Title: 5 Fun Things To Do On A Caribbean Getaway

Nearly everyone dreams of a tropical Caribbean getaway, imagining pristine, white-sand beaches, translucent blue waters, and perhaps little cocktails in coconuts, with umbrellas sticking out of them. It's an idyllic image, and something you can turn into a reality at most any Caribbean destination. But beyond lounging on the beach like the subject of a postcard, what else would you actually do on a trip like this?

These would be some of our suggestions.

1.) Scuba Diving

Scuba diving (or snorkeling) is the perfect Caribbean activity. Indeed, when you think about traveling to a tropical island, you immediately imagine exploring clear-turquoise waters amongst exotic fish and vibrantly-colored coral reefs. So if you have the opportunity to visit the Caribbean, you should definitely grab a snorkel or an oxygen tank and see what’s happening under the water’s surface.

One of the most enthralling and endearing aspects of activities like these is the ability to interact firsthand with ocean wildlife. Scuba divers can swim with an array of Caribbean species including southern stingrays, humpback whales, sperm whales, and various types off sharks. And as for specific locations, Tent Reef off the island of Saba, Bimini Island in the Bahamas, Roatan Island in Honduras, and the whole of Dominica are some of the most renowned scuba spots in the Caribbean. Be careful not to touch the coral though (because this can kill it!) to ensure that you adhere to Caribbean sustainable tourism.

2.) Nature Hikes

The Caribbean is so picturesque that embarking on a nature hike is a must at most destinations. These islands are literally topical paradises, with vast rainforests, stunning flowers, and breathtaking views at every turn. Indeed, though we tend to look mostly to the coastline when assessing the beauty of Caribbean getaways, untouched natural areas farther inland can often be just as stunning, if in different ways.

The tropical rainforest is really the featured environment of the region, and offers uniquely beautiful flora and fauna. And despite the term “rainforest,” actual rainfall occurs mainly in the form of short yet heavy outbursts, which means the weather shouldn't deter you from heading out on a hike. Some of the best to keep in mind are Dominica's Waitukubuli Nationall Trail, Jamaica's Blue Mountain Peak, and the Pitons of St. Lucia.

3.) Touring Ruins

Several Caribbean islands are also known for their incredible ancient ruin sites. These areas are not just historically significant, but also make for major tourist attractions, where people can explore once-glorious cities, see relics of old civilizations, and get some sense of what life might have been like hundreds of years ago. Many of the most fascinating ruins in the region actually reside on Mexico's Caribbean coast, including Tulum, Chichen Itza, and Coba – all on the famously spectacular Yucatan Peninsula.

4.) Live Casinos

Some of the most luxurious and extravagant resorts in the world are located in the Caribbean – and several of them, such as the Hotel Riu Palace Antillas in Aruba and Atlantis in the Bahamas, have their own casino complexes. This resort-casino combination, while by no means rare, is actually fast becoming a vintage sort of attraction due to the worldwide spread of online gaming. Digital gambling companies have progressed beyond sportsbooks and poker tournaments, and now produce digital table games, support new bingo websites, and even turn basic slots into animated video games. In other words, you can find any conceivable type of casino game online without needing to travel to a resort.

But in the Caribbean, you can still recognize and enjoy the perks of a live casino. Playing games is one thing, but doing so in person after a day on the beach, with comfortable clothes on, a cocktail in hand, and people having fun all around you, is a different experience altogether. Plus, the pure quality of these resorts is something every Caribbean visitor should experience. Even if enjoying nature is the priority, a bit of luxury can be nice!

5.) Lounging On The Beaches

Finally, it may be obvious but we'd be remiss if we didn't include lounging on the beaches, which are some of the best in the entire world. The aforementioned clear-blue water and white-sand beaches (except for some of the volcanic islands, where you'll find fine, black sand) join together with pleasantly warm temperatures and frequently clear skies to create an atmosphere many consider to be just about perfect. And no matter which of the beautiful beaches in the Caribbean islands you find yourself on – secluded and tranquil, local with access to restaurants and drink shacks, or packed with tourists and resort amenities – you'll be sure to have a great time.