Travel Like a Local: Caribbean and Atlantic
Look past the tourist traps brimming with imported souvenirs and overpriced drinks for a topside rendezvous with a more local flair. We asked dive pros about their favorite things to do in between dives.
1 ) Sunday Brunch
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
When I’m not in the water, I enjoy the diverse range of bars and restaurants on offer here. A favorite for local residents is to pick a Sunday brunch and eat like there is no tomorrow. It’s a great way to overindulge without breaking the bank.
—Drew McArthur, boat captain/dive instructor, Divetech
2 ) Punta Sur Eco Beach Park
Cozumel, Mexico
On my day off, I love to spend my spare time in Punta Sur Eco Park. You can visit a lagoon with crocodiles, snorkel on the reef, enjoy the best white sandy beach, walk along Maya ruins and climb up the lighthouse for pictures.
—Annalisa Zagara, base leader instructor at Pro Dive International

iStockBelize Cultural Tours
3 ) Cultural Tours
Belize
I am fascinated with multicultural Belize, particularly the Garifuna and Maya peoples. The Garifuna for their style of drumming, dancing and cuisine. I have learned how to make a Maya meal with tamales, tortillas and caldo, and I love to make chocolate the Maya way. I have now added Garifuna and Maya cultural tours to the Splash inland-tours repertoire, so I can share these amazing experiences with guests from abroad. —Patricia Ramirez, manager, Splash Dive Center
Check out these local spots in the United States and Canada.