Seabirds and sea turtles are the easy ones to spot.

It depends on the islands, but most visitors will see seabirds, sea turtles, and reef fish without trying.

The birds are the most obvious. Frigatebirds, boobies, and terns are everywhere near tropical islands. They’re big, loud, and not shy. If you’re on a boat, they’ll follow you. If you’re on a beach, you’ll see them diving for fish.

In the water, you’ll spot parrotfish, angelfish, and triggerfish just about any time you snorkel. They’re colorful and hang around coral. Sea turtles are common too — green and hawksbill turtles come up for air and graze on the reefs. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a manta ray or a dolphin pod.

Don’t expect to see everything on a single trip. Wildlife is unpredictable. But the stuff people actually see — not the rare stuff in guidebooks — is exactly what you’ll find on a casual beach walk or a snorkel outing.

Pack a mask and fins, and you’ll be fine.