The Couple's Guide to Watersports in the Caribbean

With beautiful islands and the most pristine beaches in the world, watersports in the Caribbean are popular pastimes for couples. If you and partner love bringing some action to your beach experience, any of the Caribbean islands will make a perfect destination.

Along with the fun and great exercise, when in the Caribbean, love seems to grow when enjoying the water together. Watersports are an important part of the local lifestyle and tourism.

For that reason, top hotels and all-inclusive resorts offer a variety of watersports. This guideline can help you find the best watersport for you and your significant other, and where you should go to find it

The Best Caribbean Island for Diving

The Caribbean islands offer exceptional scuba diving. However, as for which island is best, it depends on the type of type of diving that you and your partner do.

For example, if you want to dive with hammerhead sharks, head to the Bahamas. For diving with reef sharks, Honduras and Roatan are better destinations. To dive with whale sharks, Utila and Honduras are top destinations. You can even dive with sperm whales, but for that, you’ll need to visit Dominica.

Shore diving is also popular in the Caribbean, as is shipwreck diving around Bonaire Island and Grand Cayman, respectively.

Several other islands reign supreme for scuba diving, including Belize, Grenada, the Grenadines, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, St. Vincent, Turks and Caicos, and Virgin Gorda. While all of the islands are stunning, you will see some differences in marine and reef life depending on which ones you visit.

The Best Caribbean Island for Adventure

Every Caribbean island offers adventure in a different way. To hike through a jungle, zip line over a tree canopy in the rainforest, or explore things off the beaten path, you need to go to the mountainous islands. Three of the best are Dominica, St. Lucia, and Grenada.

Dominica boasts 290 square miles of rainforest, hundreds of cascading waterfalls, and over 100 miles of hiking trails. Grenada and St. Lucia also feature gorgeous rainforests and waterfalls, with the latter a better choice for mountainous adventures.

For beachside or water adventures, you need to visit flatter islands, such as St. John. There, the beaches are light gold, complemented by swaying palm trees, cool and calm waters, and beautiful vegetation. Although not a lush island, the beach adventures are a great tradeoff. Anguilla and Turks and Caicos are also perfect for a variety of watersports.

Types of Watersports in the Caribbean

Throughout the Caribbean you can enjoy watersports on your own or take a guided tour. Some of the more popular watersports for visitors to the islands include include:

Scuba Diving

With colorful marine life and varied options depending upon where you’re at, the Caribbean is the perfect place to scuba. Before you scuba in the Caribbean though, you need to make sure you have your certification. Many resorts offer this and streamline the process so that you can get on your way quickly.

Snorkeling

Regardless of your experience level, snorkeling allows you to see beautiful marine life without going out into deep water. You can check out reefs and marine life pretty easily. While some places are better than others, you can snorkel practically anywhere in the water.

Tube Rides and Wave Runners

For tube riding, you and your partner are pulled on a tube behind a boat. With wave runners, you have control. This is a great way for couples visiting the Caribbean to get to explore the water with a little rush.

Sailing

Sailing is a great way to spend time with someone you love while in the Caribbean. You can bring a captain on board to assist, although the steering is up to you. This is one of the more relaxing options for water activities.

Parasailing

Standing on a platform at the back of a moving boat, a secure line is slowly released until you reach a certain height in the air that provides you with mesmerizing views.

Boat Rentals

Most Caribbean islands offer boat rentals. The boat type and power depend on your experience and how much excitement you and your partner want. The beauty of renting a boat is that you can control where you go and how fast you get there.

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

While it might take a little getting used to, stand-up paddle boarding is both fun and relaxing. You can choose from different-sized boards based on experience. There are a lot of options available for whatever you're feeling.

Kayaking

Moving along the coastline, you and your partner can paddle at leisure while taking in the sights. Kayaking is also a great way to get a workout. The beauty of it is that you control your own pace.

Waterskiing

You can show off your skills or take a lesson from a professional instructor if you’re just starting out. Either way, this is an activity for couples looking to add a little thrill to their Caribbean vacation.