s nothing quite like experiencing bioluminescent bays firsthand. These magical bays include Mosquito Bay in Vieques and Laguna Grande in Fajardo. They come alive after dark with the glow of microscopic organisms known as dinoflagellates. When these organisms are agitated, such as by movement in the water caused by passing boats, they emit a bright blue-green light, creating a surreal and magical glow in the water. As you paddle through the calm waters, every movement creates a stunning light display, transforming the bays into celestial spectacles. Best months to visit: December through May. Hook’d on Adventure organizes kayak trips into this otherworldly wonderland.
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Best Untouched Beach, No Name Beach, Bonaire
Image Credit: Getty Images No Name Beach in Bonaire earns its place on this list as the ultimate secluded beach for several reasons. Its name hints at exclusivity. But its remote location, reachable only by boat, is how it earned the name. You can take a water taxi for $25 or, if you want to time-manage the day, charter a private boat through Epic Tours Bonaire to explore the pristine haven.
