Special-Interest Vacations

Biking

The Dominican Republic is the best mountain-bike destination in the Caribbean. Bicycling magazine said the island defies all stereotype with its "towering mountains and miles of single track." The best-organized trips are offered by Iguana Mama Mountain Bike, Cabarete (tel. 809/571-0908; www.iguanamama.com).

Bird-Watching

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (tel. 800/328-8368 or 512/328-5221; www.ventbird.com) offers 6-day bird-watching trips led by a biologist in Trinidad and Tobago. Each trip costs approximately $2,295 per person, and trips are based at the Asa Wright Nature Centre (tel. 800/426-7781; www.asawright.org), where you can see 150 of the more than 400 species of birds found in Trinidad. Field trips and discussions on the symbiosis between plant and bird life are available.

Hiking

Unlike many of its neighboring islands, Jamaica's mountain peaks climb to 2,220m (7,282 ft.). The flora, fauna, waterfalls, and panoramas of those peaks have attracted increasing numbers of hikers determined to experience the natural beauty of the island firsthand. Because of the dangers involved, it's often best to go on an organized tour. Good ones are offered by Sunventure Tours, 30 Balmoral Ave., Kingston 10, Jamaica, W.I. (tel. 876/960-6685; www.sunventuretours.com).

Scuba Trips

A number of outfitters offer scuba packages and cruises. Aqua Hut (tel. 610/642-3483; www.aquahut.net) specializes in diving trips throughout the Caribbean for individuals, couples, and families. Its destinations range from the British Virgin Islands to Bonaire. Island Dreams Tours & Travel (tel. 800/346-6116; www.divetrip.com) also offers trips, including itineraries in the Cayman Islands, Bonaire, and Turks and Caicos.

Explorer Ventures (tel. 800/322-3577 or 903/887-8521; www.explorerventures.com) takes divers on its Caribbean Explorer II to excursions in the waters of St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Turks and Caicos, and Saba. Trips usually last a week.

Another specialist in this field is Caradonna Caribbean Tours (tel. 800/328-2288 or 407/774-9000; www.caradonna.com), which offers adventurous scuba-cruise packages to Bonaire, St. Croix, and St. Kitts, among other islands.

Websites for Divers -- For useful information on scuba diving in the Caribbean, check out the website of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) at www.padi.com. This site provides descriptions of dive destinations throughout the Caribbean and a directory of PADI-certified dive operators. Scuba Diving Magazine also has a helpful website at www.scubadiving.com. Both sites list dive package specials and display gorgeous color photos of some of the most beautiful dive spots in the world.

Sea Kayaking

The only outfitter in the Virgin Islands that offers sea-kayaking/island-camping excursions is Arawak Expeditions, based in Cruz Bay, St. John (tel. 800/238-8687 in the U.S., or 340/693-8312; www.arawakexp.com). It provides kayaking gear, healthy meals, camping equipment, and two experienced guides. Multiday excursions range from $1,095 to $2,495.