Nonstop Caribbean: Fly right to the beach

CAYMAN ISLANDS
The largest and most populated of the three Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman has long drawn divers eager to get a glimpse of the Cayman Trench — an underwater canyon that plunges to nearly 25,000 feet deep.

Must-do: Snorkel while being surrounded by rays at Stingray City — a string of sandbars in the North Sound. Captain Marvin's Watersports runs three-hour trips that depart from Governor's Harbor (345/945-6975, captainmarvins.com, $40, includes gear).

Where to stay: The Turtle Nest Inn has 10 two-bedroom condos and seven one-bedroom apartments that sleep four (with full kitchens). You can see the ocean from the beds in units 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8. The inn also has one room available for a single (345/ 947-8665, turtlenestinn.com, from $99).

CURAÇAO
The confluence of the Caribbean and the Netherlands is most visible in the vibrant architecture, which marries a tropical palette with Dutch building styles.

Must-do: The Punda neighborhood in Willemstad, the capital of the Netherlands Antilles (Curaçao's island group), is renowned for its colonial Dutch character and plentiful shopping opportunities.

Where to stay: A colorful collection of airy studios and bungalows, Chogogo Resort overlooks Jan Thiel Beach, which is a few minutes away on foot. Note: A three-night minimum stay is required (011-599/9-747-2844, chogogo.com, from $110).

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
When Christopher Columbus caught a glimpse of Hispaniola — the island that's now home to the Dominican Republic and Haiti — during his first expedition to the New World, he declared: "This island is the most beautiful that I have yet seen." The D.R.'s capital is Santo Domingo, on the southern coast; the other entry points from the mainland U.S. are La Romana (in the southeast), Punta Cana (on the east coast), Puerto Plata (in the north), and Santiago (inland, toward the north).

Must-do: A horseback ride on a beach. Your hotel can arrange it.

Where to stay: Adults-only and all-inclusive, BlueBay Villas Doradas in Puerto Plata is great for romance (809/320-3000, bluebayresorts.com, from $240). Near La Romana, the all-inclusive Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach has 530 rooms, three pools, four restaurants, and four bars (809/686-5658, wyndham.com, from $260). Bávaro Princess is an 800-room all-inclusive near Punta Cana, with everything a family could want: a pair of swimming pools, six restaurants, and a five-minute walk over to the beach (809/221-2311, princess-hotels.com, from $198).

Did you know? The D.R.'s capital, Santo Domingo, was founded in 1496 — making it the oldest continuous European settlement in the New World.

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GRENADA
The largest island in a nation that also comprises Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Grenada has a law stating that buildings cannot be taller than a coconut palm tree.

Must-do: Hike the Mount Qua Qua Trail through the rain forest in Grand Etang Forest Reserve; then, top off the trek with a swim in one of the cascade pools at Concord Falls (473/440-6160, $20 for a guided hike for two).

Where to stay: At the beachside Coral Cove Cottages, terra-cotta-roofed cottages sit on five peaceful acres of hillside gardens (473/444-4422, coralcovecottages.com, from $140). La Sagesse is a former plantation home on a secluded beach (473/444-6458, lasagesse.com, from $170).

GUADELOUPE
Guadeloupe is an archipelago with a land area of more than 580 square miles, the majority of which is made up of Grand-Terre and Basse-Terre, adjoining islands shaped like a giant butterfly.

Must-do: On Basse-Terre's northern tip, Jardin Botanique de Deshaies has more than 900 plant species (011-590/590-284-302, jardin-botanique.com, $19).

Where to stay: The 10 rooms at Amaudo Hôtel, on the south coast of Grand-Terre, have terraces overlooking the sea (011-590/590-888-700, im-caraibes.com/cocolo, from $179).

Did you know? In 1976, Guadeloupe was evacuated when La Soufrière, on Basse-Terre, threatened to erupt. Werner Herzog made a film about it.

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