ISLAND-HOPPING IN THE CARIBBEAN FOR THE BEST VACATION SPOTS

ISLAND-HOPPING IN THE CARIBBEAN FOR THE BEST VACATION SPOTS

Imagine, one day you're exploring shipwrecks in the Bahamas, the next, you're out salsa dancing in San Juan, and then you're beneath a palm tree in Haiti. You're island-hopping in the Caribbean — jumping from one paradise to the next in a sun-drenched chain of adventure and exploration. Caribbean island-hopping is the best way to experience the tropics.

WHAT IS ISLAND HOPPING?

Island-hopping is when you don't limit yourself to one destination on a vacation and instead travel from island to island. It's the exhilarating and strategic movement of the savvy island traveler — and the savviest of all know that cruising is an exciting way to achieve this experience. Island-hopping in the Caribbean is the best way to enjoy your tropical vacation.

With cruising, you're already jumping between island destinations, but then at every port of call, you have the chance to find even more islands nearby. And it can all be done before the ship leaves for the next port of call. The island-hopping opportunities are maximized to the nth degree. A cruise ship is the best place to be if you want to island-hop like a pro.

ISLAND-JUMPING FROM THRILL TO CHILL

Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas is like nothing else out there, a place where both young and old get to play. If you're looking for thrills, dare to soar on 1,600 feet of zip line above the island, conquer the tallest waterslide in North America or reach even greater heights with a helium balloon ride to see the private island like never before. If you're looking to unwind, jump on an overwater cabana and melt into its plushness — the perfect place for a quick nap. Like to swim? You have plenty of options: the Oasis Lagoon, South Beach and Chill Island are prime swimming spots.

Then, head to nearby Nassau, known by some as the "Isle of June." It's the capital of the Bahamas and a former pirate's refuge. Head to the Fulton Historic District or the lively Straw Market on Bay Street for straw bags and hats, rum cake and guava duffs. From there, take a scenic boat ride to the tiny island of Blue Lagoon to swim with dolphins and sea lions, and grab grilled Mahi and a Bahama Mama before your next stop.

When docking in Falmouth, Jamaica, you'll find friendly vendors filling the blossoming streets, selling their artisan pieces from charming wood carts. For a taste of rum, stop by the Hampden Estate distillery, which opened in 1759. If you're a music lover with only one day in Falmouth, don't skip the Reggae Walk of Fame and Museum. This is the place to learn about the history and importance of this genre, as well as the biggest name in reggae — Bob Marley. Finally, visit Red Stripe Beach, the sandy beach with at least four different shades of blue.

Your trip ends with a cruise to the Caribbean vacation spot of Labadee, Haiti, a private island getaway where you can lay back and relax in spots like Columbus Cove, a hidden beach perfect for disconnecting from the world. Meanwhile, adventure junkies will find an exciting playground of zip lines, speedboats and an alpine coaster. And for an aquatic quest, there's Arawak Aqua Park, a watercourse featuring the only icebergs in the Caribbean.

HOP FROM MAYAN RUINS TO COLORFUL ARRECIFES

When you cruise from Galveston, New Orleans, or Florida, you can visit some of the best beaches in the world filled with colorful arrecife. Arrecife means reef in Spanish, and Cozumel, one of the western Caribbean islands, is one of the best Caribbean vacation spots to explore coral reefs and underwater wonders in Mexico. You can hop from the island of Cozumel to Tulum and back again thanks to a fast ferry that travels between these destinations.

Start in Cozumel and head straight to the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park to witness the massive schools of fish, the colorful and abundant coral reefs and the happy sea turtles. Then, bounce over to Tulum, which is known for its mellow, hippie vibe. You can enjoy yoga on the beach, massages that include Mayan rituals and fully vegan menus at every turn.

Biodiverse and serene, Roatán in Honduras is next on your island-hopping list. As a popular destination among backpackers, couples and families, diving is big here, with offshore reefs, coral gardens, shipwrecks (Anguilla and Odyssey are the easiest to find) and a wonderful world of underwater wildlife. You can swim with bottlenose dolphins at Anthony's Key and take a zip line through the forests, meeting monkeys along the way. You can also learn about local traditions by visiting the Garifuna people on Cayo Grande.

Nearby, Belize City is a great hub for shopping, outdoor venues and colonial buildings. It's also the perfect jumping-off point to explore the Blue Hole, a massive underwater sinkhole ringed by an impressive coral reef. If you want to have a swim closer to shore, go to Goff's Caye — a spectacular tiny island with soft sand and aqua waters reachable by a 30-minute boat ride. Find a palapa (thatched roof) to sit under, and enjoy the idyllic views.

For cultural immersion, head to the Museum of Belize in the Fort George District. The modern building was originally Belize's jail, but today, it houses different exhibits showcasing photos, documents and displays of historical significance.

LEAP FROM DANISH ARCHITECTURE TO AN ELKHORN CORAL BARRIER REEF

On your journey through the eastern Caribbean islands, your cruise will stop in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. You can quickly explore the historic towns of Frederiksted and Christiansted before you hop to the surrounding isles, like Buck Island. Most of Buck Island is surrounded by an elkhorn coral barrier reef, which you can explore with a diving tour or by snorkeling on your own. You can also bird-watch, hike, sunbathe or have a picnic by the beach. Unlike other places in the Caribbean, Buck Island is a protected National Monument.

From there, jet to feisty St. Maarten. Home to some of the liveliest bars, casinos and beach restaurants, there's also ample opportunity to soak up the peace and quiet. Take a serene morning stroll on Cupecoy Bay, hike among rugged scenery from Guana Bay to Pointe Blanche, or just chill out at Mullet Bay beach, the perfect place for photos, swimming and lounging by the translucent waters.

Then, end your trip in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Enjoy a walk over storied cobblestones, and learn about the island's history at places like Fort San Cristóbal. Pop over to Sr. Paleta to taste local fruity ice cream flavors — the mojito version is quite popular — and try craft cocktails at La Factoría.

Beyond San Juan, there's so much to see just only a few minutes away, such as the El Yunque rainforest in Rio Grande and magnificent waterfalls like La Mina. The experiences you can have when island-hopping in the Caribbean are endless, you just have to book it and go!