With beautiful islands and the most pristine beaches in the world, watersports in the Caribbean are popular pastimes for vacationers no matter what time of year that you travel. For that reason, top hotels and all-inclusive resorts offer a variety of watersports. Here’s a sampling of some of the fun ways you can enjoy the water on your Caribbean vacation.

Scuba Diving – With colorful marine life and varied options depending upon where you’re at, the Caribbean is the perfect place to scuba. Before you scuba in the Caribbean though, you need to make sure you have your certification. Many resorts offer this and streamline the process so that you can get on your way quickly. At Sandals resorts for example, if you’re a PADI-Certified scuba diver, all the equipment you’ll need to explore the magic of the undersea is available as part of your vacation package. Pro Tip: Not PADI-certified yet? Try snuba diving or get your PADI certification during your stay. Priced at $450, this is one of the added offerings Sandals makes available for guests’ convenience. Once you’re certified, you can dive for the rest of your vacation for free!

Snorkeling – Regardless of your experience level, snorkeling allows you to see beautiful marine life without going out into deep water. You can easily check out reefs and marine life and while some locations are better than others, you can snorkel practically anywhere in the water.

Tube Rides and Wave Runners – For tube riding, you and your partner are pulled on a tube behind a boat. With wave runners, you have control. Either option provides some exciting water fun!

Sailing – Sailing is a great way to spend some relaxing time while in the Caribbean. You can bring a captain on board to assist, although the steering is up to you. Or, plan a sunset sail that includes dinner for a truly special experience.

Parasailing – Standing on a platform at the back of a moving boat, a secure line is slowly released until you reach a certain height in the air that provides you with mesmerizing views.

Boat Rentals – Most Caribbean resorts offer boat rentals. The boat type and power depend on your experience and how much excitement you and your partner want. The beauty of renting a boat is that you can control where you go and how fast you get there.

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding – While it might take a little getting used to, stand-up paddle boarding is both fun and relaxing. You can choose from different-sized boards based on experience. There are a lot of options available for whatever you’re feeling.

Kayaking – Moving along the coastline, you and your partner can paddle at leisure while taking in the sights. Kayaking is also a great way to get a workout. The beauty of it is that you control your own pace.

Waterskiing – You can show off your skills or take a lesson from a professional instructor if you’re just starting out. Either way, this is definitely an activity for those looking to add a little thrill to their Caribbean vacation!

While your Caribbean resort will likely provide some if not most of these water sports, whether you have to pay extra for any of them (and if so, how much) varies by resort. Each has it’s own policies and if you’re looking forward to having lots of water fun, it’s important to make note of your resort’s policies.

One of the (many) benefits of Sandals and Beaches resorts is that in addition to being located on some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, you’ll also find that water sports like sailing, water skiing, snorkeling and other motorized and non-motorized activities are all included in your vacation package (and as noted above, if you’re certified, your scuba gear is also include). So enjoy experiencing Hobie Cats, paddle boards, and kayaks, in the most mesmerizing waters you’ve ever seen. Not sure how to use any of them? Professional instruction is also included, so you won’t need to worry about figuring out how anything works on your own.

Water fun is waiting for you in the Caribbean – just don’t forget to pack your swimsuit!

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