Tropical beach getaways are synonymous with relaxation. It's the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, where you can unwind amidst the sun, sand, and sea. However, beyond the leisurely umbrella drinks and cabana lounging, there's a world of exhilarating adventures to be discovered in paradise. Whether it's swimming with sea turtles, cliff jumping into crystal-clear waterfalls, or soaring through the air on a thrilling zip-lining tour with breathtaking panoramic views, there's no shortage of adrenaline-pumping experiences to add some extra excitement to your beach vacation. Here are six of our top picks for unforgettable adventures that will make your trip truly extraordinary.

Jump off a waterfall

For the true adventurers, why not take on all 27 of them? Located in the Dominican Republic, the 27 Charcos de Damajagua (27 Waterfalls of Damajagua) offer an exhilarating and unforgettable experience that will push you out of your comfort zone. After a scenic hike through the forest and crossing footbridges for about an hour, you'll be rewarded with a series of stunning waterfalls to slide down or jump off into deep aqua pools below. The first few falls are thrilling for most, but the 27th and final one is reserved for the bravest of the brave. Don't worry though, if it looks a little too daunting, there are walk-arounds for the bigger jumps, making it a perfect day trip for small groups, families, and couples with varying levels of bravery. Take the plunge and make memories that will last a lifetime at the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua.

Explore ancient ruins

Chichen Itza is a must-see destination for travelers visiting Cancun and Riviera Maya, as it has earned its place as one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World." This remarkable archaeological site, dating back to the 10th century, offers a glimpse into the rich Mayan culture that gave us the infamous Doomsday Calendar and ritual sport sacrifices. One of the most iconic structures in Chichen Itza is El Castillo, also known as the Pyramid of Kukulkan, which is truly awe-inspiring. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, visitors can witness an incredible phenomenon where shadows create an illusion of a snake slithering down the stairs, adding to the mystique of this ancient wonder.

Take a hike in Hawaii

Ever wondered what it's like to witness a sunrise from above the clouds? On the island of Maui, if you're willing to wake up before dawn and hike up Haleakala National Park, you can experience this breathtaking phenomenon. Haleakala, meaning "house of the sun" in Hawaiian, offers a view that is truly awe-inspiring and must be seen to be believed.

Don't forget to bring your camera along, as you'll have the opportunity to capture some of the most stunning landscapes and skyscapes you'll ever encounter in your lifetime. Haleakala is one of the two volcanoes that make up the island of Maui and is estimated to be over one million years old, with a summit that rises over 10,023 feet (and over 30,000 feet tall if measured from the ocean floor). The views from the summit are mesmerizing at any time of the day, not just during sunrise. From lush waterfalls and streams to the Mars-like red deserts near the summit, the scenery along the hike is truly breathtaking.

Swim with sea creatures

No tropical vacation is complete without the exhilarating experience of swimming, diving, or snorkeling with marine animals. In Aruba, on the northwestern side of the island, you can head to Arashi Beach, Malmok Beach, or Boca Catalina for some amazing snorkeling opportunities. Here, you'll have the chance to encounter barracuda, spinner dolphins, blue parrotfish, angelfish, and starfish in their natural habitat. If you're an early riser and go diving at daybreak, you may even spot graceful sea turtles gliding through the turquoise waters.

In Cancun, swimming with sea creatures is a must-do activity, and one of the most unforgettable experiences is swimming with whale sharks. Between June and September, brave visitors to Cancun can venture out into the Gulf of Mexico for a chance to swim alongside these magnificent creatures. As the largest shark species and the largest fish in the ocean, whale sharks can grow up to an average of 40 feet in length, which is about the size of a school bus! Despite their massive size, whale sharks are gentle filter feeders that primarily eat plankton. Swimming with these spotted, slow-moving giants is an awe-inspiring encounter that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

So, make sure to add swimming, diving, or snorkeling with marine animals to your tropical vacation bucket list, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure with these majestic creatures of the sea.

Zipline across a rainforest

For those seeking an aerial adventure, the Caribbean has a multitude of options to offer. Whether you're in St. Lucia, Jamaica, or Antigua, you'll find thrilling ziplining experiences that allow you to soar through the lush rainforests and breathtaking landscapes of these beautiful islands.

Ziplining was originally created in the 1970s by biologists as a way to efficiently and environmentally-friendly explore dense rainforests, and has now become a popular recreational activity around the world. Once you're securely harnessed and attached to a pulley, you'll be suspended above an incline on a cable, and then propelled downward, gaining momentum as you zip through the air.

In Jamaica, you can glide above waterfalls, rivers, and the verdant forest canopy, taking in the stunning scenery from a bird's eye view. St. Lucia offers options for adrenaline junkies, with thrilling ziplining experiences that will get your heart racing. And in Antigua, you can find several ziplines, including a multi-part adventure that includes walking over a gorge on a suspended bridge - not for the faint of heart!

So, if you're up for an exhilarating aerial adventure, make sure to check out the ziplining options available in the Caribbean, and get ready to experience the thrill of flying through the tropical landscapes like never before.

Book an overwater bungalow

The St. Regis Bora Bora is indeed a dream destination for many travelers seeking an unforgettable overwater bungalow experience in the South Pacific. The resort offers unique amenities that add to the overall experience, such as whirlpools, plunge pools, and glass viewing panels beneath the floor for a glimpse into the turquoise waters below. The swim-up bar is a great place to enjoy a signature cocktail while taking in the stunning views, and the four restaurants offer Polynesian-inspired cuisine to tantalize your taste buds.

One of the highlights of staying at the St. Regis Bora Bora is the resort's private underwater sanctuary called the Lagoonarium. Here, you can swim among tropical fish and coral, making for a truly immersive and unique experience. For those seeking adventure, the resort also offers off-property activities such as deep-sea fishing, jet skiing across Bora Bora's aqua lagoons, and even snorkeling with black tip reef sharks for an adrenaline-pumping experience.