Tortola

Even though it’s the biggest of the British Virgin Islands, Tortola is one of the most low-key ports you’ll encounter during your visit.

Take the easy walk from the pier to the centre of town and you’ll see bars, shops, and even a modest market. Experienced cruisers may be underwhelmed by the merchandise, but keep your eyes peeled for one-of-a-kind gems made by local crafters, such as handmade jewelry and metal bracelets pounded out while you watch.

There are many restaurants, shopping facilities and activities for every personality.

The Baths are situated on Virgin Gorda’s north shore, this beach allows visitors an 

opportunity to see Mother Nature’s handiwork. The area is filled with giant boulders that front the sea, and an intricate cave system leads to a white-sand beach. The narrow passages can be claustrophobic, so the faint of heart should stick to the open-air beach.

The yachting club allows visitors to take lessons on sailing as well as dine and enjoy the freshly caught lobsters at the clubs restaurant.

The kids as well as the adults that are young at heart can visit the Tortola’s Prospect Reef and they can either swim with these beautiful dolphins or watch them do spectacular tricks.

Tortola caters for everyone, it’s an adventure waiting to happen. Isn’t it.

Ocho Rios has many attraction , however the most famous of these are the waterfall as it is the main attraction of  the area. The name Ocho Rios, literally translated from the Spanish, means "Eight Rivers" but it could be a corruption of Las Chorreras, the waterfalls, because waterfalls are perhaps the most striking feature of the area.

In fact, Ocho Rios owes much of its fame to Dunn's River Falls, a much-photographed and much-climbed attraction. It is a joy to be in or swim underneath the refreshingly cool water of the falls, and great fun to make the climb to the top. Can you imagine taking a bath under a waterfall? 

Another very beautiful attraction is Eden Falls at The Ruins restaurant and the picturesque white-sand beaches that ribbon water's edge along the town.

Ocho Rios is also famous for Fern Gully, a rocky gorge of tremendous depth which zigzags for about four miles from the Ocho Rios coast up to the central mountain area of the island. Although it has become rather commercialized in recent years by souvenir vendors, it is still well worth a visit to see the profusion of tropical ferns (over 500 species) and the kind of foliage only to be found in a tropical rain forest. In the deepest parts of the gorge, only faint dapples of sunshine penetrate through the thick foliage and the temperature is about ten degrees cooler. Shopping, site-seeing and relaxation all in one convenient spot. 

Dunn's Waterfall 

Fern Gully 

The Asa Wright Nature Centre (AWNC) is a “Not-for-Profit” Trust established in 1967 by a group of naturalists and bird-watchers whose main intent was to protect part of the Arima Valley and preserve its natural state as well as to create a conservation and study area for the protection of wildlife and for the enjoyment of all. The AWNC was one of the first nature centers to be established throughout the Caribbean.

Comprising nearly 1,500 acres of mainly forested land in the Arima and Aripo Valleys of the Northern Range, the AWNC’s properties will be retained under forest cover in perpetuity, to protect the community watershed and provide important wildlife habitat.

The Center's main facilities are located on a former cocoa-coffee-citrus plantation, previously known as the Spring Hill Estate. This estate has now been partly reclaimed by secondary forest, surrounded by impressive rain forest, where some original climax forest on the steeper slopes have a canopy of 100-150 feet. The whole effect is one of being deep in tropical rain forest.

Locals as well as tourists visit the nature centre on a daily basis to par take in tours, hike or just have a picnic while enjoying the beauty Mother Nature has to offer.

Feeling for an educational adventure, picnic or a walk through an estate or flora and fauna.

Asa Wright Nature Center is the place to be.

Tobago Heritage!!

The Goat Race Festival begun in 1925, where Tobagonians decided they needed an equivalent to horse racing for the “regular folks”. These festivities usually takes place in two locations every April; the Monday (Mount Pleasant) and Tuesday (Buccoo) after Easter Sunday. Year after year large crowds are drawn to experience this spectacular event. There are other races such as   Crab Racing, however, the Goats race event usually attracts the largest crowd.

Tobago is famously known as the “Goat Racing Capital of the World”, however, regardless of what it’s called, this event is by far one of the most exciting past time on the island. A new arena was recently built in Buccoo, Tobago for about $100 million to accommodate these races. In this event, Jockeys and their goats race on a 100-yard (300 feet) grass field. Jockeys and their goats may train for months before participating in this event. Goats have their own stables, owners, trainers, jockeys and steeds. These goats are even given names like Rum Punch, while spectators get a chance to bet on their favorites. Jockeys run barefoot alongside their goats, holding on to their steeds, while coaxing to the finish line.

Experience our heritage. Par-take in our culture!!

Would you consider being a part of this festivity? 

Fort Louis

St. Maarten’s largest historical monument is located above Marigot on the leeward side of the island. Originally built in 1767 to defend Marigot and named after France’s crusading king,For Louis  now offers visitors that make the steep climb to the top a panoramic view of the island. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Anguilla.

Its main essential function was to defend and protect the harbour warehouses where goods were stored (salt, coffee, sugar cane, and rum).

Later the fort was abandoned and fell into ruin, however, during the 19^th century it was restored and abandoned again. Throughout this time it was used as a battle site between the French and the English Thanks to the Hope Estate archaeological association, restoration and renovation of the building has once again been undertaken, in close collaboration with a unit of the military service (SMA) in Guadeloupe.

Bi-lingual explanatory panels provide historical information about the fort and its environs.

From its highest point the site offers an unrestricted view of Marigot, Simpson Bay lagoon, Simpson Bay, Anguilla, the Lowlands, and Nettle Bay.

Fort Louis

Marigot Bay 

Would you like to be apart of History? 

Los Roques Archipalago

Los Roques Archipelago National Park established in 1972, was designed to protect a marine ecosystem of exceptional beauty and ecological value dominated by coral reefs, mangroves, and sea grass beds. It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful natural areas of Venezuela.

Tourists are deeply attracted to the archipelago due to the many different activities situated nearby. Most tourist are attracted to the natural beauty of the beaches.

Special interest is paid to the Coral reefs by professional and recreational scuba divers. Sport fishing and windsurfing are also practiced in Los Roques, and it is even possible to go for a ride in an ultra-light. There are many other attractions such as the Virgen del Valle celebrations in the second week of September, and the Lobster Festival at the beginning of the lobster-fishing season in November. Sailors and pilots also consider Los Roques to be a very interesting place due to its distance from the mainland. It is considered by many as one of the top archipelagos in the Caribbean.

Nature at its Finest

Over time, stemming back to thousands of years ago, the continuous pounding of waves and strong winds have slowly sculpted the limestone along the north coat of Aruba and thus created several natural bridges.

One of the largest, most photographed and renowned of these bridges was the natural bridge between the Bushiribana gold mine ruins and Andicuri beach. The remnants of the bridge still attracts many tourists in Aruba.

Nature at its finest!! An adventure waiting to happen, don’t you think.? 

Aruba

Are you in search of a dark, spooky adventure, Aruba happens to be the perfect spot. In the deep crevices of rock situated along the windward coast of the of the island, are shallow cave formations which captivates all visitors that’s seeking to penetrate its damp chambers. Their reward is a mysterious view of many rock drawings, the unexpected flapping wings of nervous bats and the astounding beauty of nature’s artwork, stalagmites and stalactites.

This wondrous feature of Aruba is called the Guadirikiri Cave and it is famous for its two chambers illuminated by sunlight which streams through holes in the roof of the cave. The cave is huge, around 100. Located in the darker regions of the cave are the homes of hundreds of harmless bats.

The Fontein cave is the most famous of all the caves in Aruba because it is the only one that has the drawings of Arawak Indians on the ceilings, which providing a real sense of island history to the cave.

                                                    Guadirikiri Cave

Domonican Republic

The Dominican Republic is the undisputed most popular tourist destination in the Caribbean. It’s another gem of the Caribbean which is famous for its colonial art work and water sports. In 2014, the Dominican Republic which shares the island of Hispanola with Haiti, welcomed 5.1 million tourists. Its Capital is Santo Domingo, a perfect picture of the Old World Charm that has fragments of its colonial past scattered throughout the city. The capital city has one of the oldest existing cathedrals in the Western hemisphere. This historical city is home to the Museum of the Royal Houses and the early 16th century Alcazar De Colón built by the son of Christopher Columbus.

 

Maracsa Beach

On any visit to Trinidad, whether it is business or pleasure, everyone needs a mini get away to   relax and unwind.  One of the best places situated on this island is Maracas Beach. On the journey to the beach some of the most gorgeous scenery will begin to unfold.  Passers-by usually take little pit stops by various look outs to get a little refreshment and capture as much of the view as possible.

As the journey continues the breath taking beach is in fair view.  A long but adventurous journey, I am positive all tummies are growling. Perfect!   You are now in the perfect location for a meal fit for a king. The famous Bake and Shark!! There are numerous bake and shark vendors located in the car park directly opposite the beach.  It is safe and convenient, not to mention packed with Caribbean flavors. It  is definitely  a must have when on any visit to Trinidad.

 

The Famous Richard's Bake and Shark

                                                                  DELICIOSUS

LIGHT HOUSE

Bermuda is recognized as one of the most elegant of the Caribbean islands. It has a strong British influence, and you can still find many places that serve traditional afternoon tea. Cricket matches are also easy to find. Bermuda is also a great destination for golfers, as the island has many world class courses. This island is extremely convenient to reach from the Eastern U.S. Flights from New York to Bermuda are only two hours.

Gibbs Hill Lighthouse is one of Bermudas main sightseeing attractions, standing on the hill of the Southampton parish. The base of the lighthouse is 245 feet above the sea level. The lighthouse is a historical landmark as it is one of the oldest cast iron lighthouses in the world and was built in 1846.

Would you like a panoramic view of Bermuda and its shoreline, then there is no better place than seeing it from the balcony at the top of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. But, you need to climb 185 steps to fulfill this desire. The picture below shows the stairs of the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. The climb however is not as difficult as it might appear. You need to take it easy and move up slowly with enough pauses in between. 

The perfect place to be for a breath taking adventure!!

The view is worth the climb!!

WOW!!!

Anguilla

Anguilla is most famous for its white beaches, and there are more than 30 of these to choose from. It’s one of the Caribbean’s smaller islands, so you can easily see the whole island if you’re there for a few days.

Alluring and unassuming, Anguilla is a Caribbean gem. Upscale serenity seekers come here to sprawl on the island's silky strands, swim in luminous water and snorkel or dive the fish-filled reefs and wrecks. Many other attractions such as fine restaurants, art galleries, birding tours, and museums enhance Anguilla's appeal. In the summer, peaceful Anguilla comes alive during the Anguilla Summer Festival with boat races, dancing, beauty pageants, and parades.

The Caribbean island of Anguilla kicks off its annual Summer Festival as early as July with its pre-carnival celebrations. This is just the beginning of a few weeks of fun and excitement on the small island. The anticipation has been building up fort weeks until it finally comes about for a week long celebration which starts on J’Ouvert morning featuring the J’Ouvert morning dance festival.

White Sandy Beaches, Alluring Blue Waters.....

Why sit there and wish to be basking under the golden sun while takong a dip in the tempting waters??

MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!

Boat Race 

Carnival 

Its tempting right?? Would you visit? 

Beautiful Aruba

Aruba offers a diverse number of activities for people of all ages. On the one hand, it’s extremely family friendly, with many resorts catering to families with kids. On the other hand, you can find many adult-centered activities, such as nightlife and a wide assortment of casinos. Aruba also has a slightly different landscape from many Caribbean islands, having more of a desert appearance rather than forests.

Oranjestad is a charming city and the capital and cruise port of this tiny island. The most striking feature is the Dutch colonial architecture. Pastel-hued buildings with a Spanish and Caribbean twist jostle along the tidy streets, and tourists will find many shops, restaurants, museums, galleries, and entertainment options. Well-maintained Wilhelmina Park, on the waterfront, is one of the city's main attractions, particularly in June, September, and October when many of the plants are in bloom. 

Beauty is definitely in the eyes of the beholder!! Aruba is definitely breath taking.

Doesn't this look like a fairy tale ? 

Perfect for a romantic walk or picnic?? 

Goat Soup??

Goat soup?? Has anyone in our beautiful twin isle ever heard of such a dish? Is it really a dish? Many questions may be prodding in your minds. I can only imagine the disgusted look on some of your faces on hearing about goat soup. Let me clear up all your misconceptions. Goat soup is a meal!! It is a very important part of the daily diet of many Jamaicans'.

Mannish water is made from the offal of the goat -head, legs, intestines, and testicles etc. which are normally combined with green banana, coco, yam, dumplings and scotch bonnet pepper. White rum is sometimes added.

Mannish water is served at feasts and other large gatherings such as funerals. Its name is believed to be related to its aphrodisiac properties (served to men on their wedding day)  White rum may also be added
The earliest reference to mannish water was found in 1968 which has lead to the assumption that it is a recent dish. It is a Jamaican favorite. If goat isn't available i can be substituted for lamb. 

Would you be so daring to try this scrumptious dish??

Grenada- Spice Isle of the Caribbean

Grenada, an island that is well known to all in the Caribbean for their wide variety of spices which are grown on the island itself. If you are visiting Grenada on vacation, it trying the different spices is a must. The Spices are available for purchasing from market stalls and supermarkets located on the island itself.  Grenada is attained the name “spice isle” due to its most famous spice NUTMEG. Nutmeg and mace production has been part of Grenada’s history for over 100 years. The island was the second major international exporter in the world, after Indonesia. Grenada has its own Nutmeg Spice Festival, such is its importance in culture and industry here. The nutmeg is used as symbol on the national flag and many other promotional materials. Nutmeg is widely used in ice creams, biscuits and cakes,  confectionery soaps, medicines, herbal remedies and essential oils, syrups, sauces and ketchup  jams and jellies, and liquors. Other spices such as turmeric, clove and cinnamon are a few a midst the many different spices available in Grenada.

What is your must have spice in the kitchen? 

Nelsons Dockyard

Fully restored to its original splendor, the eighteenth- and nineteenth-century buildings of the Dockyard house modern amenities such as gift shops, art galleries, and restaurants, hotels, and marina businesses. These demonstrate how the park preserves the area’s unique cultural heritage while meeting modern needs. The Copper and Lumber Store Hotel offers five-star accommodations and is a magnificent venue for special occasions.  Outside the dockyard, historic forts dot the landscape of the park accessible by hiking trails which allow visitors to enjoy the park’s scenic and natural beauty. Today, Nelson’s Dockyard provides many sites and activities for visitors to explore and enjoy. The Dockyard Museum, located in the former Admiral’s House, presents visitors with exhibits regarding the Dockyard’s history and current archaeological research on the island.

There is endless opportunity to capture the beauty of the parks. With many glorious boats in the dockyard, the beautiful harbour, the historic sites and the unforgettable views from places such as Shirley Heights, bring your camera or have regrets that you didn’t. Interested in a bit of history? Nelsons Dockyard is the place to be.

The Biggest Show on Earth

As the title states, indeed it is the biggest show on earth! Carnival is a vibrant expression of freedom and colors where persons from through out the world travel to our very own twin island Trinidad and Tobago to participate in our much anticipated  festivities.

It is an annual event held on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Carnival is highly anticipated through out the year, as perpetration in terms of costume making starts around September.

Carnival is deemed the most significant even on the islands' cultural and tourism calendar. Leading up to the actual parade on the streets, there are many events such as "band launch fetes".

It is said that if the islanders are not celebrating it, then they are preparing for it, while reminiscing about the past year's festivals.

As tradition holds it, the festival is associated with calypso music, however, in recent times Soca music has replaced calypso as the most celebrated type of music. Exuberant costumes, stick-fighting and limbo competitions are also important aspects of the festival.

Street Parades on Carnival Monday and Tuesday

Kiddies Carnival Parade 

. 

Pigeon Island St Lucia

Pigeon Island is located to the north of Rodney Bay and is one of St Lucia’s national landmarks. It was a 44 acre islet until it was joined to the Island in 1972 via a causeway. This is one of the locations where the 14 battles between the French and the British were fought. There are many ruins from those battles up to today. This heritage site is protected under the umbrella of the ST Lucia National Trust.

Pigeon Island is of monumental importance to the Island. It holds a vast amount of St Lucia’s history. A visit to the museum will give you valuable information on the Island’s history.

There are nature trails leading up to Fort Rodney which was the spot used by the British to spy on the French during the battle. A view of the neighboring Island of Martinique can be seen from the fort on clear days as evidence of this. Pigeon Island St Lucia is an exotic get away especially for couples. The beaches are an alluring blue, nestles under the warmth of the Caribbean sun, it is perfect for a walk on the beach as well as picnics.

After your walk to the Fort, a bath at those beaches will definitely refresh you. In fact it is one of St Lucia’s most beautiful secluded beaches. Many people get married there every year because of its picturesque surroundings.

This is also one of the main venues for St Lucia Jazz, a festival that has become popular among both visitors to our Island and the local community.

Buccoo Reef

 

The coastal waters of Trinidad and Tobago abound with coral reefs. Coral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems held together by calcium carbonate structures secreted by corals. There are about 735 species of reef-building or hermatypic corals throughout the world, 39 are known to exist in the waters around Trinidad and Tobago. Tobago’s spectacular underwater world is undoubtedly one of the treasures of this beautiful tropical island.

The reefs are as fragile as they are beautiful and visitors must take care not to break off bits of coral as they pass by as coral reefs are truly breathtaking monuments to life’s almost infinite variety and complexity. Coral reefs are not just beautiful natural wonders designed to provide people with a relaxing distraction while bobbing around on a boat or with a snorkel. They are a vital part of the ecological fabric and economic activities of small Caribbean islands. They are the backbone of Tobago’s two largest industries; tourism and fishing, providing both jobs and food. They also protect the coastline from erosion by breaking ocean swells.

Tobagos’ coral reef is a must when visiting the island. Glass-bottom-boat tours of Buccoo Reef typically include a stop at Coral Gardens, where the boat anchors on sand adjacent to the coral formations to allow passengers to snorkel over the Coral Gardens. Start at the sandy shores of Pigeon Point and board a glass bottom boat to travel gracefully to the Buccoo Reef. Swim in the crystal clear waters of the nylon pool, snorkel amongst the beautiful fish and view the enchanting coral gardens.

The Caribbean: Relaxation in Paradise

Welcome to the Caribbean 

A multicultural, melody of colors dancing under the sun, fringed by the alluring beaches and soaked in rum- the Caribbean exemplifies a  joyous fusion of islands beckoning paradise-hunters. Rocked by music, wrapped in change, enclosed by turquoise waters and blown by the kisses of hurricanes- never a dull moment, this paradise is constantly on the move.

It's picturesque, lively and intoxicating profusion of people and places dispersed over 7000 islands. Each island is unique and exploits its mesmerizing beauty in various ways. Azure seas, white beaches, lush green forests, it will leave you wanting more.

Take a swim and you're in for a treat of darting fishes and corals. The colors are infectious- the Caribbean will color your life in ways never imagined. Seeking an adventure, the Caribbean is the place to be with many islands, beaches, cultures, flavors and waves to choose from. It is impossible to visit only once.