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Exuding a distinctly Caribbean
essence, lucky Belize is situated on the largest barrier reef
in the Western Hemisphere, and hence offers fantastic snorkeling,
scuba diving, sailing, and fishing. Pay a visit to St. John’s
Cathedral, built in 1847. It’s the oldest Anglican church
in Central America. Perhaps you’ll photograph ancient
Mayan ruins, or dine on armadillo, a traditional dish.
Ancient Mayan ruins are plentiful
on this island, which is also home to a sanctuary of the fertility
goddess Ixchel. Climb the Punta Celarain lighthouse for a
panoramic view of the island, play with friendly mammals at
the Dolphinarium, or commune with nature at the new eco-tourist
park. The Town Square and downtown pier are the places to
go for live music, dancing and fun.
The Caymans have much to offer: colorful
scenery, superb diving, fishing, birding, and beaches, all
in a laid-back setting. Feed the friendly marine life at Stingray
city, catch some sun and surf at the popular powdery-white
Seven Mile Beach, walk the trails of the Botanical Gardens
and admire the acres of orchids, or send a postcard from the
nearby town of Hell.
Bermuda is an enchanting blend of British,
American, and tropical island. Yes, you actually will see
businessmen turned out in crisp suits complemented with Bermuda
shorts hitting just above the knee. This remarkably clean
island situated about 600 nautical miles off the coast of
North Carolina sports crystal clear water perfect for water
sports, beautiful pink beaches, and quaint pastel cottages.
Bonaire is one of the best scuba diving
destinations in the Caribbean. Snorkeling, sailing, and birding
opportunities are very good as well. This small, laid-back
island also has a thriving salt production industry, and one
of the largest flamingo breeding grounds in the world. These
unique pink birds number over 10,000 at certain times of the
year and are quite a sight to behold!
Aruba, located off the coast of Venezuela,
has a Dutch flavor, excellent beaches, plenty of sunshine,
and a resort atmosphere complete with casinos, boutiques,
and duty-free shopping. Some of its unique sites include the
Guadirikiri Caves, a volcanic oddity called Hooiberg, or haystack,
and a natural bridge formed by the persistent motion of the
surf. It also has three intimate museums.
Located off the coast of Honduras, Roatan
is the largest island in the Las Islas de le Bahia chain.
It is populated with friendly natives from an eclectic mix
of cultures ranging from British to Spanish. An extensive
reef system surrounds the mountainous island and serves up
fantastic snorkeling and diving in clear blue water. Onshore
you’ll find beautiful beaches and exotic plants, all
caressed by soothing tradewinds.
Many visitors to San Juan spend several
hours wandering around the old walled city, peeking into shady
courtyards and shopping. Or perhaps you’ll visit El
Morro, the 16th century fortress that guards the harbor. The
Barcardi Rum factory offers fun tours, and the beaches are
top-notch. Whiling away a lazy afternoon at a café
or restaurant is always an option.
 Wonderful
beaches and fantastic shopping make St. Thomas a popular port-of-call.
Its Danish heritage shows through in its pastel-colored buildings,
a striking contrast to deep blue water and colorful sailboats.
Former home to some of the Caribbean’s most acclaimed
pirates, a stunning birds-eye-view of the harbor can be found
at Blackbeard’s Castle.
Virgin Gorda is part of the nicely unspoiled
British Virgin Islands. Formerly a hideout for pirates, now
you, too, can sample its spectacular beaches at Cane Garden
Bay, Smugglers Cove, and Brewers Bay. Or hike Sage Mountain,
browse the North Shore Shell Museum, or stop to smell the
flora at the Botanical Gardens. Main Street is a quaint collection
of brightly painted shops and restaurants.
Thanks to its Dutch origins, Willenstad
is decorated with quaint pastel buildings. This capital of
the Netherlands Antilles is literally cut in two by the largest
harbor in the Caribbean, and is reconnected via a pontoon
bridge. In Punda, the old part of the city, visit the oldest
Synagogue in the Americas, built in 1732 and very well preserved.
Or consort with marine life at the Curacao Underwater Park.
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