The north and south shores have scuba diving and snorkeling spots for all skill levels

We asked Eric Michael, editor of Sport Diver Magazine, for tips and recommendations for the best snorkeling gear around.

A dozen Caribbean denizens and some top places to see them.

It’s hardly an exaggeration to suggest that the Caribbean region has the world’s greatest collection of superlative snorkeling sites (and sights). So grab your mask, because we’ve picked 25 of our favorites. Check out the April/May issue of Caribbean Travel + Life for even more hot spots!

A list of our favorite beach hotels and villas, from the 2012 edition of our annual Beach Lovers Guide. 

Though the words "beach" and "bar" together in a sentence pretty much guarantee a good time, here's a list of our six favorite beach bars in the Caribbean. 

From snorkeling to lounging on the sand, here are our five favorite beach activities—and the best places to do them.

Day Trip: Fish Finding in Cozumel.

Flying pigs are overrated. In the Bahamas, they swim.

Go ahead – jump in. Whale sharks won’t hurt you. These magnificent behemoths are the biggest fish on Earth, but you’re much more interested in them than they are in you. They use their 3,000 tiny teeth to filter plankton and krill, not to bite off your foot. Now is the best time of year to snorkel or dive alongside something bigger than the boat you jumped from.

Planning your next sailing or island vacation in the British Virgin Islands? Check out my detailed sailing itinerary, photo gallery and destination guide to these beautiful Caribbean islands.