So Many Fun Caribbean Water Sports And Activities
On our Caribbean cruise with Oceania Cruises, we enjoyed so many fun Caribbean water sports and activities. We were still not fully comfortable travelling during the pandemic, so we chose our port day excursions with care.
The great thing about cruising in the Caribbean was the variety in options for outdoor fun. We packed our snorkel gear for the trip and planned cruise port excursions that got us in the water.
We started our Caribbean water adventures with snorkelling in St Barts. On our visit to Antigua, we booked a champagne and lobster catamaran trip. In St Maarten, we again boarded a catamaran for snorkelling and a beach break. On the last day of our Caribbean cruise, we enjoyed a fun beach day on Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. We took advantage of the sun, sand and blue waters of the Caribbean every chance we could.
Snorkelling In St Barts
The first port stop on our Caribbean cruise was in Gustavia, St Barts. We visited Gustavia many times before and knew there was much to do on the island. But on this visit, we planned a short excursion and went snorkelling.
Our cruise ship was anchored in the harbour. After a brief tender ride to the dock, we got on the inflatable RHIB boat and headed back out into the bay. Despite the many good snorkel and dive sights on St Barts, we did not go far. The large rocks at Gros Islet gave us a view of our ship at anchor.
The area around Gros Islet was part of the Marine Reserve created in 1996. The lee of the rocks was pretty protected but the snorkel leaders reminded people to stay together. And we were told not get too close to the rocks. We did not have high expectations for seeing much on this snorkel trip.
Gros Islet Outside Of Gustavia Harbour
As we snorkelled along, we found much to see under the water. Along the rocks we found coral. And schools of fish swam past. We were most fascinated with the groups of squids we found. Especially as we watched them change colour.
Our snorkel leader kept his eyes peeled for interesting things for us to see. As I bobbed along on top of the water, David took deep breaths and dived down and explored the lower depths.
Our snorkel trip lasted about an hour. We enjoyed the time in the water and were happy we saw some things in this spot so close to the harbour. Our first cruise excursion for fun Caribbean water sports and activities had us excited for our other planned water outings.
A Catamaran Trip In Antigua
We have loved our many cruising stops in Antigua. With 365 beaches, there were a lot of fun Caribbean water sports and activities to enjoy. We last visited Antigua on a stop our our way to cruise around South America. We so much enjoyed our champagne and lobster catamaran excursion that we booked it again on this Caribbean cruise.
On this second catamaran excursion in Antigua, we were on the Explorer catamaran with Mystic Cruises. The great crew welcomed us all onboard and we set off up the coastline. There was much to see as we moved along. And when the wind was right, the sails were raised.
Champagne and Lobster On Our Excursion
The catamaran was anchored in a still bay and we were joined by one of the other Mystic Cruises boats. It was a great spot and we got off the catamaran and enjoyed the water fun.
While we played in the water, the crew grilled up a tasty lobster lunch. The lunch was served with champagne, local Carib beer and the local rum. With a view out over the water, it was a lovely al fresco meal.
Our catamaran made a couple of beach stops and then headed back to port. Our champagne and lobster catamaran trip was another great one of the Caribbean water sports and activities we enjoyed.
Fun Caribbean Water Sports And Activities In St Maarten
One of the best Caribbean water sports and activities we ever enjoyed was our day crewing one of the America’s Cup 12 Metre racing sailboats. While that excursion was available on our Caribbean cruise, we chose to do another catamaran adventure. Even without the champagne and lobster feast.
We did a short walk from the dock in Philipsburg in St Maarten to the Golden Eagle catamaran. Our first stop was in a sheltered cove for snorkelling. When we pulled up we saw a few other boats anchored. But by the time we left, the bay was full of people in the water.
Our catamaran had a great ladder and we easily got in and headed towards the shore first. On the rocks we found a little coral and some small schools of fish. Less interested in this, we headed back to the main underwater attraction.
We hovered over the area and saw the sunken helicopter. When David dove deeper, he discovered other treats. It was easy to recognize a cannon, a Neptune statue and the shell of a submersible.
We had a lot of fun snorkelling before we re-boarded the catamaran.
Fun Caribbean Water Sports And Activities In St Maarten
With our first snorkelling stop done, the crew raised the sails and we headed out. As we moved along the coastline, we enjoyed the variety of views we got. It felt great to be out on the water in St Maarten.
Our next stop was anchored off a large sand beach. This spot had a long a strip of homes and resorts but the beach was almost empty when we arrived. It was a good stop for a beach break for us.
With nothing but sand around, we left our snorkel gear on the boat. So just we got in the water and paddled around. When the crew brought a cooler of drinks to the beach, we headed in and picked up our cold Carib beers. What could be more decadent than drinking beer as we floated in the Caribbean Sea?
When our time was up, the anchor on the Golden Eagle catamaran was pulled up and we headed back to the dock. Definitely a perfect day for fun Caribbean water sports and activities in St Maarten.
A Beach Day At Great Stirrup Cay In Bahamas
The last port stop on our Caribbean cruise provided a fun beach day on the private island of Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. This private island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Lines and it meant that Oceania Cruises guests got to enjoy the island retreat. Since we were the only cruise ship docked that day, we found vast stretches of empty sand and loungers!
There was a lot to do on the island. And other excursions that took people off the island. But we loved the idea of a relaxing day at the beach. We took our snorkel gear and were delighted when we found the Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden underwater.
The lighthouse provided a pretty set of colourful underwater murals. And was the base that many people used to launch onto the zipline.
A day at the beach on Great Stirrup Cay was the perfect way to enjoy some Caribbean water sports and activities.
Fun Caribbean Water Sports And Activities Kept Us Busy On Our Caribbean Cruise
On other cruising voyages, we visited many of the ports included on our Caribbean cruise. On those visits we enjoyed tours and land activities. But on this trip, we really wanted to be outdoors. And took advantage of the many Caribbean water sports and activities available.
We had amazing sunny and hot weather for our whole cruise. What could be better than enjoying a break from winter in Canada?
What fun Caribbean water sports and activities have you enjoyed?
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The Caribbean must be the perfect place to get out into the water. I love snorkeling too. And I would like to go kayaking and sailing there, if possible. Great that they offer such a variety of different water sports on a cruise ship.
We were so glad we found so many great outdoor water excursions on this Caribbean cruise.
I would love to know your secret of doing such beautiful things in life. I feel a surge of energy after reading about your trips. I would love to see the underground Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden, the sunken helicopter. It sounds so adventurous and I loved your picture enjoying the waters.
We were indeed so happy that we had so many fun outdoor water adventures on this visit to the Caribbean.
I definitely want to do the lobster cruise and go snorkeling. I just got a waterproof cover for my phone and want to try it out. However, I’m nervous and will probably test it on my old phone first.
I too would be careful about your phone. I had one for my old phone and it leaked and destroyed my phone. So I know I will be super careful next time.
Great post on your Caribbean trip with loads of fun water sports and snorkeling with a wonderful underwater sculptures to dive into. Freshly grilled lobster on a cruise boat is a great idea to enjoy the sea. And the it was thrilling to see the wonderful art murals on the light house standing tall by the beach.Nothing compares to a sailboat cruising the turquoise waters.
We were definitely very happy we got to enjoy so many fun water sports and activities on this trip. We are water babies and will always head to water if given the chance.
When I think of the Caribbean, I think of pristine beaches, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear water perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Your photos just sum them all up! I’d probably be snorkeling all day, too, then cap it off with drinking beer, if given the chance. What a beautiful world beneath the waves they have!
We really did enjoy everything there was to do around the water in the Caribbean!
Most people I know would visit the Caribbean because of the water sports and fun in the sun. I can understand that even better because of this post. It sure looks like you had an absolutely awesome time. I’d love to experience the Great Stirrup Cay. It seems serene and placid to walk by the shore.
We loved the great mix of fun activities we had outdoors around the water in the Caribbean.
Calling all water sport enthusiasts, the Caribbean offers a lot according to your post. I would love the catamaran cruise, especially at sunset. I can see why you love cruising so much, you’re surrounded by water.
People actually wonder why we choose water activities for our excursions when we are already travelling on a boat. But we love being outside and being lower on the water is a lot of fun.
These all sound like wonderful ways to enjoy the Caribbean. I have been to the Mexican Caribbean and the US Virgin Islands, but would love to explore a lot more.
We have visited a lot of the Caribbean and love all the water sports and activities on the water. A great way for us to escape our cold winter.
I have never been snorkeling but the Caribbean water looks like the perfect place to go for the first time. I really enjoyed looking at your photos! Looks like such a fun time.
We did indeed have a fun time. I hope one day you do get to try snorkelling.
You sold me with the champagne and lobster! I’m looking at flights right now :p
We sure wish we were back in the Caribbean too. That catamaran trip is one we would do another time.
The Caribbean is truly so much fun! I love all your recommendations including snorkeling and catamaran excursions. They’re such fun ways to experience your destination from another vantage point. Will definitely be referring back to this as I plan my next trip!
Glad to have given you some good ideas for water sports and activities for your next Caribbean trip.
I miss the Caribbean so much! Love your photos and the fabulous guide on all the fun water sports and activities!
We were indeed glad we got a small getaway to the Caribbean. It had been far too long since our last visit.
These are some fun and adventurous activities to do. I would love to try Snorkelling. Caribbean countries always fascinated me. Would love to visit them in the near future.
The Caribbean is the easiest choice for us to get away to some place hot. And fun water activities are always a great way for us to enjoy the sun and warmth.
Great post on your Caribbean trip with loads of fun water sports and snorkeling with a wonderful underwater sculptures to dive into. Freshly grilled lobster on a cruise boat is a great idea to enjoy the sea. thanks for sharing this amazing article.
I am glad you enjoyed our adventures with water sports in the Caribbean.
We love to snorkel and in fact have planned some excursions that will allow us to snorkel on our upcoming Mexican Riviera Cruise. It seems like the best way to enjoy the day without exposing ourselves too much to anyone who could be sick. Your underwater photos are so clear! What kind of camera did you use?
I totally was happy we could find so many great outdoor activities on our cruise. For underwater, we are using a Canon G12 in an underwater housing for the pics. It is an older camera but it has an underwater setting that helps get much truer colours.
Love this post so much! The Caribbean looks like the perfect spot for snorkeling, which I have been hoping to do more of! I have to admit that the sunken helicopter with all of the colorful corals at St Maarten is the one that grabbed my attention the most. Absolutely adding this to my bucket list!
I am glad to provide you with some ideas for enjoying water sports in the Caribbean. It was indeed cool to find the sunken helicopter.
Champagne and grilled lobster after water fun? I’m in! The underwater world around Caribbean is so beautiful. I think snorkeling is really the most wonderful you did while there.
We were indeed so happy we got so much snorkelling in on this last visit to the Caribbean.
We love snorkeling. Gros Islet looks gorgeous! We love finding these great little spots.
We love that each time we visit a spot in the Caribbean we find yet one more spot to love.
So many awesome activities to do in Caribbean! I don’t think there any better place for water activities. The water is clean and the weather is perfect. My favorite is snorkeling among all these.
Snorkelling is one of our favourites too. Good exercise and usually something fun to see.
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What a great list of fun water adventures! I love anything on or in the water, especially when it’s in the clear blue Caribbean waters.
I have to agree with you. The warm blue waters of the Caribbean draw us all the time!
I can believe all the ocean creatures you saw while snorkeling! The water is so blue and clear! I need to add this to our list for when we’re in the Caribbean!
We are always happy to head underwater in the Caribbean. A great way to enjoy a great day and get some exercise too.
So much water fun. I would definitely be signing up for all those snorkeling and scuba trip. I am the most fascinated with the St Nicholas sculpture garden. It truly looks intriguing and am about the follow the link you have shared to read a little more about it. Caribbean seems so unspoilt with that clear water
The Caribbean sure does offer some fun options for water sports and activities. That clear water always draws us in.
I’ve only ever snorkelled in the Red Sea before, but this looks so inviting. Warm turquoise seas, lots to see, and lobster and champagne afterwards – what more could a girl ask for? Looks fabulous!
We loved all the different ways we found to enjoy the water in the Caribbean. No wonder we keep going back – even to places we visited before.
A great round-up of exciting water activities to do in the Caribbean although my favourite has to be the photo of you floating in the sea with a beer! I’ve done a few similar excursions in the Caribbean and they have always been great fun. Need to go back at some point and tick some more off my bucket-list!
I must admit I could not resist floating with a beer! It felt totally decadent indeed. A great set of water activities on our last Caribbean trip.
Great list of Caribbean water activities, very inspiring. I would love to try a catamaran snorkeling trip and lobster catamaran trip.
We were glad we chose to do some catamaran excursions on our recent Caribbean cruise. A fun way to enjoy the outdoors.
Oh dear, your trip and the cool pictures look so enticing! I have never been on a multi-day cruise and those large cruise ships from afar have always attracted my attention. And the people in the Caribbean surely know how to live life to the fullest. I hope I can visit some day with family and have a good time soaking in the sea and lobsters 🙂
I hope you do get to visit the Caribbean one day. We love to cruise and experience many on the same trip.
Beautiful pictures of the coral 🙂 Your adventures are so fun, I hope I travel this much when I retire.
We are certainly happy we can travel again. We really needed this escape to the Caribbean for some water fun.
I would love to do some diving to see wrecks! Water sports are always a lot of fun while you’re on vacation.
We do love to head to the water as often as we can. Water sports and activities in the Caribbean always offer such great choices.
Snorkeling then champagne and lobster sounds like my perfect day in the Caribbean. <3 This is such a great list! Looks like a fantastic time!
We did indeed have a great time enjoying the water in the Caribbean. Lots of variety!
I have always wanted to do a Caribbean cruise but we live so far away! All the islands look gorgeous and I’d love to try these water sports and activities. What looks the most exciting to me is the sunken helicopter dive in St Maarten! I can’t wait to make it to the Caribbean someday.
I do hope you get to visit the Caribbean one day. In normal years, it is an easy hop south for us to escape the Canadian winter. We were glad we took the chance and visited on this trip for some sun and fun.
These all sound so fun! I love snorkeling, so I think I would love snorkeling in St. Bart’s or St. Maarten the most. Thanks for sharing!
We were certainly glad we brought our snorkelling gear with us on this trip. Always fun exploring underwater in the Caribbean.
All of these looks so much fun! I love snorkelling, the under water world is so beautiful and exciting. Also love the idea of spending the day on the catamaran.
We were very glad we found so many great water sports and activities to do on this visit to the Caribbean.
What a great choice of shore excursions in the Caribbean! I would love each and every one of these, but the lobster lunch might be my favorite.
The lobster lunch was probably the tastiest one for sure!
An underwater camera is pretty fun to snorkel with. Lots of fun pictures.
We were glad we brought out underwater camera on this trip. Good to record our fun!
Such dreamy photos. It’s the catamaran trip for me ?
The catamaran trips were definitely a fun way to ensure the Caribbean.
That beautiful blue water is crying out to be explored! I’m not surprised there are so many fun Caribbean water sports and activities! I’d especially love to see Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden – what a fun and unique sight! Thanks for the great guide!
We do love to spend our Caribbean time enjoying the great water sports and activities. So many great choices for sure!
So many incredible excursions to be had in the Caribbean! I love all of the underwater treasures you’ve seen on your snorkel adventures. The helicopter is so awesome!
It is always fun when we find interesting things underwater.
I SCUBA and snorkel, but have yet to see a squid! What a cool thing to see!
We were surprised at how many squid we saw. And very cool to see them change colour.
I love all the water sports and the Caribbean is such a great place and climate. I might pick snorkelling first although going on a sail typically tops my list of fun things to do.
In each port there were so many great choices of outdoor water sports and activities. Lots of fun options!
I love that photo of you enjoying a Carib in the Caribbean! I’ve been snorkeling a handful of times and immensely enjoyed it. I definitely hope to do more. The waters were so clear in the DR. They were a bit murkier in Puerto Vallarta, but I enjoyed it none the less. I’d love to learn to scuba dive and have had an hour introductory to it, but it definitely feels a bit intimidating. I love how easy snorkeling is to just pick up, regardless of experience.
We were glad to find so many ways to enjoy the water on this trip to the Caribbean. For longer stays we definitely consider taking our scuba gear. But on this trip our snorkel gear got used a lot. I must admit I am often more comfortable under the water – no waves and actually easier to move around and get close to what you want. I float a lot so it is hard for me to dive down and see things when snorkelling. But in scuba I am properly weighted so I move with ease.
I love the variety of options for Caribbean water activities, and the snorkeling looks stunning! I am headed to St. Martin in late spring, and even though we won’t be on a cruise, this was a good overview of various things to look into. The catamaran trip sounds like it was a lot of fun, and lobster with champagne for lunch sounds delicious!
We love how much there is to do on or in the water in the Caribbean. If you go to St Maarten, consider doing the Americas Cup crewing. That was a lot of fun too!
The picture of you floating just takes the cake – this being said about a post packed with beautiful pictures! I love the Caribbean, and the underwater world is just amazing. Sadly, I cannot dive, however, snorkeling is one of my favorite things when travelling. It’s like a whole different planet down there. It’s awesome how many intriguing spots you’ve visited. Hence, you’ve totally deserved that drink while floating on your back 😉
We loved all the great water activities we found on our Caribbean cruise. And it was indeed fun to celebrate with a beer while floating in the beautiful waters.