| Number 1: Relaxing on the Beach | | | | hiking tour through a cloud forest in Puerto Rico, or |
| Now, OK, we said that Caribbean holidays are not | | | | zip-wire through the forest canopy of St. Lucia for |
| just sand and sun but it does merit the first place on | | | | spectacular views. Now I bet you didn’t think |
| our list of favourite reasons to go there. The | | | | about forest walks when you first thought of the |
| beaches of the Caribbean are an attraction in | | | | Caribbean! |
| themselves. Spend the day sunbathing on the perfect | | | | Number 7: Reggae in Jamaica |
| white sand, swimming in the clear blue sea and | | | | Reggae is the heartbeat of Jamaica, so make sure |
| sipping colourful rum punch cocktails. | | | | your trip to the Caribbean includes a journey into this |
| Number 2: Diving | | | | famous musical culture. To get a real flavour of the |
| You may be surprised but there are many | | | | tradition behind the music, treat yourself to the Bob |
| spectacular diving sites in the Caribbean. With such | | | | Marley Experience. You'll learn all about the |
| exotic marine life, the crystal clear waters attract | | | | Rastafarian religion as well as visiting Bob Marley's |
| divers from all over the world, regardless of skill level. | | | | birthplace and final resting place. Add that little bit of |
| For professionals, it's the ideal place to explore | | | | spiciness to your travels. |
| spectacular reefs and discover new species of fish. | | | | Number 8: Trinidad Carnival |
| For beginners, there's no better place to learn. So slip | | | | Most Caribbean islands enjoy a celebration or two but |
| beneath the surface and see the Caribbean from a | | | | perhaps the most famous festivities occur on |
| different perspective. | | | | Trinidad, which attracts people from all over the |
| Number 3: Snorkelling | | | | world to come and get into the party spirit. Join the |
| If diving's not for you, then snorkelling should be next | | | | carnival swing with masks, dancing and of course |
| on your list. Float on top of the warm Caribbean | | | | plenty of food and drink! |
| water and marvel at the living coral and tropical sea | | | | Number 9: Bacardi Rum Distillery |
| life beneath you. Gain an appreciation for the natural | | | | Rum is as much part of the Caribbean's staple diet as |
| world beyond the bars and restaurants on land - | | | | jerk chicken - so the world's largest rum distillery is a |
| without having to be a skilled swimmer. | | | | must-see. Take a guided tour of Bacardi and sample |
| Number 4: Sailing | | | | the most authentic Caribbean rum you'll ever taste, |
| Take a trip on a catamaran out into the sparkling | | | | then buy some to take home with you. While you're |
| ocean. As well as being a relaxing activity in itself, | | | | there, take a trip around Old San Juan, the second |
| these tours take you to places often inaccessible by | | | | oldest city in the New World, where the distillery is |
| other means. Available on most islands, some | | | | situated. |
| highlights include diving into the Sulphur Springs | | | | Number 10: Traditional Plantations |
| volcano on St Lucia and swimming with stingrays in | | | | For our final top ‘must-do’ in the Caribbean, |
| Grand Cayman's Stingray City. What’s more, that | | | | we have something that you won’t find in Britain. |
| catamaran may just serve you freshly | | | | No trip to the Caribbean is complete without a visit |
| ‘caught-that-day’ lobster. | | | | to a traditional plantation house, lovingly restored to |
| Number 5: Swimming with Dolphins | | | | all its former glory. Enjoy an afternoon of English tea |
| Now this is one experience not to be missed! Many | | | | and step back in time to get a taste of life back in |
| Caribbean islands offer the chance to have fun with | | | | the 18th and 19th centuries. Anguilla's Wallblake House |
| these amazing creatures - the Dominican Republic, | | | | is one of the few plantation houses where the whole |
| the Bahamas and Jamaica being the favourites. Let | | | | complex has survived virtually intact. |
| the dolphin tow you using their dorsal fin and perform | | | | Now there’s 10 of the very best reasons to |
| tricks for you. | | | | make your holiday that little bit more spicy, that little |
| Number 6: Exploring the Forest | | | | bit more exotic and that little bit more special. The |
| A Caribbean holiday is not just great for water-based | | | | Caribbean just won’t disappoint on any level and |
| activities. There are plenty of highlights on land too! | | | | will certainly put a smile on your face as well as a |
| The Caribbean is home to many spectacular forests | | | | dance in your step. |
| full of exciting animal and plant life. Explore with a | | | | |