From Diving Shipwrecks to Kayaking Luminous Waters: 10 Caribbean Experiences You Can Only Access by Boat

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The Caribbean is a big place, with more than 700 islands and roughly 44.5 million people spread across 33 political entities—13 sovereign states, 12 dependencies, one historical disputed territory, and seven other overseas territories. While travelers tend to lump the region into “the Caribbean,” there’s a rich tapestry of cultures, cuisines, experiences, and waters across the 1.06 million square miles of the Caribbean Sea.

We decided that, instead of divvying this list by island, we’d select different experiences, accessible only by boat. They range from exploring sunken shipwrecks to getting a taco on a floating restaurant in the middle of turquoise waters to diving stunning ecosystems, to enjoying some of the best sportfishing in the world.

The list isn’t exhaustive by any means, but it does show the range of possibilities in this beautiful, and often remote region, even after the spring-breakers have left and it moves into the much-less crowded summer season which is often the best time to visit.

Here are 10 of our favorite island experiences.

Best Snorkeling, Barrier Reef in Turks & Caicos

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Best Snorkeling, Barrier Reef in Turks & Caicos

The third-largest coral reef in the world, the Turks and Caicos’ Barrier Reef is home to over 60 coral species and over 250 fish species. Spanning 65 miles along the eastern edge of the islands, the reef is only accessible by boat. On a good day, you can see up to 100 feet below the surface (thanks to the extremely clear, blue waters), offering a chance for snorkelers to spot stingrays, reef sharks, vibrant reef fish, eagle rays, and dolphins. Local vessel Lady Grace is a full-service catamaran with a picnic lunch, a full open bar, and even a slide off the back that provides direct access to the reef.

Best Family Charters, British Virgin Islands

Combining breathtaking scenery with an array of activities accessible by boat, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) have long been a playground for families. The crystal-clear waters and untouched beaches are idyllic, with areas like Cane Garden Bay on Tortola offering white sand and picnics, and across Sir Francis Drake Channel, the boulders of the Baths on Virgin Gorda are the perfect destination for selfies. You can then cruise from the Baths to Devil’s Bay National Park to discover vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life beneath the crystal-clear waters. Flamingo Pond offers up the pink, graceful beauty of these majestic birds in their natural habitat. The Moorings, Sunsail, MarineMax Vacations, and Kensington Yachts offer barebone or full-service charters.

Best Untouched Beach, No Name Beach, Bonaire

No Name Beach in Bonaire earns its place on this list as the ultimate secluded beach for several reasons. Its name hints at exclusivity. But its remote location, reachable only by boat, is how it earned the name. You can take a water taxi for $25 or, if you want to time-manage the day, charter a private boat through Epic Tours Bonaire to explore the pristine haven.