The hidden wild side of the destinations of the Caribbean has become the focus of a new four-part series from BBC2’s Natural History Unit: “Wild Caribbean - Treasure Islands”.

Promoting the beautiful variety of the destinations themselves, the show’s first two episodes have encouraged travel aficionados to dip into the Caribbean’s remarkable wildlife scene - the riot of flora, fauna and animal-life beyond the palm-fringed beaches and sunshine that are already known for enticing the tourists.

The series examines the natural wonders of the Caribbean, aiming to exemplify the region’s diversity and increase its appeal to a wider UK audience than merely sun-seekers. From the rainforests of the volcanic landscape of St Lucia and Dominica, through Bonaire’s salty lagoons and windswept deserts, the limestone caves of Cuba and the wetlands of Trinidad, to the Caribbean’s colourful coral reefs, colonies of frigate birds, flocks of flamingos, rare parrots and giant sperm whales, the show demonstrates that the Caribbean melting pot offers something to appeal to all holidaymakers.

The Caribbean Tourism Organisation is also keen to promote awareness of the Caribbean’s wildlife attractions and publishes a comprehensive guide, which can be ordered for free and details the destinations’ highlights beyond the sandy strands. Furthermore, CTO members offer a variety of holidays that maximise visitors’ appreciation of the Caribbean’s wilder offerings.

Tropical Sky is offering a seven night turtle watching holiday at the Turtle Beach by rex resorts, Tobago, from £549 per person (selected dates between 20 April and 31 May 2007). The turtles lay their eggs in the sands right in front of the hotel and guests can watch as the baby turtles hatch and make their way down the beach to start their new life in the sea. Rex resorts has even put together the following top tips for turtle watching. The price is based on room only and includes return flights with Excel from London Gatwick.

The Holiday Place is offering a seven night Panoramic Tour of Costa Rica from £1,119 per person. The tour includes visits to San José and Arenal, the Arenal Hot Springs and Volcano with its lava streams and incandescent rock explosions, Monteverde by Lake Arenal, Monteverde and Quepos. Price includes return British Airways from London Heathrow to San Jose via Miami (May departures) as well as all accommodation, breakfast, boat transfers and microbus drives.

Half Moon, Jamaica, offers guests the opportunity to experience a dolphin encounter at the resort’s very own of 3,000sq ft dolphin lagoon. Guests can choose from three dolphin programmes: the Beach Encounter, Swim Encounter and Private Swim, which all allow them to kiss, pet, touch and have some one-on-one time with the dolphins. The programmes are exclusively for guests of the 400-acre resort with prices ranging from £45 to £203.

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