Wreck

Set on a coastal road about a mile south of George Town, this middle-bracket hotel — whose rooms are divided among a quintet of two-story outbuildings — is Grand Cayman’s “pearl in an oyster.” Accommodations are simple, no nonsense and very comfortable. This place is favored by divers and snorkelers, who appreciate spectacular shore diving and the extensive diving programs.

The Ocean Hunter vessels are Palau’s most luxurious live-aboard fleet. Ocean Hunter III carries up to 19 divers in eight air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms and has the best ratio of boat space per diver.

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.