15 Adventurous Tropical Vacations For People Who Hate Winter

Winter is an ugly and unforgiving experience for many people. Cold temperatures, snow storms, wet feet, heavy coats – picturing yourself in a shorts walking on the beach and sipping drinks seems like an impossible dream. The need to get away from the city grows.

Many resorts in Antigua offer wintertime travelers an all-inclusive island escape. Visitors are greeted with endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, including diving, snorkeling, fishing, zip lining and water skiing, just to name a few. Most have various wellness programs which usually include days filled with fitness classes, one-on-one nutrition coaching, rejuvenating spa treatments and adventurous day trips, such a catamaran cruise.

From volcano hiking to jungle zip lining, Costa Rica is essentially an adventure-lover's paradise, and with its many stunning landscapes it also makes for a romantic honeymoon setting. One trip can easily include hiking, biking, kayaking and whitewater rafting through jungles. Rappel down waterfalls and explore the many sceneries of the country's beloved national parks. If you are ready to face your fears, head to Cocos Island, one of the world's most famous places for shark sightings.

Put Belize and adventure in one sentence and you get The Blue Hole. It is one of the most stunning scuba diving locations when seen from above. It's beautiful underwater as well – clear waters, rich sea life, lots of sunshine. It's also one of the most dangerous at more than 400 feet down into the earth. Belize has more than 400 islands, white sandy beaches, the longest unbroken barrier reef in the western hemisphere and 185 miles of coastline, according to PADI.

It looks like an infinite inlet. That's probably because it's the second largest in the world. Rangiroa is a string of coral encompassing a luminous turquoise and jade-green lagoon. It's also one of the world's best diving locations. Explore the stunning and warm waters with 150-foot visibility aboard a canoe, glass-bottomed boat, or while snorkeling in the coral gardens and fish preserves; stay in enchanting and peaceful villages; see local working pearl farms; or relax in hidden resorts.

This is a last-minute destination that will not cost you a fortune. Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, and La Paz may be more bang for the buck. Some of the hottest places to check out in Mexico next year are Playa del Carmen, the Underwater River in Cenote Angelita and the Marieta Islands. The Cenotes are a must-see diving site. The Yucatan's elaborate cenotes have intricate cave systems and underground tunnels that draw divers from around the globe.

Its best feature is the chance to experience two exciting cultures in one vacation. The land is governed by both France and the Netherlands, making for a diverse and exciting excursion that includes the chance to explore rainforests, caves and even a lively urban setting. Ditch the snow and relax on a white-sand beach covering the breathtaking islands instead.

This is an inexpensive destination you should visit in 2017. Madeira offers a very wide range of incredible hiking opportunities, spectacular beaches and delicious food. The semitropical four-island archipelago is located off the coast of Africa. The winter is the most affordable time to go – smaller crowds and temperatures in the late 60s. Explore lush gardens, try delicious wine, and marvel the European-style parishes.

The Bahamas are one of the most adventurous destinations in the world – think of anything exciting you want to do and the islands will offer it. This includes rambling in Acklins, "driving" underwater, horseback riding on the beach, diving with sharks, swimming with dolphins, parasailing, jeep safaris and SNUBA. Go on a boat tour to Pig Island, an uninhabited island known for being populated by many swimming feral pigs.

Malaysian Borneo is a thrilling adventurous destination. The indigenous Dayak tribes were still headhunting not too many decades ago. Tourists are happily welcomed to Borneo—one of two places on earth where you can see orangutans in their native habitat. Other top attractions include trekking in the rainforest, scuba diving, Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, and staying in longhouse to see how indigenous people live.

The tourism industry has been up and coming but some places remain overlooked, hence are much cheaper. Visit the historic gem of Santa Marta, the first Spanish settlement in Colombia and the oldest surviving city in the country. Aside from history, you get to enjoy beautiful beaches, amazing reefs for unforgettable snorkeling and a bustling nightlife. Cartagena will delight you with history, adventure, and warmth – a great destination for winter sun.

This is a place you probably haven't thought of yet. This is an American unincorporated territory of five volcanic islands and two coral atolls. It is massively underestimated by tourists, but it has everything – mountain ridges, bays, villages, and some remote, untouched and naturally beautiful beaches. Explore the National Park of American Samoa, one of the most remote in the U.S. Visit the Rose Atoll as well. It is an uninhabited wildlife heaven that has the largest populations of giant clams, nesting seabirds and rare reef fish.

At the very least, you'll save money going there by not having to get a passport. The island is a popular destination for romantic getaways, adventure, and nightlife. Old San Juan is a must-see because of its colonial past. Explore one of the most accessible rainforests – El Yunque. Surfers are going to love the island, too. Zip-lining and caving in Rio Camuy are other popular activities. There is little rain in the winter and temperatures are in the 80s. Crowds are smaller, hotel rates are under $100. 

The gorgeous Caribbean island is just off the Venezuelan coast. It is famous for the vibrantly colored Dutch colonial architecture of its capital city, Willemstad. Not far – just about 40 miles –the island transforms into a rugged desert wilderness, covered with cacti, green iguanas, unique orchids and bromeliads. Visiting the Christoffel National Park is a must, but make sure you do it on horseback, by jeep safari, or on one of the eight hiking trails. The most advanced of them will take you to the 1,230-foot-tall summit.

This is a country where people live a long, happy life, according to data. Escape the cold at Montego Bay. The gorgeous Jamaican spot may look expensive, but there are plenty of options to help you keep the cost down. The Caribbean island's heart hides a less-known spirit of adventure. Deep in the rainforests, away from crowded cruise ports and beach resorts, the Rio Bueno offers a surprisingly thrilling whitewater rafting adventure, complete with swift rapids and deeper sections where you can jump in from cliffs lining the banks.

The 32 islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines are known for spectacular SCUBA diving. Stay at the Tobago Cays Marine Park if you want to escape the crowds. A peaceful yachting anchorage, a dream for scuba divers, a paradise for beachcombers, and a film location for Pirates of the Caribbean, the Tobago Cays, is one of the world's most awe -inspiring island destinations. The park is home to coral reefs, sea turtle nesting sites and feeding areas, and small systems of mangroves. The marine portion surrounds five uninhabited cays, the populated island of Mayreau, and three islets.