The surest way to encounter the clown princes of the ocean is by taking an organized dolphin swim off Grand Bahama Island . Encounters with caged dolphin are offered at Port Lucaya on Grand Bahama Island; and at Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and Nassau, Bahamas, among other places.

If you happen to be in the Turks & Caicos during a January or February, you might also be lucky enough to see (and perhaps even swim with) migrating humpback whales.

For a sure thing, try whale watching in the Dominican Republic off the Samana Peninsula in winter. Dominica has various species of resident whales year-round.

Birds are everywhere throughout the islands, but they're often fly-speck size, at a far distance. Trinidad 's Asa Wright Nature Preserve is the Caribbean 's premier place for viewing a tremendous variety of bird species, many from nearby South America.

You can relax on Asa Wright's large front porch and watch the hummingbirds surround the bird feeders out front, or go searching on your own along any of the 9 walking trails.

Near sunset, Trinidad's skies are clouded with scarlet ibis in the huge mangrove swamp of the Caroni Bird Sanctuary. You're not allowed to approach the brilliantly-colored birds too closely once they settle for the night; bring high-powered binoculars.

Pink flamingoes are a certainty at the salt pans on Bonaire and some of the ponds around the island. Boobies and frigates are always found around Little Cayman 's pond preserve.

St. Lucia 's Fregate Islands and Maria Islands Nature Preserves also offer excellent chances to see rare birds and other critters.

The one sure-fire animal encounter that's unmatched anywhere for sheer spectacle is the annual green sea turtle nesting at Tortuguero, Costa Rica, from July to September.

Tortuguero offers the unique opportunity to view endangered creatures of several hundred pounds roaming freely--and you never have to worry about being eaten for lunch.

Learn more about manatees, or sea cows, which you may or may not see.

Animal Viewing Part 1

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