The Island excursion started off with an hour-long, breezy boat ride along the coast of the Caicos Islands. But don't let the cooling wind fool you -- if you don't slather on the sunblock, every inch of your body is going to be crying for Solarcaine the next day.

First stop was on the island of North Caicos, where we were taken by van to the Conch Bar Caves, a series of abandoned limestone caves used by Aboriginal tribes.

Afterwards, our group was driven to a magnificent secluded beach for lunch. It wasn't long until everyone had scarfed their food in order to savor the untouched beauty of the pristine white sand and the crystal-clear water that lay before us. This beach, surrounded by a range of majestic cliffs, couldn't even hold a candle to the beach we had left behind at the resort.

It wasn't easy, but eventually the tour guides were able to pry us away from this divine natural creation and back onto the van. We were back on the boat within minutes, and en route to our next destination for snorkeling.

While observing such colorful marine life is an opportunity one should never pass up, I advise caution when it comes to this activity. The ocean water is rough, and unless you want to spend your snorkeling time sampling the fine salt water of the Caicos islands, make sure you are a strong swimmer -- or ask for a life jacket.

The next-to-last stop was a dream come true for beachcombers, as we were taken to a quiet beach literally covered with smooth, white shells. Word to the wise: Wear shoes! One step on those shells and you'll know why.

Finally, before the boat dropped us back at the Club Med dock, we were privileged to meet some of the Caicos Islands more famous inhabitants -- Iguanas! These scaly critters populate a local reserve and allow you to get up close (but not TOO close!) and personal with them.

When you get back, you may be sunburned and you may be exhausted, but one thing's for sure -- you'll have better stories to tell at dinner than the average Club Med beach bums.