By Helen Truszkowski
The Caribbean has some of the best beaches
on earth... but there's far more to do than just laze by the waves. The Caribbean
Sea is one of the world's best water playgrounds: waterskiing, kayaking, windsurfing,
diving and deep-sea fishing seem even better against the stunning backdrop of
these effortless islands.
Watersports are a way of life here, where a coastline of rainforested mountains is interrupted by accessible sandy beaches, natural harbours, caves and bays. The island boasts some of the best underwater dive sites in the Caribbean with vast stretches of coral reef and submerged wrecks surrounding the island, particularly around the south western fringes. One of the region's centres for yacht and catamaran charters, operations are centred at the Rodney Bay Marina and at the beautiful anchorage town of Marigot Harbour. One popular boat trip offers a family-friendly pirate adventure on The Brig Unicorn, a yacht featured in the Disney blockbuster, Pirates of the Caribbean. Also consider a deep-sea fishing charter for game fish such as mackerel, white marlin, kingfish and saltfish.
Cricket aside, Barbados is one of the sporting meccas of the Caribbean. One of the best wave windsurfing spots in the world, the chances of wind are high and the waves are perfect for jumping and waveriding in sideshore winds. Beginners will find dream conditions in the warm waters of the South Coast's Oistins Bay. Check out Surfer's Point and Longbeach for prime surfing and kiteboarding. The island's crystal clear waters are perfect for snorkelling, especially off the west coast, where you'll discover plenty of coralheads just offshore. Expect excellent visibility - between 40 to 70 feet - most of the year. Home to a healthy population of hawksbill and leatherback turtles, you can swim with these graceful creatures; once over-fished they're now protected and monitored throughout the island. The warm waters off the coast also offer ideal fishing territory for barracuda, tuna, wahoo and marlin.
Antigua is famous for sailing, and celebrates Sailing Week in late April. All over the island, you'll find yacht racing and beach parties. Dockyard Day - the festival's grand finale - includes games and contests. Late in the year Antigua's yacht show showcases some of the world's most elegant yachts. With winds straight off the Atlantic blowing at around 20 knots and up savvy windsurfers head northeast beyond the airport, with beginners starting off at Dickenson Bay. Coral reefs protect much of Antigua's shoreline, offering calm waters wherever you flip your fins. The south of the island - especially at Sunken Rock and Cape Shirley - offer great reefs and wrecks plus fabulously colourful reef fish, including parrot fish, angelfish, wrasse, barracuda and even the occasional harmless nurse shark. You can enjoy a gentle sail to the uninhabited Bird Island designated a national park: here the reef-bound waters are perfect for children and first-time snorkellers.
The name Jamaica is derived from Xaymaca (the Arawak word for 'land of wood and water'). Small wonder: the 120 rivers that run through the island have thrilling rapids for river rafting and gentler waters for canoe expeditions. Meanwhile its shallow reefs, walls and caverns provide diverse diving opportunities. The water is warm and visibility is high especially on the north coast. With licensed dive operators in Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, Falmouth, Runaway Bay and Kingston, the Jamaican Government is working hard to establish marine parks to protect the island's fragile underwater ecosystems. A half or full day charter will bring you face-to-face with exciting game fishing. Catches include blue marlin, wahoo, tuna, bonito, kingfish and more.
If a watery break to the Caribbean sounds like the holiday you've been looking
for, find out more about the latest
VHOT DEALS.
Helen Truszkowski is a freelance travel journalist and broadcaster. She writes regularly for The Independent on Sunday, The Times, The Daily Express and The Sunday Express.