What to Expect:   Lively nightlife, livelier reefs, colorful craft markets, Spanish forts, and Mayan ruins.

When to Go:   Winter, spring, or summer for the driest weather.

What to Do:   Dive, snorkel, or swim with sea turtles. Shop for hand-woven goods at the Nassau straw market, climb Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios, and explore ruins in Cozumel.

Local Color:   On Grand Cayman, go to Hell and back--and get your postcards stamped at the town's post office to prove it.

Don't Miss:   Snorkeling in some of the clearest, warmest waters anywhere--ideal for beginners and experts.

Don't Forget:   Serious sunscreen--45 SPF is not too strong for the Caribbean sun.