USA Today’s 10 Best Caribbean shore excursions in the water [Cayman inc]
By Fran Golden, Special for USA TODAY
As you daydream about a Caribbean cruise vacation, there is likely clear-blue sea in the picture. Perhaps you see yourself sitting on a white-sand beach, frozen drink in hand watching the waves. But there are other ways to experience water on fun — and sometimes thrilling — shore excursions.
Check out these water-based Caribbean excursions.
San Juan
Kayak in the natural wonder of a bioluminescent bay. Laguna Grande in Fajardo beautifully and somewhat eerily glows at night due to resident microorganisms. You peacefully observe the glowing, blue-green phenomenon as you paddle.
Jamaica
Wear your bathing suit for a horseback ride along the scenic coastline overlooking Chukka Beach including a bareback portion where you ride in the sea. Some excursions include a second water experience, climbing the well-tread path up the cascading, 600-foot Dunn’s River Falls.
Belize
Put on a headlight for a cave tubing experience, as you 
follow your guide on a fascinating float through an underground limestone cave system, sacred to the Mayans. Views include stalactites and stalagmites that spectacularly emerge in the darkness.
St. Maarten
Get a taste for what it’s like to compete in the America’s Cup yacht race. You board Dennis Conner’s cup-winning Stars and Stripes or another real contender for a real 
race on a shortened course, at top speed. Everyone onboard lends a hand. A similar experience is available in Cozumel.
Aruba
Board the Mi Dushi, an 80-foot ketch built in 1925, for a day of sailing, snorkeling and beach time – including a BBQ. Snorkeling stops include shallow reefs and the wreck of the Antilla, a World War II German freighter, 
hangout spot for creatures including colorful parrotfish.
Grand Cayman
Despite the crowds, it’s a kick to get in the water and pet a stingray. The creatures that inhabit the Stingray City sandbar are not afraid of people and stay around the spot because they know they will be fed squid. Their skin is like velvet, and they will let you pet their bellies like a dog.
Cozumel
In the pristine waters off Cozumel are hundreds of species of fish and some of the best dive spots in the world, including the famed Palancar Reef. If you dive, going with a PADI-certified dive master into Cozumel’s National Marine Park is a must-do. If you’ve always wanted to learn, your ship may offer a Discover Scuba program. Snorkeling the areas is also a delight, and there are other ways to see under the sea –including via the Atlantis Submarine.
Tortola
Book a shore excursion to Virgin Gorda and The Baths, a series of giant boulders, sea caves and sandy beaches connected by a network of trails. As you explore the caves and discover hidden sea pools, pretend you’re in a real-life version of “Pirates of the Caribbean.” The place also happens to be beautiful.
Nassau
There are several places in the Caribbean where you can pet a dolphin, but at Atlantis Dolphin Cay you can do a deep-water swim with the friendly mammals. You put on a snorkel and mask and hold onto a motorized water scooter so you can keep up with the dolphins in their saltwater lagoon.
St. Thomas
Take a thrill ride on water on the Screamin’ Eagle, a 650 HP turbo-charged jet boat. You’ll scream and with the commentary laugh too as you reach high speeds and do the equivalent of wheelies on the water.
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