In our minds the Caribbean is the embodiment of Paradise. We need only close our eyes to see clearly the sparkling turquoise waters, white beaches, and lush tropical forests. Yet hidden just beyond this familiar scene is another world--the wild Caribbean, where attentive travelers may encounter butterflies with see-through wings or colorful bird colonies, prehistoric iguanas or silver waterfalls, smoking volcanoes or secret orchids in the forest. This book is a gorgeously illustrated exploration and celebration of the wildlife and wild places of the Caribbean. It encompasses all the principal islands as well as the mainland areas bordering the Sea, and its Gazetteer is crammed with useful tips to help travelers choose locations to visit and the best time of year to do so. The book introduces diverse natural habitats--reefs; white, pink, and black sand beaches; underground caverns; mangroves; salt ponds; desert islands, bubbling sulfur springs; and more--and offers rare insights into the amazingly varied animals and plants of the wild Caribbean. Combining practical travel information with fascinating scientific facts, "Wild Caribbean" reveals a natural world more magical than we could have imagined. Active travelers and armchair tourists alike will find the volume irresistible. - A companion volume to the four-part television series appearing on the Travel Channel.