Tag Archives: caribbean

Dive Feet First Into Honduras’ Bay Islands

Lolled along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef in the pristine turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea is a hermetic dreamscape comparable to the famous Australian barrier reefs. Known for renowned snorkeling and scuba-diving, Central America’s three largest Bay Islands (Roatán, Utila, and Guanaja), just off the northern coast of Honduras, offer both recreation and relaxation. The Bay Island Reefs are the second-largest in the world, teeming with an abundance of marine life including fish, whale sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles.

Travelers looking for a budget-friendly sabbatical from life’s daily grind will feel right at home here. Each island evinces its own magnetism and nautical charm, and island-hopping is strongly encouraged. From mangrove swamps to rugged, theatrical mountains, these enigmatic islands have a little of everything, including but not limited to lazy sunset hammocking and beach hangs. Go kayaking, paddle boarding, or take a mangrove tour in Jonesville Point on Roatan’s relatively quiet east side.

If you like to stay dry, rent a bike and visit some of the island’s iguana farms, botanical gardens, and quaint parks. For ecology enthusiasts, check out Cordelia Banks, one of the largest remaining stands of endangered Staghorn coral.

Take a Culinary Road Trip

The Bay Islands keep Caribbean cuisine authentic and fresh. Island Culinary style includes locally-sourced foods , such as seafood, fresh herbs, rice, flour, and beans as base ingredients regional chefs regularly utilize to create savory recipes. Natives would suggest the whole fried Red Snapper rubbed with cilantro, or grilled with coriander, pepper, and lemon grass. Order the Liontail to promote local conservation efforts – it’s invasive and destructive to island marine life. Another must-try is “Baleada,” a simple recipe suitable for any meal. This smear of refried beans atop a homemade flour tortilla is an internationally recognized delicacy.

Dip Your Feet

One of the most popular island recreations is snorkeling among the reefs, and Roatan, Bay’s largest island, offers exemplary reef health with impressive biodiversity. Outside of some Roatan-based hotels, the reef is close enough to walk just steps from your room, slap on gear, and start swimming. Widely considered one of the easiest locations to scuba dive as a rookie, the smallest island, Utila, is known among divers as one of the cheapest locations in the world to get certified. Utila offers swimming with docile whale sharks year round.

Have fun in Roatan my little beach bunny.💗 @bunnyofthesea #thegirlandthewater #honduras #roatan #freedive #mermaid

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Get to Know the Locals

The Bay Islands are home to a dynamic blend of Native Paya, Caracoles, African, and European cultures, setting it apart from mainland Honduras. Like many islands in the Caribbean Sea, the influence of Spanish colonization means English is most islanders’ first language, alongside Spanish and smaller, niche languages. To immerse yourself in this cultural melting pot, check out local museums and ask questions when you stop in the dozens of family-owned businesses.

#REPOST from @zach_original The streets of #Utila #Island #BayIslands #Honduras #IslandLife #Vacation #Nice

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Living the Caribbean Life in Cartagena de Indias

If you’ve always wanted to make it to the Caribbean, it’s time to add Cartagena de Indias to your travel list. It’s a golden, windswept city, known for its extreme heat, colonial architecture, and the ancient stone wall that runs along its Caribbean shoreline. Based on meeting the ranking criteria for “outstanding universal value,” it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its history as an important stop on the trade passage through the West Indies, as well as the being the vertex of the power struggle over the new world.

Khakis and White Socks With Sandals: Tourism and the Old City

When I decided to plan a trip to Colombia’s northern coast this winter from my new home base in Medellín, I was honestly a little torn about whether or not I should make a stop in Cartagena. I’d heard different reports, but a lot of them were from backpackers and digital nomads, all of whom seemed nonplussed by the experience. “Think khakis and white socks with sandals,” one German guy told me, by way of a warning. “I’d say spend a day or two there, then head to Santa Marta.” Other negative reports included mentions of oppressive heat, pushy salespeople, “sketchiness,” and lackluster beaches.

But another friend told me, “It’s worth going, just once.” So I went.

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Yes, it was hot, but it didn’t knock me over like I thought it would. There was a nice breeze, and most places in the old city are air-conditioned. And about the tourism — were there a lot of older travelers, clicking away with their cameras? Definitely. Were there a lot of nicer restaurants and hotels? Absolutely. Were things overpriced? For sure. But did I have a great time nonetheless? Heck yes, I did.

Some places are just touristy; there’s no way around it. The only thing to do is to stop looking for authenticity, and then to put on a pair of khakis (alright, kidding) and enjoy the ride. And it turns out that one of the beautiful parts about being a tourist in a touristy city is that it’s really easy to meet people — a plus if you’re traveling solo. My first day, I met a group of American guys celebrating their friend’s bachelor party in a restaurant and ended up spending the day with them. Later, I met groups of people from all over the world, even taking an overnight trip to a nearby island with a group of Argentinians (plus a German).

Some Juicy Recommendations

In terms of accommodations, Cartagena isn’t as inexpensive as other places in Colombia; but by American standards, it’s still dirt cheap. You can find a nice hotel for a few hundred USD, or stay in a pretty decent hostel for around $20 per night. I stayed at one called Hostal Republica, which was really cute for a hostel and turned out to be an amazing place to make friends. Passing through on another trip, I also stayed in Hostel Papaya Getsemaní, which was also pretty good.

Cartagena

If you’re debating whether or not to stay in the old walled city or nearby Getsemani, I’d say they both offer some great benefits. I really enjoyed the old city; but passing through on my way to Barranquilla for Carnaval just a few weeks later, I tried Getsemani and was really impressed by the restaurants and nightlife in that part of town as well.

Certain parts of Colombia aren’t known for their food, but the coastal region has amazing food, from fresh seafood to coconut rice. To fend off the heat, you can stop for some fresh-sliced fruit along the street, or try a sweet smoothie served pretty much anywhere.

And as for what to do, I think that’s where you’ll want to get creative. It’s fun (and definitely safe enough) to walk around the town and take photos. There are some great museums, such as Museo de Arte Moderno (modern art) and Museo de Oro Zenú (showing gold from the Sinú people); a castle; lots of historical churches; and a bunch of cute little shops and cafes in the old city and Getsemani.

However, to get the real Carribbean experience, some beach time is a must. Don’t go to Bocagrande, the nearest beach, unless you’re desperate to kill a little time and cool off. It’s not very clean or very picturesque, and you’ll have to fend off hordes of aggressive salespeople. The best beaches are found on the surrounding islands, and it’s here that you’ll finally see the stunning blue water you’ve dreamed of. I recommend Isla Barú, or Playa Blanca, for at least a day trip or some fun overnight hammock camping; but there’s also la Isla de Rosario. Just ask around at the hostels or hotels in Cartagena to get on a bus or boat headed toward your destination.

Cartagena de Indias

A Few Notes on a Sordid History

Before making the trek to Cartagena, it’s worth getting to know just how much history the place contains. With imposing signs of conflict that have remained for nearly five centuries — the crumbling tower of the Castillo de San Felipe, the urban wall, and the bastioned harbour of Bocagrande — Cartagena has as colorful and embattled a story as you’d expect. The city was developed (you can imagine how this went down) from an indigenous village after being discovered by a Spanish explorer, Pedro de Heredia, in the mid-1500s. Thriving after the discovery of treasure in the tombs of the Sinú people, the riches stolen from the Amerindian villages of the surrounding areas, and the slave trade, the city quickly became a prosperous hub for trade.

According to Discover Colombia, these old relics are still standing today partly because in the mid-1950s, Cartagena was gutted by a large fire, which led Heredia to call for everything to be made of stone. Later on, the city became a particularly attractive target to the pirate ships cruising the area looking for booty, resulting in five sieges over several centuries — including the iconic Jolly Mary pirate ship. Its positioning on Colombia’s northern coast makes it a focal point for many conflicts over the years, including as a place of victory during the revolution led by Simon Bolivar, the Colombian Civil War during the beginning of the 20th Century, and later as a hotspot during La Violencia.

Cartagena de Indias

These days, Cartagena is still a major Caribbean hub. In fact, it’s the largest port in Colombia. But most of the city isn’t as idyllic as the parts you’ll see as a traveler. It’s a sprawling urban jungle with little shade, lots of humidity, and a reputation for being a bit dangerous. The old city and Getsemani are the two neighborhoods that remain virtually unchanged, the ancient stone buildings and winding streets linking themselves strikingly to the past — deceptively so. The only thing separating the realities of life in Cartagena from the throngs of tourists who visit each day are the stone walls built by Spaniards to defend their newfound colony.

Camp in Long Key State Park, Florida

With so many posh hotels and touristy areas scattered throughout “The Sunshine State,” those looking for a vacay geared solely toward nature without all of the commotion of highly saute-after commercial destinations may struggle to find a location for them. Long Key State Park, located in the Keys, is a hot spot for those looking for tropical savanna temperatures with two main seasons – hot, humid and wet for part of the year and cooler and dry for the rest of the year – and a pristine beach. If you’re not interested in busy Florida beaches and are looking for a place to truly indulge in the splendor of the natural environment, Long Key State park is for you.

florida keys

Once you book your trip and travel down the U.S. 1 Overseas Highway to get to Long Key State Park, you’ll be greeted with a large campsite close to the beach. In total, Long Key State Park offers 60 campsites fully equipped with water and electric hookups. Visitors may choose to tent or RV camp at any site and are able to situate up to two tents on each site. (It’s vital for visitors to inquire about limitations regarding the size of RVs allowed, especially on the site of their choosing since RV size regulations vary from site to site.) Every site has a grill and a picnic table.

florida keys

Besides everything each site has to offer, the entire park has a great deal of amenities to provide travelers. First and foremost, the camp welcomes all domestic animals, so there’s no need for campers to find a kennel for their furry family members. The park has hot showers, restrooms and dump stations.

Despite the campgrounds offering primitive camping for those looking for an escape from all the technology and bustle of today’s modern world, the park is located within 10 miles of a post office, convenience store, church, restaurant, and public marina.

long key state park canoe

There’s something for everyone at this state park. You can enjoy boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, biking, hiking, nature trails, soaking, wading, and snorkeling. Tourists can bird watch, witness breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, and enjoy a boardwalk.

Because of the climate in the Keys, this particular state park is open to visitors year-round. Peak season is from December through January. Booking may be done up to 11 months in advance online or via phone, so you can start planning your undisturbed stay near Florida’s beautifulblue waters right now.

The ABCs of the Caribbean: 3 Islands to Visit this Summer

 

From July to September each summer, the warm waters off the southern tip of Florida drag in hurricanes from the Atlantic and funnel them up into North America, temporarily excluding most of the Caribbean Sea and its famous beaches from savvy travelers’ itineraries. But don’t let the weather rob you of your Caribbean vacation altogether—instead, cast your beach-hungry eyes all the way to the southern edge of the sea, just off the coast of South America, and you’ll find three islands that are too cool for hurricane season.

Sprinkled a handful of miles off South America’s northern edge are the ABC islands: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. All are parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and all are infused with a cultural confluence combining that of their Dutch colonizers with Latin American flavors and a heart that’s pure Papiamentu, as the local Arawak- and West African-descended people refer to their creole language and culture.

With glitzy resorts on Aruba, world-class diving on Bonaire, and a buzzing cultural capital sandwiched between the two on Curaçao, there’s something for any summer traveler on the ABC islands.

 

Alluring Beaches on Aruba

The westernmost of the ABC islands lies just 18 miles off the northern coast of Venezuela, where aquamarine Caribbean water gives way to white sand marching up to multicolored beachfront shops and towering hotels and resorts.

Palm Beach at Aruba
Palm Beach at Aruba.
Natural Bridge Landmark in Aruba.
Natural Bridge Landmark in Aruba.

Aruba’s dry climate and the constant trade wind breeze, keeping the island a nearly unvarying 80 degrees year-round, draws more tourists to its beaches and resorts than any other island in the southern Caribbean. Most itineraries start with seafood and cocktails in the capital, Oranjestad, a popular port of call for Caribbean cruises and the cheapest airport of the ABCs for most visitors arriving from the US. From there, Eagle Beach and its neighbors are among the can’t-miss sandy shores of the southern Caribbean.

eagle beach
Eagle Beach | Photo by Ian Mackenzie via Flickr under CC BY 2.0.
Aruba
Photo by Carl via Flickr under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Aruba’s beaches and the tourist establishments that surround them are a great starting point for those seeking waterborne adventures like windsurfing and diving. For an up-tempo August vacation, catch the annual Aruba International Regatta, three days of quintessential Aruban partying and boat racing.

 

Balmy Island Adventure on Bonaire

Sparsely populated and covered in green as far as the eye can see, Bonaire is a stark contrast to its larger neighboring islands to the west. It’s the smallest and least populous of the ABC islands, giving it a rural, spacious feeling that can be a welcome relief for those coming from the busier and more touristic islands just to its west; and while it’s got the same perfect weather and beautiful beaches as Aruba, the real treasure here is under water.

bonaire diving
Photo by David Stahl via Flickr under CC BY-NC 2.0.

Most tourists will use the capital of Kralendijk, the only major town on the island, as a base for launching their underwater adventures. With some of the most diverse marine life and reefs, Bonaire is home to some of the best diving in the Caribbean, offering experienced divers and first-timers the surreal experience of exploring some of the Caribbean’s best-preserved shipwrecks and coral reefs.

bonaire boats
Kralendijk | Photo by Cliff Hellis via Flickr under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

During your stay on Bonaire, think outdoors: bird watching, mountain biking, and anything involving a wetsuit deserve a spot high on your to do list for the island. While staying on the first 100% sustainable island of the Caribbean, look for a trendy eco-resort that combines some adventure activities with a few nights of rest in environmentally-responsible paradise.

Thousand Steps, Bonaire
Thousand Steps, Bonaire.

 

Cosmopolitan Meets Creole on Curaçao

Centered between Aruba and Bonaire, the largest of the ABC islands is also its cultural hearth: from quirky cuisine to festivals and historical sites, Curaçao has the widest variety of offerings for travelers burnt out on beach bumming and ready for a little stimulation.

Curacao
Bay views in Curacao
curacao handelskade
Photo by Nelo Hotsuma via Flickr () under CC BY 2.0.

The iconic buildings of the Handelskade showcase the cultural confluence that is Curaçao with starkly contrasting rows of distinctly Dutch rowhouses in bright yellows, sky blues, electric greens, and other such bright colors that pop against the backdrop of the turquoise Caribbean sea. The largest city of the ABC islands, it’s home to hip artsy neighborhoods like Pietermaai where urban alternative meets fun in the sun.

curacao market
Curacao Willemstad Market | Photo by Rene Leubert via Flickr under CC BY-NC 2.0.

Explore the touristy Punda district on your way in and head for historic Otrobanda, meaning “Other Side” in Papiamentu, home to cultural attractions like the Kura Hulanda museum, which showcases the island’s own history and its poignant place in the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Dine on fish caught in the same waters you were swimming in that same morning, or go for a vegetarian-friendly bowl of cactus-based kadushi, or other Curaçaoan dishes with their heavy Indian, Indonesian, Caribbean, and South American culinary influences.

Queen Emma Bridge in front of the Punda district, is a pontoon bridge across St. Anna Bay
Queen Emma Bridge in front of the Punda district in Curacao.
Curacao
Curacao at dusk

Save your money for shopping downtown and check into one of Curaçao’s favorite hostels, like the Ritz or Hostel La Creole, both of which include a dorm bed and breakfast for as low as $22 a night.

Traveling the Caribbean in hurricane season can still be paradise when done right, but the first step is choosing the right destination. Take your pick of beautiful beaches, unrivaled diving, and the culture and cuisine that defines the southern Caribbean, and escape to the ABCs this summer.