Sunday, 11 January 2009

Scrub Island: Privately Owned but Publicly Fantastic

Off the eastern tip of Anguilla is uninhabited Scrub Island, about 3 miles square and fun to visit. On the leeward side is a beautiful white sand beach which usually has calm waters. It is the only one in Anguilla that faces completely away from the prevailing winds and seas since Anguilla runs east-west and the winds come from the east.

The interior of Scrub consists of rolling low hills, soft and green more like Scotland than Anguilla. It is an easy walk to the other side of the island. The only inhabitants are wild goats that grow fat in the rainy season and skinny in the dry season but they get water then by eating the pear cactus on the island.

Catch a ride over a glass bottom boat from Shoal Bay or Island Harbour. Or on Keg's wide, stable fishing boat. Or just drop into Smitty's Seaside Bar and Restaurant in Island Harbour. You could also take some cold drinks with you, because there aren't any bars on Scrub Island yet. And there aren't any protected harbours on Scrub either, so it is sometimes impossible to land in high seas.

When you get over, you can just play on the beach in Scrub Bay where you land, or you can take a hike to explore the island. You will need walking shoes or sport sandals. Remember, Scrub Island is private property, except for the beach which is public, like all beaches in Anguilla. So be respectful. Scrub is supposedly uninhabited, but who knows what has happened here over the centuries. There are rumors of wrecked Spanish galleons, and some other unconfirmed history.

In two hours you can hike most of the island and when you make it back to the beach, a dip in the ocean will be very refreshing. That is Scrub Island, Anguilla's private yet flabbergasting place!

Thursday, 8 January 2009

Harbour Island: The Best Island in the Caribbean!

Harbour Island is one of the famous tourist destination in the world. It is the ideal vacation destination for pink sand beaches enthusiasts. The island also offers a unique diving experience with undoubtedly luxurious resorts. This Island is one of the Out Islands of the Bahamas.

Known simply as Briland to its residents, Harbour Island, Bahamas, is often called the Nantucket of the Caribbean. The colorfully painted New England-style architecture on the island beautifully compliments the lush palms trees, flower-lined streets and pink sand beaches. This tiny world famous and world class island is a vacation magnet for the rich and famous, savvy travelers and beach vacation seekers alike.

Approximately 3.5 miles long and only 1.5 miles wide, Harbour Island is located just off the tip of Eleuthera, separated by a narrow channel. Regular ferry service shuttles resort and hotels guests as well as daily visitors from North Eleuthera for a day of exploring and shopping the picturesque village of Dunmore Town.

One of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas, Dunmore Town dates back to the 18th century. It was formerly the capital of The Bahamas and second only to Nassau in importance. Dunmore Town was once the summer home of the Royal Governor, Earl of Dunmore, hence the name.

Harbour Island, Bahamas, is famous for its three-mile-long pink beach that runs the entire length of the island on its eastern side. The beach is protected by an outlying coral reef that makes the turquoise clear water one of the safest and most alluring swimming and snorkeling spots in The Bahamas. Adventure vacationers can also seek out these waters for great diving opportunities. Current Cut, for example, offers one of the most thrilling high-current dives in the Caribbean.

Harbour Island, Bahamas, was ranked “The Best Island in the Caribbean” by Travel Leisure magazine and readers of the elite travel magazine rated this tiny gem of The Bahamas Out Islands number one among the islands of the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your things and experience the sensation Harbour Island could give you and your family. Harbour Island, an island not only of adventure but of incomparable beauty and ecstatic sceneries.

Monday, 5 January 2009

Navy Island: A Package of Adventure & Fun!

The white sand beaches on Navy Island don't get too crowded when they are open to the public, making this spot a great place to enjoy Jamaica's shores. Navy Island used to boast tranquil beaches and prime underwater viewing for the adventurous type.

Those searching to find a secluded spot in Jamaica could find that Navy Island suits them perfectly. Not too far from any cities, but you won't be too far from the beaten path, you'll discover a great middle ground.

Jamaica's beaches are hardly known for their seclusion, however, this beach is a little more secluded than many, but is not the most urbanized beach. You won't have far to go to reach Navy Island.

For some visitors the level of activity at a beach and its amenities can be the most important attributes. Others feel that getting the chance to spend a day in the sun and experience seclusion is extremely important. There are plenty of beaches in Jamaica, and you may decide that Navy Island is precisely the type of beach you most enjoy.

Location

This delightful beach is located on Jamaica's eastern coast, 0.8 miles from Lighthouse in Port Antonio. Navy Island is close to Berridale, so you can explore the town after your visit to the beach.

Nearby Hotels

The number of other vacationers sharing the beach can vary widely -- it depends on when you visit. The beach is not located next door to any large hotels but it is often visited by visitors from smaller hotels in the area. Those hoping to stay close to this beach can certainly find a spot.

Amenities and Ambiance

Prime attractions on Navy Island are the beaches and accompanying waters, where one can swim and explore the beautiful clear waters, play on the white sand beaches, or indulge in water sport activities. Guests can also choose to stay in the African cottages on the island or dine in some of the casual restaurants, notably the Jamaican dishes at the Admiralty restaurant.

The number of people at the beach is affected by a few things, including the season and time of day. Some of Jamaica's beaches may rarely be crowded, while others are often crowded particularly when tourism season is as its peak. An important thing to remember when considering a day at the beach might be, at least for some vacationers, the crowds you'll meet. While some like a crowded beach with plenty of people and activity, some prefer to just hear the sounds of the surf.

Like many places in Jamaica this beach has a distinctive personality which will attract certain visitors. The special qualities of this beach are rather different from what you'll experience at other beach locations in Jamaica. With a good mix of secluded spots and local entertainment, restaurants, and lodging, Navy Island attracts a healthy size crowd even though it can only be reached by boat.

Attractions

Visiting the beach can be a wonderful way to get close to some of nature's most beautiful works, but there are also other natural sites and attractions worth visiting. Rio Grande Rafting, located 3.2 miles to the southwest of Navy Island, for example, can provide a nice addition to your day at the seaside.

If you're interested in finding out more about the history of Jamaica there are opportunities nearby. For example Lighthouse in Port Antonio is located 0.8 miles to the northeast of Navy Island.

Hence, Navy Island is one package of adventure and fun!

Sunday, 4 January 2009

Trinidad: Caribbeans' Place of Pleasure

Adventure is a normal thing in this place, from hiking through rain forests on the trail of hidden waterfalls and exploring deep caves, to cycling through verdant countryside, turtle watching and kayaking past wildlife filled forests. These are just few of the list that Trinidad actually offers.

Trinidad aside from adventure and fun provides a venue for eco enthusiasts. Trinidad has more than 450 bird species, 108 types of mammals, 55 reptiles, 25 amphibians and 620 types of butterflies; ranking the island as one of the richest outposts of biodiversity in the Caribbean. It's South America in a Caribbean Island. With an abundance of game fish, Trinidad is a sport angler's dream. Fed by the rich outflow of the Orinoco River, Trinidad's waters attract big game fish. Species such as Tarpon, Tuna and Shark are plentiful year round with Sailfish, Marlin, Wahoo and Dolphin making seasonal appearances. Trinidad also plays host to several exciting international fishing tournaments, including the Kingfish Tournament in June, Tarpon Bash in August and Wahoo Tournament in early March.

Trinidad is also home to some of the most diverse and spectacular bird life in the Caribbean. This variety can be attributed to the island's location on the tip of South America. Home to the Asa Wright Nature Centre, a world renowned centre for bird watching, Trinidad's size and accessibility to popular sites, ensures many species can be seen without long drives or treks.

Many countries in the world boast of Carnival celebrations, but none quite so stunning and all embracing as Trinidad's national festival. Whether you decide to be a spectator on the sidelines, douse yourself in chocolate and join the J'Ouvert revelry or don a fabulous costume and dance the day away, our Carnival is an unforgettable experience. The diversity of people is also reflected in the islands' numerous festivals. Each individual culture is celebrated by the collective peoples that inhabit these islands. In Trinidad and Tobago, we celebrate the Hindu festival of Divali, the Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Fitr and numerous Christian festivals, including Christmas.

Trinidad's beauty awakes pleasure in anybody's heart! Truly, a place that is pleasurable!