10 reasons to go to the Caribbean right now

By Bob Friel, Dave Herndon, and Zach Stovall

updated 6:28 p.m. ET Feb. 28, 2006

People have all kinds of reasons to go to the Caribbean. Often, they're provoked by something negative, like: Right now it's 20 degrees out and when I got home from work at 5 it was already dark and I slipped and fell in black slush that filled my shoes and soaked my hands so my fingers froze to the mailbox when I reached in to pull out the huge heating bill and I think my nose is running but I can't feel my face. I need to go to the Caribbean. We, however, prefer to think positively. So the following are 10 positively great reasons to get here right now.

1) Right now, just off the beach at Trunk Bay, St. John (www.stjohnusvi.com), a child is wading into the warm water and peeking under the surface for the first time. With her parents by her side and a mask as her window on the reef, the color and excitement of the tropical sea come alive. Schools of tiny fish swim in formation almost within touching distance while, down below, angels and butterflies flit above fairy-tale castles of coral. She laughs through her snorkel as a bloopy-eyed puffer waddles past. Hand in hand with mom and dad, she floats in the calm water while they teach her the names of the fish. It's bigger, brighter and more thrilling than any schoolbook or television nature show she's ever seen. — BF

Other great places to introduce the little ones to the underwater world: Chankanaab Park, Cozumel (www.islacozumel.com.mx); Sandbar, Grand Cayman (www.caymanislands.ky); Klein Bonaire (www.infobonaire.com).

2) Right now, twin cascades of pure mountain-stream water are raging down the rocky face of Trafalgar Falls — hundred-foot waves that never stop breaking. The very names of these companion flumes — Father and Mother — speak of the elemental life forces constantly bursting from the overgrown surface of evergreen Dominica (www.dominica.dm). Imagine yourself taking the waters of the pool at the base of Mother; let her wash all cares away. If you're feeling fit (and have a trusty guide), dare to climb up to Father's hot spring-fed pool. Bathe once more, this time in healing waters warmed by the earth's inner fire. Feel the intensely nurturing sensation of knowing that you are now very close to the Source. — DH

Three more places to join the rush of falling waters: Dunn's River Falls, Jamaica (www.visitjamaica.com); the canyons of Mount Pelée, Martinique (www.martinique.org); Diamond Falls, St. Lucia (www.stlucia.org).

Slideshow   Caribbean way of life From chic to rustic, expensive to affordable, tourists looking for some sun and sand can find what they're looking for in the Caribbean. more photos

3) Right now, the sun is peeking over St. Barts' Colombier hills and into Villa Ladine's (www.stbarth.com) master bedroom. Thin bands of orange-flavored light play over the occupants. The breeze softly drifts through open windows as the couple ambles out to the infinity pool. They slip into the crisp blue water and float over to the edge to take in a view of endless ocean dotted with green islands. The most pressing decision they face is whether to have mimosas now or wait to open a bottle of wine for lunch — or will it be both? — ZS

Three more fabulous Caribbean villas: Turtle Beach, Provo, Turks and Caicos (www.wimco.com); Malatai Villa, Ocho Rios, Jamaica (www.sunvillas.com); Reef Bay View, St. John (www.destinationstjohn.com).

Bob Friel / Caribbean Travel & Life

4) Right now, bonefish are leaving deep water and swimming up onto shallow flats all across the 350 islands and cays that make up Los Roques National Park (www.think-venezuela.net), 80 miles off Caracas. As the silvery fish nose along the bottom rooting for shrimp, their tail fins rise above the surface. A fisherman wading along the flat with a guide spots the tails and his heart begins to race. He lifts his fly rod, makes one false cast to get enough line into the air and then gently lays his homemade Crazy Charlie pattern in front of the largest fish. The angler tickles the line twice and wham! — the bone hits and the fight is on. Line burns off the reel as the ghost of the flats makes a blistering run and the fisherman hangs on, grinning from ear to ear. — BF

Other spectacular places to stalk bonefish: Andros Island, Bahamas (www.bahamas.com); Turneffe Atoll, Belize; Sian Ka'an, Mexican Caribbean (www.visitmexico.com).

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