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Author: Louis Moon

The Caribbean is considered to be the perfect place for honeymoon vacations. With it’s great beaches and with the different romantic activities that you and your spouse can do, both of you will definitely have a great time when you go on your first honeymoon or even your second or third honeymoon vacation.

It is a fact that a lot of couples loved the Caribbean so much that they are willing to save money to go on their second or even their third honeymoon vacation in the Caribbean. However, it is also crucial that you should know how to plan your honeymoon vacation in order to avoid any problems that may arise in the future. You have to consider that even the perfect honeymoon destination can ruin your honeymoon if you don’t plan.

So, the first thing you need to do when you want to spend your honeymoon in the Caribbean, you have to plan ahead of time. Plan the honeymoon vacation with the wedding and should not come second. The honeymoon is just as important as the wedding. In order to plan effectively, consult with a number of travel agents. You should also try reading the brochures offered by Caribbean resorts. By doing this, you will have an idea on the different features offered by each resort. You should also look for a resort that offers honeymoon packages. You will also have an idea on which package you can afford or you can financially prepare for the honeymoon package in advance.

When choosing a honeymoon resort in the Caribbean, you can also visit the internet and read the reviews. The reviews will let you know what to expect about the resort. By doing this, you will know about the services offered by a resort in the Caribbean, and you can also know about the quality of accommodation and the different activities. You can narrow down your search for the best honeymoon destination in the Caribbean by listing down those resorts which has positive vacation reviews.

Book your reservations early. Many people make a mistake of booking their accommodations when they arrive at their destination. You have to consider that the Caribbean islands and beach resorts are very popular on tourists all over the world. You have to expect that most resorts will be fully booked, especially during tourist season and in the summer months.

A week before the wedding and the honeymoon, you should prepare all your important travel documents in order to avoid looking for it as both of you are on your way to your destination. Get your passports and other travel documents organized to avoid frustrations. Ask your spouse to prepare theirs too.

About 2 days before your wedding and your honeymoon, you should first confirm your reservation to the Caribbean resort. You should also confirm your flight reservations as well in order to avoid any problems at the airport.

These are some of the things you should remember in order for you to experience the best and the most romantic honeymoon vacation that you and your spouse can ever have. Remember this and you will avoid any problems with your honeymoon vacation. You can be sure that you will never think of anything but spending a romantic time with your significant other.

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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.

When the reefs call, divers can suit up and head to the Caribbean where hundreds of dive boats head out daily to sites just minutes away. All the major islands offer diving trips, lessons, and equipment, but here are some options for you to explore.

1. Saba – The offshore marine environment is significantly fascinating on this 5sq mile Caribbean island! With a seabed and mounts of healthy reefs and marine life and extraordinary formations with a depth of 200 feet, you’ll quickly see why the island is highly praised for its over 25 dive sites whose settings include underwater lava flows, hot spring, large strands of black coral, millions of tropical fish and underwater mountaintops submerged under 89ft of water.

2. Cozumel – Amazing reefs and marine life are in abundance here. Dive brochures list over 30 popular dive site locations, such as the Palancar Reef, known for canyons and abrupt wall formations. Don’t miss the vivid tunnels of the Devil’s Throat off Punta Sur where you’ll be sure to catch the schooling yellow jacks and turtles. Almost all reefs are protected by the Cozumel Reef National Marine Park, so you’ll be sure to find pristine, spectacular diving!

3. Bahamas – If getting there and budget is a factor, you can’t beat the convenience of the Bahamas. Divers can literally spend weeks exploring the Andros Barrier Reefs’s chasms known as Blue Holes, and the walls descending into the famous underwater canyon known as the Tongue of the Ocean. With over 25 unique dive destinations in the Bahamas, you’ll find some of the most exciting experiences, perhaps one will be when you swim and feed reef sharks, an experience offered nowhere else in the world.

4. Turks & Caicos – The Turks & Caicos Islands are surrounded by one of the most extensively appealing coral reef systems worldwide; which includes a collection of unusual underwater wrecks and drop off diving. You’ll see colonies of black coral, rare forms of anemone, purple sponges, endless formations of coral and thousands of tropical fish.

5. Belize – There are hundreds of world-class dives, virtually all with 100-foot visibility. Enjoy the longest barrier reef in this hemisphere, home to the Great Blue Hole, hundreds of islands, snorkel and dive locations, over 100 species of coral, hundreds of species of fish and an abundant variety of marine life.

6. Dominican Republic – With crystal clear waters and vibrant colors of marine life, the thing about the Dominican Republic that impresses divers is its enormity: two oceans, a system of inland freshwater caves, offshore wall dives, a smattering of satellite islands, protective coral reefs, deep harbors, 437 cataloged shipwrecks, a coastline of over 800 miles and the largest annual migration of humpback whales on earth.

7. Dominica – See gorgeous colorful reefs, spectacular walls, and unique “Champagne Bubbles.” The coastal underworld of Dominica is replete with coral villages and steep drop offs and while some of these attractions are several meters deep others are only a few feet from the water’s surface. Whether you are visitor who likes to snorkel or dive, you can float through the island’s spectacular underwater scenery.

8. St. Eustatius – Incredible snorkeling and diving; healthy reefs, a bank of shipwrecks, 17^th and 18^th century city ruins and beautiful underwater flora and fauna creates a diverse ecotourism offering.

9. BVI – With just a snorkel and mask there is much to explore at one of the many incomparable dive sites around 60 islands and cays. At The Baths, an extraordinary natural landscape awaits, with partially submerged grottoes created by huge boulders that were scattered by ancient volcanic activity. Snorkelers can tour giant boulder fields or immerse themselves in coral-encrusted shallows. Brewer’s Bay on Tortola holds schools of trumpet fish, barracuda, octopus, stingrays and sergeant majors, and Smuggler’s Cove at the northwest end of the island, offers two reefs, just 100 feet offshore, which are the playground of grunts, squirrel fish and parrot fish. Off Anegada, the wreck of the Parmatta, which ran aground in 1853, on her maiden voyage, provides an opportunity to see butterfly fish, turtles and huge groupers.

10. Puerto Rico – There are countless diving sites around this tropical paradise. With a continental shelf surrounding it on three sides, Puerto Rico has an abundance of coral reefs, caves and sea walls for divers of all levels of experience to explore. Mona Island has been heralded as the Galapagos of the Caribbean, famous for its unique flora & fauna above the water. Heading to the South region of Puerto Rico, known as Porta Caribe, you’ll find a thrilling recreational dive spot at Caja de Muertos Island – off Ponce.  West of Caja de Muertos is a very lively and beautiful reef known as Derrumbadero – precipice.

Images courtesy of the Turks & Caicos, Puerto Rico, and Statia Tourist Offices as well as thanks to Brenda S and R Duncan Kirby.

Avid bird watchers need look no further than Jamaica to discover the allure of exotic bird species. From the cool forested peaks of the Blue Mountains to the unforgettable charm of the lush, enchanting parish of Port Antonio, the island is endowed with a number of off-the-beaten-track vantage points to witness captivating endemic birds in their natural habitat.

“Jamaica is a sanctuary for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike who celebrate wildlife and find peace in the simplicities of outdoor adventures,” said John Lynch, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “The island’s rustic charm is undeniable and visitors will enjoy discovering the stunning species of birds which are unique to Jamaica.”

Jamaica has an eclectic collection of over 200 resident and migratory bird species including more endemic species than any other Caribbean Island. An enticing treat for birders is the thrill of encountering these 28 species and 21 subspecies of birds, such as the Jamaican Owl, Jamaican Mango, Jamaican Becard and Jamaican Tody, which are found nowhere else in the world. Visitors yearning to set their sights on these majestic creatures can escape to Jamaica any time of the year, but the ideal bird watching takes place between December and June when the varied and colorful North American migrants abound.

Guided bird watching tours are available for passionate birders. Local expert birding guides will help visitors navigate prominent birding hotspots across the island in search of Jamaica’s spirited species.

Many of the endemic species can be encountered in the Blue & John Crow Mountains National Park, Abbey Green, Hardwar Gap, Ecclesdown and many other densely forested areas on the island. Bird watchers yearning for an up-close-and-personal experience can visit Rocklands Feeding Station, located just outside the resort area of Montego Bay, where bold birds will perch on your finger tip to sip sweet nectar.

For more information on bird watching and the various hot spots in Jamaica, go to www.visitjamaica.com, or call 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422).

Visit our Guide to Jamaica

Year round, you can encounter the world’s largest toothed animal, the Sperm Whale – off Dominica’s shorelines. The island’s sheer walls disappear under the sea, creating deep sheltered bays along its western coastline; a haven for the Sperm Whale which loves to calve and breed in this type of habitat.

Seeing one of these 40-50 ton, 50-60 foot long giants as they breach the water is quite an unforgettable sight!

Whale watching on the island isn’t difficult at all; in fact there are several tour and charter boats that can be scheduled to spot these magnificent creatures in the calm turquoise Caribbean Sea. Treat yourself to scenic views as guides take you to best spots to observe whales playfully surfacing, tail slapping and blowing spouts in the air. Fishermen and sailors report seeing the Sperm Whales at Scotts Head, Roseau, Layou and Point Round. Dominica is the only country in the world where the Sperm Whale resides all year long!

Whale sightings are most common between November and March. On a rare trip, the whales may be elusive, but such disappointment is usually compensated with acrobatic performances by hundreds of Spotted and Spinner Dolphins.

Regulations require operators to follow strict codes of conduct on their excursions. They do not lure the whales and minimize any disturbance and you should never swim with or touch whales or any other marine mammals.

While the Sperm Whale has made the deep waters surrounding Dominica their year-round home, 22 of 33 species known in the Caribbean have been seen in Dominican waters, so wherever you travel along the coast of Dominica, be sure to keep your eyes open for these marine visitors!

Visit our guide to Dominica!

Jamaica is without a doubt one of the prettiest islands in the Caribbean, and welcomes everyone seeking perhaps their most romantic experience! It has just about everything to offer every one of its visitors, so whether you’re an eco-minded traveler looking for a romantic sail down a river, Jamaica has it, and if you’re a beach bum wanting to spend your day relaxing on pristine white sandy beach, don’t worry, Jamaica has that too –  and is the perfect romantic destination!

Here are 5 romantic attractions in Jamaica:

1. Rafting

Top of your honeymoon in Montego Bay with a romantic ride down the mighty Martha Brae on a bamboo raft for two – a skilled raft captain on a 30-foot bamboo raft takes visitors on a romantic adventure into the scenic and tranquil beauty of the island. This unique experience encompassing over three miles of beautiful and picturesque river should not be missed by any visitor.

2. Blue Lagoon

Encircling the blue glow of this charming natural lagoon is a sandy shore, hidden behind lush tropical greenery – a blissful and serene spot to tie the knot. Enjoy rum punch on the shaded veranda or watch the colors of the lagoon change with the movement of the sun. The Blue Lagoon is over 178ft deep and is Port Antonio’s most famous attraction.

3. Lover’s Leap

The Lover’s Leap, located east of Treasure Beach, is named after the legendary love story of two slaves rescued by the moon after leaping to their deaths, this 1700-foot cliff facing the Caribbean Sea is an enchanting spot for a moonlit wedding or a sunset honeymoon getaway.

4. Negril Beach Weddings

Known for its spectacular sunsets, scenic cliff diving, white sands and hopping nightlife – Negril’s Seven Mile Beach offers everything you need for the beach wedding of a lifetime.

5. Waterfalls

Ever dream of exchanging vows underneath a 7-tiered gushing waterfall? Even if you choose not to have a wet wedding, these lush edens are perfect spots to take a ziplining or tubing honeymoon adventure.

For the best travel deals to Jamaica, visit http://www.gocheapcaribbean.com

Click here for our full guide to Jamaica.

Images are the property of: The Jamaica Tourist Board

St. Lucia Weddings, Honeymoons & Romance

What do you think of when you hear ‘St. Lucia’? Whether it’s portraits of sunset strolls along the islands sandy coast, or picture perfect moments in the flourishing forest, St. Lucia is for lovers.

Whether you’re traveling here for your dream wedding, the perfect honeymoon or simply a romantic escape, you’ll find that St. Lucia is the perfect destination to celebrate the gift of love!

The setting in St. Lucia is sensational, imagine a romantic interlude in the view of the Pitons at a world class resort, add to this an array of spectacular dining and entertainment choices and you’ll see why so many couples return.

Not only is the island’s setting sensational, but its marriage consultants are too – enough to fulfill any bride’s dream of the perfect wedding, you can choose between traditional and beautiful cathedrals, tropical gardens, charming hotels, private estates and waterfalls. From intimate ceremonies to the extravagant, St. Lucia has everything for you as well as activities ranging from exploring the World Heritage Pitons, drive-in volcano, sulphur springs, beaches, and the many nature heritage sites, it’s definitely nothing less than anything you have dreamed of!

Planning the perfect romantic escape to the beautiful and exciting island of St. Lucia is easy. Grab your sweetheart and explore the lush natural beauty the island has to offer. Enjoy fine dining and taste the flavors of St. Lucia. Experience the Caribbean’s trendy nightlife scene and thriving arts. Hike through rainforests to hidden waterfalls, kayak with sea turtles and see a whale splash a couple feet away, enjoy the beaches or simply do nothing at all but enjoy each other in nature’s paradise.

To get started on your dream wedding or honeymoon, follow the links below for detailed information on planning services, ceremony locations, romantic accommodations, and more!

Click here for more information on Weddings in St. Lucia

Saint Lucia Weddings Co-ordinators
Awesome Caribbean Weddings –  www.awesomecaribbeanweddings.com
No frills Wedding Saint Lucia – www.nofrillswedding.com
Dreamy Weddings & Tours – www.dreamyweddings.com
Weddings in Saint Lucia – www.weddingsinstlucia.com
Tropic Isle Weddings - www.tropicisleweddings.com

Wedding Photographer – Aaron Soares

“Timeless Memories”

Photo: Aaron Soares

Wedding photographer, Aaron Soares shoots in a photojournalism style, working the light to it’s fullest, keeping outstanding attention to detail, light, and shadows that are passionate and realistic.

Aaron offers a wide package selection and ala-carte options for the budget minded couples. All packages include: Photo CD, Coffee Table Hard Cover Photo Book(s), Print Credits, and Online Proofing.

The photographs that you receive will be an everlasting record of your timeless memorable day!

For more information go to Aaron’s website www.soaresart.com or call 011-599-416-5763.

Images property of the St Lucia Tourist Board.