Search Results for Category: Bahamas

There are many places to see when you decide to go on a Caribbean cruise vacation. After all, the area itself comprises more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs and cays. You just have to rent a boat or tell the skipper that this is where you want to go. By choosing to rent a bare boat or a chartering a crewed vessel, you will be able to practice your sailing skills.

The sailing capital of the Caribbean is the British Virgin Islands. With consistent trade winds blowing from the northeast at 10 to 25 knots, clear water and about 60 islands and cays to explore in an area that’s 32 miles long and 15 miles wide.

If you want to start your vacation here, go to Tortola that happens to be the largest island where many vendors are available to rent bareboat craft or crewed yachts, depending on your skills and interests.

But to get here, it is best to book with a private plane charter to avoid several connections in order to get there. One event you shouldn’t miss when you are here is the BVI Spring Regatta where 100 yachts compete as part of the events in the three-day festival.

There is also St. Vincent and the Grenadine Islands. Here, the wind comes from the northeast and blows at 10 to 25 knots. Most of the islands here are undeveloped so you can drop anchor and do some sunbathing while the rest can go and have a picnic. You can also do some shopping in town where spice market is known for its pervasive fragrances.

Another group of islands that is worth seeing is the Bahamas just 100 miles of the coast of Florida. Here, you are surrounded by turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. Abaco is the major centre here for yacht charters and from here, you can check out Andros Island, Cat Island, Crooked Island, Long Island, Mayaguana San Salvador Island or Nassau that are make up just a few of the 700 islands.

Don’t forget the islands of the French West Indies which includes Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Martin and St. Barts. The winds here are between 10 to 20 knots and the best time to sail in these parts is between December and April which also happens to be the dry season.

Fort-de-France in Martinique is one of the Caribbean’s loveliest bays, and of the island’s several marinas, Le Marin’s Port de Plaisance is the island’s biggest and best-equipped.

If you think about it, any of these places is a good starting point to start your Caribbean sailing vacation given that millions of tourists visit this place every year.

This makes this island paradise is ideal for everyone as there are packages available for couples, honeymooners and adult only so you just have to mention which one you want to avail of. These are often posted in magazines and a lot of them are available online which means it won’t be long before you find a package that suits your budget.

But apart from the different places you can go, don’t forget to indulge yourself in some of the activities that you can do. These include snorkeling, board water sports, parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking and scuba diving.

You will just have to borrow the equipment if you don’t happen to have any of these as part of your luggage.

If you don’t like large crowds, never plan your Caribbean cruise vacation during the peak months. This will also save you money as the rates will also go down.

So get planning and have a great time in the Caribbean!

Author: Isla Campbell

Long, white beaches, stunning scenery, warm, tranquil waters and a unique relaxed attitude to life are all factors that draw millions of visitors to the islands of the Caribbean every year, looking for their own ‘taste of paradise’. It is the quintessential relaxation destination for American, British and European visitors wishing to splash out on something special.

Also named the West Indies – due to Christopher Columbus mistakenly believing he had reached India when he first sailed into an unknown landmass – the Caribbean is made up of more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and cays, and is grouped into 27 territories. It is situated southeast of North America and east of Central America, ensuring tropical weather and warm waters all year round.

Possibly the best-known island, Barbados is a well-developed tourist centre, with grand hotels and resorts, calm waters and steel band culture, while the history buff will be fascinated by the capital of Antigua, St. Johns. Further west, the Victorian town of Port Antonio offers a view of the area’s colonial past as well as views of the Blue Mountains, and the wildlife of the Bahamas will attract all seasoned flora and fauna devotees.

The area offers more than an opportunity to sunbathe though, and this is something many tourists chose to exploit. The warm waters are ideal playgrounds for a range of sports. Jamaica’s north coast, for example, provides ideal conditions for a variety of activities, including sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving, whereas Dickinson Bay in Antigua is perfect for canoeing or trying to avoid falling off a jet-ski.

Possibly the centre of Caribbean water sports, however, is Barbados. The island can offer scuba diving with fantastic year-round visibility, calm and majestic sailing, and even a high-octane ‘Thrill Seeker’ experience, which includes jetting at high speeds in a 35′ Scarab off-shore powerboat, custom designed for complete comfort and safety, but mainly for speed. Tours like this, interspersed with leisurely snorkeling and swimming, take full advantage of the ideal conditions provided by Barbados, and by the Caribbean in general.

Although lazing on a beach with a colourful cocktail in hand may sound like many peoples’ idea of heaven, holidays in the Caribbean can offer far more. The history and culture of the area is vastly unique but also varied, and the wildlife alone is worth a visit.

The Caribbean’s beaches and seas rate among the most beautiful in the world, so it’s easy to see why they are the main draw for most tourists. Many visitors, however, want a little more than just relaxation, so the islands have developed into an ideal playground for holiday-makers in search of a little excitement. Perhaps most impressive, is that the Caribbean can offer both – thrills and relaxation – depending on what each visitor is looking for.

Tropical golf heaven – blessed with breathtaking scenery, unforgettable signature holes and championship course designs, it’s no wonder why the Caribbean attracts so many golfers from around the world!

Discover a variety of unique course layouts in the Caribbean’s many, geographically distinct islands—from greens lined with volcanic rough to stunning seaside water hazards. With several amazing golf courses to choose from, it won’t be difficult to find the perfect course for you.

Golf in Antigua

The picturesque and beautiful island of Antigua has two wonderful golf courses and hosts a number of golf tournaments. The first is Cedar Valley Golf Club and the other is Jolly Harbor Golf Club. Both these two major golf clubs are famous for hosting a number of world class golf tournaments. Moreover, the location of these two golf clubs in Antigua is at such picturesque places that easily charms both the players and the visitors.

Golf in Jamaica

The draw of the Jamaican golf scene is as powerful as the slice of a champion’s swing. The greens offer an exciting diversity of challenge that keeps the pros coming back again and again, while novices hone their skills on some of the world’s most scenic courses. Sophistication and elegance make the clubhouses popular gathering spots, and well-stocked pro shops can meet just about every need.

Montego Bay is the natural focal point for any golfer who visits Jamaica, and the region has become a mecca for the sport in recent years, offering a mix of established, longtime favorites and a few new ones. The other resort areas island-wide also offer quality golf experiences.

• Cinnamon Hill Golf Course - Set on the site of a former sugar plantation, the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course at the Rose Hall Resort & Country Club features challenging holes and breathtaking views across the Caribbean Sea. The fairways are laden with water hazards, and dramatic changes in elevation define many of the holes. Designed by Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril, this 18-hole, par-71 course runs 6,637 yards (6,069 meters) and is a re-design of the Three Palms Ocean Course. Cinnamon Hill ranks among the most exceptional and enjoyable in the entire Caribbean.
• White Witch Golf Club - The White Witch Golf Club is named for the legendary ghost of Annie Palmer, the “White Witch” of Rose Hall, who ruled the Rose Hall plantation until 1831 and is alleged to have murdered three husbands. White Witch seems to have been etched out of the lush vegetation, challenging players to clear deep gorges and gauge the number of breaks in each green.
• Half Moon Golf Club – Opened in 1961, this Robert Trent Jones, Sr. masterpiece is widely regarded not only as one of the finest courses in the Caribbean, but in the entire world. Half Moon is a long par-72 championship course that stretches 7,119 yards (6,506 meters), relatively flat and distinguished by deep, wide fairways. More than half of its holes face Caribbean trade winds, making club selection and caddy-reliance important considerations.

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Additional courses include: SuperClubs Golf Club, Negril Hills Golf Club, Sandals Golf & Country Club, Caymanas Golf Club, The Manchester Club, and Constant Spring Golf Club.

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Golf in Turks & Caicos

• The Provo Golf & Country Club - known as one of the best and most challenging tests of golf in the Caribbean, Provo Golf Club is a relaxing green oasis, set amongst the natural flora and fauna of the island. Fairways feature natural limestone outcroppings and are lined with native bush and inland lakes. The front nine features water on six holes, while the tight back nine has a further four ‘lake holes’, home to a colorful array of water birds including flamingos, pelicans and various types of heron. Great facilities, no restrictions on tee times, good tempo rounds, a cooling island breeze and a great round of golf – what more could you ask for!

• Waterloo Golf Club - Waterloo Golf Club is a 9 hole, par 54 course built in the grounds of the Office of the Governor of the Turks & Caicos Islands. Officially opened on January 3, 1998, it was designed by His Excellency the Governor and built entirely by volunteers, including the Governor himself. The course which is 2758 yards long, is open to tourists. It is located just a few hundred yards from the Cruise Ship Center. The Green Fees are $25 per day, no matter how many times you play.

Photo credits: Antigua & Barbuda Tourist Board, Tourist Board of Barbados, Turks & Caicos Islands Tourism Board and Flickr member MoreThanGolf

For a limited time, guests who play 2 rounds of golf will get the 3rd round free at Sandals Emerald Bay! Sandals Emerald Bay is known for its 18-hole, 7,200-yard, championship course, designed by PGA pro Greg Norman and named among the best in the Caribbean by Travel & Leisure Golf.

Golf rounds can be purchased online and guests must use all three rounds during their stay at Sandals Emerald Bay.

Exclusive Golf Offer from Sandals Emerald Bay

Booking Window: Now – May 31, 2010
Travel Window: Now – December 15, 2010
Discount Code: None
Minimum Stay: none

Enjoy Warm Sands and Hot Savings At Sandals Resorts:

Guests who take advantage of our hot savings will receive up to 2 nights free! Guests Who book a minimum 7-night stay by May 20th, 2010 will also receive a $250 Red Lane Spa Credit! This offer is available at select Sandals Resorts.

Additionally, guests staying for three nights or longer can get up to 65% off at all Sandals locations! Please see details of this amazing offer below.

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Booking Window: Now – May 20th, 2010
Travel Window: Now – December 28, 2010 & January 1 – December 28, 2011
Blackout Dates: December 29 – 31, 2010 & February 19 – 26, 2011
Minimum Stay: 7 nights

Companion Flies Free to The Bahamas:

For a limited time, Sandals Resorts is offering free companion travel to their two resorts in The Bahamas! Guests who book a minimum 4-night stay by May 10th, 2010 will receive Free Companion Airfare from US gateways! This offer is available at Sandals Emerald Bay and Sandals Royal Bahamian only.

Additionally, guests staying for seven nights or longer can get up to 1 night free at both locations! Please see details of this offer below.

Sales Tip: Guests must enter the discount code to receive this offer. The Companion Flies Free promotion is combinable with the current 65% offer to both Sandals Emerald Bay and Sandals Royal Bahamian. This offer is also combinable with the $250 Red Lane Spa Credit available at Sandals Royal Bahamian only.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Companion Flies Free Promotion

Disocunt Code: CFF10
Booking Window: Now – May 10, 2010
Travel Window: Now – December 22, 2010
Blackout Dates: March 19 – April 10, 2010
Minimum Stay: 4 nights

Exclusive Offer from Sandals Emerald Bay:

For a limited time, guests who book a luxurious Seaside Villa will receive a complimentary Island Routes Castaway Cay Island Package valued at $550!

The Castaway Cay Package includes free transfer to dock, private boat transfer to secluded Castaway Island, four hours on Castaway Island, beach chairs and beach floats, a bottle of wine and a cooler with drinks, choice of 1 of 4 lunch options.

Guests must enter the discount code to receive this offer. Sandals Emerald Bay is the newest addition to the Sandals Family. Located on Great Exuma in The Bahamas, Sandals Emerald Bay also offers the Companion Flies Free Program which makes this resort a much sought-after destination.

Exclusive Offer from Sandals Emerald Bay

Booking Window: March 30th, 2010 – April 30th, 2010
Travel Window: March 30th, 2010 – December 15th, 2010
Discount Code: CWY33
Minimum Stay: 5 nights

A laidback tropical island with copious amounts of candy-pink colonial (and sometimes funky) charm, Nassau is the capital of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas — and the largest city on New Providence, one of its smaller islands. In fact, more than half of the Bahamas’ 300,000+ residents live on New Providence. Famous Cable Beach and Paradise Island are but a stone’s throw from downtown Nassau.

A city with a vibrant swashbuckling pirate past, Nassau offers tropical tree-lined streets filled with horse-drawn surreys ruled by policemen in white starched jackets and colorful pith helmets; soft-sanded beaches for kicking back and catching ocean breezes; lavish Vegas-type casinos with attractions to match; dozens of obscenely good restaurants; and enough duty-free shopping stops to please even the most jaded of fashionistas.

What to Do

• Head over to the man-made island of Arawak Cay (known to the locals as “Fish Fry”), a local beach dusted with pastel-colored shacks, incredibly fresh conch from vendors cracking the mollusks right before your eyes, fried fish and grits, lime-marinated conch and plenty of coconut milk laced with gin. Very popular, especially with the locals, and very crowded, especially on weekend evenings from 5 p.m. until midnight. It’s on the harbor, across from Fort Charlotte.

• Pink flamingos, honey bears and peacocks, oh my! You’ll find all this and more at Ardastra Gardens. Wait till you see the flamingos parade in drill formation (10:30 a.m, 2:10 p.m. and 4:10 p.m.).

• If you’re not staying at the showy 34-acre Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, you can still check it out by purchasing a hard-to-come-by day pass (these are offered on a first-come, first-served basis at the resort). The pass gets you access to most of the must-see sights at the resort, such as the Dig, the marine habitats and the beach. What you won’t get is the fun stuff around the pools and waterslides. An alternative to purchasing the pass is to stay at the nearby Comfort Suites Paradise Island, where guests have full access to most Atlantis facilities.

• The number one photo op on the island is the balcony of 18th-century Balcony House, which also happens to be Nassau’s oldest wooden structure. Step inside this island landmark to see the mahogany staircase said to have been salvaged from a shipwreck in the mid-1800′s.

• For dolphin encounters of the bottlenose kind and seven stunning beaches, head for Blue Lagoon Island (a.k.a. Salt Cay). If it looks a bit familiar, you probably saw it in the film Splash (the beach scenes were filmed here). There are plenty of water sports to try and hammocks to idle in, but for all things dolphin, make sure you plan ahead with Dolphin Encounters. You’ll find plenty of amenities such as showers and changing rooms too. Catch the ferry from the cruise terminal.

• One of the most popular cultural stops on the island is the 18th-century Fort Charlotte. It’s fun to roam the dungeons and underground passageways and see the waterless moat — but some say the amazing views of the harbor from the ramparts is the real don’t-miss here. Two other forts worth checking out are Fort Fincastle (overlooking the town from Bennet’s Hill) and Fort Montagu (on East Bay Street).

• For those who love British pomp and circumstance, see the changing of the guard at the Government House every other Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon, accompanied by the music of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band. The official residence of the governor-general of the Bahamas since 1801, this bubble-gum-pink mansion is an excellent example of Bahamian-British and American Colonial architecture.

• Kids love the Pirates of Nassau, a rather new, interactive museum filled with pirate stuff. They can walk through a 75-foot, three-masted pirate ship, too.

• We dare you to take a royal climb up the 66 steps of the Queen’s Staircase, which was carved out of calcareous, a coral-based sandstone at the end of the 18th century. The stupendous view is the prize for such athleticism.

• Hop aboard the Seaworld Explorer for a 90-minute submarine tour. Think underwater observatory, as you descend five feet below the water to observe the “sea gardens” through large glass windows. Reservations recommended (they can be arranged directly with the company or through your hotel or cruise ship).

The Cloisters — it’s right in front of the Ocean Club — is a 12th-century cloister, built in France by Augustinian monks and reassembled here stone by stone. Huntington Hartford, the A & P grocery heir, purchased the cloister from the estate of William Randolph Hearst at Sam Simeon in California. This is one of only four cloisters that have ever been removed stone by stone from France.

• Under the heading of Mardi Gras fun, check out the museum dedicated to the flashy Junkanoo Festival (a middle-of-the-night event the days after Christmas and New Year’s Day) at the Junkanoo Expo at the Prince George Wharf. It’s a chance to see the humongous costumes and floats.

• Don’t forget to spend a day or two enjoying Nassau’s beaches. Some say the most beautiful one here is Cabbage Beach, on the north shore. Another good choice is Cable Beach, with all the usual beach amenities and dazzling beachfront resorts along baby-powder-soft sand. For great snorkeling, try Love Beach near Gambier Village, about 12 miles west of downtown Nassau. If you’re looking for a little more seclusion, Caves Beach in Rock Point (close to the airport turnoff on Blake Road) is a good out-of-the-way choice.

Where to Eat
Nassau’s dining scene offers everything from upscale restaurants serving fine European cuisine to casual beach bars where you can nibble on fried conch fritters as you look out over the sea. Seafood abounds here, particularly conch, rock lobster and boiled fish stew. And be sure to try Kalik, “the beer of the Bahamas,” which is brewed at Nassau’s Commonwealth Brewery.

• The food at Graycliff is great, they have more than 250,000 bottles of wine (worth millions of dollars) and they make their own cigars. What’s not to love? We say go all out and order the Perigord goose liver with black truffles! Dinner reservations are required.

• Everyone loves Cafe Matisse for its excellent Italian food. The spinach gnocchi topped off with gorgonzola cheese and a walnut sauce is amazing. Reservations recommended.

• The oceanfront restaurant at the Compass Point Beach Resort offers West Indian dishes like Bahamian cracked conch and roasted chicken with fried plantains. We love the ultra-colorful dining room and the beautiful sea views.

• Think T.G.I. Friday’s … Caribbean style. At Anthony’s Caribbean Grill, you’ll find gourmet-type pizzas topped with jerk chicken, excellent ribs doused in an awesome barbecue sauce and warm-weather cocktails bigger than a house. It’s located in the Paradise Island Shopping Center.

• Consider Crocodile’s Waterfront Bar & Grill on East Bay Street if you’re looking for funky-casual waterside dining under thatched tiki huts — along with island drinks galore. The Bahamian-style fried chicken is excellent.

Where to Stay
Nassau is home to one of the world’s most famous hotels: the sprawling Atlantis mega-resort, with its nearly overwhelming wealth of activities and entertainment options. But for travelers more interested in peace and quiet than casinos and water parks, New Providence Island also offers charming guesthouses and serene beachfront cottages in a variety of price ranges. Winter is the busy season here, and rates rise accordingly.

• There’s so much to do at Atlantis — the biggest, splashiest mega-resort in the Bahamas — that you may be hard-pressed to tear yourself away. Kids will love Aquaventure, a 141-acre water park, and the Marine Habitat, which is home to a number of animal exhibits (including Dolphin Cay, where you can swim with dolphins and sea lions). For adults, there are numerous bars and lounges, a theater, a comedy club, an adults-only pool and the Caribbean’s largest casino. With nearly 3,000 rooms and suites in six different parts of the resort, there are accommodations to fit many interests and price points (though this is not the place for budget travelers).

• If the Atlantis is a little too over the top for your tastes, you’ll find peaceful, beautiful beaches and balmy sea breezes at the Compass Point Beach Resort. These luxurious, brightly colored cabanas and cottages are located right on the Cable Beach and offer amenities like flat-screen TV’s, refrigerators, microwaves, and DVD and CD players.

• Dating back to the 1920′s, the elegant British Colonial Hilton is situated in Nassau’s city center, making it a convenient option for business travelers or for those who are looking for proximity to shopping, dining and the cruise port. There is a private beach here, but it’s not the island’s best; those strictly looking for a beach getaway might be happier at one of the Cable Beach or Paradise Island properties.

• For budget travelers who aren’t looking for a resort experience, Orange Hill Beach Inn is a laidback, affordable option. Studio rooms are the least expensive; for a splurge, rent out the private cottage (which has a lovely ocean view).

• Perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, A Stone’s Throw Away is a charming B&B escape from the busier parts of Nassau. Travelers looking to unwind can enjoy the views from the generous wraparound porch or relax by a pool surrounded by lush gardens.

Where to Shop
Nassau is one of the Caribbean’s premier duty-free shopping destinations, with visitors flocking to the shops of Bay Street to seek out deals on jewelry, crystal, fragrances and other upscale items. Keep in mind that all duty-free goods are not necessarily good deals; if you have a particular item in mind for purchase, be sure to research prices at home before your trip to make sure the “deals” you see in Nassau really will save you money. If you’re looking for more traditional souvenirs of your trip, visit one of Nassau’s street markets to find local handcrafts and artwork.

• The Straw Market is perhaps Nassau’s most popular attraction. You’ll still find all things straw and artwork made by locals, including shopping bags, handbags, hats and wonderful dolls — though you’ll also see plenty of cheapie sunglasses, tacky trinkets and knock-off purses. Those who are willing to browse — and barter — may come up with some great finds.

• Just near the Straw Market is Bay Street, where you’ll find tonier shops like Gucci as well as a variety of upscale duty-free goods. This area is well frequented by the island’s many cruise ship passengers.

• Also nearby are the dozens of shops inside the Nassau International Bazaar at Woodes Rogers Walk and Charlotte Street. Designed to look like a small European town, complete with cobblestone streets, the bazaar offers goods from all around the world.

• The conch vendors are just part of the scene at Potters Cay, a Bahamian marketplace beneath Paradise Island Bridge. Here, you’ll find plenty of vendors selling locals goods to both the locals and tourists.

Reprinted with permission of The Independent Traveler, Inc.

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