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).
Hiking
Unlike many of its neighboring islands, Jamaica has mountain peaks that climb to 2,220m (7,284 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 307/235-0683; www.explorerventures.com) takes divers on its Caribbean Explorer II to excursions in the waters of The Bahamas, St. Kitts, Turks and Caicos, and Saba. Trips usually last a week.
Another specialist in this field is Caradonna Worldwide Dive Adventures (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.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
