Arnos Vale

Arnos Vale Reef snorkeling is your chance to plunge face-first into a psychedelic underwater jungle that Jacques Cousteau himself might have dreamed up after a rum cocktail or two. Just offshore from Tobago's Arnos Vale Bay, this vibrant coral wonderland sprawls beneath crystal-clear waters, brimming with marine oddballs that range from elegantly aloof parrotfish to territorial yet adorably tiny damselfish fiercely guarding their coral condos. Early morning is your best bet-beating both sunburned tourists bobbing in neon flotation vests and the afternoon currents. Planning ahead by at least a couple days secures your spot on a reputable boat, where around $50-$75 USD per person buys you decent gear, guidance from a guy named Dexter or Leroy who knows the reef better than most know their own families, and occasionally a post-snorkeling rum punch thrown in for good measure. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, an underwater camera for photographic bragging rights, and a dry sack for your valuables-because there's nothing sadder than soggy cash. Sure, you might swallow a bit of seawater, bump fins with an overzealous German tourist, or even be mildly judged by a particularly unimpressed hawksbill turtle-but you'll resurface armed with a smile, salt-encrusted eyebrows, and one hell of a good story to bore your friends with for years to come.

Few things scream vacation bravado quite like willingly hiking an active volcano, and Mt. Soufriere-a towering, temperamental landmark that shaped St. Vincent's rugged landscapes-does not disappoint. Set your alarm annoyingly early (think pre-dawn, coffee-fueled start) to dodge midday Caribbean heat; besides, morning fog lingering mysteriously along jungle trails adds the perfect Indiana Jones ambiance. This trek is more Hemingway grit than Instagram leisure, so pack sturdy shoes, snacks, at least two liters of water, and a healthy sense of dark humor. Plan a week or two ahead, committing roughly 4-6 hours for the hike round-trip, and expect to fork out around 60 US dollars per person if you opt for a knowledgeable local guide-a wise investment to ensure you avoid becoming tomorrow's volcanic headline. There's cautious intrigue in ascending into the unpredictable clouds of volcanic steam, and a breathtaking reward awaits at the crater's rim, with sweeping views of emerald rainforest cascading into aquamarine sea. Even if your calves protest loudly on the descent, trust me-the bragging rights alone (and the fiery anecdotes you'll casually drop at cocktail parties forever after) make tackling Mt. Soufriere one worthy act of well-intentioned insanity.

Bequia Island sneaks up on you quietly, like the Caribbean's best kept secret-small enough to cross on a rented scooter yet brimming with character beyond its modest size. This pint-sized paradise in the Grenadines has somehow dodged the overzealous cruise-ship hordes and mega-resort chains, remaining blissfully quirky and stubbornly authentic. Book your overnight stay a few weeks in advance to snag one of the brightly painted guesthouses dotting Admiralty Bay, and don't forget modest cash reserves; credit cards aren't always greeted enthusiastically. Come late afternoon to watch the sun melt theatrically over the rustling palms, then linger in waterfront bars where sailors regale anyone who'll listen with mildly embellished tales. Essential items: an open mind, mosquito repellent, and willingness to sip rum punch strong enough to strip varnish from a boat deck. Sure, those evening mosquitoes could drain you dry, and yes, morning roosters might mock your hangover relentlessly-but trust me, a sleepless night on Bequia beats a restful night anywhere else, if only for the irreplaceable bragging rights of saying you've stayed on the coolest little Caribbean island most people can't pronounce.