Watersports encompass a wide variety of activities that are performed on or in water, including swimming, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, water skiing, and more. These activities are not only enjoyable but can also be great for physical fitness and mental well-being.
The Caribbean is a popular destination for watersports enthusiasts, offering a wide variety of activities that take advantage of the region’s crystal-clear waters, warm temperatures, and abundant marine life. Read on to learn more.
Best Watersports in the Caribbean
We polled a wide range of watersports enthusiasts to get their thoughts on their favorite watersports to do in the Caribbean. Here are their answers.
Parasailing
Kevin Mercier from KEVMRC Travel likes parasailing the most.
“Parasailing is something that I recommend to everyone visiting the Caribbean. You get to sit in a small plastic vessel, strapped in as if you’re about to ride a car. The vessel is then attached to the back of a powerful boat through a retractable line on a wrench.”
As the boat takes off, a big parachute behind your vessel starts catching the wind and starts lifting you in the air.
His parasailing experience was sensational, as he got to soar through the sky, hundreds of feet above the water, allowing him a breathtaking view of the world below that he wouldn’t get otherwise.
The boats on the water look like grains of rice on a blue tablecloth. The overall experience is exhilarating but not scary.
Paddleboarding
According to Julian from Green Water Sports, paddleboarding is the ideal sport for the Caribbean, offering numerous benefits. The clear and calm waters allow paddlers to explore the marine life and coral reefs closely while enjoying a peaceful and relaxing experience.
Paddleboarding is also a low-impact sport suitable for all fitness levels, improving core strength, balance, and overall fitness. The versatility of the activity allows paddlers to explore various settings, from mangrove forests to open oceans, making it a perfect way to explore the beautiful Caribbean coastlines.
Moreover, it’s a fun and social activity that can be enjoyed with friends and family, creating lasting memories. In conclusion, paddleboarding offers an enjoyable way to stay active, explore the Caribbean’s stunning beauty, and connect with others. It’s no surprise that paddleboarding is one of the most popular activities in the Caribbean.
Freediving
Brian Kearin from Boat Easy has said that his top pick is freedive snorkeling. It’s relatively easy to get into and offers access to the amazing underwater environment the Caribbean has to offer.
The equipment required is relatively cheap compared to other watersports, and if you’re a comfortable swimmer learning to freedive is easy. I recommend finding an instructor and taking a freedive class to ensure you’re practicing it safely and within your own limits.
Once on the water, freediving allows you easy access to some of the best sites the Caribbean has to offer. From coral reefs to seagrass meadows to shipwrecks and archaeological sites, freedive snorkeling offers a way to make the most out of your visit to the Caribbean.
Swimming with Whale Sharks
Ciaran Coughlan‘s favorite is swimming with Whale Sharks in Cancun, Mexico. Diving into the crystal-clear waters off the coast of Cancun and encountering whale sharks is an unbelievable experience! These gentle giants of the sea are just incredible – they’re massive but wouldn’t hurt a fly, munching only on tiny plankton.
Their mouths are absolutely huge which is quite intimidating but adds to the experience. But don’t worry, you won’t be in danger. Despite their seemingly slow and lumbering movements, they can actually swim super fast. So, if you want to keep up, you better be really quick. Coming face to face with a whale shark is one of the most unforgettable experiences you’ll ever have.
Scuba Diving
According to Val Streif from GetMyBoat ,the best water sport to do in the Caribbean, hands down, is scuba diving. The reefs in the Caribbean are unmatched, the warm waters are so comfortable to dive in, and they are great for divers of any level, from brand-new open-water beginners to advanced divemasters.
In the Caribbean, there are hundreds of scuba diving and snorkeling options, as well as thousands of boat and yacht charters and other activities. It is super easy to find and book local on-water experiences, and water sports are no exception.
Dive over stunning coral reefs, and see tons of tropical fish, sea turtles, and so much more when exploring the Caribbean on a dive or boat tour.
Nick Mueller from Hawaiian Islands goes on to say that St. Croix is one popular Caribbean island for scuba. However, if you’re interested in swimming with sharks, the Bahamas offers many safe experiences for coming up close with the shark species in the area.
Kayaking
Steve from Paddle About tell us that kayaking is his sport to do in the Caribbean.
Kayaking is one of the most popular watersports in the Caribbean. With its crystal clear waters and natural beauty, the Caribbean offers some of the best kayaking experiences. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced paddler, the Caribbean offers a wide range of kayaking options to suit your interests and skill levels.
The region is known for its warm, calm waters, making it ideal for kayaking. In addition, the Caribbean is home to diverse marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, colorful fish, and coral reefs. Kayaking through these waters will give you a unique and up-close experience of the Caribbean’s underwater world.
Many resorts and tour companies offer kayaking excursions, so finding an adventure that fits your needs is easy.
Windsurfing
Angel from SSW Boardhouse has recommended windsurfing. For those who prefer calmer adventures out on the open waters, windsurfing will keep you busy all day long as you make your leisurely way through the Caribbean islands.
With plenty of options for beginners as well as advanced sailors and windsurfers, you’ll be able to take in the incredible views on offer while learning a new skill or improving your existing one.
Tubing
Ken from Full of Sports has chosen tubing. Tubing is another popular water sport in the caribbean that’s perfect for all levels of experience. It’s easy enough for beginners to get started and hard enough that experienced sailors won’t be bored.
here are different types of tubes available, so you can find one that best suits your needs. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try something like white-water rafting or kayaking – both activities offer plenty of thrills and excitement for those who love adventure!
