choose your own adventure.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 This is a list of islands of the Caribbean. Anguilla
Adventure vacations offer something for everyone. According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. 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 scuba diving Swimming done underwater with a self-contained underwater-breathing apparatus (scuba), as opposed to skin diving, which requires only a snorkel, goggles, and flippers. Scuba gear was invented by Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Émile Gagnan in 1943. , 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 hammock, suspended bed, usually of netting, canvas, or leather. The hammock and its name were introduced to Europeans by Christopher Columbus, who learned of them from Native Americans. as you nibble Half a byte (four bits). (data) nibble - /nib'l/ (US "nybble", by analogy with "bite" -> "byte") Half a byte. Since a byte is nearly always eight bits, a nibble is nearly always four bits (and can therefore be represented by one hex digit). 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 Noun 1. nooks and crannies - something remote; "he explored every nook and cranny of science" nook and cranny detail, item, point - an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole; "several of the details are similar"; "a point of information" : rich mangroves, hidden beaches and coral reefs coral reefs, limestone formations produced by living organisms, found in shallow, tropical marine waters. In most reefs, the predominant organisms are stony corals, colonial cnidarians that secrete an exoskeleton of calcium carbonate (limestone). teeming teem 1 v. teemed, teem·ing, teems v.intr. 1. To be full of things; abound or swarm: A drop of water teems with microorganisms. 2. with tropical fish tropical fish Any of various small fishes of tropical origin often kept in aquariums. They are interesting for their behaviour or showiness or both. Popular varieties include the angelfish, guppy, kissing gourami, sea horse, Siamese fighting fish, and tetra. . 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 plies 1 v. Third person singular present tense of ply1. n. Plural of ply1. the Exumas, a development-free string of 365 cays blessed with idyllic paddling conditions. Trip options include a two-week doozy doo·zy or doo·zie n. pl. doo·zies Slang Something extraordinary or bizarre: "Among the delicious names taken by, or given to, minor political parties in the United States . . . that covers more than 100 miles. For more information call 800-465-8884. If that sounds like too much, Ibis ibis (ī`bĭs), common name for wading birds with long, slender, decurved bills, found in the warmer regions of both hemispheres. The body is usually about 2 ft (61 cm) long. Most ibises nest in colonies. 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 New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of : 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 sunscreen /sun·screen/ (-skren) a substance applied to the skin to protect it from the effects of the sun's rays. sun·screen n. , blister tape for your hands, waterproof hydration hydration /hy·dra·tion/ (hi-dra´shun) the absorption of or combination with water. hy·dra·tion n. 1. The addition of water to a chemical molecule without hydrolysis. 2. pack, water slippers or sandals Other great Kayaking Spots The Bay Islands of Honduras This is a list of islands of Honduras.
Belize's Glovers Atoll Peter Island British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands A British colony in the eastern Caribbean east of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Road Town, on Tortola Island, is the capital. Population: 21,700. Noun 1. go birding in trinidad & tobago Enjoy island wildlife as you hike The twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago (trĭn`ĭdăd, təbā`gō), officially Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, republic (2005 est. pop. 1,088,000), 1,980 sq mi (5,129 sq km), West Indies. The capital is Port of Spain. is one of the Caribbean's richest melting pots, with African, East Indian East In·dies Indonesia. The term is sometimes used to refer to all of Southeast Asia. Historically, it referred chiefly to India. East Indian adj. & n. Noun 1. , 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 South America, fourth largest continent (1991 est. pop. 299,150,000), c.6,880,000 sq mi (17,819,000 sq km), the southern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. (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 (Zool.) See under Ibis. See also: Scarlet congregate in especially huge numbers here. A boat trip through the Caroni Bird Sanctuary bird sanctuary: see wildlife refuge. 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 TNT: see trinitrotoluene. TNT in full trinitrotoluene Pale yellow, solid organic compound made by adding nitrate (−NO2) groups to toluene. . 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 insect repellent, substance applied to the skin in order to provide protection against biting insects, primarily mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, fleas, and certain flies. , 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 gpd abbr. gallons per day ) Other Great Sailing Spots Belize's hundreds of small cays U.S. virgin Islands whiz through the dominican republic Dominican Republic (dəmĭn`ĭkən), republic (2005 est. pop. 8,950,000), 18,700 sq mi (48,442 sq km), West Indies, on the eastern two thirds of the island of Hispaniola. The capital and largest city is Santo Domingo. 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 See also
A
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 mountain biking Sports medicine A sport in which participants use specialized bicycles to navigate rough, steep trails covered with unforgiving rocks Injury risk Concussions, fractures, death. See Extreme sport, Novelty seeking behavior. . 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 This is a list of national parks ordered by nation. Africa
Iguana iguana (ĭgwä`nə), name for several large lizards of the family Iguanidae, found in tropical America and the Galapagos. The common iguana (Iguana 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 tourist information - Information in an on-line display that is not immediately useful, but contributes to a viewer's gestalt of what's going on with the software or hardware behind it. 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. Entry requirements: A valid passport. You also need a Dominican Tourist Card (U.S. $10) to enter the country. Your travel agent or airline may sell them. Some charter flights include the tourist card with the purchase of your ticket. Or buy it when you arrive at the airport. Biking Gear A backpack/hydration pack, helmet, bike shoes, bike gloves, wraparound Wraparound A financing device that permits an existing loan to be refinanced and new money to be advanced at an interest rate between the rate charged on the old loan and the current market interest rate. sunglasses, padded bike shorts Other Great Biking Spots Belize's Maya Mountains The Maya Mountains are a mountain range in Belize and eastern Guatemala. The tallest mountain is Victoria Peak at 3,675 feet (1,120 m). The peak is located about 256 km (160 mi) south of Belmopan, Belize's capital. St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands Puerto Rico's El Yunque El Yunque can refer to:
underwater in bonaire This island offers an entree of action for scuba divers Bonaire, located 86 miles east of Aruba and 50 miles north of Venezuela, is one of the most progressive nations on the planet when it comes to environmental protection. The movement here dates back decades. In 1979 the government deemed the waters surrounding the boomerang-shaped island a marine park and clamped down on industrial polluters, spearfishers and coral collectors. Today Bonaire's underwater natural resources--its coral reefs, sea grass beds and mangroves--remain uniquely intact. What's more, because Bonaire experiences very little rainfall, its oceans are exceptionally calm and clear year-round. Underwater visibility often exceeds 100 feet, and temperatures hover in the low 80s. Add it up and you're talking about one of the premier spots for scuba diving in the world. Much of the best diving in Bonaire is within wading distance of the beach. The best tour operators on the island are connected to two long-standing resorts: Captain Don's Habitat (599-7-8290) and Sand Dollar Dive & Photo (599-7-5252). For more information on Bonaire, visit the island's Website at www.bonaire.org or call the Bonaire Tourist Board at 800-266-2473. Child friendly? Yes Flight time: From New York: 5 hrs. (includes a flight change) From Miami: 2 1/2 hrs. Entry requirements: A valid passport or voter's registration card or a birth certificate with raised seal plus an onward ticket Scuba Diving Gear Snorkel snorkel, tube through which a submarine or diver can draw air while underwater. When in use, the top of the snorkel tube extends above the water surface into the air. , mask, underwater camera fins, bathing suit Other Great Scuba Diving Spots The ease side of Cayman Backen Little Cayman The Bahama Out Islands Aruba Curacao The Bay Islands of Honduras get to stepping in belize Trekking through lush rainforests is a natural adventure Unlike its Caribbean cousins, Belize is securely hooked to a whole continent. Despite its South American moorings, however, Belize's coastal vibe remains thoroughly Caribbean: white sand beaches, swaying palms--the whole nine yards. Inland, Belize has one of the, world's great rainforests, and the hiking is prime. A typical trek involves bird-watching (Belize is filled with toucans and parrots), orchid sniffing (250 varieties grow here) and butterfly chasing. Elusive jaguars and noisy howler monkeys add a hint of danger to your stay. International Expeditions' trips are led by naturalists, without whom many of the rainforest's subtler treasures might be overlooked. The company can arrange independent, custom tours or match you with group trips. For additional information call 800-633-4734. Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola's Blancaneaux Lodge is tucked into the remote mountains of western Belize, overlooking a shimmering shim·mer intr.v. shim·mered, shim·mer·ing, shim·mers 1. To shine with a subdued flickering light. See Synonyms at flash. 2. waterfall. Expeditions leave the lodge each morning, and return in time for belt-popping dinners. For more information call 800-746-3743. Another hot spot is the Maruba resort, one of the world's only jungle spas. Days here include rainforest hikes and tropical spa treatments. For more information call 713-799-2031. Also contact the Belize Tourist Board at 800-624-0686. Child friendly? Yes Flight time: From New York: 5 hrs. From Miami: 2 1/2 hrs. Entry requirements: Passport and onward ticket Other Great Places to Hike Dominica St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands Puerto Rico's El Yunque National Park Trinidad and Tobago The Blue Mountains of Jamaica Trek Gear Mosquito repellent zip-off pants or shorts, a hat with a brim, binoculars and lightweight hiking shoes sign on! Start your action vacation with a trip online Are you ready to book your island adventure? Fortunately, the Internet offers a wide selection of resources to help you make the right travel decisions. Before plugging in your credit card number, however, make sure the right security mechanisms are in place, find out where the company is located and check it out with that city's Better Business Bureau for complaints against the firm. Also, get details on the company's refund and cancellation policy. And get a confirmation. Click here to get your island adventure started: www.greentravel.com The Green Travel Network's adventure finder search engine hooks users up with a large selection of responsible adventure tour operators throughout the world. The site also highlights "The Wild Caribbean." Like the BE Caribbean Guide, this section gives detailed descriptions of some of the Caribbean's most compelling adventures and advises surfers on the adventures each island features, trip options, prices, tour operators, relevant literature and travel guides, and additional Website links. www.caribbeanonline.com Caribbean Online has more than 15,000 business services listings, hotels, resorts, realtors and travel agents. Each island listing contains a country profile and contact information for a few travel services. The listings only contain telephone numbers, but surf here if you can't find the information elsewhere. www.caribtourism.com The official Website of the Caribbean Tourism Organization The Caribbean Tourism Organization's main objective is the development of sustainable tourism for the economic and social benefit of Caribbean people. The CTO provides to and through its public and private sector members, the services and information to accomplish this goal. offers information on their 32 member countries and is updated every three months. It offers weather updates, a calendar of events and spotlights a different island destination twice a month. A country profile, summary of entry requirements, calendar of events and map is available for all member islands. Surfers can also request the free Caribbean Vacation Planner with one click--it's well worth the effort. www.caribbeanadventures.com Caribbean Adventures is an interesting, user-friendly online guide to island fun. It'll tell you all about scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking and boating in 21 Caribbean destinations. If you don't want too much activity, it also contains a listing of "things to see." While you can't directly book through this site, it does provide contact information for tour operators and airlines. Visitors can also read about other vacationers' travel adventures or post their own questions on the site's bulletin board. www.wildways.org Wildways Caribbean Adventure Travel offers eco-tours in Trinidad and Tobago that feature hiking, kayaking and cycling activities. The packages may be prearranged pre·ar·range tr.v. pre·ar·ranged, pre·ar·rang·ing, pre·ar·rang·es To arrange in advance. pre or customized for your adventure needs. Reservations can be made by e-mail or phone. --Ann Brown caribbean cruise control Here's a crash course (no pun intended) on driving safely down island streets You've decided to jump in the nearest rental car to explore your island destination. But before you take to the streets, make sure you learn the rules of the road to ensure a safe visit. The way you drive in the Caribbean can vary widely from how you cruise down U.S. streets. Some islands require that you drive on the left, others on the right. Be prepared to see speedometers and road signs expressed in kilometers. Also find out if your U.S. driver's license is acceptable or if a temporary local driving permit is necessary. In addition, determine whether car rental agencies offer standard and automatic vehicles. Once you arrive at your location, examine your rental car--before driving off. That means checking the turn signals, horn, hand brake, lights and wipers
The Wipers were a punk rock group formed in Portland, Oregon in 1977 by guitarist Greg Sage, drummer Sam Henry and bassist Dave Koupal. . Driving conditions and road etiquette may be different from what you're accustomed to. In St. Lucia, for example, only 281 of its 500 miles of road are paved. And in Bonaire, there are no traffic lights. In Jamaica, it's customary to toot your horn as you round a corner to alert oncoming traffic. Refer to the driving chart below for a smoother ride. --A.B.
Company Driving License
Side Requirements
Anguilla left valid U.S. driver's license
Bahamas left valid U.S. driver's license
Belize right valid U.S. driver's license
Bonaire left valid U.S. driver's license
British Virgin Islands left driving permit (U.S. $10)
Dominican Republic right valid U.S. driver's license
French West Indies right valid U.S. driver's license
Jamaica left valid U.S. driver's license
St. Kitts/Nevis left driving permit (U.S. $20)
St. Lucia left driving permit (U.S. $12)
St. Maarten right valid U.S. driver's license
Trinidad and Tobago left valid U.S. driver's license
U.S. Virgin Islands left valid U.S. driver's license
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