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.

FROLIC WITH 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.

TOUCAN DO IT

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.

SUNBATHE WITH 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.

MATCH WITS WITH 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!

A DOSE OF VITAMIN 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.

DOLPHIN DIVE

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.

Two Women Swimming with Stingrays, George Town, Grand Cayman

START THE STINGRAY SHUFFLE

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.

Butterfly Fishes and Turtles swimming together

TIME TO SHELL-EBRATE

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.

UNLEASH YOUR INNER ANIMAL IN THE CARIBBEAN

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.

Get In Touch With Your Wild Side

From land to sea, discover colorful critters and playful primates on a Caribbean Cruise.

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Insider Tips

1 When in doubt, always follow the advice of trained wildlife experts — you don't want to hurt yourself or the animal.

2 Feel free to take photos of wildlife in its natural habitat, but avoid touching animals or getting too close.

3 Stay with children at all times while they're in close proximity to Caribbean wildlife.

RELATED PORTS

Travel the Southern Caribbean and wander down the colorful streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Or trek the rainforests of Saint Lucia. On the Western side of the Caribbean, dive into the crystal clear waters of Grand Cayman or explore the ruins of Tulum when you make port in Cozumel. Eastern Caribbean cruises will bring you to St. Thomas, where you can take in stunning panoramic views of the island at Government Hill or to St. Maarten, where you can dine on some of the region's best cuisine.