Archive for the ‘Carribean Islands’ Category

Scuba Diving And The Bahamas

Scuba Diving And The Bahamas

Going underwater is the one of the ways to enjoy the ocean that surrounds the Bahamas. The Bahamas is a beautiful place. Just a few miles from the US mainland, it has a lot to offer not only on land but also the water.

One thing you can do which is far better than snorkeling is scuba diving as this will allow you to go deeper into the ocean and see various sea creatures and corals.

If you are a licensed diver, you can join a group after renting some gear and then be on your way. For those who have never scuba dived before, most resorts in the Bahamas offer classes to beginners.

The resort where you are staying in is the first place to check out if you want to go scuba diving. If their rates are quite expensive, you can check out other resorts and compare their prices before paying for it.

Regardless of the resort you choose, beginners will first learn how to use the equipment before being allowed to go into the ocean. If you just want to try it out, the dive master will allow you to stay at a depth that is neither too deep nor too shallow just enough for you to see the wonders underneath the water.

For people that have time to finish the entire course, you will be able to get your license and dive like the pros. The basic is to go with a dive master and look at the coral formations which will amaze anyone because of the hypnotic colors and shapes.

If you want to an adventure, you could get the chance to swim with sharks, explore sunken wrecks or even dive at night.

One attraction you should not miss while diving are the blue holes which are basically deep inland sea pools that are fed by the ocean via natural underground passages. There is danger when checking these attractions especially when the tides are strong. But on a good day, you will be able to enjoy what is inside.

So before you get into the water, make sure you get training given by a qualified instructor. Although there will be people to prepare your gear and check it before you use it, you should also do the same on your own because you are the one who is going to be using it.

It will also be a good idea to check on the weather conditions because although the sun may be shining, it is a different story when you get into the water. One of the dangers in the water is the current which is beyond your control so your dive master should be able to tell you if it is safe or not to go on. Should it be too much for you, signal to the dive master to cut it short.

A problem that could also happen is if you surface too fast. If this happens, chances are you will suffer from decompression sickness since your bloodstream is filled with nitrogen and if proper medical attention is not found, it could be fatal.

To prevent this from happening, stop every 15 feet for at least 3 minutes before going closer to the surface.

You can enjoy the underwater attractions of the Bahamas by checking out one of the many dive shops. This activity is generally safe with the proper training, gear and attention.

Enjoy the new Teri’s Travel Tips Blog article Scuba Diving And The Bahamas and here are some of the other travel sites that I currently operate. Hope you can find all of the information about any travel tips that you are looking for through these sites.

Jamaica Travel Tips
Florida Travel Tips
South Beach Travel Tips
Vacations On Cruises

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Costa Rica Caribbean Travel

Costa Rica Caribbean Travel

A Costa Rica Caribbean travel trip is a great way to get away. Costa Rica is a country in Central America. In the north it borders Nicaragua and in the southeast Panama. Why not try the world of great tropical adventure that Costa Rica offers? You automatically think of paradise when you hear Costa Rica. If you like to surf the waves are perfect.

Photo by Roberta Cabanaw

A Costa Rica Caribbean travel offers you active volcano exploration, wild animals, lush rainforests, and great beaches. On one of the ultimate paradises left untouched on this planet, there are no military, no nuclear power plants, lots of culture to offer, and no winter. A democratic society, Costa Rica is known as one of the most peaceful in the world. The last civil war was in 1948, and since then, armed forces have been abolished and the country has been able to avoid such dangers as despotic dictatorships, military coups, terrorism, and all other forms of internal strife.

Not only that, a Costa Rica Caribbean travel guarantees you a friendly atmosphere wherever part of the country you choose to visit.

The name literally means “rich coast” but Costa Rica is rich for far more than its coast. The country is replete with incredible natural beauties and many species of animals, some of them extremely rare and can only be seen if you go on a Costa Rica Caribbean travel.

The flora biodiversity alone is made up of well over 10,000 species of vascular plants and beautiful flowers. And as for tree species, almost 2,000 have been recorded in this small country in Latin America. This makes a Costa Rica Caribbean travel even more exciting, with such fascinating and endless number of natural habitat for various flora and fauna.

Besides land mammals and birds that would make any sane eco-tourism enthusiast go ga-ga over, Costa Rica is also home to 835 species of fish, of which 700 are saltwater fish. Anglers and fishers are going to have an awesome time dipping their poles in Costa Rica’s clear, azure waters to hook any one of these tropical fish species.

But if we focus a minute on the northwest region of Costa Rica, called Guanacaste, where most of the Costa Rica Caribbean travelers go nowadays because of the wide variety of scenery and activities offered, you will realize that there are so many more types of tours you can take. If you want to get really close to Costa Rica and actually see all these wonderful trees, plants, flowers, animals, and fish, then a Costa Rica Caribbean travel is all you need.

There is a wide range of activities to choose from on your Costa Rica Caribbean travel. Most of these depend on the part of the country in which you are vacationing. In the rainforest and you like birds, then bird watching walks with well-informed English-speaking guides or horseback riding are the type of Costa Rica Caribbean travel tours you should take.

You can also take one of those canopy tours, which are popular all over Costa Rica. But if you want the richest and best experience in Costa Rica’s rainforests, then avoid those that go through areas which are north towards the west. Here, the climates are dryer so naturally the vegetation lacks some of its beautiful richness in both density and color.

So if you’re looking for a place to go for relaxation, beautiful golf courses, luxury spas, hotels that have all the modern comforts in the most private and secluded envirionments then Costa Rica is the place for you. A Costa Rica Caribbean travel tips is a great way to go.

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Aruba – One Happy Island

Aruba – One Happy Island

Aruba – One Happy Island is in the Lesser Antilles in the southern Caribbean Sea and north of the Venezuela coast. It is part of a group of islands referred to as the ABC islands. With Aruba is also Bonaire and Curacao, hence why it is known as the ABC islands. The Antilles are part of the Netherlands.

Aruba, to many people, is the perfect island Paradise and holiday destination. It’s pristine beaches and a exciting nightlife, of it’s beautiful places and lovely weather, you won’t be disappointed. It is a very popular Caribbean resort area.

Aruba’s beaches are famous. The seven-mile strip of a white sandy beach along the west coast are lined with resorts and are packed with all kinds of activity. There are comfortable lounges for beach goers along with almost any kind of water sport you can think of.

This island Paradise has its milky white beaches and see through blue waters as well as have its Vegas-style casinos. Aruba is truly an island for everyone. A great resource for find out about Aruba is at The Official Tourism Website of Aruba or you can try Aruba Travel Guide.

Like all places where tourists go there is the All Inclusive resorts, villa rentals, timeshares and and you can purchase your own home or property. You can have sun and sand year round. The average temperature is 83F (28C) with about 17 inches (43cm) of rain per year which occurs mostly during the months of October and November. With rains lasting for about 15 minutes, well what can you say about that.

There are a wide variety of water sports to keep you busy your whole stay here. Things like scuba diving & snorkeling, windsurfing, jet sking to just name a few. Then there are the various island tours. They have Jeep Safari Tours, horseback riding, you can rent a Harley at Big Twin Aruba

The restaurants in Aruba are to die for. They have everything in their hotels from gourmet food, buffets with local and American cuisine and lots of seafood. If you love gourmet food, Aruba doesn’t disappoint on this front either. Every resort has its own buffet, featuring local and American cuisine, and plenty of seafood. One or two sit-down restaurants inside of each resort serve dinner, exquisitely delicious and fresh. The food connoisseur can get pretty much any type of cuisine he/she desires. There is not much that isn’t offered here.

You’ve had a long relaxing day of being pampered or you’ve enjoyed the many types of tours then you can come and enjoy one of Aruba’s Vegas-style shows. They have Broadway and Latin type shows that are a long standing staple. You’ve got the casinos if you like to gamble and at your all-inclusive resort drinks are included.

Aruba calls itself One Happy Island and it’s true. It offers everything you can think of and then some.

For a lot more on Travel Tips, be sure to visit Teri’s Aruba Trip website today!

 

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A Virgin Island Yacht Charter Vacation

A Virgin Island Yacht Charter Vacation

A Virgin Island Yacht Charter Vacation is popular for people who enjoy a powered yacht or is inclined to sailing or simply wants to get away from the crowd. One of the types of yachts are the power and sail catamarans as well as the power yachts they have their sail versions as well. Either one is good to use and they usually come with a crew so all you have to do is enjoy yourself. There are even some that you can participate and work as a crew if that is the type of sail vacation you would enjoy. There are many Virgin Island yacht charters available to chose from.

What else would you ask in a beautiful island like that in the US Virgin Islands? Your vacation is worth every single penny spent during the entire stay. Don’t deprive yourself what the islands have to offer. From simply enjoying the sun in the beach with people all around, to spending the day on crewed charter yacht to take pleasure in solitude. Virgin Island Yacht Charter in the Caribbean is available on all three islands. Half day and full day sailing charters are available. Set sail to one of the quiet coves where you will experience the wonders of life above and below the sea. On board your own crewed charter yacht, scuba diving and Caribbean sailing are part of the package.

US Virgin Island Crewed Yacht Charters

A Virgin Island vacation on your own professionally staffed crewed charter yacht begins with figuring out what is the best crewed yacht charter for your needs. The best thing to do is inquire with a yacht charter specialist. They will identify exactly what is the perfect for you. Crewed charter yacht can handle as many as 2 to 200 people.

On a Virgin Island yacht charter you will come as a guest and you will leave as a friend. Everything is provided for you and your companion; from your food and drinks to activity preferences. These Caribbean yacht charter vacations also offer sailing lessons from beginning boat handling to bareboat certification to advanced coastal cruising.

Fishing Yacht Charters

The Virgin Island Yacht Charters are not only for vacation purposes, if you want to charter a yacht for a day out to go fishing or be alone in a certain island of your choice, it’s possible. You can also rent a yacht for the purpose of fishing activities. Some of the most challenging Caribbean sport fishing in the world is found in the US Virgin Islands like White Marlin, Wahoo, Allison, Tuna, and King fish. As we all know, US Virgin Islands are rich in marine life. This is why many people would love to go fishing using their chartered yacht.

Day Sail Virgin Island Yacht Charters

You should experience the personalized service that the island’s yacht charters will give you. Get away from the crowd and spend the day out to visit the great beaches where the scenery, pristine sand and sparkling waters on one of the yacht charters in the island. Arrangement can also be made to take you to the neighboring British Virgin Islands. There are also yacht charters available for half day and full day sailing.

Virgin Island Yacht Charters are already equipped with gears for whatever activities you plan for the day. Don’t forget to bring your camera and capture the beauty of the reefs, corals and colorful fish. If you want to check out all the particulars with a Virgin Island yacht charter come and visit this site at The Virgin Island Yacht Charter Guide.

 

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The Islands Of The Bahamas

The Islands Of The Bahamas

Do you hear that Bahamian music beat whenever you hear the word Bahamas? Can you imagine the tropical paradise you’ve dreamed of with great sun, long endless white sand and clear majestic sea? Then maybe it’s time you visit the amazing island of the Bahamas.

The Bahamas consists of over 700 islands and cays which covers 100, 000 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean between South Florida and Hispaniola. Most of these islands are uninhabited with its own unique qualities that welcome a degree of opportunities for adventure and seclusion. The islands have much to offer tourism which includes not only the beauty of the islands itself but the local customs and traditions of the Bahamians.

The breathtaking emerald and turquoise waters of the Bahamas forms amazing beaches for activities or simply isolation. Limitless winding miles of white or pink sand meets the ocean and lets you experience genuinely endless possible rewards of awe and relaxation. The Bahamas has one of the world’s clearest waters with visibility of up to over two hundred feet.

Beaches, boating, sailing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, ecotours and water sports are just some of what a traveler can enjoy here. This island is the perfect getaway for the adventurous, the simple, the lovers, and the young at heart. Any day, any moment on this island is a choice of diverse experiences, there is only one thing for you to do, choose.

There are roughly fifty seven airports throughout the Bahamas including three International airports in Nassau or Paradise Island, The Exumas, and the Grand Bahama Island, twenty four of these airports are official ports to the Islands of the Bahamas. So if you’re being skeptical about the accessibility of the islands scattered along the five hundred-mile stretch of water that divides the Atlantic and the Caribbean, it is for a fact accessible.

The Bahamas’ legal tender or currency is the Bahamian dollar which is actually equivalent to the U.S. dollar. Although the Bahamas has their own legal tender in circulation, both the Bahamian and U.S. dollar are accepted interchangeably throughout the islands. U.S. tourists enjoy the convenience of not having to change currencies when they visit the island.

English is also the official language of the islands of the Bahamas, so if you’re comfortable with English then you’ll not have a problem with getting around, ordering food or reading street signs. However, because of the region’s dialect, which is a fascinating mixture of Queen’s diction and African influences plus the island tongue, you may have to ask some people to repeat what they say.

Some words may be pronounced like ‘ouse for house, where the “h” is dropped, or ‘anks for thanks, these are unfamiliar sounding words that you may hear on the streets and beaches. In spite of this, you’ll find conversation easy there with the distinctive sounds of daily speech being apart of the all-true Bahamian experience.

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Cayman Islands – A Unique Tropical Experience

Cayman Islands – A Unique Tropical Experience

When it comes to variety, the Cayman Islands is perhaps no different from the world’s most popular tourist destinations. What would probably be the only difference is the quality of the experience – the food, the social life, the adventures, and all the other things that are mostly classified as upscale.

Food

With such a wide array of restaurants and other outstanding gourmet establishments, food and eating at the Cayman Islands can rank among the best in the world. The food is fresh and the cooking is superb, although the price may be a bit on the high end.

The specialties are turtle steaks and turtle soups, conch chowder and conch salad, red snapper sea bass and lobsters. There are restaurants with very good services and they accept credit cards.

Bars and restaurants are well-stocked with all kinds of beverages normally available in America and Europe. Some even have draft beers available in some few bars.

Night life

At Grand Cayman, the day does not end when the sun goes down. In fact, it is just starting at the comedy clubs, bars and nightclubs around. There is variety of music and the clubs have everything: salsa, reggae, calypso, disco and others.

There are also concerts at such places as Lions Centre in Red Bay and theater productions at the Harquail Theatre on West Bay Road or at the Prospect Playhouse in Red Bay.

There are also dinner cruises on board at a replica pirate ship and a 19th century tall ship. For the latest on entertainment on the islands, visitors can follow through the events at the local newspaper.

Shopping

The shopping center at George Town with its array of boutiques and duty-free shops is now one of the leading centers in the Caribbean group. Local foods abound at the Farmers Market Cooperative on Thomas Russell way or Frankie’s Fresh Fruits and Juices on Read Bay Road.

There are also new and modern shopping places with goods from American and European fashion brands, furnishings and household goods. There are local goods, as well like the Tortuga Rum company specialty rum and rum cake, shell jewelry, caymanite (the island’s semi-precious stone) tropical fruits and wood carvings.

The Cayman Spirit

At the Cayman Islands, life is a blend of local traditions and American and British social conventions. Shaking of hands is still the usual greeting. Because of the prevalence of people with the same family name, a person may be introduced by his Christian name (Mr. Tom or Mr. Jim).

Flowers are acceptable as gifts on arrival or after a visit for a meal. It is deemed normal to prescribe modes of dressing on invitation cards. Casual wear is acceptable in most places, but beachwear is best confined to the beach. (Topless bathing is prohibited.)

Money

Ten to fifteen percent tips is normal for most services, and hotels and apartments state the specific amount. Restaurant bills usually include the 10 to 15 percent in lieu of tipping.

Currency is in Cayman Islands Dollar with denominations in 100, 50, 40, 25, 10, 5 and 1 banknotes also coins in 25¢, 10¢, 5¢ and 1¢. US dollars are accepted currencies, too, as are credit cards.

At Cayman Islands, everything is accounted for. Simply bring along your sense of fun and adventure.

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Caribbean Family Travel

Caribbean Family Travel

One thing you can really say about the Caribbean is that it is a very popular destination for families. That’s because a Caribbean family travel usually means more fun and features in an all-inclusive resort. Family packages may typically offer the following:

* Beach and water sports
* Luxurious swimming pools and water slides
* Kid-friendly programs and family activities
* Meal-time convenience and drinks on tap
* Grown-up pampering like spas, dining, cocktail parties, etc.
* Baby-sitting and other services
* Great family rates

However, there are times when there’s just too many all-inclusive Caribbean family travel resorts out there that it’s difficult to choose just one. Given the dollar cost and emotional investment, the stakes are high. How do you know which one suits you and your family best?

All-Inclusive, Be Aware Of The Term

When you say all-inclusive, it’s natural to assume that the package includes everything. But remember that an all-inclusive Caribbean family travel includes almost but not quite everything. So you got all meals and snacks, drinks, kids’ programs, and certain water sports and other activities but not all of them.

Take note of the following:

* Non-motorized water sports are generally included, such as kayaks, wind surfing, aqua-trikes, etc. If you want the motorized ones, like jet skis and water skis, it may cost you.
* Gear for snorkeling is often free, but there may be a limit as to how long you can use them. And if you want to join a snorkeling boat trip on your Caribbean family travel, it may cost you extra.
* Scuba is generally extra.
* Spas are always extra, unless you got one of those special Caribbean family travel.
* Off-property outings are extra, though a shuttle bus to a nearby town may be free.
* Some non-all-inclusives offer plans that include meals and/or activities.

Kids’ Club

Every all-inclusive Caribbean family travel package offers this. Many are “friendly little clubs”, cute spots with one or two rooms with toys and TV and maybe video games for kids ages 4-12. A warm and friendly staff is always there to provide them with care.

But if you want your kids to enjoy the multi-program type, most all-inclusive resorts have this actually. Here, there are different places and programs for different ages. Some worthy names that offer this feature in their all-inclusive Caribbean family travel specials are Club Med in Punta Cana, Beaches resorts and Atlantis in the Bahamas.

Babies and Toddlers

More and more Caribbean family travel resorts are now providing nurseries and infant care for guests traveling with their babies or toddlers. This is welcome break for you, moms, because even if you only leave your kid for a few hours in the nursery during nap time, that short amount of time can be invigorating and gives you a chance to enjoy your Caribbean family travel vacation yourself.

If you’re worried whether on-site doctors or nurses are available, try one of the bigger Caribbean family travel resorts. They’re your best bet. And lastly, as a miscellaneous tip, be sure to double check the site where you booked your Caribbean family travel to make sure that the baby-club will actually be up and running during your trip.

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Bahamas – Atlantis On Paradise Island

Bahamas – Atlantis On Paradise Island

If you’re planning the dream vacation into the amazing islands of the Bahamas, then you’d probably want to be in a place where you can take pleasure in the beautiful white sand beaches of the islands as well as be able to explore, relax, have fun and do other startling things. If you’re seeking luxurious pleasures while being in an island, then Atlantis Bahamas is what you’re looking for.

Discover the various mysteries of Atlantis on the Paradise Island of the Bahamas. Passageways that will take you back eleven thousand years ago making you wonder and discover how this amazing mythical civilization may have mastered underwater survival when they were sunken into the sea never to be seen again.

The Atlantis Bahamas is a majestic palace that rises up out of thirty four acres of waterscape, alluring you into a world of waterfalls, pools, slides, exciting water rides, saltwater habitats and marauder infested lagoons complete with stingrays, barracudas, sharks, and an underwater viewing tunnel. Not putting aside the miles of white sandy beach and the sea.

When it comes to food at the Atlantis Bahamas, you have a choice from eighteen restaurants which includes ‘Fathoms’ offering fresh, luscious seafood from around the world, and ‘Five Twins’ that offers exotic pacific rim cuisine with sushi and sate bar, caviar champagne carts, live music and dancing.

For your relaxation, a luxurious Mandara spa and health centre give you a wide range of services and treatments that includes tropical rain shower and steam rooms, and a full service beauty salon. For sporty people who just can’t get away from the game, a J. Fazio designed eighteen hole golf course located at nearby Ocean Club, ten tennis courts, plus scuba diving or even swimming with the dolphins, will answer all these needs.

The Atlantis Bahamas has two thousand three hundred rooms and suites which includes views of ocean, marina or harbour, waterscape, air-conditioning, satellite TV, balcony, telephone, hairdryer, safe, iron, and ironing board. The facilities includes saltwater lagoons with over fifty thousand marine animals, eleven swimming areas including for small swimming pools, children’s pools and a lap pool, seven acres snorkeling lagoon, spa, fitness center and exercise classes, casino, eighteen restaurants, seventeen bars or lounges, sixty three slip marina, sports center with ten tennis courts, basketball, volleyball, eighteen hole putting course, eighteen hole golf course nearby, supervised Discovery Channel Children’s Camp, sailing, scuba diving and swimming with the dolphins.

So go ahead and plan that perfect vacation now and be a part of the mystery, luxury, adventure, excitement and pleasures of the Atlantis Bahamas.

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Cayman Islands – A Diver’s Paradise

Cayman Islands – A Diver’s Paradise

For a lot of tourists, the Cayman Islands could mean a lot of things. They love the sun, the beaches, the stingrays, and the food. For the divers, however, the Cayman Islands are just short of paradise.

There is never a shortage of scuba diving sites in the islands, a beach and diver’s haven in the Caribbean. Each of these scuba diving site has unique features all its own.

There are fascinating steep walls, marine creatures in fantastic colors and shapes, coral formations, sunken wrecks lying on the ocean floor – all these are present in all of the three islands. Here are some of the top diving sites.

Stingray City

Stingray City in Grand Cayman is the most photographed dive site in probably all of the Caribbean. The famous friendly stingrays have been featured in many ads, documentaries and travel articles since its discovery in 1986.

Today, there are many visitors from all over the world who came and visit Stingray City to pet and feed the rays. The scuba diving site is very shallow, 12 to 20 feet, making them ideal for divers and snorkelers.

Trinity Caves

This has a maze of canyon trails, 60 to 100 feet deep, located at the north end of Seven Mile beach. The reef is filled with sea fans, black corals, barrel sponges, and many others.

It is named after the three caves that look like cathedrals which are home to large turtles, groupers, squirrel fish, lobsters and other reef fish.

The Wreck of the Balboa

The Balboa is a 375-feet freighter that sank 30 feet below George Town Harbor. It is most beautiful at night for photography or video.

Visibility is very good, although it is best for only small groups to explore it because the silt around might be disturbed.

The Hobbit

The site is located at the southeast tip of Cayman Brac and divers usually feel they are hobbits in that place. It is inhabited by giant barrel sponges, corals, turtles and chubs.

There are also the queen triggerfish, grunts, octopi, and queen angels. The site is best for intermediate to advanced scuba divers.

Radar Reef

This site has a series of canyons and coral pinnacles which houses a wide variety of sea whips, feather dusters, barrel and tube sponges, sea fans corals, and starfishes.

These are joined in by octopi, turtles, and stingrays, among others. It has a calm surface and can be reached by boat or swam from the beach.

Bloody Bay Wall

This site at Little Cayman starts with a depth of 15 feet and then drops into a very deep bottom. This is one of the best sites in the Cayman Islands.

You will see soft corals, pastel gorgonians and lavender (or bright orange) tube sponges. There are also large parrot fishes and turtles exploring the area.

Little Cayman Wall

This site starts out shallow and then drops to unknown depths. Snorkelers can enjoy the area with the presence of yellow, orange and blue sponges along with the soft corals. It is accessible by boats.

There are still diving sites around the islands that are yet to be “discovered” and named. But even with this list of diving sites, you will already have your hands full exploring these fantastic marine sites. Remember, they can only be found here in the Cayman Islands.

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