Caribbean Excursions and Tours

We went looking for the best Caribbean excursions and tours that were unique to the region, affordable, popular and downright fun.

Whether they are the best is a matter of opinion, but we tried them and liked all of the ones below.

All of them are family friendly -- except for swimming with barracuda.

Climb Dunn’s River Falls

We waited for the catamaran to pick us up so we could see the most famous waterfalls in the Caribbean. We were surprised by what we saw.

Cave Tubing in Belize

Cave tubing in Belize has been called the most popular adventure trip in the entire country and is a top draw in western Caribbean cruises.

Swimming with Dolphins

Swimming with dophins on a Cancun vacation is a sure way to laugh, gasp and fly, all within an hour. Here is what you can expect.

Dominica Waterfall Hike

Walking from the dock to port, the first impression is that this would not be the typical rum punch and white sand excursion.

Stingray City Tour

Our neighbors first told us about Stingray City. We thought it sounded interesting. It turned out to be fantastic.

Canopy Over Rain Forests

Our Costa Rica canopy tour started with the first terrifying jump nearly 100 feet in the air. We were not in Virginia any more.

Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins

Anyone approaching Chichen Itza by tour bus might see the top of El Castillo through the trees. That first glimpse belies the massive ruins that lie ahead.

Swimming with Barracuda

Swimming with barracuda can be done in the office or in St. Thomas. They bite in both places, but the barracuda in the Caribbean have much bigger teeth.

ATV Tour

An ATV ride on St. Lucia ranks among the most fun and beautiful excursions in the Caribbean. Be prepared to get muddy -- from head to toe.

Swimming with Sea Turtles

Swimming with sea turtles in Barbados ranks among the best snorkeling excursions in the Caribbean.

Snorkeling Trip Goes Low Key

St. Kitts may be the most quiet island in the Caribbean. Even simple excursions such as snorkeling can be quiet experiences.

Yachting on Peter Island

Being marooned on Peter Island was like visiting Ted Kennedy’s Nantucket home. There are water playthings galore.

Old San Juan Tour

Two tours of Old San Juan 10 years apart proved that timing matters. The first visit was about places to see. The second was about people to see.

Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park is one of the top ecotourism destinations in Costa Rica.

Klutzy Family Takes Banana Boat Ride

A banana boat ride is a thrilling Caribbean excursion -- unless you are a family of klutzes and named the "worst family" ever to take one.

ATV Tour

An ATV tour will take vacationers through arid countryside, neighborhoods and occasionally even onto busy roads. It's a fast and fun blast.

Belize Mayan Ruins

The high density of Belize Mayan ruins seems to show that the country was the center of Mayan civilization several hundred years ago.

Dive into Volcanic Mud

A St. Lucia mud bath may not make you look any younger, but it is good clean fun.