A Journey through Azure
Waters & Island Marvels

Bridgetown

Bridgetown originally called 'Indian Bridge' is the capital and commercial centre of Barbados with about 80 000 inhabitants. It is a busy port with a natural harbour inlet known as the Careenage and is well utilised by pleasure craft and fishing boats.Bridgetown has a long and colourful history as a British settlement from the 17th century. A bustling city with many attractions for travellers its mix of modern and historic buildings are interspersed with markets monuments and a number of lush gardens.The main street Broad Street is where one finds banks department stores and duty-free shops. At the top of Broad Street is the Parliament Building (the Barbados Parliament is the third oldest in the Commonwealth dating from 1639) facing National Heroes Square. Bridgetown is home to a number of historical buildings that will interest visitors including the Garrison Historic Area which is a must-visit for military history buffs.Another attraction in Bridgetown is a massive Baobab tree (said to have been brought to the island from Guinea Africa around 1738). It takes 15 adults with outstretched arms to encircle the trunk.Tourists in Bridgetown will find much to see and do: cricket games at Kensington Oval which hosted the 2007 Cricket World Cup; the Barbados Derby at the racetrack in the Garrison area; and many other events and activities. A range of duty-free shops near the harbour sell staples like Mount Gay Rum while more colourful shopping options include the Cheapside Market and the Swan Street pedestrian mall. Local restaurants in the Careenage serve up fresh lobster and fish with Caribbean flair.

Terre-de-Haut

On visiting Terre-de-Haut, an island commune part of the French overseas collectivity of Guadeloupe, you can expect a true Caribbean paradise. The island is only two square kilometers, but it boasts a population of 2,000 people who are passionate about their island home.

From the moment your boat or plane arrives, you’ll be welcomed by the vibrant natural beauty of the island. With its rolling hills, lush tropical vegetation, and sparkling turquoise waters, Terre-de-Haut is an inspiring and energizing place to be. Sunsets here are gorgeous and the night sky glitters with stars in every direction.

The main village, also called Terre-de-Haut (after the island itself), rests on a high hill in the center of the island. Here you’ll find quaint little cafes, local eateries and stores, plus some of the best views of the harbor around. Additionally, the village offers several historic sites worth visiting, including Pigeon Island – a little hill in the center of town said to have been an important strategic point during the various wars that have taken place in this area.

But it’s what lies beyond the village that makes Terre-de-Haut truly special. The surrounding waters are a dream come true for snorkelers and divers. You can expect to find stunning coral reefs, vibrant fish of all colors, and even occasional sightings of dolphins and whales. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a guided tour of the mangroves on the east side of the island – you won’t regret it!

Everywhere you go on the island, you’ll find friendly locals eager to share their stories and offer insight into their culture and way of life. There’s even an annual Terre-de-Haut music festival filled with locals and visitors alike who come together to celebrate music and dance.

Terre-de-Haut is a perfect spot for those seeking adventure, rest and relaxation, and cultural experiences. From its unique cuisine to its stunning landscapes, this little island has something for everyone – even if only for a few days.

Philipsburg

Philipsburg is the capital of Dutch Sint
Maarten. It has two main streets, Front Street (Voorstraat) and
Back Street (Achterstraat), connected by several bustling
thoroughfares and filled mainly with duty-free shops, cafes, hotels
and courtyards overflowing with flowers.

The town enjoys an unusual setting, located
on a narrow stretch of land between Great Bay, on the south coast
of the island, and the Great Salt Pond (a huge marsh). It is the
port of call for hundreds of cruise ships, their daytripping
passengers coming ashore to sample everything from Italian leather
goods and Japanese cameras to local crafts and Philipsburg's
nightlife, regarded as among the liveliest in the Caribbean.

Architecturally, the town, founded in 1763
by John Philips (a Scottish captain in the Dutch navy), is quaint,
with characteristic pastel-coloured West Indian houses lining the
streets, and a few Dutch colonial landmarks, including Fort Willem,
built in 1801, and Fort Amsterdam, constructed nearly 200 years
earlier in 1631.

Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke

Great Harbour is a stunning and tranquil bay located on Jost Van Dyke, the smallest of the four main islands of the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Known for its picturesque scenery, crystal clear turquoise waters, and soft white sandy beaches, Great Harbour is an oasis for beach-goers, sailors, and adventure enthusiasts alike. Spanning just about three square miles, Jost Van Dyke hosts a small population, but it boasts an outsized reputation for its vibrant nightlife and welcoming community.

One of the most notable features of Great Harbour is its well-protected anchorage, which makes it a haven for yachts and boats throughout the year, especially during the peak sailing season. The harbour's natural geography provides shelter from the prevailing winds, creating a perfect natural marina. This has led to Great Harbour becoming a key stop on the Caribbean sailing circuit, with many sailors choosing to drop anchor and enjoy what the bay and its surroundings have to offer.

Upon arriving at Great Harbour, visitors are greeted with a laid-back vibe that is quintessential to the Caribbean way of life. The beachfront is lined with a selection of casual bars and restaurants that become hubs of activity as the sun sets. Among the most famous establishments is Foxy's Tamarind Bar & Restaurant, known for its beach barbecues, live music, and the legendary Old Year's Night (New Year's Eve) party that attracts party-goers from around the globe.

The village surrounding Great Harbour is charming and small-scale, allowing for an authentic island experience. The streets are often quiet, save for the bustle around the local businesses, which include quaint shops selling handcrafted goods, island apparel, and essential supplies for those continuing their sea voyage. The locals, known for their friendliness, are happy to share stories and offer recommendations to visitors, contributing to the harbour's reputation for warm hospitality.

For those looking to engage in watersports, Great Harbour does not disappoint. The clear waters are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving, with vibrant coral reefs just a short swim away from the beach. Additionally, paddle-boarding, kayaking, and sailing are popular activities that allow visitors to explore the area at a leisurely pace. The nearby Sandy Cay and Sandy Spit offer additional opportunities for exploration and are excellent spots for a beach picnic or a day of seclusion and sunbathing.

The island's lush, volcanic terrain provides opportunities beyond the beach as well. Hiking trails wind through the hills, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the expanse of the Caribbean Sea. Naturalists and bird watchers will delight in the diversity of flora and fauna found on the trails.

Great Harbour's appeal is not only in its natural beauty but also in its cultural events. Beyond Foxy's famous New Year's bash, the harbour hosts celebrations like the Jost Van Dyke Music Festival and the Halloween Party, which showcase local music talent and bring the community together in a lively and joyous atmosphere.

While Great Harbour has gained popularity as a tourist destination, it remains unspoiled and continues to offer an authentic island experience. The mix of relaxing beach life, friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and year-round sailing opportunities make Great Harbour a cherished spot in the British Virgin Islands, appealing to travelers of all stripes — from those seeking serenity to those eager for the next great beach party under the Caribbean stars.

San Juan (Puerto Rico)

The capital city of Puerto Rico, San Juan
is one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean and home to a third of
all Puerto Ricans. Nearly every visitor to the island arrives at
San Juan, many on cruise liners. It's one of the largest home-based
cruise ports in the world, hosting many vessels with more being
added each year.

San Juan is divided into three distinct
districts: Old San Juan, the historic walled city; the beach and
resort area; and the outlying suburbs. Tourists mainly visit Old
San Juan, the site of most restaurants, shops, entertainment venues
and some exquisite beaches.

The old city is linked to the new by the
largely residential barrio of Puerta de Tierra and a series of
modern highways leading to the Condado beachfront, which is
reminiscent of Florida's Miami Beach with its high-rise hotels and
apartment blocks.

It is not only tourism that keeps the
financial mills grinding in San Juan. The city is an important
centre for petroleum and sugar refining, brewing and distilling,
and the manufacturing of cement, pharmaceuticals, metal products
and tobacco products.

In the midst of all the hustle and bustle,
there are numerous attractions in San Juan to amuse, entertain and
interest many tourists, and the city is a perfect base for
exploring the rest of what this small Caribbean island has to
offer.