Caribbean Wildlife Encounters: Caribbean Vacation

Go wild with mischievous monkeys and sublime sea turtles.

Come to the Caribbean to sip salt-rimmed cocktails on sugar-sand beaches and delight at the turquoise waves and swaying palms — and while you're here, get up close and personal with some of the world's most unique and exotic wildlife. Whether you prefer dry-land experiences like frolicking with flamingos on the beaches of Oranjestad, Aruba, or want to get wet and wild with Bahamian dolphins, you can take a walk on the wild side all throughout the Caribbean. From a short getaway to the Dominican Republic to peek at playful monkeys to a longer expedition to witness wondrous whale sharks off the coast of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, the wildlife of the Caribbean will leave a lasting impression on you.

BEAUTIFUL FLAMINGOS

Just because the sea is everywhere in the Caribbean doesn't mean you need to be in it. From graceful birds to playful primates, these land animals will keep you on your toes. Learn a thing or two about sunbathing from rock-basking reptiles, or try to keep pace with a flighty hummingbird. Either way, you'll experience the adventurousness of the Caribbean through the ones who know it best.

TROPICAL BIRDS

Tropical birds are abundant throughout the Caribbean, so you'll likely see colorful toucans or a flock of red parrots flying over the turquoise water and white sand of the area's many beaches. You can also tour locations like the Rocklands Bird Park in Montego Bay, Jamaica, or the Adastra Zoo in Nassau, Bahamas, to find these feathered beauties.

IGUANAS

Iguanas love to bask on the rocks off the coast of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and they'll let you get close enough to learn something about lounging in luxury — or simply to snap a photo. Enjoy the sun and the lapping waves while relaxing with these reptiles.

MONKEYS

Located only an hour by car from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, the aptly named Monkeyland is a great place to get up close and personal with primates. Whether you make friends with monkeys in the wild or at a primate wonderland, mind your belongings: They are curious critters that will try to snatch up your goods!

THE CARIBBEAN SEA

You don't necessarily have to jump in the water to see these Caribbean sea creatures and marine life, but a flick of a dolphin's tail will definitely get you soaked. Whether you're viewing sea turtles or sharks from the deck of a boat or from an inland wildlife center, these aquatic animals are sure to give you a thrill.

DOLPHINES

Whether you snorkel, SCUBA dive or watch from a boat, you're destined to encounter dolphins at Dolphinaris in Cozumel, Mexico. Check out a charter tour adventure in Saint Maarten, where you can watch the graceful creatures through the bottom of a glass-bottom boat.

STINGRAYS

Reach out and feel the velvety skin of a stingray at the aptly-named "Stingray Cities" of the Cayman Islands or Antigua. As your guide will tell you, all you need to do to befriend them is shuffle your feet around these wily underwater creatures.

TURTLES

If you swim with sea turtles, you might be amazed how fast these "slow" land creatures seem to move underwater. At Xcaret Water Park on Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, where you can watch turtles hatch and slowly make their way to the sea, it's the beauty of the sea turtle life cycle that will amaze you.

EXCITING CARIBBEAN ADVENTURE

While you're feeling wild, head to Mexico's Yucatan peninsula for magical Mayan pyramid expeditions and exhilarating inland treks, or visit Big Major Cay in the Bahamas for a chance to swim nose-to-nose with pigs.

Join a Short Jungle Journey

On a quick 3-4 night island cruise from Miami or Fort Lauderdale, stay active and engaged with treks through the jungle in Falmouth or Yucatan, or satisfy your local shopping craving in George Town or Nassau. No matter where you go or how long you stay, you're bound to bump into some Caribbean critters.

Expect Paradise on Extraordinary Expedition

Spending more days at sea also means more time to lounge on land. Longer 7-8 night cruises allow you to take in all the Caribbean has to offer, from exotic birds to playful primates — and the local rum cocktails in between. Explore Cozumel, Aruba, and San Juan and remember to stop and savor the moment.