Big animal

The first thing you’ll notice here is the coral — an explosion of color as vivid as the splatters on a paintball bunker. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, spanning from the Yucatan Peninsula to Honduras, swings 25 miles offshore in some places. This buffer largely insulates the structure from the stresses of land, preserving these eye-popping species.

Fly to the Bay Islands and you’ll likely trade dive tales with a seatmate before take-off. Here, scuba is affordable — and tourism’s biggest draw. Most dive shops have perfected the art of keeping groups on schedule in the morning, then letting individuals choose their own adventures come afternoon. If you’re looking to fill a logbook, check to see if your resort has a house reef (many do). Topography ranges from sheer walls to gradually sloping drop-offs, but no matter what, inclines are noticeable enough to simplify navigation.

Aqua Cat Cruises offers shark, blue hole, swift drift, wall and reef dives — up to 26 per week. Cruise in luxury from Nassau to the remote Exumas. Sink your toes into sugar sand, snorkel or dive among sharks and stingrays, or hike. No crowds, no set itineraries — just sit back, relax and choose from an incredible variety of activities, including scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, sunbathing and island exploring.